Many of us step aboard an international flight and turn right at the door, walking in single file towards the back of the plane to find the seat we have been allocated and will occupy for anywhere up to the next 16 hours. We acknowledge the people we are sitting next to, grab the essential items we need for the flight and then hold on tight to the limited personal space we have to enjoy.
But some of us step aboard an international flight and turn left at the door, being greeted with a smile and a ‘welcome aboard’ as we locate the lie-flat bed we have chosen and look forward to occupying for anywhere up to the next 16 hours. We are offered a drink prior to take-off, a selection of newspapers and magazines, and even a menu outlining the culinary journey we are about to experience on board. All of this as we get comfortable, buckle up, turn the in-seat massager on, and prepare for take-off in style.
Let’s face it; turning left is much more attractive than turning right, right? Here are five of the world’s most luxurious flights, just in time to get your travel goals on paper for 2016.
The Residence by Etihad
Etihad changed the face of luxury commercial travel with the launch of the Residence in 2014. The Residence is found exclusively on-board the airline’s A380’s and is a haven of tranquility, reflecting an exclusive lifestyle that offers the ultimate in high-end luxury.
The Residence is the world’s only private three-room cabin on a commercial aircraft. It features a living room, separate en-suite shower and double bedroom, plus a dedicated Savoy-trained butler. Is there anything else I can get you?? At a price tag of just under $28,000 for a one-way flight between London and Abu Dhabi, it’s within reach right? If not, time to start saving!
First Class with Emirates
Imagine a private suite in the sky, on-board the world’s largest commercial aircraft. Emirates Airlines has made it a reality with their first class suite on board their A380 aircraft. Slide the privacy doors closed and unwind in your own world. Convert your seat to a fully-flat bed with mattress for a restful sleep and don’t worry, your vanity table and mirror will help you freshen up for the day ahead.
Emirates were the first to bring showers to the sky and you can now enjoy the extravagance of their luxurious shower spa at 40,000 feet. The opulence continues at mealtime with delicious a la carte cuisine, carefully selected spirits and wines and tasty midnight snacks. For those that want to take a break, and stretch their legs, a visit to the Onboard Lounge (exclusive to First Class and Business Class customers) is in order. You can delve into a selection of canapes, sip refreshing cocktails, and order a range of other premium drinks served by the dedicated bartender. With a price tag of just over $13,000 roundtrip between Toronto and Dubai, who’s in?
First Apartment - Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways has redefined first class travel with the introduction of their First Apartment, found exclusively on board the carriers’ A380 aircraft. The First Apartment is upholstered with the finest Poltrona Frau leather and features a wide armchair, an ottoman and even space to walk around. When it’s time to stretch out, the ottoman opens out into an 81-inch long bed for a world-class sleep.
The First Apartment includes a 24-inch flat screen TV, a vanity cabinet with ample space for your personal effects, a chilled drinks cabinet and a wardrobe. With an inflight chef taking orders from an a la carte menu and wines from the world’s finest vineyards, your gastronomic needs are well taken care of. The experience is rounded off with complimentary Chauffer service to and from your flight and access to Etihad’s exclusive first class lounges. A ticket in the First Apartment between Abu Dhabi and Sydney roundtrip will cost you approx. $10,500.
Club World London City - British Airways
Ever wonder what it feels like to fly on a private jet between two of the world’s busiest and largest cities? Club World London City by British Airways is an all business class service, connecting London City airport and New York’s JFK and Newark airports (via Shannon on the way over). Operated by an Airbus A318 with only 32 seats on board, the experience is unique, exclusive and will leave you feeling like a rock star on arrival!
Enjoy on-board connectivity, gourmet dining and a fully-flat bed as you cross The Atlantic in supreme style. Dedicated check-in desks and short check-in times make for a smooth airport experience and on certain flights from London to New York, you can pre-clear U.S. Customs in Shannon, Ireland on the re-fueling stop. The hop across the pond suddenly just got more luxurious and a little more expensive with a price-tag of $5700 roundtrip!
La Compagnie
Bonjour and welcome aboard La Compagnie, a French born all business class airline operating between New York – Paris and London. Step aboard their Boeing 757 aircraft and experience a truly unique 100% business class cabin with only 19 rows and 74 seats. All seats come complete with a built-in massage feature and recline 180-degrees for divine comfort.
Enjoy a wide selection of movies, TV shows and music on a personal Samsung Galaxy Pro tablet at your disposal. Sample lavish, French-inspired cuisine with seasonal menus created by executive chef Christophe Langrée, and of course, only the best French wines. With roundtrip fares from New York going for as little as $1999 per person, why not fly in style?!
Flight Centre's relationship with the world's leading airlines allows us to offer you the widest range of First Class airfares, anywhere from local to exotic destinations. Travel in luxury and style, enjoying all the benefits available exclusively to First Class passengers.
For more information on flying first or business class, contact a Flight Centre Travel Agent today.
*Conditions apply. Prices are in CAD. All advertised prices include taxes & fees. Air travel in economy class unless otherwise stated. Package, cruise, tour, rail & hotel prices are per person, based on double occupancy for total length of stay unless otherwise stated. All-inclusive vacations include airfare on a per person basis. Prices are for select departure dates and are accurate and subject to availability at advertising deadline, errors and omissions excepted, and subject to change. Taxes & fees due in destination are additional and include, but not limited to, local car rental charges & taxes, one-way rental drop fees which are to be paid upon arrival, resort fees & charges, and airline baggage fees. Additional important conditions and supplier terms may apply. For full terms and conditions visit please speak with a Flight Centre Travel Consultant. CPBC#2790, TICO#4671384, OPC#702971.
