I know, I know, long flights are not the best thing in life and it can often sour what should be a pleasant holiday or business venture. The checking-in, the security lines and procedures, the long walk to the gate carrying your carry-on, the waiting for boarding time, then the waiting for departure, an unpleasant situation all together... However, it won't change anytime soon. Procedures and rules are there and will be always there, it is what it is... But one thing that can and it has changed for the best is the comfortable amenities on the flight and treatment offered once you are on the air.
Of course flying in business and first class, you can get the best amenities and it feels like heaven. Now, if you can't or simply don't want to pay more (a lot more) to fly business or first class, you can still find comfortable in premium economy class, for an additional price you can upgrade your economy ticket. Most airlines are creating this category on their flights. There are numerous advantages like, the latest blockbusters and TV shows, dedicated cabin crew, etc. United Airlines offers in their Economy Plus, seats up to five extra inches of legroom and Virgin Atlantic offer not only extra room, but also exclusive meals. Rumor has it that Air New Zealand will come with a special bed for economy passengers. For long flights this is the way to go. Check their website for a list of all the advantages.
Of course flying in business and first class, you can get the best amenities and it feels like heaven. Now, if you can't or simply don't want to pay more (a lot more) to fly business or first class, you can still find comfortable in premium economy class, for an additional price you can upgrade your economy ticket. Most airlines are creating this category on their flights. There are numerous advantages like, the latest blockbusters and TV shows, dedicated cabin crew, etc. United Airlines offers in their Economy Plus, seats up to five extra inches of legroom and Virgin Atlantic offer not only extra room, but also exclusive meals. Rumor has it that Air New Zealand will come with a special bed for economy passengers. For long flights this is the way to go. Check their website for a list of all the advantages.
The airlines are day after day realizing the importance of its passenger satisfaction. Several airlines are investing huge amounts of money to improve the consistency and level of service in several aspects. First, they are trying to offer the most comfortable seats and adding innovate technology, more contemporary decorative concepts and the warm service on board. This includes everything from installing full flat-bed seats, adding in-seat audio and on demand video, updated lighting to installing winglets.
These days, you can find comfortable and great amenities even in economy class. I recently flew Korean Air on their newest international route from LAX to São Paulo - Brazil and Delta in a domestic route from San Diego to Miami. On the first one I was surprised with the comfortable seats and leg room I had, as well as the audio and video entertainment in high resolution and top processing speed were also great. Even the meal and amenities offered, like the silverware and actual glass cup for the complementary wine was amazing as well as the great Korean Flight attendant service. With Delta, once the plane reaches 10,000 feet and the captain gives the OK, you can get work done or simple check your personal email, facebook and twitter, using their in-flight internet access for around U$ 13.00. You will find this symbol by the aircarft entrance.
All of these updates and changes, makes me want to travel even more... I recommend checking out a recent survey from Monocle magazine, an independent audit, with information collected over a year from over 100 different countries, in my opinion, it is an amazing travel survey. Take a look and let me know what do you think. Enjoy your next trip!!!
