Class Act 2012

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An Inside Look

A

s long-haul travel becomes easier, airlines place more emphasis on not only getting you to your destination on time and in the least amount of time but also on enhancing in-flight services and accommodations. In a world of expanding travel options, airlines strive to keep up with consumers’ needs.

I am excited to share Global Traveler’s Class Act Guide 2012 with you. This book features a side-by-side comparison of the top airlines’ first-, business- and premium-economy-class cabins, detailing aircraft types, seat designs, configurations, amenities, food service and in-flight entertainment, as well as the date of each airline’s last major cabin overhaul. In addition, this special issue provides articles on lounge dining, duty-free shopping, airport technology and tips from veteran travelers.

For our readers — who take to the skies quite frequently and look to travel in the most comfortable way possible — this keepsake guide is an indispensable tool for comparing routes, in-flight amenities and ultimately booking tickets. I hope you enjoy our Class Act Guide 2012 and keep it handy when planning future business and leisure trips!

Publisher/CEO F rancis X. Gallagher tel 267 364 5811 ext 200 fran.gallagher@globaltravelerusa.com Senior Vice President R ichard T. Evans tel 267 364 5811 ext 203 dick.evans@globaltravelerusa.com Vice President CARLY N. ALLEN tel 267 495 6287 carly.allen@globaltravelerusa.com Director of Sales and Marketing DANIELLE HUDENA tel 267 884 1650 danielle.hudena@globaltravelerusa.com Advertising Manager David C. Coker tel 215 932 8328 david.coker@globaltravelerusa.com Advertising Manager Eastern Region Christie Rhodes tel 267 798 6167 christie.rhodes@globaltravelerusa.com Digital Account Executive LINDSAY GRUEN tel 267 364 5811 ext 205 lindsay.gruen@globaltravelerusa.com Advertising and Editorial Coordinator KATIE SKRZEK tel 267 364 5811 ext 201 katie.skrzek@globaltravelerusa.com

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contents

Globility

Class Act 2012

®

EDITORIAL Editor in Chief LISA MATTE lisa.matte@globaltravelerusa.com Managing Editor K imberly Krol kim.krol@globaltravelerusa.com Senior Editor J ANICE HECHT jan.hecht@globaltravelerusa.com Associate Editor/Copy Editor Patricia Vanikiotis patty.vanikiotis@globaltravelerusa.com

ART Art Director T RACEY CULLEN tracey.cullen@globaltravelerusa.com Staff Photographer CHRISTOPHER P. OTTAUNICK christopher@globaltravelerusa.com Special Events Video Editor VANCE PICCIN

6

ONLINE

6 The Sky’s the Limit

32

Premium travel soars to new heights with innovative amenities and cutting- edge design. BY KIMBERLY KROL

32 Rise of the Middle Class

Premium economy attracts travelers looking for comfort, convenience and a measure of prestige.

BY RON BERNTHAL

Smart technology streamlines travel and keeps passengers in the know.

BY TED ALAN STEDMAN

40 Straight from the Top

44

CEOs share the view from the helm of international carriers.

BY DEBRA BOKUR

42 Travel Tricks and Treats Veteran travelers share their tips for making every trip enjoyable.

BY ROB ROGERS

44 Pleasing the Passenger Palate

Airport lounges go the extra mile

to satisfy premium flyers’ appetites.

BY BARBARA RADCLIFFE ROGERS

48 Putting on the Glitz

Duty-free hubs lure shoppers with

big-name luxury brands.

BY LYNN SELDON

COVER PHOTO: Tiffany & Co. Box and gift bag, PHOTO: © Pedro Antonio Salaverría Calahorra | Dreamstime.com

4 | Global Traveler’s Class Act Guide | 2012

Contributors RON BERNTHAL DEBRA BOKUR Barbara RadcliffE Rogers Rob ROGERS Lynn Seldon TED ALAN STEDMAN

For complete bios, visit globaltravelerusa.com

DISTRIBUTION

38 The Paperless Route

eFlyer USA Editor KATIE SKRZEK katie.skrzek@globaltravelerusa.com eFlyer Asia Editor RUTH WILLIAMS ruth.williams@globaltravellerasia.com

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Advisory Board President Wayne Tallman Vice President Asia Frank LoVerme Vice President Europe Stephen Doherty Vice President Latin America/Mexico/Caribbean Carlos Cappuccio Vice President Middle East/Africa Edward Jefferson COO Mike Kiely Chairman Michael Donahue Treasurer Gary Oswald Secretary Kevin Ryan

Contact Us General Inquiries/Issue Requests tel 267 364 5811 Subscriptions tel 818 286 3134 | gbtcs@magserv.com Public Relations Kimberly Krol tel 267 364 5811 ext 202 | kim.krol@globaltravelerusa.com Letters to the Editor letters@globaltravelerusa.com Reprints Ed Kane | FosteReprints tel 800 382 0808 ext 31 edk@fosterprinting.com Global Traveler is published monthly by FXExpress Publications, Inc., 310 Floral Vale Blvd., Yardley, PA 19067.

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COMFORT ZONE: American Airlines’ business-class seat PHOTO: American AIrlines

The Sky’s A the Limit Premium travel soars to new heights with innovative amenities and cutting-edge design.

By Kimberly Krol

irlines, listen up. According to Travel Leaders’ (a travel agency network) most recent Travel Trends Survey, those surveyed said an additional 11 percent of their clientele are buying first- and business-class tickets for business travel in 2012. Add to that the 34.5 percent of respondents who indicated booking levels are increasing this year, and it looks as though airlines can expect crowded premium cabins in the months to come.

Which airlines step up to the challenge and feature the most cutting-edge offerings in the world of premium travel? The charts on the following pages have the answers to that very question. When faced with the challenges of long flights followed by days of business meetings, frequent travelers agree: The specifics — seat pitch, width, recline and onboard amenities — really matter.

At Global Traveler, we aim to ensure your first- and business-class decisions are easy to make.

As a result, we are pleased to present our ninth annual first- and business-class survey. Our charts include all the airlines flying between a U.S. destination and another point anywhere in the world.

From the more popular airlines to the lesser-known carriers, our survey brings the important details to your fingertips.

6 | Global Traveler’s Class Act Guide | 2012

globaltravelerusa.com

Aircraft

Number of Seats

Layout

Seat Pitch

Seat Width

Recline

Power for Laptop

Adapters Required

Number of Audio Channels

Number of Movies

Number of News Channels

Number of Other Video Programs

WiFi on Board

Lounges Shared or Dedicated

Free WiFi in Lounges

Amenity Kits Included

Date of Last Major Cabin Overhaul

777-200 777-300 A380

4 8 9

1-2-1 1-2-1 1-2-1

82” 82” 82”

21” 21” 21”

180° 180° 180°

Y Y Y

N N N

22 + 300 Hrs 22 + 300 Hrs 22 + 300 Hrs

85 85 85

3 3 3

42 42 42

N N N

B B B

Y Y Y

Y Y Y

N/R N/R N/R

FIRST CLASS EUROPE AIR FRANCE LA PREMIÈRE

AMERICAN AIRLINES

FLAGSHIP SUITE 777-200 16 1-2-1 64” Herringbone

30”

180°

Y

Y

16 + 30 CDs

47

0

140

N

D

Y

Y

2008

N/R N/R

N N

D Y Y 2010 D Y Y 2010

BRITISH AIRWAYS

JET AIRWAYS*

LUFTHANSA FIRST CLASS

SINGAPORE AIRLINES

FIRST CLASS SUITES FIRST CLASS

SWISS INTERNATIONAL AIR LINES

SWISS FIRST

UNITED

GLOBAL FIRST * Airline did not reply. Survey information was compiled with GT research.

747 777

14 1-2-1 17 1-2-1

N/R N/R

23” 23”

180° Y N 180° Y N

777-300ER

8

1-2-1

90”

30”

180°

Y

N

8 + 131 CDs

60+

Live Text News

50+

N

D

Y

Y

N/R

747-800 747-400 A380-800 A340-600 A340-300 A330-300

8 8 8 8 8 8

1-2-1 1-1 1-2-1 1-2-1 1-2-1 1-2-1

83” 80–90” 81” 81” 81” 81”

30.5” 31.5” 30.5” 30.5” 30.5” 30.5”

180° 180° 180° 180° 180° 180°

Y Y Y Y Y Y

N N N N N N

30 + 200 CDs 30 + 200 CDs 30 + 200 CDs 30 + 200 CDs 30 + 200 CDs 30 + 200 CDs

50 30 50 30 30 50

2 2 2 2 2 2

110 110 110 110 110 110

Y Y Y Y Y Y

D D D D D D

Y Y Y Y Y Y

Y Y Y Y Y Y

2012 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010

A380 777-300ER

12 8

1-2-1 1-2-1

81” 71”

35.25” 35”

180° 180°

Y Y

N N

22 + 793 CDs 22 + 793 CDs

140 140

200 200

80+ 80+

N/R N/R

D D

Y Y

Y Y

2007 N/R

A333 A343

8 8

1-2-1 1-2-1

83” 83”

22” 22”

180° 180°

Y Y

N N

16 + 300+ CDs 16 + 300+ CDs

42 42

0 0

55+ 55+

N N

B B

Y Y

Y Y

2009 2009

100 100

N/R N/R

D D

Y Y

Y Y

Upcoming 2009

D

Y

Y

2009

D

Y

Y

2012

777 12 1-2-1 N/R 21.5” 180° Y Y 21 20+ N/A 6 N 767 6 1-1-1 N/R 22” 180° Y N 20 + 3,000 60 N/A 150+ Coming

Tracks 2013 747 12 1-2-1 N/R 22” 180° Y N 20 + 3,000 150 N/A 150+ Y

Tracks 777 8 1-2-1 N/R 22” 180° Y N 20 + 3,000 150 N/A 150+ Coming

PERHAPS THE BIGGEST news in travel in the past year was the launch of the much-anticipated Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Touted as a “gamechanger” in the aviation industry, the aircraft’s onepiece composite barrel construction means less weight, drag and maintenance. New wing technology, LED lighting, bigger windows, redesigned and more spacious stowage, a lower cabin altitude and cleaner air only begin to reveal what puts the “dream” in Dreamliner — its reduced emissions are better for the environment and quieter for local communities.

All Nippon Airways took delivery of the first Dreamliner but has yet to introduce a permanent route to the United States. Japan Airlines had the honor — bringing the innovative aircraft to Boston in April. The daily flight from Tokyo marks the first direct service between the two cities.

JAL’s Dreamliner’s Executive Class bathrooms are even specially equipped with warm-water Toto Washlets.

Ethiopian Airlines welcomed its 787 Dreamliner, named Africa First, to Washington, D.C.’s globaltravelerusa.com

50 50

The Method

KEY

In our quest to bring you the most up-to-date and comprehensive information on first- and business-class cabins, Global Traveler spent B Both months contacting airlines and gathering information.

D Dedicated If we were unable to obtain a response from an airline, we conEST Estimate ducted independent research to complete the charts, gathering inforN No mation from airline websites and reputable sites such as SeatGuru N/A Not Applicable .com and SeatExpert.com. All entries completed using GT research are N/R No Reply clearly marked with an asterisk after the airline’s name on the charts.

OD On Demand Information followed by “EST” in the charts means “Estimate.” In S Shared some instances, airlines did not provide information in the form we SAT Satellite requested, so we deciphered their responses to fit our format. In the SP Special Programming event we were not able to accurately change incorrectly provided inforV Varies mation into our format, we marked the column “N/R,” for “No Reply.”

W Wide Seat Concept The relationship between seat pitch and recline is an ongoing Y Yes debate. At GT, we define pitch as the distance between the back of your headrest and the headrest in front of you when the seats are fully upright. We adjust given reclines to meet our definition of pitch, which states that based on the average height of an adult male, a seat pitch must be 70 inches or greater to offer a true lie-flat bed of 180 degrees. Airlines continue to reconfigure cabins to fit true lie-flat seats without a full 70-inch pitch; those exceptions are noted in the charts and include airlines with a herringbone, staggered or other unique layout, such as Singapore Airlines’ wide seat concept, which has a wider head and more narrow foot area.

2012 | Global Traveler’s Class Act Guide | 7

Recline

Power for Laptop

Adapters Required

Number of Audio Channels

Number of Movies

Number of News Channels

Number of Other Video Programs

WiFi on Board

Lounges Shared or Dedicated

Free WiFi in Lounges

Amenity Kits Included

Date of Last Major Cabin Overhaul

12–16

Seat Width

737

Seat Pitch

ALASKA FIRST CLASS

Layout

ALASKA AIRLINES*

Number of Seats

NORTH AMERICA

Aircraft

FIRST CLASS

2-2

37”

21”

N/R

N

N

10

11

0

12–15

Y

D

Y

N

N/R

AMERICAN AIRLINES

FIRST CLASS MD-80 16 2-2 38–40” 19.5” 115° Y

767-200 10 2-1-2 62” 20.5” 150° Y

757-200 22/24 2-2 38–39” 21” 115–121° Y

737-800 16 2-2 40–41” 21” 115–121° Y FLAGSHIP SUITE 777-200 16 1-2-1 64” 30” 180° Y

Herringbone

767-300 30 2-2-2 59” 20–23.6” 171° Y

Y N/A Y 16 + 30 CDs N 12 N 12 Y 16 + 30 CDs

N/A 39 1 1 47

Y

16

39

N

N/A

N/A

N/A N/A 0 50 0 1 0 1 0 140 0 50

Y Y S Y N

D Y N 2000 D Y N 2009 D Y N Ongoing D Y N 2009 D Y Y 2008

N

D Y Y 2007

Y

S

Y

N

2011

AMTRAK*

FIRST CLASS ACELA EXPRESS TRAIN

DELTA AIR LINES FIRST CLASS

UNITED

GLOBAL FIRST

US AIRWAYS FIRST CLASS

VIRGIN AMERICA FIRST CLASS

DC9-50 E170 E175 MD-88 (M8R) MD-90 (M9K) MD-90 (M90) 757-200 757-300 757-200 (5600 Series) 767-300 (P/Q) A319 A320 737-700 737-800 757-200 (5500 Series) CRJ-900 CRJ-700 777 767 747 777

44

2-1

42”

16 6 12 14 16 12 26 24 22

2-2 1-2 1-2 2-2 2-2 2-2 2-2 2-2 2-2

34” 36” 36” 37” 37” 37” 38” 37” 37”

19.5” 120–130° N 18.5” 120–130° N 18.5” 120–130° N 19.5” 120–130° N 19.5” 120–130° N 19.5” 120–130° N 21” 120–130° Y 21” 120–130° N 21” 120–130° N

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N N N

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 340 8 8

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 25 Overhead Overhead

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 5 100+ N/A N/A N/A N/A

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

D D D D D D D D D

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

N N N N N N N N N

2009 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2006 2009 2009

24 2-2-2 12 2-2 16 2-2 12 2-2 16 2-2 22 2-2

40” 36” 36” 38” 38” 37”

18.5” 130° Y 21” 120–130° N 21” 120–130° N 20.5” 120–130° Y 20.5” 120–130° Y 21” 120–130° N

N N/A N/A N N N

340 N/A N/A 340 340 N/A

25 N/A N/A 25 25 N/A

5 100+ N/A N/A N/A N/A 5 100+ 5 100+ N/A N/A

Y Y Y Y Y N

D D D D D D

Y Y Y Y Y Y

N N N N N Y

2006 2009 2009 2008 2005 2009

12 1-2 9 1-2

35” 35”

18.5” 120–130° N 18.5” 120–130° N

N/A N/A

N/A N/A

N/A N/A

N/A N/A N/A N/A

Y Y

D Y N 2010 D Y N 2010

12 6 12 8

N/R N/R N/R N/R

21.5” 22” 22” 22”

20+ 60 150 150

N/A N/A N/A N/A

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

1-2-1 1-1-1 1-2-1 1-2-1

21”

135°

180° 180° 180° 180°

Y

Y Y Y Y

Y N N N

21 20 + 3,000 Tracks 20 + 3,000 Tracks 20 + 3,000 Tracks

A319 12 2-2 36” 21” 102° N N/A A320 12 2-2 36” 21” 102° N N/A A321 16 2-2 36” 21” 102° N N/A 737 8–12 2-2 36–37” 20.3” 105° N N/A 757 ETOPS 14 2-2 36” 20” 102° N N/A 757 ETOPS 12 2-2 60” 19.5” 160° N N/A E190 11 1-2 36” 19” 106° N N/A E170 9 1-2 37” 20” N/R N N/A E175 8 1-2 37” 20” N/R N N/A CRJ700 9 1-2 37” 19.6” N/R N N/A CRJ900 9 1-2 38” 19.6” N/R N N/A A320

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

N/A

N/A

6 N 150+ Coming 2013 150+ Y 150+ Coming 2013 Y Y Y N N N Y Y Y N N

D D D D

Y Y Y Y

D Y D Y D Y n/r Y n/r Y n/r Y n/r Y n/r Y n/r Y n/r Y n/r Y

Y Y Y Y

Upcoming 2009 2009 2012

N Ongoing N Ongoing N Ongoing N Ongoing N Ongoing N Ongoing N Ongoing N 2011 N 2011 N 2011 N 2011

8

2-2

55”

21”

165°

Y

N

10 + 3,000 MP3s

35+

5

50+

Y

S

N/R

Y

2007

747-400 COMBI 10

1-1

62”

21”

170°

Y

N

14

60

N/R

14

N

B

N/R

Y

N/R

1-2-1 1-2-1

82” 82”

23” 23”

180° 180°

Y Y

N N

250 Hrs 250 Hrs

150 Hrs 150 Hrs

1 1

N/R N/R

N N

B B

N N

Y Y

N/R N/R

23”

180° Y

Y

N/R

0 N/R

N

S N Y N/R

777-300ER 8 1-2-1 76” 32” 180° Y 777-300ER 8 1-2-1 N/R 32.9” 180° Y

Y N

160 160

N/R N/R N/R N/R N/R N/R

N N

D Y Y N/R D Y Y 2010

PACIFIC RIM AIR CHINA*

FORBIDDEN PAVILION

AIR INDIA

FIRST CLASS

AIR TAHITI NUI*

ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS FIRST CLASS

777-200LR 777-300ER

8 4

A340-300 6 2-2-2 80”

6

* Airline did not reply. Survey information was compiled with GT research.

8 | Global Traveler’s Class Act Guide | 2012

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75 YEARS OF INNOVATION Air Canada was born as Trans-Canada Air Lines (TCA) three-quarters of a century ago on April 10, 1937. Its mission: to span the country’s broad expanse by air. It took $5-million and three airplanes: a tiny Stearman, fresh from crop-dusting duties, and two Lockheed Electras.

By Isa Tousignant with reporting from Celyn Harding Jones, Meg Hewings, Johanne Legault and Karen Ocana for Air Canada enRoute

1937

1942 1939 NATIONAL

PASSENGER OPERATIONS KICK OFF ON SEPTEMBER 1937. A Lockheed Electra, carrying two passengers and mail, goes from Vancouver to Boeing Field, Seattle, in

April

1,

1939,

the

inauguration

SCHEDULED PASSENGER

SOME 163 MALE EMPLOYEES ARE

marks

ENLISTED IN THE ARMED FORCES

of

IN 1942, presenting TCA with a serious

TRANS-

manpower problem. The company starts

SERVICE

employing women as agents, chauffeurs,

between Montreal and Vancouver, with

cargo handlers, radio operators, stockkeepers

stops in Ottawa, North Bay, Kapuskasing,

and mechanics – a total of 464 women that

Winnipeg, Regina and Lethbridge. The flight

year, or one-third of the workforce.

takes 15 hours.

50 minutes. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

THE REAL FUN STARTS IN 1942. TCA EMPLOYEES SET UP THE RECREATIONAL

1938

THE ELEMENTS QUICKLY

ASSOCIATION, which organizes hockey tournaments, photo contests, picnics, parties

BECOME AN ISSUE. In

and even, in the early days, beauty pageants. It lives on today as the Air Canada

1938, TCA is the first airline

Recreation Association.

to equip its fleet with alcohol de-icing nozzles to remove the ice that accumulates on windshields at high altitude. (It sets the stage for the airline’s introduction of electric de-icing to Canada in 1961.)

1941

TORONTONIANS

TAKE

A BITE OUT OF THE BIG APPLE. The first trans-

border service launches on May 10. Overall, the number of passengers increases by 60 percent that year.

1944

On November 7, 1944, TCA convinces both the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to establish their headquarters in Montreal. TCA PRESIDENT

H.J. SYMINGTON IS NAMED PRESIDENT OF IATA IN 1945.

1947 The Montreal Trade Board invites 250 guests to a fancy feast to promote the exoTiC seleCTion oF Foods ThAT CAn be shipped by Air. The meal includes seafood from New Orleans, Yarmouth (Nova Scotia) and Vancouver; limes from Trinidad; potatoes from PEI; bananas from Jamaica; and oranges from Florida.

+ + + + + + ++++++++++++++++ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + ++++++++++++++

inAugurATing serviCe To ChiCAgo, the North Star is christened on July 1, 1947. The aircraft’s increased power and passenger comfort open the gates for Canada–U.S. routes to Cleveland, Seattle, Boston and Duluth, Minnesota.

1950 TCA flies 40 special round-trip flights between Winnipeg and Eastern Canada from May 8 to 13, 1950, to help ouT during A Five-dAy emergenCy Flood relieF. The airline carries 500,000 pounds of materials to 2,500 people evacuated when the

There was a good reason to stand proud: The North Star was a groundbreaking aircraft as well as a handsome bird. For many crew members, it was the first aircraft they flew aboard that was equipped with autopilot.

Red River overflowed.

1954

+ + + + + + ++++++++++++++++ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + ++++++++++++++

TCA

welComes

iTs

3-millionTh

pAssenger in July 1950: Mr. F.W. Crickard,

On February 1, 1954, TCA lAunChes “TourisT ClAss” eConomy FAres, made

a Vancouver businessman on his way to

possible by adapting the North Star’s seating plan to fit more passengers. The move lowers

New York. It turns out he was also aboard

fares by 20 percent.

TCA’s first trans-Canadian flight in 1939!

1955

He tells newsmen that TCA has “built one of the finest organizations in the aeronautical world and one of which every citizen of the Dominion can be justly proud.”

TCA beComes The FirsT Airline in norTh AmeriCA To bring Turbodriven AirCrAFT inTo serviCe on April 1, 1955, with the gallant Vickers

+ + + + + + ++++++++++++++++ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + ++++++++++++++

Viscount. The aircraft carries record numbers of passengers, including, in

In August 1950, a Chicago travel agency organizes the mAsked mysTery FlighTs, and TCA gets on board by shepherding 17 blindfolded men and women – who have no idea where they’ll land – to Montreal for a weekend in the Laurentians. + + + + + + ++++++++++++++++ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + ++++++++++++++

From August 22 to 31, A nATionAl rAilwAy sTrike helps TCA inTroduCe ThousAnds oF people To Air TrAvel. Thirty new routes are added in the 1950s, including Paris, Brussels, Vienna, Zurich, Tampa and Antigua. Over the same period, Canadian Pacific Air Lines, which would later merge with Air Canada, inaugurates service to Lima, Buenos Aires and Santiago.

December, 4-year-old

Michael

Roder,

who’s the airline’s 10-millionth passenger. At each pit stop on his trip from Vancouver to London, U.K., he’s presented with part of a cowboy outfit; by the time he reaches his destination, he’s in full western regalia. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

The TeChniCAl operATions TeAm ChAnges indusTry sTAndArds AgAin in 1955 by installing anti-skid brakes on various Viscount aircraft. Pilots can finally make turns on water or ice.

1960

TCA breaks ground by using jet aircraft for non-military purposes. The first of its REVOLUTIONARY DC-8’S begins service from Montreal to London on June 1, 1960. Flight time is reduced from 11 hours to six.

1962 In honour of its 25th anniversary, TCA flies a trusty Lockheed Electra from Halifax to Vancouver. STAFF HAS GROWN FROM 71 TO 11,719 IN A QUARTER CENTURY.

1963

TCA becomes the WORLD’S FIRST MAJOR AIRLINE WITH AN ALL-TURBINE FLEET when

it retires its last propeller-driven aircraft, a DC-3 in 1963.

1965

Air Canada gets the royal seal of approval. On January 1, 1965, TCA IS RENAMED AIR CANADA, and the Queen flies from Ottawa to London aboard a DC-8 to inaugurate the company’s new bilingual moniker.

Flying aboard an Air Canada jet in the 1960s was a stylish affair. This generation of uniforms offered flight attendants various options: in addition to this short A-line dress with contrasting bands, there was a box jacket, a coat and a hat.

+ + + + + + ++++++++++++++++++ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +++++++++++++++

STAYING TOASTY: Air Canada is the first airline to install covered passenger walkways linking terminals and aircraft in 1965.

1975

OPERATION BABYLIFT: During the final days of the Vietnam War in April 1975, Air Canada employees volunteer to transport Vietnamese and Cambodian orphans to their new homes in Canada.

+ + + + + + ++++++++++++++++ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + ++++++++++++++

That same year, the airline also helps make history by assisting Midas and

1978

Royston Instruments, an English electronics company, in developing the multichannel flight recorder, the WORLD’S FIRST BLACK BOX.

Judy Cameron becomes THE COMPANY’S FIRST FEMALE PILOT on April 10,

1978. Today she’s still flying high with Air Canada as captain of the Boeing 777.

1984

In December 1984, 450,000 POUNDS OF CHRISTMAS GIFTS, INCLUDING BLANKETS, FOOD AND MEDICAL SUPPLIES, ARE SENT TO ETHIOPIA. The airlift, which uses the entire cargo fleet, is the largest of its

kind for the airline. Many cargo fleet members give up their Christmas vacation to help the shipments take flight.

1971

THE 365-SEAT BOEING 747 GOES INTO SERVICE IN 1971, operating between Toronto and Vancouver and serving the summer routes Toronto–London and Toronto–Montreal–Paris. The 747 stands six storeys tall and weighs 340 tons.

The flight team that first sees it in Seattle can’t imagine that such a huge bird can fly, but it’s 80 kilometres an hour faster than the DC-8 and can fly nearly a thousand kilometres farther.

It’s also the airline’s first aircraft with inflight entertainment, in the form of movie screens and audio programming.

1988

AIR CANADA’S PRIVATIZATION ACT, BILL C-129, RECEIVES ROYAL ASSENT on August 18, 1988, allowing the government to sell 45 percent of its holdings in the airline. The first-ever shareholder’s meeting is held in Montreal on April 26, 1989.

1990

2006

Catching the bus: January 25, 1990, Air CAnAdA tAkes delivery of its first

A former tCA loCkheed – renAmed stArGAzer – beComes pArt of A

Airbus A320 in Toulouse, thus becoming

nAsA experiment on March 22, 2006,

the first airline in Canada to operate the

when it helps launch three microsatellites

aircraft. It’s the first civil craft to include a

into space over the Pacific Ocean. When

digital autopilot control system.

the airplane hits 39,000 feet, a rocket drops from its belly, firing up engines and ferrying the satellites to the final frontier. The satellites study the Earth’s magnetic fields.

1995

mAkes its debut in

2001

Canada on December 7, 1995,

the eleCtroniC tiCket

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Sleep tight! In October 2006, Air Canada makes history by becoming the first North

Air CAnAdA And CAnAdiAn Airlines

American carrier to introduce lie-flAt

when Air Canada begins testing the service

internAtionAl limited offiCiAlly

beds in all business-class cabins across

on select Canadian routes.

merGe on January 1, 2001.

its international fleet.

1997

Air Canada’s Latitude Pass

a little deeper. Air CAnAdA is the first

2004

Airline in CAnAdA to introduCe

It’s a self-mAnAGed, prepAid fliGht

e-mAil speCiAls And disCounts with

pAss for frequent Toronto–Montreal and

the launch of Go Air Canada webSaver™.

Toronto–Ottawa Rapidair flyers. The airline

On February 22, 1997, travellers’ pockets get

for Rapidair customers is an industry first in April 2004.

offers flight passes in six categories today. + + + + + + +++++++++++++++++ + + + + + + + + +

In May 1997, Air Canada becomes a founding member of stAr AlliAnCe™, the first global airline alliance.

2005

2009

The airline makes a great call by becoming the first in north AmeriCA to

lAunCh Apps for Apple And blACkberry deviCes in 2009. Get flight info, track itinerary changes and, best of all, flash the electronic boarding pass you’ve uploaded onto your phone at security – saving trees with every trip.

2011

1999

In August 2011, Air CAnAdA joins enGAGe, an international fuel-saving and emissions-reducing initiative that aims for more efficient traffic flow in the busy North Atlantic airspace.

2012

in july 2012, Air CAnAdA is voted best internAtionAl Airline in north AmeriCA in the Skytrax World Airline Awards survey of international air travellers, making it the third consecutive year. That alone is something to celebrate! Here’s to the next 75 years of innovation.

Why wait in line? Air Canada introduces self-serviCe CheCk-in kiosks to Canada in 1999.

2005 launches personAl seAtbACk entertAinment systems, meaning hours of movies, TV shows, audio programming and games on demand for every passenger.

Time never flew by so fast.

For more great moments in Air Canada’s history, visit 75.aircanada.com.

WE’RE THRILLED TO WIN. AGAIN. It’s truly a great honor to be named Best International Airline in North America for the third year in a row. Thanks to everyone who voted for us, and to each of our employees, who made this award possible.

The survey was conducted by independent research firm Skytrax using over 38 different aspects of passenger satisfaction to rank airlines’ product and service standards. This annual survey is regarded in the air transportation industry as a primary benchmarking tool for passenger satisfaction levels of airlines throughout the world. Details at aircanada.com/awards

Seat Width

Adapters Required

Number of Audio Channels

Number of Other Video Programs

WiFi on Board

Lounges Shared or Dedicated

Free WiFi in Lounges

Amenity Kits Included

Date of Last Major Cabin Overhaul

16

1-2-1

64”

30”

180° Y

Y

16 + 30 CDs

47

0

140

N

D

Y

Y

2008

ASIANA AIRLINES OZ FIRST SUITE

777-200

8

1-2-1

84”

25.2”

180° Y

N

18

81

4

75

N

B

Y

Y

New

CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS*

FIRST CLASS

100 100

0 N/R N N/R N/R Y N/R 0 N/R N N/R N/R Y N/R

747-400 9 1-1/1-1-1 81–87” 36” 180° Y N 350 777-300ER 6 1-1-1 81–87” 36” 180° Y N N/R

CHINA AIRLINES*

747-400 12–14 2-1-2/ 2-2-2

CHINA EASTERN AIRLINES* FIRST CLASS

CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES FIRST CLASS

HAINAN AIRLINES FIRST CLASS

JAPAN AIRLINES JAL FIRST CLASS

KINGFISHER*

KINGFISHER FIRST

KOREAN AIR

KOSMO SLEEPER SLEEPER KOSMO SLEEPER KOSMO SUITES KOSMO SUITES KOSMO SUITES SLEEPER SLEEPER

MALAYSIA AIRLINES FIRST CLASS

QANTAS*

QANTAS FIRST SUITE

SINGAPORE AIRLINES

FIRST CLASS SUITES FIRST CLASS

UNITED AIRLINES

GLOBAL FIRST

Number of News Channels

Seat Pitch

FLAGSHIP SUITE

Number of Movies

Layout

AMERICAN AIRLINES

Power for Laptop

Number of Seats

PACIFIC RIM cont.

Recline

Aircraft 777-200

FIRST CLASS

83”

22”

180° Y

N

15 + 220 CDs

30

N/R

100

N

N/R N/R

Y

N/R

N

23 + 170 CDs

30

N/R

100

N

B

N/R

Y

N/R

1,200

N/R

N/R

N/R

N/R

D

N/R

Y

New

A340-600

8

1-2-1

80”

28”

180° Y

A380

8

1-2-1

82”

29”

180° Y N/R

A340-600

8

1-2-1

80”

25.2”

180° Y

Y

400 CDs

50

0

120

N

B

Y

Y

N/A

777-300ER

8

1-2-1

83”

33”

180° Y

N

50

50

1

32

N

D

Y

Y

2009

140

12 119 N S Y Y N/R

A330 30 2-2-2 78” 20–24.54” 180° Y N 101 747-400 10 1-2-1 747-400 12 2-2 777-200ER 8 1-2-1 777-200 8 1-2-1 777-300ER 8 1-2-1 A380-800 12 1-2-1 A330-200 6 2-2-2 A330-300 6 2-2-2

83” 83” 83” 83” 83” 83” 82” 83”

21.1” 180° Y N 20.6” 180° Y N 21.2” 180° Y N 26.5” 180° Y N 26.5” 180° Y N 26.5” 180° Y N 20.1” 180° Y N 20.1” 180° Y N

500 CDs 500 CDs 500 CDs 500 CDs 500 CDs 500 CDs 500 CDs 500 CDs

54+ 54+ 54+ 54+ 54+ 54+ 54+ 54+

3 3 3 3, TEXT 3, TEXT 3 3, TEXT 3, TEXT

70+ 70+ 70+ 70+ 70+ 70+ 70+ 70+

N N N N N N N N

B Y Y 2005 B Y Y 2005 B Y Y 2011 B Y Y 2009 B Y Y 2011 B Y Y 2011 B Y Y 2012 B Y Y 2012 B

747-700

12

1-2-1

75”

20.5”

180° Y

Y

12

40

1

2

N

A380-800

14

1-1-1

83.5”

29”

180° Y

N

1,000 CDs

100

0

500

Y

A380 777-300ER

12 8

1-2-1 1-2-1

81” 71”

35.25” 35”

180° Y 180° Y

N N

22 + 793 CDs 22 + 793 CDs

140 140

200 200

80+ 80+

N/R N/R

D D

777 767 747 777

12 6 12 8

1-2-1 1-1-1 1-2-1 1-2-1

N/R N/R N/R N/R

21.5” 22” 22” 22”

180° 180° 180° 180°

Y 21 N 20 + 3,000 Tracks N 20 + 3,000 Tracks N 20 + 3,000 Tracks

20+ 60 150 150

N/A N/A N/A N/A

6 150+ 150+ 150+

N Coming 2013 Y Coming 2013

Y Y Y Y

N/R

Y

2003

N/R N/R

Y

N/R

Y Y

Y Y

2007 N/R

D D D D

Y Y Y Y

Y Y Y Y

Upcoming 2009 2009 2012

LATIN AMERICA AMERICAN AIRLINES

FLAGSHIP SUITE 777-200 16 1-2-1 64”

Herringbone

KOREAN AIR

KOSMO SLEEPER KOSMO SUITES

TAM

FIRST CLASS

UNITED AIRLINES

GLOBAL FIRST

777-200ER 777-200

8 8

1-2-1 1-2-1

83” 83”

30”

180° Y

Y

16 + 30 CDs

47

0

140

N

D

Y

Y

2008

21.1” 26.5”

180° Y 180° Y

N N

500 CDs 500 CDs

54+ 54+

3 3, TEXT

70+ 70+

N N

B B

Y Y

Y Y

2011 2009

A330 4 1-2-1 81” 26” 180° Y N 11

86

777 767 747 777

20+ 60 150 150

12 6 12 8

1-2-1 1-1-1 1-2-1 1-2-1

N/R N/R N/R N/R

21.5” 22” 22” 22”

180° 180° 180° 180°

Y Y Y Y

Y 21 N 20 + 3,000 Tracks N 20 + 3,000 Tracks N 20 + 3,000 Tracks

0 15 N S Y Y 2009 N/A N/A N/A N/A

6 150+ 150+ 150+

N Coming 2013 Y Coming 2013

D D D D

Y Y Y Y

Y Y Y Y

Upcoming 2009 2009 2012

* Airline did not reply. Survey information was compiled with GT research.

14 | Global Traveler’s Class Act Guide | 2012

globaltravelerusa.com

EL AL ISRAEL AIRLINES FIRST CLASS

747 777

12 2-2 82” 12 2-2-2 77”

21” 180° Y Y 21” 180° Y Y

10 10

16 37

EMIRATES

FIRST CLASS A380 14 1-2-1 82” 21.6” 180° Y Y 800 200

777-300ER 8 1-2-1 82” 20.5” 180° Y Y 800 200

777-200LR 8 1-2-1 82” 20.5” 180° Y Y 800 200

ETIHAD AIRWAYS DIAMOND ZONE

KUWAIT AIRLINES*

FIRST CLASS

SAUDI ARABIAN AIRLINES* FIRST CLASS

UNITED AIRLINES

GLOBAL FIRST

A340-500 A340-600 A340 A300 777

12 12

1-2-1 1-2-1

18 2-2-2 18 2-2-2 24 2-2-2

82” 82” 61” 61” 61”

29.75” 29.75”

180° 180°

Y Y

Y Y

14 + 400 CDs 14 + 400 CDs

2 2

N/R N/R N/R N/R N/R

12 10 12

20+ 20+ 20+

127 127

Date of Last Major Cabin Overhaul

Amenity Kits Included

Free WiFi in Lounges

Lounges Shared or Dedicated

WiFi on Board

20+ 20+

Satellite 450+ Updates Satellite 450+ Updates Satellite 450+ Updates

82 82

N/A 160° N/R N/R N/R 160° N/R N/R N/R 160° N/R N/R

Number of Other Video Programs

Number of News Channels

Number of Movies

Number of Audio Channels

Adapters Required

Power for Laptop

Recline

Seat Width

Seat Pitch

Layout

Number of Seats

MIDDLE EAST/ AFRICA

Aircraft

FIRST CLASS

N N

D Y Y Annual D Y Y Annual

Y

D Y Y Ongoing

N

B Y Y Ongoing

N

B Y Y Ongoing

N N

B B

5 5 5

N N N

Y Y

Y Y

N/R N/R N/R N/R N/R N/R N/R N/R N/R

2010-11 2010-11 N/R N/R N/R

777-268

24

2-2-2

70” EST

21”

180°

Y

N

30

10

0

27

N

B

Y

Y

2009

777 767 747 777

12 6 12 8

1-2-1 1-1-1 1-2-1 1-2-1

N/R N/R N/R N/R

21.5” 22” 22” 22”

180° 180° 180° 180°

Y Y Y Y

Y N N N

21 20 + 3,000 Tracks 20 + 3,000 Tracks 20 + 3,000 Tracks

20+ 60 150 150

N/A N/A N/A N/A

6 150+ 150+ 150+

N Coming 2013 Y Coming 2013

D D D D

Y Y Y Y

Y Y Y Y

Upcoming 2009 2009 2012

* Airline did not reply. Survey information was compiled with GT research.

Dulles International Airport in midAugust. Following its inaugural landing, the aircraft will service routes throughout Africa before resuming regular service from the nation’s capital in late 2012. The airline has 10 787s on order.

Another airline introducing the Boeing Dreamliner to its fleet is Poland’s flagship, LOT Polish Airlines. Beginning in January 2013, LOT’s Elite Club business class on the 787 features lie-flat seats and the airline’s introduction of a premium-economy cabin, Premium Club.

Another aircraft popping up on flights to North America this year is the Airbus A380. The world’s largest passenger airliner entered commercial service in 2007 with Singapore Airlines. Other airlines flying the A380 into the United States include Air France, Qantas, Emirates, Lufthansa and Korean Air. China Southern Airlines brings its brand-new A380 to the United States in October, featuring eight first-class and 70 business-class lie-flat seats.

A HOTEL SUITE in the sky is the concept behind Asiana Airlines’ new OZ First Suite first-class cabin. Introduced this year, the highlights of the experience are a slide-open door, a first in Korea, which offers enhanced privacy and an individual air ventilation system. Suites also feature individual cabinets, minibars, touch-sensitive LCD seat func-

globaltravelerusa.com

SUITE DREAMS: Singapore Airlines’ A380 suites PHOTO: © Singapore Airlines

2012 | Global Traveler’s Class Act Guide | 15

BETTER BUSINESS: EVA Air’s new Royal Laurel business class (top), and Brussels Airlines’ business-class seats (bottom) PHOTOs: EVA Air, Brussels Airlines

16 | Global Traveler’s Class Act Guide | 2012

tion control units and 32-inch, in-flight HD screens.

EVA Air’s new Royal Laurel business class will be available on all New York and Los Angeles flights from Taipei by November and on routes to San Francisco

by August 2013. The new cabin design offers coat hooks, easy-to-reach stowage space, seat-side tables, extra-large pullout tables and cotton comforters. The redesign replaces the existing Premium Laurel Class business-class cabin servicing North American routes through the 2013 complete overhaul.

Brussels Airlines’ “B” Business class entered the market in June 2012, launching direct service between the European city and New York for the first time in a decade. A staggered seat layout on Airbus A330 aircraft allows for a 180-degree lie-flat flight experience across the Atlantic. Pneumatic in-seat massage functions and mood lighting further enhance the experience.

Lufthansa introduced its first lie-flat business-class seat on its new Boeing 747-800 service from Frankfurt to Washington Dulles. The layout is v-shaped, meaning seats in a row are farthest apart at the head and shoulders and come together at the feet. A swivel tray table makes it easy to get up from your seat while your work or a meal remains laid out. globaltravelerusa.com

Seat Pitch

Seat Width

Recline

Power for Laptop

Adapters Required

Number of Audio Channels

Number of News Channels

Number of Other Video Programs

WiFi on Board

Free WiFi in Lounges

Amenity Kits Included

58”

21”

163°

Y

N

1,000+ MP3s

18

0

60+ Hrs

N

B

V

Y

2011

President Class

767-300

30

N/R

58”

22”

166°

Y

N/R

8

16

N/R

50 Hrs, 30 Games

N

S

Y

Y

2010

Business Class

767-300ER

24

2-2

47”

N/R

N/R

Y

N/R

8

5

N/R

N/R

N/R

N/R

N/R

Y

2010

A330-200

24

2-2-2

54”

19”

162°

Y

N/R

6

6

N/R

200 Hrs

N

B

N/R

N/R

N/R

20.35”

180°

Y

N/A

12 + 100 CDS

150

1

200

N

B

Y

Y

2008

20.35”

180°

Y

N/A

12 + 100 CDS

150

1

200

N

B

Y

Y

2008

20.35”

80°

Y

N/A

12 + 100 CDS

150

1

200

N

B

Y

Y

2009

20.35”

180°

Y

N

12 + 100 CDS

150

1

200

N

B

Y

Y

2009

N/R N/R

N/R

N

85 85 85 85 85 85

42 42 42 42 42 42

N N N N N N

B B B B B B

Y Y Y Y Y Y

Date of Last Major Cabin Overhaul

Layout 2-2-2

Lounges Shared or Dedicated

Number of Seats 24

EUROPE

Number of Movies

Aircraft A330

Business CLASS AER LINGUS Business Class

AEROFLOT* AEROSVIT*

AIRBERLIN* Business Class

AIR CANADA Executive First 767-300 24–25 1-1-1 43.5” Herringbone

777-200LR 42 1-2-1 43.5” Herringbone

777-300ER 42 1-2-1 43.5” Herringbone

A330 37 1-1-1 37.5” Herringbone

AIR EUROPA* Business Class

A330-200 24 2-2-2

56”

20” 170° Y N

777-200 777-300 A330 A340 747-800 A380

61” 61” 61” 61” 61” 61”

21” 21” 21” 21” 21” 21”

N/R

N/R N/R Y N/R

AIR FRANCE Affaires

49 67 40 36 40 80

2-3-2 2-3-2 2-2-2 2-2-2 2-3-2 2-2-2

176° 176° 176° 176° 160° (EST) 176°

Y Y Y Y Y Y

N N N N N N

22 + 300 Hrs 22 + 300 Hrs 22 + 300 Hrs 22 + 300 Hrs 22 + 300 Hrs 22 + 300 Hrs

3 3 3 3 3 3

Y Y Y Y Y Y

N/R N/R N/R N/R N/R N/R

ALITALIA Magnifica A330 28 1-2-1 50”

777 30 1-2-1 50” Staggered

767 20 2-1-2 59” Staggered

20” 180° Y N 20” 180° Y N

12 12

45 7 45 7

16 16

N N

B B

Y Y 2012 Y Y 2012

21” 170° Y Y

12

45 7

16

N

B

Y Y 2012

47 47 39

140 140 50

N N N

D D D

Y Y Y

N/R N/R 18 N/R

N/R N/R

N N

D N/R Y N/R D N/R Y N/R

100+ 100+ 100+ 30

N/R N/R V 35

N N N N

D D D D

Y Y Y Y

Y N/R Y N/R Y N/R Y 2009

42

N

B

Y

Y

42

N

B

Y Y 2012

AMERICAN AIRLINES Business Class

777-200 757-200 767-300

37 16 30

2-3-2 2-2 2-2-2

60–61” 58–59” 59”

21–26” 171° EST 21–26” 171° 20–23.6” 171° EST

Y Y Y

Y N Y

16 + 30 CDs 16 + 30 CDs 16

0 0 0

Y Y Y

2008 2009 2007

AUSTRIAN AIRLINES* Business Class

767-777 30 2-2-2 767-777 49 2-3-2

N/R N/R

N/R 170° Y N N/R 170° Y N

73” 73” 73” 75”

21.4” 21.4” 21.4” 25”

N/R 12

BRITISH AIRWAYS Club World

767 24 747 Up to 70 777 Up to 48 A318 32

2-2-2 2-4-2 2-4-2 2-2

180° 180° 180° 180°

Y N 50+ CDs Y N 50+ CDs Y N 16+, 50+ CDs Y N 80

180°

Y

12+ 12+ 2 N/R

BRUSSELS AIRLINES “B” Business A330-300 30 1-2-1 44” Staggered

A330-200 22 2-1-2 44” Staggered

23”

N

23” 180° Y N

24

40

0

24

40 0

2012

DELTA AIR LINES Business Elite 757-200 16 2-2 38”

767-300 30 2-2-2 60”

767-300 (L) 35 2-2-2 60”

777-200LR 45 1-2-1 44” Herringbone

777-200ER 45 1-2-1 44” Herringbone

767-400 39 1-2-1 44” Herringbone

20.5” 120–140° 18.5” 160° 18.5” 160° 28.6” 180°

Y N Y N Y N Y N/A

340 340 340 385

25 25 25 300+

N/A N/A N/A N/A

100+ 85 85 350

Y N/A N/A N/A

D D D D

Y Y Y Y

Y 2008 Y 2006 Y 2006 Y 2008

28.6” 180° Y N/A

385

300+ N/A

350+

N/A

D

Y N 2011

18.5” 180° Y N

340

100+ N/A

100+

N/A

D

Y Y 2011

* Airline did not reply. Survey information was compiled with GT research.

globaltravelerusa.com

2012 | Global Traveler’s Class Act Guide | 17

Free WiFi in Lounges

Amenity Kits Included

Date of Last Major Cabin Overhaul

33 33

Lounges Shared or Dedicated

Number of Movies

46 46

WiFi on Board

Number of Audio Channels

N N

Number of Other Video Programs

Adapters Required

Y Y

Number of News Channels

Power for Laptop

62” 45”

Recline

Seat Pitch

2-2-2 1-2-1/2-2-1

Seat Width

Layout

Number of Seats

EUROPE

Aircraft

Business CLASS

100 100

N N

B B

Y Y

Y Y

2009 2010

26 26

N N

S N/R Y 2009 S N/R Y 2009

FINNAIR* Business Class

A330-300 A330-300

42 3–45

20.5” 170° EST 20.5” 165°

3 3

IBERIA* Business Plus

A340-600 52 A340-300 36

2-2-2 2-2-2

74” 74”

20” 180° Y N 20” 180° Y N

15 15

12 12

N/R N/R

ICELANDAIR* Saga Business Class

757

22

2-2

38”

20–22” 110° EST

Y

N

10

V

V

V

N

B

Y

Y

2008

JET AIRWAYS* Premiere 777-300ER 30 1-2-1 49”

Herringbone Premiere Solar A330-200 30 1-1-1 49”

Herringbone

23”

180°

Y

N

8 + 131 CDs

60+

Text

50+

N

D

Y

Y

2009

23”

180°

Y

N

8 + 131 CDs

60+

Text

50+

N

D

Y

Y

2009

KLM World Business Class

777-300 777-200 A330-200 A330-300 747-400 MD-11

35 35 30 30 42 24

2-3-2 2-3-2 2-2-2 2-2-2 2-2/2-2-2 2-2-2

60” 60” 60” 60” 60” 60”

21” 21” 21” 21” 21” 21”

175° 175° 175° 175° 175° 175°

Y Y Y Y Y Y

N N N N N N

24 + CDs 24 + CDs 24 + CDs 24 + CDs 24 + CDs 24 + CDs

80 80 80 80 80 80

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

N/R N/R N/R N/R N/R N/R

N N N N N N

B B B B B B

Y Y Y Y Y Y

N N N N N N

N/A N/A N/A New N/A N/A

787

18

2-2-2

75”

23”

180°

Y

N

CDs

33

OD

50

N

B

Y

Y

New

64”

19.68”

180°

Y

N

30 + 200 CDs

50

2

110

Y

D

Y

Y

2012

57–60” 57–60” 57–60” 64”

19.68” 19.68” 19.68” 19.68”

178° 178° 178° 180°

Y Y Y Y

N N N N

30 + 200 CDs 30 + 200 CDs 30 + 200 CDs 30 + 200 CDs

30 50 30 50

2 2 2 2

110 110 110 110

Y Y Y Y

D D D D

Y Y Y Y

Y Y Y Y

2004 2010 2004 2012

73”

20”

180°

Y

N

N/R

70 Hrs

70 Hrs

70 Hrs

N

S

61” 61”

20” 170° Y N 20” 170° Y N

N N

B Y Y 2007 B Y Y 2007

LOT POLISH AIRLINEs Elite Club

LUFTHANSA Business Class 747-800 92 2-2-2

747-400 66 2-2-2/2-3-2

A380-800 98 2-2-2

A340-600 48 2-2-2

A330-300 48 2-2-2

Angled

Angled

OPENSKIES* Biz Bed

757

20

2-2

N/R N/R

N/R

SCANDINAVIAN AIRLINEs (SAS) Business Class

A330-300 34 A340-300 46

2-2-2 2-2-2

A380 777-300ER A340-500

1-2-1 1-2-1 1-2-1

28 28

26 26

1 1

18 18

SINGAPORE AIRLINES Business Class

60 42 100

55” W 55” W 55” W

34” 34” 34”

180° 180° 180°

Y Y Y

N N N

22 + 793 CDs 22 + 793 CDs 22 + 793 CDs

140 140 140

200 200 200

80+ 80+ 80+

N/R N/R N/R

B B B

Y Y Y

Y Y Y

N/R N/R N/R

20.5”

180°

Y

N

16 + 300+ CDs

42

0

55+

N

B

Y

Y

2009

20.5”

180°

Y

N

16 + 300+ CDs

42

0

55+

N

B

Y

Y

2009

160°

Y

N

12

34

3

2

Y

S

Y

Y

N/R

10 + 92 Hrs 10 + 92 Hrs 10 + 92 Hrs

37 37 37

N/R N/R N/R

10 10 10

Some N Y

B B B

Y Y Y

Y Y Y

V V V

516

208

3, Text

201

Y

N/R

N/R

Y

N/R

9 150+ 150+ 150+ 16 150+ 150+ 150+ 150+ 150+

N Coming 2013 Coming 2013 N N/A Coming 2013 Coming 2013 Y Coming 2013 Coming 2013

SWISS INTERNATIONAL AIR LINES SWISS Business A333 45 1-2-1/2-2-1 45”

Staggered

A343 47 1-2-1/2-2-1 45”

Staggered

TAP TAP Executive

A330-200

24

2-2-2

60”

20”

777-300 777-200 747-400

4 12 11

1-2-1 1-2-1 1-2-1

80” 62” 80”

27” 180° N/A N/A 20” 170° EST N/A N/A 20” 180° N/A N/A

777-300ER

28

2-3-2

78”

22”

49 40 50 36 20 16 26 52 39 30

2-3-2 2-4-2 2-2-2 2-2-2 2-1-2 2-2 2-2-2 2-4-2 2-1-2 2-1-2

55” N/A N/A N/A 55” N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

TRANSAERO Imperial

TURKISH AIRLINES Business Class

177°

Y

N

147° 180° 180° 180° 156° 180° 180° 180° 180° 180°

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Y N N N Y N N N N N

UNITED Businessfirst

* Airline did not reply.

Survey information was compiled with GT research.

777 777 777 787-8 767-400 757-200 767-300 747 767-400 767-300

18 | Global Traveler’s Class Act Guide | 2012

20.5” 19” 23” 21” 21” 21” 19” 19” 21” 21”

20 20 + 3,000 Tracks 20 + 3,000 Tracks 20 + 3,000 Tracks 20 20 + 3,000 Tracks 20 + 3,000 Tracks 20 + 3,000 Tracks 20 + 3,000 Tracks 20 + 3,000 Tracks

9 150 150 150 16 60 60 60 150 150

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

D D D D D D D D D D

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Y Upcoming Y 2010 Y 2010 Y N/A Y In process Y 2011 Y 2009 Y 2009 Y 2012 Y 2012

globaltravelerusa.com

Seat Pitch

Seat Width

Recline

Power for Laptop

Adapters Required

Number of Movies

Number of News Channels

Number of Other Video Programs

WiFi on Board

Lounges Shared or Dedicated

Free WiFi in Lounges

Amenity Kits Included

1-2-1 2-2-2 2-2 1-2-1

Pod 62” 60” Pod

20.5” 19.5” 19.5” 20.5”

180° 170° 160° 180°

Y Y Y Y

N N N N

10 + 100 CDs 10 + 75 CDs 10 + 75 CDs 10 + 100 CDs

75 60 60 75

N/A N/A N/A N/A

50 Hrs, 10 Games 45 Hrs 45 Hrs 50 Hrs, 10 Games

N N N N

B B B B

Y Y Y Y

Y Y Y Y

2009 2008 2007 2011

A330-300

33

1-2-1

79.5”

22.8”

180°

Y

N

50+

50+

N/R

50+

Y

D

Y

Y

2012

737-800

16

2-2

43”

21.71” 121° EST Y

N

9

10

N/A

36

N

B

Y

N

N/R

Date of Last Major Cabin Overhaul

Layout

20 18 12 28

Aircraft

EUROPE

Number of Audio Channels

Number of Seats

A330-200 767-200 757-200 A330-300

Business CLASS US AIRWAYS Envoy

Envoy Suite

VIRGIN ATLANTIC AIRWAYS Upper Class

NORTH AMERICA AEROMEXICO Clase Premier

AIR CANADA Executive Class Embraer E190 9 1-2 38” 20” 120° Y N/A 12 + 100 CDs 63 1 200 N B Y N 2005-2008

Embraer E175 9 1-2 38” 20” 120° Y N/A 12 + 100 CDs 63 1 200 N B Y Y 2005

Bombardier 10 1-2 37” 21” 120° Y N/A 12 + 100 CDs 63 1 200 N B Y N 2005-2006

CRJ-705

777-300ER 42 1-2-1 43.5” 20.35” 180° Y N/A 12 + 100 CDs 63 1 200 N B Y N 2009 Herringbone

B777-200LR 42 1-2-1 43.5” 20.35” 180° Y N/A 12 + 100 CDs 63 1 200 N B Y N 2008 Herringbone

Embraer E190 9 1-2 38” 20” 120° Y N/A 12 + 100 CDs 63 1 200 N B Y N 2005-2008

767-300 24–25 1-1-1 43.5” 20.35” 180° Y N/A 12 + 100 CDs 63 1 200 N B Y N 2008 Herringbone

A330 37 1-1-1 37.5” 20.35” 180° Y N 12 + 100 CDs 63 1 200 N B Y N 2009 Herringbone

A321 20 2-2 37” 21” 124° Y N/A 12 + 100 CDs 63 1 200 N B Y N 2008

A320 14 2-2 37–38” 21” 124° Y N/A 12 + 100 CDs 63 1 200 N B Y N 2009

A319 14 2-2 38–39” 21” 124° Y N/A 12 + 100 CDs 63 1 200 N B Y N 2008

AIRTRAN* Business Class

717 737

12 2-2 12 2-2

37” 37”

22” 22”

N/R N N N/R N N

100+ 100+

N/R N/R N/R N/R

N/R N/R

Y Y

N/R N/R N N/R N/R N/R N N/R

AMERICAN AIRLINES Business Class

777-200 767-200

37 30

2-3-2 2-2-2

60–61” 49–50”

Train

N/R

2-2

42”

21-26” 171° EST Y 18.5” 140° Y

Y Y

16 + 30 CDs 16 + 30 CDs

47 39

0 0

140 50

N Y

D D

Y Y

Y N

2008 2009

N

N

N/A

N/A

N/A

Y

D

Y

N Ongoing

Y Y Y Y

Y Y Y Y

AMTRAK* Acela Business Class

21”

109°

Y

DELTA AIR LINES BusinessElite 757-200 16 2-2 38”

767-300 30 2-2-2 60”

767-300 (L) 35 2-2-2 60”

777-200LR 45 1-2-1 44” Herringbone

777-200ER 45 1-2-1 44” Herringbone

767-400 39 1-2-1 44” Herringbone

A330-300 34 2-2-2 60”

A330-200 32 2-2-2 60”

20.5” 120–140° 18.5” 160° 18.5” 160° 28.6” 180°

Y N Y N Y N Y N/A

340 340 340 385

25 N/A 25 N/A 25 N/A 300+ N/A

100+ 85 85 350

Y N N N

D D D D

2008 2006 2006 2008

28.6” 180° Y N/A

385

300+ N/A

350+

N

D Y N 2011

18.5”

180°

Y

N

340

100+

N/A

100+

N

D

Y

Y

2011

20” 20.25”

176° 176°

Y Y

N N

56 56

40 40

0 0

10 10

Email, SMS Email, SMS

D D

Y Y

Y Y

2010 2010

UNITED BusinessFirst 777 49 2-3-2 55” 20.5” 147° Y Y 20 9 N/A 9 N D Y Y Upcoming

777 40 2-4-2 N/A 19” 180° Y N 20 + 3,000 Tracks 150 N/A 150+ Coming 2013 D Y Y 2010

777 50 2-2-2 N/A 23” 180° Y N 20 + 3,000 Tracks 150 N/A 150+ Coming 2013 D Y Y 2010

787-8 36 2-2-2 N/A 21” 180° Y N 20 + 3,000 Tracks 150 N/A 150+ N D Y Y New

767-400 20 2-1-2 55” 21” 156° Y Y 20 16 N/A 16 N/A D Y Y In process

757-200 16 2-2 N/A 21” 180° Y N 20 + 3,000 Tracks 60 N/A 150+ Coming 2013 D Y Y 2011

767-300 26 2-2-2 N/A 19” 180° Y N 20 + 3,000 Tracks 60 N/A 150+ Coming 2013 D Y Y 2009

747 52 2-4-2 N/A 19” 180° Y N 20 + 3,000 Tracks 60 N/A 150+ Y D Y Y 2009

767-400 39 2-1-2 N/A 21” 180° Y N 20 + 3,000 Tracks 150 N/A 150+ Coming 2013 D Y Y 2012

767-300 30 2-1-2 N/A 21” 180° Y N 20 + 3,000 Tracks 150 N/A 150+ Coming 2013 D Y Y 2012

* Airline did not reply. Survey information was compiled with GT research.

globaltravelerusa.com

2012 | Global Traveler’s Class Act Guide | 19

Number of Movies

Number of News Channels

Number of Other Video Programs

WiFi on Board

Lounges Shared or Dedicated

Free WiFi in Lounges

Amenity Kits Included

Y N/A

12 + 100 CDs

150

1

200

N

B

Y

Y

2008

20.35”

180°

Y N/A

12 + 100 CDs

150

1

200

N

B

Y

Y

2008

20.35”

180°

Y N/A

12 + 100 CDs

150

1

200

N

B

Y

Y

2009

Date of Last Major Cabin Overhaul

Number of Audio Channels

180°

Adapters Required

Recline

20.35”

Power for Laptop

Seat Width

Seat Pitch

Layout

Number of Seats

PACIFIC RIM

Aircraft

Business CLASS AIR CANADA

Executive First 767-300 24–25 1-1-1 43.5” Herringbone

777-200LR 42 1-2-1 43.5” Herringbone

777-300ER 42 1-2-1 43.5” Herringbone

AIR CHINA* Capital Pavilion

747-400 Combi 24 2-2 777-300 24 2-2

62” 62”

21” 170° Y N 21” 170° Y N

13 13

N/R N/R N/R N/R

N/R N/R

N N

B N/R Y N/R B N/R Y N/R

AIR INDIA Executive Class

777ER

35

2-3-2

N/R

20”

178°

Y

N

OD

OD

1

OD

N

B

N

Y

2007

777-300

44

1-2-1

N/R

33

180°

Y

N

500 Hrs

N/R

N/R

N/R

N

D

Y

Y

2011

747-400 28 N/R

57”

21” N/R Y Y

21

N/R

N

D N/R Y N/R

A340-300

53”

21”

8

6

N/R

N/R

N

B

N/R

N/R

44”

19.4”

160

N/R

N/R

N/R

N

D

Y

N

62” 63” 59”

20” 170° Y Y 20” 170° Y Y 21.5” 160° Y Y

160 160 160

N/R N/R N/R N/R N/R N/R

N/R N/R N/R

N N N

D Y N N/R D Y N N/R D Y N N/R

AIR NEW ZEALAND Business Premier

AIR PACIFIC* Tabua Class

N/R N/R

AIR TAHITI NUI* Poerava Business

24

2-2-2

154° N/R N/R

N/R

ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS Business Staggered Club ANA 777-300ER 68 1-2-1

777-300ER 77 2-3-2

777-200ER 70 2-3-2

767-300ER 35 2-1-2

Staggered

180°

Y

N

2010

AMERICAN AIRLINES Business Class

777-200

37

2-3-2

60–61”

777-200ER

24

1-2-1

80.4”

21–26” 171° EST Y

Y

16 + 30 CDs

47

0

140

N

D

Y

Y

2008

ASIANA AIRLINES 0Z Quadra Smartium

21.3”

180°

Y

N

18

81

4

75

N

B

Y

Y

N/A

20”

180°

Y

N

22 + 888 CDs

100+

1

350

N

B

Y

Y

N/R

B

Y

Y

2008

Y

N/R

Y

New

CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS* Business Class 777-300ER 57 1-2-1 32” Herringbone

CHINA AIRLINES* Business Class

747-700

64

1-2-1

60–62”

19”

140°

Y

N

12 + 750 CDs

47

N/R

123

N

A330-300

38

2-2-2

58”

20”

169°

Y

N

N/R

N/R

N/R

N/R

N

A380

70

2-4-2

87”

19”

180°

Y

NR

1,200

N/R

N/R

N/R

N/R

D

CHINA EASTERN AIRLINES* Business Class

N/R N/R

CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES Business Class

N/R

DELTA AIR LINES BusinessElite 777-200LR 45 1-2-1 44” Herringbone

777-200ER 45 1-2-1 44” Herringbone

767-400 39 1-2-1 44” Herringbone

A330-300 34 2-2-2 60”

A330-200 32 2-2-2 60”

747-400 48 1-2-1/1-1 60–65”

28.6” 180° Y N/A

385

300+ N/A

350

N/A

D Y

28.6” 180° Y N/A

385

300+ N/A

350+

N/A

D Y N 2011

18.5” 180° Y N

340

100+ N/A

100+

N/A

D Y Y 2011

20” 176° Y N 20.25” 176° Y N 20” 180° Y N

56 56 385

40 40 300+

10 10 350

0 0 N/A

Email, SMS Email, SMS N/R

Y 2008

D D D

Y Y Y

Y 2010 Y 2010 Y 2011

EVA AIR Premium Laurel Class 777-300ER 36 2-2-2 61” Royal Laurel Class 777-300ER 38 1-2-1 79” Reverse Herringbone

22” 26”

169° 180°

Y Y

N N

20 + 300 CDs 20 + 300 CDs

80 90

0 0

110+ 120+

N N

B B

V V

Y In progress Y In progress

22.5” 21”

150° 180°

Y Y

Y N

400 CDs 400 CDs

50 60

N/R N/R

120 150

N N

B B

Y Y

Y Y

HAINAN AIRLINES

Premium Business Class

A340-600 A330-200

60 36

2-2-2 2-2-2

60” 74”

N/A N/A

JAPAN AIRLINES Jal Executive Class Seasons 777-300ER 77 2-3-2 60” 22.3” 171° Y N 50 50 1 32 N D Y Y 2008 Executive Class 787-8 42 2-2-2 60” 21.2” 170° Y Y 50 32 18 20 N Y Y Y New

* Airline did not reply. Survey information was compiled with GT research.

20 | Global Traveler’s Class Act Guide | 2012

globaltravelerusa.com

Aircraft

Number of Seats

Layout

Seat Pitch

Seat Width

Recline

Power for Laptop

Adapters Required

Number of Audio Channels

Number of Movies

Number of News Channels

Number of Other Video Programs

WiFi on Board

Lounges Shared or Dedicated

Free WiFi in Lounges

Amenity Kits Included

Date of Last Major Cabin Overhaul

747-400 777-200ER 777-200 777-300ER A380-800 A330-200 A330-300

61 28 28 56 94 24 18

2-3-2/2-2 2-3-2 2-3-2 2-3-2 2-2-2 2-2-2 2-2-2

58–60” 60” 74” 74” 74” 74” 78”

21.6” 20.1” 20.1” 20.1” 21” 20.1” 20.1”

167° 167° 180° 180° 180° 180° 180°

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

N N N N N N N

500 CDs 500 CDs 500 CDs 500 CDs 500 CDs 500 CDs 500 CDs

54+ 54+ 54+ 54+ 54+ 54+ 54+

3 3 3 + Text 3 + Text 3 3 + Text 3 + Text

70+ 70+ 70+ 70+ 70+ 70+ 70+

N N N N N N N

B B B B B B B

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

2005 2011 2009 2011 2011 2012 2012

777

35

2-3-2

62”

18.5”

172°

Y

Y

12

40

1

2

N

B

Y

Y

2009

747-400

42

2-2

57”

21”

160°

Y

N/A

14

103

N/A

13

N

B

Y

Y

N/A

A380

72

2-2-2

80”

21.5”

180°

Y

N

20+, 1,000+ CDs

100+

1

500+

N

B

N/R

Y

2008

A380 777-300ER A340-500

60 42 100

1-2-1 1-2-1 1-2-1

55” W 55” W 55” W

34” 34” 34”

180° 180° 180°

Y Y Y

N N N

22 + 793 CDs 22 + 793 CDs 22 + 793 CDs

140 140 140

200 200 200

80+ 80+ 80+

N/R N/R N/R

B D D

Y Y Y

Y Y Y

N/R N/R N/R

777-200ER

60

2-2-2

61”

20”

170°

Y

N/A

OD

10

OD

OD

N/A

B

Y

Y

N/R

49 40 50 36 52

2-3-2 2-4-2 2-2-2 2-2-2 2-4-2

55” N/A N/A N/A N/A

147° 180° 180° 180° 180°

Y Y Y Y Y

Y N N N N

20 20 + 3,000 Tracks 20 + 3,000 Tracks 20 + 3,000 Tracks 20 + 3,000 Tracks

9 150 150 150 60

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

9 N D 150+ Coming 2013 D 150+ Coming 2013 D 150+ N D 150+ Y D

Y Y Y Y Y

Y Upcoming Y 2010 Y 2010 Y New Y 2009

777

25

2-3-2

59”

20”

150°

Y

Y

9

3–6

N/R

N/R

N

B

Y

Y

N/R

777-300ER

33

2-3-2

77”

23”

180°

Y

N

11, 300+ CDs

54

1

151

N

S

N/R

Y

2009

A340-300

32

2-2-2

44”

20”

150°

N

N

12

4

2

N/R

N

S

Y

Y

N/R

20.35”

180°

Y

N

12 + 100 CDs

150

1

200

N

B

Y

Y

2008

20.35”

180°

Y

N

12 + 100 CDs

150

1

200

N

B

Y

Y

2008

20.35”

180°

Y

N

12 + 100 CDs

63

1

200

N

B

Y

N

2009

Y Y Y N Y

12 12 16 + 30 CDs 16 + 30 CDs 16

1 1 47 47 39

0 0 0 0 0

1 1 140 140 50

N/A Y N N N

D D D D D

Y Y Y Y Y

N Ongoing N 2009 Y 2008 Y 2009 Y 2007

30 23 23

N/R N/R N/R

30 27 27

N N N

Business CLASS PACIFIC RIM Cont.

KOREAN AIR Prestige Plus Prestige Plus Prestige Sleeper Prestige Sleeper Prestige Sleeper Prestige Sleeper Prestige Sleeper

MALAYSIA AIRLINES Golden Class

PHILIPPINE AIRLINES Mabuhay Class

QANTAS* Qantas Business

SINGAPORE AIRLINES Business Class

THAI AIRWAYS* Royal Silk Class

UNITED BusinessFirst

777 777 777 787-8 747

20.5” 19” 23” 21” 19”

VIETNAM AIRLINES* Business Class

VIRGIN AUSTRALIA International Business

LATIN AMERICA AEROLINEAS ARGENTINAS* Club Condor

AIR CANADA Executive First 767-300 24–25 1-1-1 43.5”

Herringbone

777-200LR 42 1-2-1 43.5”

Herringbone

777-300ER 42 1-2-1 43.5” Herringbone

AMERICAN AIRLINES Business Class

757-200 22/24 737-800 16 777-200 37 757-200 16 767-300 30

2-2 2-2 2-3-2 2-2 2-2-2

38–39” 21” 115–121° Y 40–41” 21” 115–121° Y 60–61” 21–26” 171° EST Y 58–59” 21–26” 171° Y 59” 20–23.6” 171° EST Y

AVIANCA* Business Class

A330 A320 A319

30 12 12

2-2-2 2-2 2-2

65” 38” 38”

20.7” 22” 22”

170° 170° 170°

Y Y Y

Y Y Y

7 N/R N/R

N/R N/R Y N/R N/R Y N/R N/R Y

N/R N/R N/R

DELTA AIR LINES BusinessElite 767-300 30 2-2-2 60”

767-300 (L) 35 2-2-2 60”

777-200LR 45 1-2-1 44”

Herringbone

777-200ER 45 1-2-1 44”

Herringbone * Airline did not reply. Survey 767-400 39 1-2-1 44”

Herringbone information was compiled

A330-300 34 2-2-2 60” with GT research.

A330-200 32 2-2-2 60”

globaltravelerusa.com

18.5” 160° Y N 18.5” 160° Y N 28.6” 180° Y N

340 340 385

25 N/A 85 25 N/A 85 300+ N/A 350

N/A D Y Y 2006 N/A D Y Y 2006 N/A D Y Y 2008

28.6” 180° Y N

385

300+ N/A

350+

N/A

D Y N 2011

18.5”

180°

Y

N

340

100+

N/A

100+

N/A

D

Y

Y

2011

20” 20.25”

176° 176°

Y Y

N N

56 56

40 40

0 0

10 10

Email, SMS Email, SMS

D D

Y Y

Y Y

2010 2010

2012 | Global Traveler’s Class Act Guide | 21

Aircraft

Number of Seats

Layout

Seat Pitch

Seat Width

Recline

Power for Laptop

Adapters Required

Number of Audio Channels

Number of Movies

Number of News Channels

Number of Other Video Programs

WiFi on Board

Lounges Shared or Dedicated

Free WiFi in Lounges

Amenity Kits Included

Date of Last Major Cabin Overhaul

777-200ER 777-200

28 28

2-3-2 2-3-2

60” 74”

20.1” 20.1”

167° 180°

Y Y

N N

500 CDs 500 CDs

54+ 54+

3 3 + Text

70+ 70+

N N

B B

Y Y

Y Y

2011 2009

767-300

30

2-2-2

74”

20–23.6”

180°

Y

N

12 + 750 CDs

47

N/R

123

N

B

Y

Y

2008

15 3

N N

S Y Y 2009 S Y Y 2009

Business CLASS LATIN AMERICA Cont.

KOREAN AIR Prestige Plus Prestige Sleeper

LAN AIRLINES* Premium Business

TAM Business Class

A330 36 2-2-2 767 42 2-1-2

63” 54”

20” 180° Angled Y N 22” 143° EST N N

11 11

86 2

0 0

UNITED BusinessFirst

777 49 777 40 777 50 787-8 36 767-400 20 767-300 26 767-400 39 767-300 30

2-3-2 2-4-2 2-2-2 2-2-2 2-1-2 2-2-2 2-1-2 2-1-2

55” N/A N/A N/A 55” N/A N/A N/A

20.5” 19” 23” 21” 21” 19” 21” 21”

147° 180° 180° 180° 156° 180° 180° 180°

Y Y Y N Y N Y N Y Y Y N Y N Y N

20 20 + 3,000 Tracks 20 + 3,000 Tracks 20 + 3,000 Tracks 20 20 + 3,000 Tracks 20 + 3,000 Tracks 20 + 3,000 Tracks

9 150 150 150 16 60 150 150

N/A 9 N N/A 150+ Coming 2013 N/A 150+ Coming 2013 N/A 150+ N N/A 16 N/A N/A 150+ Coming 2013 N/A 150+ Coming 2013 N/A 150+ Coming 2013

D Y Y Upcoming D Y Y 2010 D Y Y 2010 D Y Y N/A D Y Y In process D Y Y 2009 D Y Y 2012 D Y Y 2012

US AIRWAYS Envoy A330-200 20 1-2-1 Pod 20.5” 180° Y N 10 + 100 CDs 75 N/A 50 Hrs,

10 Games

767-200 18 2-2-2 62” 19.5” 170° Y N 10 + 75 CDs 60 N/A 45 Hrs

N

B

Y

Y

2009

N

B

Y

Y

2008

MIDDLE EAST/ AFRICA AIR CANADA Executive First 767-300 24–25 1-1-1 43.5”

Herringbone

777-200LR 42 1-2-1 43.5”

Herringbone

777-300ER 42 1-2-1 43.5”

Herringbone

20.35”

180°

Y

N

12 + 100 CDs

150

1

200

N

B

Y

Y

2008

20.35”

180°

Y

N

12 + 100 CDs

150

1

200

N

B

Y

Y

2008

20.35”

180°

Y

N

12 + 100 CDs

150

1

200

N

B

Y

Y

2009

DELTA AIR LINES BusinessElite 767-300 30 2-2-2 60” 18.5” 160° Y N

767-300 (L) 35 2-2-2 60” 18.5” 160° Y N

777-200LR 45 1-2-1 44” 28.6” 180° Y N

Herringbone

777-200ER 45 1-2-1 44” 28.6” 180° Y N

Herringbone

767-400 39 1-2-1 44” 18.5” 180° Y N

Herringbone

A330-300 34 2-2-2 60” 20” 176° Y N

A330-200 32 2-2-2 60” 20.25” 176° Y N

747-400 48 1-2-1/1-1 60-65” 20” 180° Y N

340 340 385

25 N/A 85 25 N/A 85 300+ N/A 350

N/A D Y Y 2006 N/A D Y Y 2006 N/A D Y Y 2008

385

300+ N/A 350+

N/A

D Y N 2011

340

100+ N/A 100+

N/A

D Y Y 2011

56 56 385

40 0 10 Email, SMS D Y Y 2010 40 0 10 Email, SMS D Y Y 2010 300+ N/A 350 N/R D Y Y 2011

EGYPTAIR* Horus

777-300ER 49 2-3-2

78”

20” 180° Y Y

73

30 N/R 35

N

S N Y N/R

747 49 2-2/2-3-2 777 35 2-3-2

62” 62”

20” 173° Y Y 20” 173° Y Y

10 96+

16 37

20+ 20+

N N

D Y Y Annual D Y Y Annual

Business Class 777-300ER 42 2-3-2 72” 20.5” 180° Y Y 800 200 Satellite 450+ updates

777-200LR 42 2-3-2 72” 20.5” 180° Y Y 800 200 Satellite 450+ updates

A380 76 1-2-1 79” 18.5” 180° Y Y 800 200 Satellite 450+ updates

N

B Y Y Ongoing

N

B Y Y Ongoing

Y

D Y Y Ongoing

N

S Y Y 2012

EL AL ISRAEL AIRLINES Premium Business Class

2 2

EMIRATES

ETHIOPIAN AIRWAYS* Cloud Nine

787 24 2-2

65”

21” 160° Y N

10

30 N/R N/R

ETIHAD AIRWAYS Pearl Business Class A340-500 28 1-2-1 Staggered 21” 180° Y Y 14 + 400 CDs 82 N/R 127 N B Y Y 2010-11

A340-600 32 1-2-1 Staggered 21” 180° Y Y 14 + 400 CDs 82 N/R 127 N B Y Y 2010-11 * Airline did not reply. Survey 777 28 1-2-1 Staggered 22” 180° Y Y 14 + 400 CDs 82 N/R 127 N B Y Y 2010-11 information was compiled 777 40 1-2-1 Staggered 22” 180° Y Y 14 + 400 CDs 82 N/R 127 N B Y Y 2010-11 with GT research.

22 | Global Traveler’s Class Act Guide | 2012

globaltravelerusa.com

Amenity Kits Included

Free WiFi in Lounges

180° 180°

Y N Y N

500 500

150 15 150 15

50 50

N N

D Y Y N/R D Y Y N/R

31”

176°

Y

24 20 24 18 24

2-3-2 2-2 2-2-2 2-2-2 2-2-2

45” 45” 45” 45” 45”

N/R N/R N/R N/R N/R

160° 160° 160° 160° 160°

A330 44 2-2-2 A320 24 2-2 A321 31 2-2

60” 48” 48”

54” 160° 57” 127° 57” 127°

777-300ER 42 2-2-2 777-200LR 42 2-2-2

78” 78”

22” 22”

1

10

N

D

5 5 5 5 5

N N N N N

Date of Last Major Cabin Overhaul

B N N N/R B N N N/R B N N N/R

76”

Lounges Shared or Dedicated

N N N

2-3-3

WiFi on Board

Number of Movies

14 N/R 10 14 N/R 10 14 N/R 10

28

Number of Other Video Programs

Number of Audio Channels 12 12 12

777-200ER

Number of News Channels

Adapters Required

Y N Y N Y N

Power for Laptop

20+ 20+ 20+ 20+ 20+

Recline

12 12 10 10 12

Seat Width

24

Seat Pitch

10

Layout

N/A

Number of Seats

MIDDLE EAST/ AFRICA Cont.

Aircraft

Business CLASS KENYA AIRWAYS* Premier World

N/R N/R

N/R

N/R N/R N/R N/R N/R N/R N/R N/R N/R N/R

N/R N/R N/R N/R N/R

KUWAIT AIRWAYS* Oasis

777 A320 A310 A300 A340

N/R N/R N/R N/R N/R N/R N/R N/R N/R N/R

N/R N/R N/R N/R N/R

N/R N/R N/R N/R N/R

MIDDLE EAST AIRLINES* Cedar Class

QATAR AIRWAYS

Business Class

ROYAL AIR MAROC* Premium Class

767-300

10

2-1-2

60–70”

29”

150°

Y

N/R

N/R

N/R

N/R

N/R

N

S

Y

Y

N/R

A340

24

2-2-2

83”

20”

180°

N

N/A

8

5

2

V

N

B

N/A

Y

2010

777-268L

38

2-3-2

70” EST

19.5”

180°

Y

N

30

10

0

27

N

S

Y

Y

2009

A340-300 A340-600

38 42

2-2-2 2-2-2

73” 73”

24” 24”

180° 180°

Y Y

N N

40+ CDs 40+ CDs

44 44

0 0

28 28

N N

B B

Y Y

Y Y

2006 2006

49 40 50 36

2-3-2 2-4-2 2-2-2 2-2-2

55” N/A N/A N/A

147° 180° 180° 180°

Y Y Y Y

Y 20 N 20 + 3,000 Tracks N 20 + 3,000 Tracks N 20 + 3,000 Tracks

D D D D

Y Y Y Y

Y Upcoming Y 2010 Y 2010 Y N/A

B

Y

Y

ROYAL JORDANIAN Crown Class

SAUDI ARABIAN AIRLINES* Business Class

SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS Premium Business Class

UNITED BusinessFirst

777 777 777 787-8

20.5” 19” 23” 21”

9 150 150 150

N/A 9 N/A 150+ N/A 150+ N/A 150+

N Coming 2013 Coming 2013 N

US AIRWAYS Envoy A330-200 20 1-2-1 Pod 20.5” 180° Y N 10 + 100 CDs 75 N/A 50 Hrs

10 Games

N

2009

* Airline did not reply. Survey information was compiled with GT research.

SOMETIMES IT’S THE little touches that mean the most to premium travelers. While our charts are fairly comprehensive when it comes to the seat, overall space and technical aspects, they don’t account for the special nuances and touches of the service experience that can make or break your flight. When we reached out to the airlines, we offered them the option to share any quirky or unique offerings in their premium cabins. A few added extras stood out.

Aer Lingus uses custom Wedgwood china and Waterford crystal for meal service, while Hainan’s A330 aircraft house onboard espresso machines.

A shift toward finer dining in the air is exemplified by Air New Zealand’s International Airline Wine Concierge between Los Angeles and Auckland, and by Etihad’s in-flight chefs on Diamond First Class to cook meals upon request. TAM’s Sabor que faz Bem (flavor that makes you feel good) menu, designed by executive chefs, is a blend of organic ingredients and nutrient-rich dishes. Technologically speaking, American Airlines’ passengers have a leg up on transcontinental flights with GALAXY Tab 10.1 tablets from Samsung available for use in flight. And for freshening up pre-landing, Qatar Airways teamed up with leading designer Salvatore Ferragamo to develop his and hers amenity kits.

The options are limitless and the advances never-ending. Each year, the premium travel experience changes to accommodate the needs of a group of travelers in the know — travelers like you.

With all the details at your fingertips, make sure your next first- or business-class flight offers all you are expecting and more. globaltravelerusa.com

AT YOUR SERVICE: An Etihad Airways in-flight chef PHOTO: Etihad

2012 | Global Traveler’s Class Act Guide | 23

GT tested

Finnair Business Class Helsinki (HEL) to New York (JFK)

Reviewed by Ron Bernthal

Pre-Flight: The relaxing check-in, however, was nothing compared to Finnair’s award-winning Business Class Lounge near Gate 37 in the expanded terminal wing. Designed by the Finnish firm Isku, the large room includes a computer area with Apple desktops and free WiFi; a self-service hot and cold buffet table and soft-drink fountains; self-service beer and bottled wine access; a high-quality wine cellar; and comfortable seating areas with couches, chairs, exquisite lighting fixtures, TVs and recliners facing floor-to-ceiling runway-view windows.

There are also six private showers, and everything is beautifully decorated (even the shower rooms) by top Finnish design firms, including the lovely Iittala glassware and Marimekko fabrics.

Prior to my 2:10 p.m. departure, the buffet offered tandoori chicken soup, satay chicken skewers, salad and a variety of bread and rolls.

The adjacent Finnair Spa Lounge offers sauna, treatment and massage services to Finnair Plus Platinum members; all other passengers pay an entry fee. There is a dedicated business-class boarding lane at the gate.

In-Flight: The Airbus A330-300 business cabin has a 2-2-2 staggered configuration, giving almost every seat direct aisle access. The 42 angled, lie-flat seats have a 60-inch pitch when seat backs are up; and a wide console provides plenty of room for glasses, small plates and reading glasses.

Bright, flexible-arm reading lights are perfect for late-night reading; and the 12-inch entertainment screens on the seat backs offer a selection of TV programs, movies, games and music. Finnair’s “eco” amenity kit is a small, brown bag with socks, eye shades and earplugs. Additional amenities are available from cabin staff. Although a mattress was not provided, I really liked the thick, blue duvet — perfect for covering up against the cabin air-conditioning.

As we gained altitude over the Gulf of Bothnia, where thousands of Finland’s Åland Islands spread out in the sun-splashed sea, the cabin crew served a wonderful selection of Nordic cuisine, beginning with a salad of smoked whitefish, Baltic herring roe, smoked roast elk and Lappish baked cheese. For the entrée, I chose baked salmon with crayfish sauce, asparagus purée and spinach, accompanied by a Chassagne Montrachet 2009 white. A light dessert of berries, fresh fruit and cheese followed.

24 | Global Traveler’s Class Act Guide | 2012

PHOTO: © Finnair

On the Ground: Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is known for its efficiency and peaceful ambience, and checkin at Finnair’s Terminal 2 business-class counter was as pleasant as humanly possible, with no line, friendly staff and clear directions to security lanes and lounge access.

Midway through the eight-hour, 40-minute flight, the crew offered birch or green tea, lip balm, moisturizer and organic deodorant; about two hours prior to landing, they served a light snack of Scandinavian open shrimp sandwiches and fresh fruit and berries.

The Experience: All aspects of the flight went as planned.

Departure from Helsinki was only 10 minutes late, and the flight crew made up time and even arrived 30 minutes early.

One of the best in-flight amenities was the outstanding view from the nose-mounted camera, especially during take-off and landing — like having a seat on the flight deck. A camera mounted under the aircraft and angled downward offered another viewing option.

Helsinki is designated World Design Capital 2012, and Finnair has done its part in bringing Finnish design to the forefront of its corporate image, from the design and architecture of its home airport’s Business Lounge and Spa to the new designer uniforms of the cabin crew, featuring dark blue and white outfits and scarves and retro World War II Women’s Army Corps-style caps.

Although I never saw the aromatherapy pillow which I read was part of the amenity offerings, Finnair, founded in 1923, demonstrated its corporate experience and staff efficiency well on this flight and on my JFK–HEL segment the previous week.

GT Checklist  Less than 10 minutes for check-in  Friendly and helpful agents  Priority tagged bags  Airport lounge  Complimentary in-lounge food  Priority boarding  Helpful and courteous in-flight staff  Pre-flight beverage service  Pre-flight newspapers and magazines  Amenity kits  Slippers  Lie-flat seat/bed  Mattress pad and comforter  In-flight menu offering choice of three entrées  Top-shelf wines and liquors

globaltravelerusa.com

PHOTO: © Virgin America

GT tested

Virgin America First Class New York (JFK) to Los Angeles (LAX)

Reviewed by: Kimberly Krol On the Ground: I arrived at JFK International Airport with 90 minutes to spare before my transcontinental flight. I made my way to check-in, where there was no one in the first-class line. The people at the counter, however, were obviously in the wrong place and had their six bags spread across the premium check-in area. While they were delaying me, I appreciated the desk attendant’s patience with them. Eventually, they made their way to the correct line. The Virgin America staffer was friendly and talkative, and he had me on my way in minutes.

Pre-Flight: There is no Virgin America lounge at JFK, and I didn’t think to inquire further about lounge access. I learned after the fact that for a small fee I could have enjoyed the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse.

Instead, I made my way through security and perused shops along the way. The gate area was crowded, but with dedicated boarding, I was on the plane quickly and settled in as other passengers boarded.

In-Flight: It is no surprise to anyone who knows me well that I hope to catch a glimpse of a celebrity on my trips to Los Angeles. I was not disappointed on my flight, as I was seated directly across the aisle from globaltravelerusa.com

an Academy Award winner. I’ll be discreet and won’t reveal the person’s identity. And, no, I never worked up the nerve to initiate a conversation.

Once my excitement died down, I noticed the first-class cabin was full and the door was closing.

For a JFK departure, we were off the ground quickly.

Virgin America’s white leather seats have a 55-inch pitch and are quite comfortable. I was not looking to sleep but to relax, watch a movie and get some work done; so it did not faze me that the seats were not fully flat. The Red in-flight entertainment system was easy to use and loaded with options. I had just finished reading Water for Elephants and was pleased to find the movie offered on board. I also used the onboard WiFi, which was reasonably priced and easy to access.

Two meal options were available — a chicken dish and mushroom ravioli. I was passenger seven of eight, and there was no chicken left when I ordered. As I’m not a fan of mushrooms; this was disappointing.

I had checked a bag because I had packed scissors and other supplies I didn’t feel like taking through security. While I disembarked and arrived at the luggage carousel in minutes, I waited a long time for my priority-tagged suitcase.

The Experience: Despite a few small setbacks, my first-class Virgin America flight was extremely enjoyable. Ditto for my return flight a few days later. I would certainly choose the carrier again on my next cross-country trip.

GT Checklist     

        



Less than 10 minutes for check-in Friendly and helpful agents Priority-tagged bags Airport lounge Complimentary in-lounge food and beverages Priority boarding Helpful and courteous in-flight staff Pre-flight beverage service Pre-flight newspapers and magazines Amenity kits Slippers Lie-flat seat/bed Mattress pad and comforter In-flight menu offering choice of three entrées Top-shelf wines and liquors

2012 | Global Traveler’s Class Act Guide | 25

PHOTO: © Etihad Airways

GT tested

Etihad Airways Diamond First Class New York (JFK) to Abu Dhabi (AUH)

Reviewed By: Kimberly Krol On the Ground: From Pennsylvania, my commute to New York JFK can be arduous, usually including at least three modes of transportation. When I arrive at the airport, I hope for prompt check-in and a comfortable chair in which to collapse in the lounge. My on-the-ground experience with Etihad Airways met those expectations. I enjoyed pleasant conversation with the attendant as I checked in after zero wait in the priority check-in line. In about 15 minutes (my upgrade was being processed), my bag was tagged and I was escorted to the lounge.

Pre-Flight: I made my way to The Lounge, a shared lounge in Terminal 4 that hosts premium passengers from Air India, Air Jamaica, Arik Air, Avianca, Egyptair, Etihad and LOT Polish, among others, and is located before security.

I caught up on emails using the complimentary WiFi, charged my electronics and enjoyed a glass of wine. Meals and snacks are made fresh-to-order; breakfast is served from 4 a.m. to 12 p.m., with an all-day menu available until 1:30 a.m. I always get a bit anxious when lounges are located before security, fearing a nightmarish security delay will cause me to miss my flight, so I made my way to 26 | Global Traveler’s Class Act Guide | 2012

the gate 45 minutes early. Of course, security was a breeze.

The gate area was crowded and there was no separate line for first-class boarding, but with a flash of my boarding pass, I bypassed the line to board. Once on board, I was escorted to my luxurious, private first-class suite.

In-Flight: I was nearly left speechless when I stepped on board. The first-class suites feature large leather seats, ample storage space and compartments, a 23-inch entertainment screen and sliding screen doors. Highlights of my onboard experience included a personal food and beverage manager, a stylish sleeper suit, a large lavatory/ changing area, an in-suite closet and highly personalized service. The dining service is on demand, allowing passengers to decide when they would like to eat, with an extensive menu of options ranging from snack-type meals to more substantial courses. All my selections were tasty.

When I was ready to rest, the flight attendants converted my seat while I was changing. When I came back, I had a bed that looked more inviting than my own, made with 600-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets, a comforter and pillows. I closed my suite doors and rested peacefully for several hours. I enjoyed three movies and was comfortable for the duration of the 14-hour flight.

GT Checklist  Less than 10 minutes for check-in  Friendly and helpful agents  Priority-tagged bags  Airport lounge  Complimentary in-lounge food and beverages  Priority boarding  Helpful and courteous in-flight staff  Pre-flight beverage service  Pre-flight newspapers and magazines  Amenity kits  Slippers  Lie-flat seat/bed  Mattress pad and comforter  In-flight menu offering choice of three entrées  Top-shelf wines and liquors

The Experience: From beginning to end, my first-class flight was exceptional. I was treated like a VIP, and the airline certainly considers all the little extras that make passengers feel truly special. globaltravelerusa.com

Europe and Africa via Brussels Smooth & easy transfers via the Capital of Europe

By choosing Brussels Airlines, you are assured of exceptional comfort. Not just on board, but also on the ground during your transfer at Brussels Airport. Designed on a human scale, the airport has clear multilingual signs that enable easy navigation. Enjoy the hospitality of our ground staff and unwind in our award-winning Sunrise Lounge before you board your next flight. Once you’ve experienced Brussels Airport, you’ll understand why those who choose Brussels Airlines choose more relaxed travel, wherever their destination.

brusselsairlines.com or your travel agency

GT tested

Air France Affaires Business Class

San Francisco (SFO) to Paris (CDG)

On the Ground: With virtually no wait in the designated check-in line for Premium Voyageur passengers, we were quickly assisted by pleasant and efficient agents. We happily checked our bags with their priority tags attached, passed quickly through the designated security line and made our way to L’Espace Lounge.

The small lounge offers separate zones (but not individual rooms) for dining, television watching or going online. Minimalist in design and slightly worn but clean, the room had large windows covered by opaque shades, which let in natural light and screened out the rooftop view of ducts and airconditioning units. Leather club chairs with adjoining side tables and lamps and ample electrical outlets provided comfortable seating as I powered up my laptop to access the free WiFi. My husband checked out the three workstations and reported that one computer wasn’t functioning and the rest were frustratingly slow. Although we arrived just before 1 p.m. and were hoping to find lunch items, food offerings were limited to prepackaged snacks and small rounds of cheese. A little later, a few small sandwiches were set out — and depleted before I got to them. A good selection of sodas, soft drinks and bottled water were augmented by a self-service station of wines, Champagne and liquors.

The boarding announcement informed us of the time required to get to our gate — very helpful.

Pre-Flight: We boarded through a separate entrance but still found ourselves seated aft of the economy-class doorway, delaying attendant service. Our seats were stocked with an amenity kit (ear plugs, eye shade, toothbrush, comb, shoe horn, moisturizer, headphone covers, socks and a shoe bag), blanket, pillow and bottled water. Each also featured a USB port and electrical outlet, reading lamp, headphones and spaces for stowing personal gear. Once boarding was completed, we were offered Champagne, juice and a selection of newspapers.

In-Flight: Our dinner service — on white linen and china — began with an amuse-bouche of quail with chestnuts and cranberry preserves (and more Champagne) and proceeded to a delicious smoked duck and scallop flan appetizer and seasonal salad. The only disappointment here 28 | Global Traveler’s Class Act Guide | 2012

Photo: © AF/Ronan Guillou

Reviewed By: Patricia Vanikiotis

was the cold and rather dry rolls offered. Three entrées (including a vegetarian option) plus a special chicken dish were available; we both enjoyed the tournedos of beef in shallot sauce with two delicious red wine blends.

A cheese plate (delectable brie and camembert at perfect room temperature) was followed by a trio of miniature desserts and a choice of coffee, tea or an assortment of after-dinner liqueurs.

Cabin lights dimmed, and after sampling the abundant entertainment on the AVOD system (movies, TV series, games, music), I reclined my seat into its selfcontained shell and raised the footrest to achieve a notflat-but-nevertheless-comfortable position for several hours of rest. I’ve found most cabins to be quite cool and prefer them so for sleeping, but on this flight I was actually too warm. Breakfast, served about 90 minutes before we reached Paris, began with fresh fruit (the sweetest, juiciest pineapple I’ve had in a long time), yogurt and pastries and concluded with a choice of omelet and hash browns, blueberry crêpes or a cold plate of preserved meats and cheeses. I enjoyed the crêpes while my husband, the last to be served, had to accept the cold plate (and the front of the plane was not full — disappointing).

Not being coffee drinkers, we both found the hot chocolate — thick, creamy and rich — extremely satisfying.

GT Checklist  Less than 10 minutes for check-in  Friendly and helpful agents  Priority-tagged bags  Airport lounge  Complimentary in-lounge food and beverages  Priority boarding  Helpful and courteous in-flight staff  Pre-flight beverage service  Pre-flight newspapers and magazines  Amenity kits  Slippers  Lie-flat seat/bed  Mattress pad and comforter  In-flight menu offering choice of three entrées  Top-shelf wines and liquors

The Experience: This was my first flight on Air France and one I would gladly repeat. The comfortable seat, fine service and delectable food and wine made the nearly 11-hour flight a pleasant one. globaltravelerusa.com

First in Business gourmet cuisine

• • • • •

A lovely start:

Enjoy your choice of aperitif, including Laurent Perrier champagne, with a selection of delicious finger food Gastronomic: 4-course menu with a selection of starters and main courses, with highlights from Belgian cuisine Savor the best: Enjoy fine wines and spirits from prestigious cellars Sweet delights: Indulge in our world-famous Belgian chocolates, desserts and ice-cream Healthy bites: Fresh fruit available throughout the flight

Available on our daily service between New York JFK and Brussels.

As selected by Global Traveler’s Wines on the Wing Business Class Wine Survey; www.globaltravelerusa.com

brusselsairlines.com/experience or your travel agency

GT tested China Airlines Business Class

New York (JFK) to Taipei (TPE)

On the Ground: At Terminal 1, China Airlines is the first location, and there were very few people in line. As I stood in the business-class line, the agent called me to the first-class line, and I was checked in and handed my luggage receipt and boarding pass. I asked if this was a good seat, and the agent said yes, upper deck. China Airlines uses the Air France lounge at Terminal 1, and as it was still early, only light snacks and noodle soup were available. About an hour later, wrapped sandwiches were brought out. The Air France lounge has an acoustics problem; every click of a plate, every sneeze and conversation seems to be louder, making it difficult to concentrate.

Additionally, the lone TV on the wall was set to soap operas and it took some negotiation to change it to CNN. They are only allowed to put on CNN. Seems odd to regulate this.

Boarding was a little late, but the very friendly lounge agent made sure we did not go to the gate until just in time for boarding. A two-minute walk from the lounge at Gate 2 and I was at Gate 8 for China Airlines. Boarding was swift; several China Airlines staff thanked us for flying and welcomed us while boarding, a really nice touch.

Pre-Flight: I was in seat 10A on the upper deck of the Boeing 747-400. Staff on the upper deck helped with my carry-on luggage and took my coat. They provided a welcome drink and a bag of snacks in China Airlines’ signature pink. Before take-off, our drink order was taken and menus were distributed.

In-Flight: Once in the air, a flight attendant brought a trolley of magazines, a good selection of Chinese and English publications — but no Global Traveler! We will have to change that, I thought. China Airlines’ Executive Chef Sara Lin, formerly of the Grand Hyatt Taipei and Le Bernardin in New York, has created an East-meets-West dinner/lunch menu consisting of a selection of Japanese 30 | Global Traveler’s Class Act Guide | 2012

Photo: © China Airlines

Reviewed by Francis X. Gallagher

dishes and a Modern Gourmet selection. I chose the latter, which had a grilled scallop starter followed by either wokfried shrimp or USA beef tenderloin. All were very good.

The flight stops in Osaka, and for the Osaka–Taipei flight the selection switched slightly, so the wok offering included mixed seafood and pork, and the beef was Australian rather than USA. The Japanese menu was also slightly different.

This was China Airlines’ new flat-bed business-class service, and I was looking forward to a nice rest after several weeks of non-stop action on the East Coast.

The seat is not 180 degrees but was slightly slanted and offered a comfortable night’s rest. The much-anticipated seat has a large 14-inch screen on the back of the seat in front, with a wide selection of movies and programming.

The multi-function entertainment system is a real plus, offering movies, TV programming, music and games.

We landed in Osaka and transferred while the plane was cleaned and readied for re-board. The two-and-a-halfhour flight from Osaka to Taipei allowed enough time to sleep. My baggage (large golf clubs) was delivered in about 20 minutes.

The Experience: I love the 747-400 service, and it has been a long time since I was in the upper deck of this aircraft, so this was a win-win for me. The crew could not have been friendlier or more accommodating, and the seat is a vast improvement over the previous design. All in all, China Airlines is a good choice and a nice addition to the SkyTeam alliance.

GT Checklist  Less than 10 minutes for check-in  Friendly and helpful agents  Priority-tagged bags  Airport lounge  Complimentary in-lounge food and beverages  Priority boarding  Helpful and courteous in-flight staff  Pre-flight beverage service  Pre-flight newspapers and magazines  Amenity kits  Slippers  Lie-flat seat/bed  Mattress pad and comforter  In-flight menu offering choice of three entrées  Top-shelf wines and liquors

globaltravelerusa.com

First in Business rejuvenating sleep

•

Superior:

•

Luxurious:

•

Leading:

•

Innovative:

Seat can be turned into a fully horizontal flatbed of 2m with a large pillow and new bedding amenities Seat is equipped with a pneumatic cushion allowing passengers to choose the precise seat softness; relaxing massage and lumbar adjustment options also available The first airline to introduce this pneumatic technology with LED visualisation and memory of settings Touchscreen-controlled seat; adjustable blue mood lighting to create your personal lounge atmosphere

Available on our daily service between New York JFK and Brussel.

As selected by Global Traveler’s Wines on the Wing Business Class Wine Survey; www.globaltravelerusa.com

brusselsairlines.com/experience or your travel agency

Rise of the Middle Class

Premium economy attracts travelers looking for comfort, convenience and a measure of prestige.

By Ron Bernthal

W

henever Lorenzo Gianni flies overseas, he books seats in either premium economy or business class; but, like most international business travelers, he “prefers business class if the rate is reasonable.” Gianni — the south Florida-based vice president of sales and marketing for the South African hotel and gaming firm Sun International — flies various airlines depending on his destination but says, “Virgin Atlantic has one of the best premium-economy products for trans-Atlantic travel.”

Before 1992, a commercial passenger like Gianni could be sure that if he flew economy, all the other passengers in the cabin would share the same experience: check-in at the economy counter, a narrow seat, little legroom and a not-so-satisfying meal.

A sea change occurred that year when Virgin Atlantic introduced an upgraded economy fare, called Mid Class, aimed at the cost-conscious business traveler who flew economy for budgetary reasons but still required extra space in which to work or relax. The carrier rebranded the service as Premier Economy in 1994.

Soon after, EVA Air began premium-economy service (now Elite Class), and many international carriers quickly followed, M Movies KEY offering a slightly MU Music l arge r s e at and AB Alcoholic beverages N News programming additional ameniAK Amenity kits NP Newspaper ties for a higher fare AVOD Audio/visual n/r No response

on demand than economy-class PO Power outlets B Bedding (blanket, seats in the same RL Reading light

pillow or both) cabin. Today, many RM Reading material BW Bottled water ai rl i ne s of fe r a S Slippers CP Continuous premium-economy SMS Messaging programming TV Television CS Coffee service option, satisfying a VS Personal video EST Estimated need for business screen G Games or upscale leisure WiFi Onboard Internet HP Headphones travelers willing to LP Learning programs pay a higher fare for extra comfort but who find the business-class cabin sold out or priced above their budget.

Most but not all long-haul, non-U.S. international carriers — including but not limited to Air France, Cathay Pacific, Qantas, British Airways, KLM, EL AL Israel Airlines, Japan Airlines and Scandinavian Airlines — offer a premium-economy class. In addition to a larger seat with more legroom, various amenities are included depending on the carrier: lounge access, separate check-in areas, priority baggage tags and access to the shorter business- or first-class security line.

U.S. carriers were late to provide a premiumeconomy option, but in recent years most reconfigured their domestic and international seating plans and fares. Delta Air Lines’ Economy Comfort, United’s Economy Plus,

COMFORT CLASS: All Nippon Airways’ premium-economy seats PHOTO: All Nippon Airways

32 | Global Traveler’s Class Act Guide | 2012

globaltravelerusa.com

16 63

2-4-2 2-5-2

36–37” 36–37”

18” 18”

N/R N/R

PO PO

Y Y

AVOD, MU, VS AVOD, MU, VS, WiFi

N/R N/R

777-200 777-300 A330 A340 A380

24 28 21 21 38

2-4-2 2-4-2 2-3-2 2-3-2 2-3-2

38.2” 38.2” 38.2” 38.2” 38.2”

19” 19” 19” 19” 19”

123° 123° 123° 123° 123°

AB, AK, B, BW, NP, PO, RL, VS AB, AK, B, BW, NP, PO, RL, VS AB, AK, B, BW, NP, PO, RL, VS AB, AK, B, BW, NP, PO, RL, VS AB, AK, B, BW, NP, PO, RL, VS

Y Y Y Y Y

AVOD, G, HP, LP, M, MU, N AVOD, G, HP, LP, M, MU, N AVOD, G, HP, LP, M, MU, N AVOD, G, HP, LP, M, MU, N AVOD, G, HP, LP, M, MU, N

2009 2009 2009 2009 2011

777-300ER

44

2-2-2

N/A

20”

N/R

AB, AK, HP, PO

Y

500 Hrs, VS

ALITALIA

CLASSICA PLUS

Date of Last Major Cabin Overhaul

Entertainment

A330-300 777-200

Seat Width

Food Service

PREMIUM ECONOMY

Amenities

AIR NEW ZEALAND

Recline

Premium Voyageur

Seat Pitch

AIR FRANCE

Layout

AIR CHINA*

Number of Seats

Aircraft Type

Premium ECONOMY CLASS

2010 (UPDATED 2011)

777 A330

24 21

2-4-2 2-3-2

38” 38”

19” 20.1”

120° 120°

AB, AK, B, BW, CS, HP, NP, PO, RL AB, AK, B, BW, CS, HP, NP, PO, RL

Y Y

G, M, MU, N, TV, VS G, M, MU, N, TV, VS

2011 2010

PREMIUM ECONOMY

700-300ER

24

2-4-2

38”

19.3”

120°

B, BW, CS, HP, PO, RL

Y

AVOD, G, M, MU, VS

2012

700-200ER

36

2-4-2

38”

18”

120°

N/R

Y

AVOD

2005

777-300

30

3-3-3

36”

N/A

N/A

N/R

N

M, MU, TV, VS, WiFi

2012

747 777 767 777-300ER

30–36 24–32 24 44

2-4-2 2-4-2 2-2-2 2-4-2

38” 38” 38” 38”

18.5” 18.5” 18.5” 18.5”

118° 118° 118° N/R

AB, AK, CS, NP, PO, RL AB, AK, CS, NP, PO, RL AB, AK, NP, PO, RL NP, PO, USB, VS

Y Y Y Y

AVOD, G, M, MU, N, VS AVOD, G, M, MU, N, VS AVOD, G, M, MU, N, VS M, MU, T

2000 2000 2000 2010

19.3” 19.3”

N/R N/R

ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS

AMERICAN AIRLINES MAIN CABIN EXTRA

BRITISH AIRWAYS

WORLD TRAVELLER PLUS

Cathay Pacific Airways*

PREMIUM ECONOMY

DELTA

ECONOMY COMFORT

EL AL ISRAEL AIRLINES ECONOMY CLASS PLUS

EVA AIR

ELITE CLASS

ICELANDAIR*

ECONOMY COMFORT

JAPAN AIRLINES

JAL PREMIUM ECONOMY

KLM

ECONOMY COMFORT

LOT POLISH AIRLINES PREMIUM CLUB

OPENSKIES* PREM PLUS

QANTAS*

PREMIUM ECONOMY

A330-300 28 2-3-2 38” 777-300ER 28 2-4-2 38”

N/R N/R

Y Y

AVOD AVOD

N/R N/R

MD-90 MD-88 DC9-50 A320 A319 767-300 757-300 757-200 737-800 737-700 A330-300 747-400 767-300 767-400 777-300ER 777-200LR A330-200

15 15 14 18 18 28 23 18–26 18 18 32 42 31 28 36 36 30

2-3 2-3 2-3 3-3 3-3 2-3-2 3-3 3-3 3-3 3-3 2-4-2 3-4-3 2-3-2 2-3-2 3-3-3 3-3-3 2-4-2

36” 36” 36” 36” 36” 36” 36” 36” 36” 36” 36” 36” 36” 36” 36” 36” 36”

17.5 –18.5” 17.5 –18.5” 17.5 –18.5” 17.5 –18.5” 17.5 –18.5” 17.5 –18.5” 17.5 –18.5” 17.5 –18.5” 17.5 –18.5” 17.5 –18.5” 17.5” 17” 18” 17.8” 18.5” 18.5” 17.5”

115 –117° 115 –117° 115 –117° 115 –117° 115 –117° 115 –117° 115 –117° 115 –117° 115 –117° 115 –117° 130 –140° 130 –140° 130 –140° 130 –140° 130 –140° 130 –140° 130 –140°

PB PB PB PB PB PB, USB PB PB, USB PB, USB (SELECT AIRCRAFT) PB, USB AB, PB, PO AB, PB, PO AB, PB, PO AB, PB, PO AB, PB, PO AB, PB, PO AB, PB, PO

N N N N N N N N N N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

WiFi WiFi WiFi WiFi WiFi AVOD, TV, WiFi WiFi AVOD, TV, WiFi AVOD, TV, WiFi AVOD, TV, WiFi AVOD AVOD AVOD, G. M, MU AVOD AVOD AVOD AVOD

2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011

747-400

34 – 40

3-4-3

36”

17”

N/R

AB, AK, B, BW

Y

VS

2012

777-300ER 71/103

2-4-2

38”

18.5”

127°

AB, AK, B, PO, S

Y

AVOD, G, M, MU, NP, RM, SMS, TV

1992

757-200

14

2-2

33”

20”

111°

AB, AK, CS, PO, RL

Y

AVOD, G, HP, M, MU, TV

2008

777-300ER

46

2-4-2

38”

18.9”

120°

AB, AK, B, S

Y

G, HP, M, MU, TV

2008

747 777 MD-11 A330

34–40 34–40 34–40 34–40

3-4-3/3-3-3 3-4-3/3-3-3 3-4-3/3-3-3 3-4-3/3-3-3

35” 35” 35” 35”

17.5” 17.5” 17.5” 17.5”

116° 116° 116° 116°

AB, AK, B, NP AB, AK, B, NP AB, AK, B, NP AB, AK, B, NP

Y Y Y Y

AVOD, G, M, MU, TV AVOD, G, M, MU, TV AVOD, G, M, MU, TV AVOD, G, M, MU, TV

2009 2009 2009 2009

787

21

2-3-2

38”

19.5”

132°

AB, AK, B, BW, NP, PO, RL, RM

Y

AVOD, G, M, MU, VS

2013

757

28

2-2

N/R

N/R

130°

N/R

Y

G, M, TV

N/R

A380

32

2-3-2

38 – 42”

19.5”

105° EST

AB, AK, B, PO, SMS

Y

G, HP, M, MU, TV, VS

2008

* Airline did not reply. Survey information was compiled with GT research.

globaltravelerusa.com

2012 | Global Traveler’s Class Act Guide | 33

VIETNAM AIRLINES* PREMIUM ECONOMY

25 28

2-3-2 2-3-2

38” 38”

18.3” 18.3”

105° 105°

AB, AK, B AB, AK, B

Y Y

AVOD, G, M, MU, N, TV, VS AVOD, G, M, MU, N, TV, VS

2001 2001

777-300ER

63

2-3-2

46”

19.5”

N/R

AK, B, HP, PO, USB

Y

AVOD, MU, TV, VS, WIFI

N/R

111° 111° 111° 111° 111° 111° 111°

HP, RL HP, RL HP, PO, RL HP, RL HP, PO, RL HP, PO, RL HP, PO, RL

N N Y Y Y Y Y

M, MU M, MU M, MU, TV M, MU, WIFI AVOD, M, MU, TV AVOD, M, MU, TV AVOD, M, MU, TV

1999 1999 2012 1999 1999 1999 1999

N/R

AB, CS

Y

N/R

N/R

AB, BW, CS, HP, RL, WIFI AB, AK (Purchase)

Y

AVOD, CP, M, MU, N, TV, VS

2007

A319 40 3-3 35” 18” A320 36 –42 3-3 35” 18” 737 40 –51 3-3 34-37” 17.3 –17.9” 747 88 3-4-3 34” 17” 757 39 –45 3-3 34-37” 17 –18” 767 56 –63 2-3-2 34-36” 17.3 –18” 777 63 –104 2-5-2/3-3-3 34-36” 17 –18.25” 777-200ER

54

3-3-3

38”

N/R

VIRGIN AMERICA

MAIN CABIN SELECT A319 12 3-3 38” 19.7” N/R

VIRGIN AUSTRALIA

INTERNATIONAL PREMIUM ECONOMY

VIRGIN ATLANTIC AIRWAYS PREMIUM ECONOMY

Food Service

A330-300 A340-300

Amenities

Date of Last Major Cabin Overhaul

ECONOMY PLUS

Entertainment

UNITED

Recline

COMFORT CLASS

Seat Width

TURKISH AIRLINES

Seat Pitch

ECONOMY EXTRA

Layout

SCANDINAVIAN AIRLINES

Number of Seats

Aircraft Type

Premium ECONOMY CLASS

777-300ER

40

2-4-2

38”

19.5”

N/R

AB, AK, B, BW, CS, PO, RL, RM

Y

AVOD, CP, G, HP, M, MU, NP, VS

2009

A330

48

2-3-2

38”

22”

106°

AB, AK

Y

M, MU, TV

1992

* Airline did not reply. Survey information was compiled with GT research.

Carriers are now paying more attention to the back of the plane at the same time seeking the additional revenue premium economy can produce.

Virgin America’s Main Cabin Select and American Airlines’ Main Cabin Extra offer larger seats with more recline for a surcharge on economy fares. The surcharge varies depending on airline; row, aisle or middle seat; length of flight; and other factors. These seats are sometimes offered to airline frequent flyers as free upgrades or for a discounted price. Carriers may provide amenities like early boarding, free beer and wine and complimentary WiFi. With airlines paying so much attention to businessclass cabins, it was inevitable the economy cabin would suffer. Passenger complaints about coach class are legendary. Carriers are now paying more attention to the back of the plane at the same time seeking the additional revenue premium economy can produce, especially if they can provide upgraded economy passengers with their own segregated cabin. Passengers who hedge about paying a significantly higher fare than coach for premium economy relent more easily if a specially designated cabin is available. Known as the “curtain effect,” the cost of installing a fabric barrier in front of the coach cabin is more than made up by passengers desperate to sit on the “upscale” side of the curtain.

According to a SeatGuru.com study, booking premium-economy trans-Atlantic seats in advance costs about 85 percent more than regular economy, but when booking closer to the departure date, the cost may drop to only 35 percent more. Premium-economy fares on transPacific flights, however, don’t drop as much as the flight date nears and often remain about 95 percent higher than economy. Obviously, the longer travel time increases demand for better seats, and premium-economy cabins often sell out quickly.

34 | Global Traveler’s Class Act Guide | 2012

When comparing premium economy to business class, the difference is more startling. The high-priced premium-economy fare is generally about 65 percent less than the business-class ticket, but the differences in the seat and in-flight and ground amenities can also be striking. Many business seats are now lie-flat versions, or offer 50 percent more legroom if using conventional seats. There are also generally more food and beverage options in business, better in-flight entertainment, access to airport lounges and other amenities. Although some premium-economy seating includes a segregated area, most are still within the coach cabin. Airlines constantly eliminate or add premium-economy benefits depending on cost factors and revenue streams, so check airline websites for up-to-date comparisons of premium-economy and business-class fares and amenities.

This year, Turkish Airlines received the Skytrax award for Best Premium-Economy Class Airline Seat. Its Comfort Class seat, with 46-inch pitch, is offered on its Boeing 777 aircraft. Pitch is the distance between two rows of seats, the best indicator of legroom; most long-haul premium-economy seats have about a 38-inch pitch.

The premium-economy seat with the largest pitch (49.8 inches) is Air France’s Premium Voyageur seat on its Airbus A380.

Lee Schissler, senior vice president for Super Shuttle International, lives in Phoenix and books premium economy when flying domestically on flights more than three to four hours. “It’s worth the few extra bucks to have more legroom and access to power outlets,” he says, adding his personal equation: Distance x Risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis = Willingness to Purchase PremiumEconomy Upgrade.

globaltravelerusa.com

s pe c i a l A D V E R T ISIN G S E C T ION

Our D.C. Gateway Is A Great Way To Africa SAA’s Great Connections At Washington Dulles Make It Easy

Washington, D.C. (Washington Dulles)

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION PREMIUM SERVICE: SAA’s Premium Business Class cabin

AFRICA’S WARMEST WELCOME: SAA flight attendants

AIRPORT ACTIVITIES: Great Shopping & Dining Options at Washington Dulles

PEOPLE MOVER: The new AeroTrain at Washington Dulles

Seamless Service From the Nation’s Capital

It’s easier than ever to fly to both South Africa and West Africa from Washington, D.C.’s Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) with South African Airways (SAA) and their codeshare partners.

SAA features a daily direct flight from Washington, D.C.’s Washington Dulles (IAD) to Johannesburg, South Africa, via Dakar, Senegal, which offers travelers easy access to places throughout western and southern Africa. As the only non-stop flight from IAD to Senegal with continuing service to South Africa, it allows both business and leisure travelers great connections from Dakar to many other West African cities and from Johannesburg to more than 44 cities throughout the continent.

For travelers seeking multiple itineraries on their journey, SAA is the best choice when flying into or around Africa.

Washington Dulles Airport, SAA’s gateway, is in the midst of a $3 billion D2 Dulles Development Project making it a smart choice for travelers to Africa. One of the new enhancements at Washington Dulles is the

AeroTrain, a four-mile underground train system, which transports passengers from the Main Terminal to the midfield concourses, with a transit time of less than two minutes between stations. This airport improvement project keeps South African Airways’ gateway modern and functional.

Other complete upgrades at the gateway include: n A new airport traffic control tower and runway n Extension on Concourse B n Two additional parking garages n A moving walkway to Concourse B n Expansion of the Main Terminal

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION HIGH FLYING: South African Airways Daily Flights

EXTRA ROOMY: SAA’s Economy Class

SAA FLIGHT CREW

Premium Business Class: 180o lie-flat seat

South African Airways’ codeshare agreements with United Airlines and JetBlue and an interline agreement with Virgin America offer travelers seamless connections through IAD from more than 60 cities in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean to SAA’s daily flight to Dakar and Johannesburg. And as a Star Alliance member, South African Airways is able to offer you 1,293 destinations in 190 countries and more than 20,500 flights daily and frequent-flyer points that can be used on United Airlines, US Airways or Air Canada flights around the world.

United Airlines connections via Washington, D.C. (IAD) include: Atlanta

Detroit

Philadelphia

Austin

Houston

Pittsburgh

Boston

Indianapolis

Raleigh/Durham

Charlotte

Kansas City

St.Louis

Chicago

Las Vegas

San Diego

Cleveland

Los Angeles

San Francisco

Columbus

Miami

Seattle

Dallas/Fort Worth

New Orleans

Tampa

Denver

Orlando

In addition to daily non-stop flights to Africa and convenient connections, South African Airways is also known for its warm South African hospitality, exceptional service and amenities. When you fly with SAA, you will enjoy onboard amenities that are leaps ahead of the competition. SAA’s Premium Business Class seat has been awarded a 5-Star sleep rating by SkyTraxTM and features a truly 180o lie-flat seat with 73” pitch, massage function, power outlets, a warm duvet and fluffy pillows. SAA’s Economy Class offers industry-leading legroom of up to 34” inches at every seat which is 2”-3” inches more legroom than the competition. In addition to more space, all passengers also enjoy individual in-flight entertainment systems, a selection of freshly prepared meals, complimentary beverage and bar service, and an amenity kit to refresh with during the flight.

Experience the excellence for yourself.

To learn more about South African Airways or to book a flight, call 800.722.9675 or visit flysaa.com.

nections, delays and changes. At the airport, she goes straight to security check, bypassing the ticket counter, with her electronic boarding pass code displayed on her smartphone.

Prior to boarding, Berardino might use any of several apps to check on a destination’s weather, confirm a hotel reservation, look up ground transportation options and research the best airport restaurants and shops. And once she’s at her destination, apps like the personalized language guide TripLingo and Evernote, a cloud-based system for researching, documenting and organizing the minutia of business travel, are her useful go-tos.

For Berardino and thousands of other frequent air travelers, new technology is a game changer.

“Mobile technology is increasingly important for business travelers,” says Milton Pedraza, chief executive of Luxury Institute, a global research and consulting company.

“Travel is burdened with the unexpected, and real-time information through smartphones, apps and the increasing presence of interactive technologies at airports provides solutions.

Information is empowerment, and you can respond in effective ways to save hours and days — not to mention that real-time information alleviates stress.”

VIRTUALLY ALL INTERNATIONAL airports’ websites offer the traveling public excellent information on gates, flight status, parking and security line wait times. What’s gaining steam are airport mobile apps that put all this information and more into a passenger’s hands for real-time updates. Last year, a dizzying 17,000 travel apps were available, with airports an increasing part of the mix.

Denver International Airport is one such example, aiming to streamline and enhance the passenger experience through mobile and other consumer-interface technology. “As technology progresses at an extraordinary rate, we work alongside partners such as the airlines, TSA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to utilize the latest technologies,” says Robert Kastelitz, the airport’s deputy manager for technologies.

DIA’s mobile app, FlySmart, provides the full gamut of airport information, including flight notifications; airport navigation maps; information on restaurants, retailers and other concession services; and status updates on baggage claim deliveries and ground transportation. FlySmart offers a localized, customized content experience for Denver and 200 other airports throughout North and Central America, the Caribbean and the Pacific Rim. Another feature popping up at U.S. airports is the “wayfinding” kiosk, debuting soon at Denver. In the simplest terms, the interactive digital displays direct people to locations they’re not familiar with, according to James Rawsthoren, digital devel-

The Paperless Route T

echnology for travelers has grown up. If there are any doubts about its benefits, meet Angela Berardino. This tech-savvy public relations executive from Denver flies multiple times a month to tourism accounts throughout North America, embracing technology that streamlines and organizes her entire travel experience.

“I like the visual displays, the immediacy of updates, the organizational features, the convenience of going paperless and having information right in my hand,” she says of her smartphone that serves as her mobile office. “Technology saves me time and gives me options.”

For overall travel planning, she uses smartphone apps like Hipmunk and Tripit, aggregators enabling her to survey deals for air travel, hotels and rental cars on the go. For air travel, she receives an electronic boarding pass, usually through a United Airlines mobile app that also provides information on gate con-

38 | Global Traveler’s Class Act Guide | 2012

globaltravelerusa.com

PHOTOS: © CLEARCARD

Smart technology streamlines travel and keeps passengers in the know. By Ted Alan Stedman

oper with kiosk maker Four Winds Interactive. “The interactive displays are at key locations before and after security checks,” he says, “providing information on flights, scheduling, news, weather, intended destinations and so on.”

Premium pay-for programs that quicken transit are also on the horizon at select airports, with the new CLEAR program an example. Currently available in four U.S. airports (Denver, Orlando, San Francisco and Dallas/Fort Worth), the enrollment program ($179/year) allows members to clear airport security through dedicated checkpoints that utilize biometric identity verification. Members go directly to the CLEAR lanes and use their CLEARcard in an ATM-like machine that verifies identity and scans their boarding pass.

“CLEAR usually saves 30 minutes during the check-in process, and members never have to stand in line,” says Nora O’Malley, company spokesperson. “We’re carrier-agnostic and destinationagnostic; it doesn’t matter which airline, which destination. We usually get passengers through in five minutes.” Physical screening

by TSA still occurs, however. Eliminated is the often long line zigzagging to the TSA agent.

LAUNCHED IN 2008 by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Global Entry became a permanent voluntary program in February and had approximately 576,000 members enrolled nationwide as of July. The program is under the CBP’s Trusted Traveler Program and allows expedited clearance of pre-approved travelers who use Global Entry kiosks at any of the 27 participating airports nationwide. Global Entry is intended for frequent international travelers, but there is no minimum air travel to qualify. Applicants submit a $100 non-refundable fee prior to undergoing screening interviews. Upon approval, membership lasts for five years.

Most travelers with Global Entry clearance are processed for U.S. arrival in about five minutes, bypassing passport and baggage control lines by using an automated interactive kiosk activated by a passport swipe. The kiosk directs travelers to provide digital fingerprints compared with a passenger’s digital identity file, takes a photo and prompts travelers to answer declaration questions on the touch screen. Travelers receive a clearance receipt which they present to a CBP agent before leaving the inspection area.

One of the program’s newest participants is San Diego County Regional Airport, which unveiled its Global Entry kiosks in July.

“The Global Entry program is truly a force multiplier,” says Chris Maston, director of CBP’s San Diego Field Operations Office. “It allows low-risk travelers to complete the customs declaration forms and verify their entry documents and identity at the kiosks while our officers focus on those passengers we know less about.”

IN 2007, CONTINENTAL AIRLINES (now merged with United) became the first carrier to issue passengers an electronic boarding pass on their mobile phones. It was novel technology at the time, but thanks to the pervasiveness of mobile broadband and WiFi devices, the Mobile Boarding Pass, or Electronic Boarding Pass (known as eBP), is destined to become the paperless norm.

For the first time, more than half of all American mobile customers own a smartphone — up 38 percent from a year ago, according to an August report released by Nielsen. With a burgeoning customer base, eBPs expanded to 110 U.S. airports as of March under a TSA pilot program involving eight airlines: Alaska, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, Lufthansa, United, US Airways and Virgin America. globaltravelerusa.com

The move to paperless is made possible in large part by the switch from magnetic strip printed boarding passes to passes using QR codes, the distinct two-dimensional matrix bar code that stores a passenger’s personal flight information. In 2010, the International Air Transport Association announced 100 percent worldwide implementation of the QR code.

“This gives passengers greater choice in checking in at home, at a kiosk, on a mobile device or at an airport check-in counter,” states an International Air Transport Association announcement heralding the completion of the bar code project. The conversion to the code allows airlines to issue a single boarding pass for multiple flights, simplifying the journey for passengers with flight connections or those traveling on different airlines. “With more airlines offering the bar code via mobile device, the industry is on the way to paperless travel,” the IATA concludes.

The paperless process is simple. After confirming reservations, passengers have an eBP sent to their mobile device via email or text message, or they can download an airline’s own application to

a web-enabled smartphone where the boarding pass will appear with the app. The eBP comes as a QR code. Once it’s retrieved and saved, carryon passengers reap the biggest benefits by going directly to airport security, where TSA agents scan the displayed eBP. The pass is also displayed at the departure gate during boarding.

Still, the system has kinks. Smartphone batteries die. Calls come in during scanning.

Airport scanners aren’t always working properly.

In some cases, frequent flyers complain about the difficulty of getting credit for missing miles without having a printed boarding pass as proof.

Families traveling with multiple passengers on a single reservation have issues simultaneously displaying multiple eBPs on a tiny smartphone screen.

The solution? Printing a paper boarding pass copy as backup, proving that low-tech, for now, still has a purpose.

CLEAR clearme.com Evernote evernote.com FlySmart ionosplatform.com/mobile Global Entry globalentry.gov Hipmunk hipmunk.com Transportation Security Administration www.tsa.gov Tripit tripit.com TripLingo triplingo.com

2012 | Global Traveler’s Class Act Guide | 39

CEOs share the view from the helm of international carriers.

By Debra Bokur

B

ased on feedback from our readers, we asked CEOs from an assortment of international carriers to weigh in on what their airline offers travelers above and beyond other airlines, how passengers can best maximize their time on board, and what’s next for the airline in creating an outstanding customer experience. Here are the answers, straight from the top.

CEO, Finnair WHAT SETS FINNAIR APART? Our aim at Finnair is to create peace of mind for our customers every step of the journey.

Our experienced cabin crew treat customers as individuals. We have several competitive advantages on our side — the geographic location of our hub, Helsinki, enables us to offer the shortest routes to key Asian destinations. We are the first airline offering a direct connection between Europe and Chongqing, the fast-growing center of Western China.

Our Asian flights also have local cabin crews to serve Asian passengers in their own language.

HOW CAN TRAVELERS MAXIMIZE FLIGHT TIME? Our business class offers laptop plugs and satellite phones at every seat. Full lie-flat seats, quilts and pillows enable passengers to rest properly before reaching their destination. Our versatile entertainment system offers localized programming.

WHAT’S NEXT? We invested in making our Helsinki lounges peaceful havens, with Finnish- and Scandinavian-design furnishings; our non-Shengen lounge has private shower rooms so customers can freshen up between flights. We continue to develop services to meet the evolving needs of our customers.

Harry Hohmeister CEO, Swiss International Air Lines WHAT SETS SWISS APART? Swissness. We orient ourselves along classic, strong Swiss values: punctuality, credibility and integrity. We value the very best in product quality. Luxury for us means individual customer service, which is a focal point of our crew.

HOW CAN TRAVELERS MAXIMIZE FLIGHT TIME? Any way they wish. Business- and first-class passengers can take charge of their own comfort with extensive privacy and ample work and storage surfaces. Seats are equipped with pneumatic air cushions, recline fully into flat beds and include massage functions. Options include an extensive in-flight entertainment program and laptop/iPod connections. Our culinary concept celebrates the finest Swiss cuisine with menus created fresh every three months by top chefs. On evening and night flights, business-class travelers who prefer to sleep longer have the option of a quick dinner and breakfast served at a time of their choosing.

WHAT’S NEXT? Driven to exceed customer expectations, we continuously endeavor to widen our array of services. Look for typically Swiss main dishes in business class, such as Swiss mountain macaroni and cheese.

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PHOTOS: © Ekaterina Semenova | Dreamstime.com, Finnair, Swiss International Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic Airways, South African Airways, Japan Airlines

Straight from the Top

Mika Vehviläinen

Steve Ridgway CEO, Virgin Atlantic Airways WHAT SETS VIRGIN ATLANTIC APART? A journey to remember! Virgin Atlantic recently invested £100 million into our Upper Class experience with product enhancements in the air and on the ground. Passengers can work, play or relax in our Clubhouses before boarding; we’ve got a Jacuzzi and recording studio in our Heathrow Clubhouse, and our new JFK Clubhouse is the only lounge in the country featuring a salon.

A new Upper Class Suite on new Airbus A330s allows for a more luxurious sleep than ever before. With a huge, 87-inch bed surface, the seat is longer than any other airline’s business-class bed. Our innovative mood lighting changes color throughout the flight to help passengers unwind, fall asleep and adjust to time zones.

HOW CAN TRAVELERS MAXIMIZE FLIGHT TIME? With more than 300 hours of entertainment available, there’s something for everyone. Our meal service is served in courses, allowing passengers an enriched dining experience. Passengers enjoy ice cream from our friendly cabin crew during a movie, afternoon tea served later in the flight and an onboard bar where they can chill out with a glass of their favorite tipple.

WHAT’S NEXT? A brand-new Clubhouse opens at Newark Liberty International Airport later this year. We will launch service to Mumbai (with excellent connections from the U.S. East Coast) in October.

Siza Mzimela CEO, South African Airways WHAT SETS SAA APART? SAA offers the most direct flights from the United States to South Africa, ensuring travelers have the widest choice of service to many destinations in sub-Saharan Africa. SAA put a concerted effort into ensuring easier and seamless connections and has the widest footprint in and out of Africa.

HOW CAN TRAVELERS MAXIMIZE FLIGHT TIME? SAA provides a true South African experience from the moment passengers board. A great selection of meals, designed by renowned chefs, includes South African options and complimentary South African wines — offered in true, warm South African style. Business class features flat beds with extra-large pillows, duvets and padded seat covers; privacy screens; globaltravelerusa.com

ample workspace; laptop power points; and an audio-video-on-demand system stacked with entertainment.

WHAT’S NEXT? SAA scored a double success at the 2012 World Airline Awards, with travelers again voting SAA Best Airline in Africa and Best Airline Staff Service in Africa. As much as we are delighted and humbled by continued awards, we don’t intend to rest on our laurels: SAA embarked on a program whereby all staff members receive extensive customer service training.

Yoshiharu Ueki President, Japan Airlines WHAT SETS JAL APART? JAL offers unique Japanese hospitality, reflected in the details of our services and the sincerity with which cabin attendants serve our customers. In first and Executive class, attendants serve meals tray by tray and address our customers by name. Customers can expect an authentic Japanese experience, right down to the in-flight meals with ingredients that match the seasons of Japan. I hope to make flying more than just a means of transport for our customers, but a special time and space to be used and enjoyed.

HOW CAN TRAVELERS MAXIMIZE FLIGHT TIME? In addition to our comprehensive in-flight entertainment system, we recently began the gradual introduction of JAL SKY Wi-Fi for customers to stay connected using their own electronic devices. As we install the system on our fleet of Boeing 777-300s, the service will expand to more routes assigned with the aircraft. JAL is also the first airline to offer Sky Manga — a digital version of popular Japanese comic books — as part of the entertainment system. The service, currently with more than 30 titles in Japanese, is available on JAL’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

WHAT’S NEXT? We will continue to offer services and products of the highest quality based on hospitality from the heart so as to provide a comfortable and refreshing journey for our valued customers. Soon we will introduce new full-flat seats in Executive Class and will continue to create innovative services such as periodic tie-ins with popular food establishments like Yoshinoya and MOS Burger.

2012 | Global Traveler’s Class Act Guide | 41

Veteran travelers share their tips for making every trip enjoyable.

By Rob Rogers

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globaltravelerusa.com

PHOTO: © Ml12nan | Dreamstime.com

Travel Tricks and Treats

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ravel like an expert. Eat like a pilot. Pack like a stranded tourist and turn coffee shops into phone booths.

That’s the advice we received from our panel of veteran travelers, who shared their best-kept secrets for spending less time in airports and keeping safe on the road — as well as those items they simply can’t leave home without.

Nearly every expert we interviewed had the same advice for packing: Keep it light. For Rob Hard, that revelation came after he arrived in Frankfurt for a week of business meetings — without his suitcase.

“I learned how I was able to get by on what I had on my back and a few essentials I purchased to get me through the week,” says Hard, who travels about 10 times a year as publisher of BusinessTravelDestinations .com. “How do I travel now? Wearing mostly a single set of colors that coordinate and easily interchange with the color of one pair of shoes.”

Not everyone agrees, of course. Paula Vogel never travels without at least five pairs of shoes.

“I believe dressing up is a sign of respect for [another] culture,” says Vogel, who has visited more than 70 countries and averages seven to nine trips a year in her role as communications manager for a dental technology company. “Even while tent camping in Botswana, I brought along skirts to wear to dinner.”

While the United States and other countries tout their trusted traveler programs as a way to speed through airport security, few of our experts

PHOTO: © Ukrphoto | Dreamstime.com

use them, and at least one declares they are a waste of money. One trick that does seem to work — on the other end of the flight — is to request and fill out immigration forms before boarding the plane.

“A lot of times, people don’t seem to pick them up until they get in line,” says Angela White, whose work as founder and president of a Los Angeles-based music publishing company puts her on a plane at least once a month. “I have them all filled in, while everybody else is scrambling.”

Another expert suggests booking a car service through your hotel for both an airport pick-up and the return trip. It may cost more than a taxi, but the expense will be listed on your hotel bill — and you can put off a trip to the currency exchange until you arrive.

Celebrity chef Daniel Green loves to sample street food wherever he goes — even if his stomach is a little queasy afterward. His best restaurant tips, however, come not from locals, hotel managers or even fellow chefs, but from airline flight crews, who prefer meals both interesting and inexpensive.

“They’re not locals, but they’re not tourists, either. And that’s where I want to be,” says Green, who has appeared on the Food Network, Travel Channel and ShopNBC.com, and who travels internationally about four to five times a year.

Staying connected is essential, and a smartphone that works anywhere seems like a dream come true — until you’re hit with a bill for roaming charges. To avoid that problem, Angela White picks up a prepaid cellphone in every country she visits. Daniel Green, on the other hand, brings his phone but rarely uses it to make a call. Instead, he communicates by email, taking advantage of free WiFi available at coffee shops and other hotspots along the way.

“It’s easy in London, because there’s a Starbucks location about every three blocks,” Green says.

White does rely on her smartphone for apps like iTranslate, which helps her navigate conversations in languages she doesn’t know. Most of the time, however, she relies on a low-tech solution: pictorial guides (such as Point It or This, Please) that allow the user to indicate an item of interest by pointing to a picture of it.

When it comes to frequent-flyer miles, the best value by far continues to be upgrading from economy class on an international flight, says Green, who warns against the temptation to hoard miles rather than use them. Dot Wood points to another temptation for flyers who have been burned by their loyalty programs: credit cards that promise “no blackout dates” or “any flight, any time.”

“In effect, you would have to spend $500,000 to accrue the 500,000 miles necessary to get the benefit of one $5,000 round-trip business-class ticket to Europe,” says Wood, president of a construction firm, who also suggests using BookMyAward.com to manage miles. “Compare that to the $100,000 you’d spend — for the same points — by using an airline-branded credit card.”

All those miles add up to hard-earned wisdom. Angela White wishes she’d known years ago about the Passport Card available for U.S. citizens — something she can carry in her wallet while leaving her passport in her hotel safe. The card does not replace a passport, but can be used for identification and for travel to and from Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

Daniel Green learned the hard way that flying direct always offers the best value. “You might save 20 percent off your ticket [by taking a connecting flight],” Green says. “But that’s nothing compared to what you might lose if you miss your connection.” globaltravelerusa.com

Nearly every expert we interviewed had the same advice for packing: Keep it light.

BAG OF TRICKS Our experts’ top travel resources:

Hotels and resorts Jetsetter jetsetter.com

Airline amenities

Luxury Link luxurylink.com

SeatGuru seatguru.com

Luggage

Destination information

Mandarina Duck mandarinaduck.com

WikiTravel wikitravel.org

Tumi tumi.com

Expedited travel documents

Miles management

Visas International visasinternational.com

Book My Award bookmyaward.com

2012 | Global Traveler’s Class Act Guide | 43

DELICIOUS DOWN UNDER: Lunch at a Qantas lounge PHOTO: Qantas

Pleasing the D Passenger Palate Airport lounges go the extra mile to satisfy premium flyers’ appetites.

By Barbara Radcliffe Rogers

44 | Global Traveler’s Class Act Guide | 2012

oes anyone actually choose an airline because of the food served in its airport lounge? Maybe not, but a tasty meal or snack can make any traveler feel pampered and glad for the investment in an upgrade. Making premium-class flyers comfortable is what airport lounges are all about.

That’s why airlines go the extra mile, asking acclaimed chefs to design fine-dining menus, offering local specialties made with in-season ingredients and even providing detailed nutrition information about lounge snacks.

Premium lounges worldwide reflect current dining trends, including the emphasis on locally sourced seasonal ingredients and healthy food choices. Delta Air Lines provides full nutrition information on each food served in its Delta Sky Clubs, from the morning bagels and granola to the cheese and crackers, so travelers with food concerns can check in advance to know a serving of hummus contains 63 calories and no trans-fat or cholesterol. Gluten-free and kosher options are also listed on the website.

No one espouses the case for locally sourced ingredients more vehemently than Qantas Executive Chef Neil Perry, well known for his restaurants in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.

“The cornerstone of good cooking is to source the finest produce,” Perry states, and carries out that mission in Sydney Airport’s Qantas First globaltravelerusa.com

Lounge, using local producers to provision his market-inspired seasonal menus. Perry prizes free-range Bannockburn chickens, for example, in his chicken schnitzel with Italian coleslaw and aioli. He serves Rangers Valley 300-day grain-fed tenderloin with béarnaise, harissa and fries, and uses local free-range organic eggs and sustainably farmed blue-fin tuna. An almost entirely Australian wine list accompanies these dishes.

Finnair also designs menus around what’s in season from local waters and farms. A typical summer menu in its business-class lounge at Helsinki Airport might include fried salmon in a sour cream-dill dressing with new potatoes, followed by fresh Arctic strawberries and whipped cream, all very popular Finnish summer foods.

Other lounges around the world offer passengers a taste of local cuisine. In the summer, Iberia Airlines serves gazpacho in its VIP lounges at Madrid-Barajas, and guests head straight for the giant bowls of Andalusian almonds year-round.

Iberia’s Velázquez and Dalí lounges each have a Rincón del Vino (Wine Corner), where customers can enjoy different Spanish wines from a changing list of three reds, two whites and a sparkling wine.

SWISS First and SWISS Business lounges at Zürich Airport offer a “Swissness” menu of local specialties. These might include crisp potato wedges with a Vacherin dip, cured mountain ham and roasted onions followed by a plate of local cheeses. Their attractive photo menu helps travelers overcome any language barrier. The wine list includes Chasselas, a specialty of the Lavaux region, as well as an Epesses, Pinot Noir Vin de Pay Suisse and Tre Valli Merlot from the Ticino.

In its SilverKris lounge at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3, Singapore Airlines’ hot buffet menus run on an eight-week cycle and reflect Singapore’s diverse population, featuring comfort foods that bring home-style favorites to the airport experience.

Singapore Airlines’ vice president of communications, James Boyd, describes the bountiful buffet: “We balance the fun and the fine, sophistication with comfort.” Some recent examples that reflect the Chinese/Malay/ Indian makeup of contemporary Singapore include fried carrot cake, wonton noodles and prawn mee noodles representing Chinese cuisine; and Indian roti prata, dosai and uttappum (crêpes). Lontong (rice cubes with vegetable curry), mee rebus (a noodle dish) and chicken biryani reflect the Malay influences.

Singapore hotels are renowned for their breakfast buffets, and the lounge reflects this, too, with a wide variety of fresh fruits, juices and breakfast dishes. Boyd notes the breakfast is especially designed for arriving frequent flyers who want to check email, grab breakfast and take a shower, all in their limited time between flights.

At its Narita and Haneda hubs, Japan Airlines’ First Class and Sakura lounges offer a self-service buffet. A specialty at Narita, so popular it survives the quarterly menu changes, is Japanese-style beef curry — thick, sweet curry with generous chunks of beef, served over a plate of steaming rice and topped with ginger slices. JAL also serves wholesome gourmet soups by Soup Stock Tokyo. For passengers on late-night flights, JAL partners with airport restaurants, including Haneda’s KIHACHI and Akasaka Rikyu, for pre-departure dinners.

A local favorite in Korean Air’s First Class Lounge at its Incheon hub is jellyfish salad, and at dinner guests enjoy coconut chicken rolls and pan-seared beef tenderloin or shrimp with sweet chili sauce. On the other side of the world, LOT Polish Airlines uses traditional Polish products in all dishes served at the LOT Business Lounge, which opened last year at Warsaw’s Frederic Chopin Airport. A wide choice of snacks and cold cuts, including Polish hams and cured meats, are always available, and three full meals are served. The self-service bar includes a wide selection of vodkas.

While local dishes give curious travelers a taste of their locale, airlines also understand their guests come from differing food traditions, so most offer a variety appealing to a wide range of tastes. Like JAL and Singapore Airlines, whose buffets include both international and Western cuisines, Korean Air’s First globaltravelerusa.com

FRESH AND LOCAL: A salad bar in a Japan Airlines lounge (top), and a fresh drink at a LOT Polish Airlines lounge (above) PHOTOs: JAL, LOT

2012 | Global Traveler’s Class Act Guide | 45

PICK OF THE DAY: A British Airways lounge PHOTO: Caroline Titmuss

Class Lounge at Incheon pleases international palates with lunches and dinners catered by the nearby Hyatt Regency Incheon. Menus might include salade Niçoise followed by entrées like rigatoni pasta with eggplant or chicken in lemongarlic sauce, along with cheeses, breads, sandwiches and sushi. Breakfast can span the world, from Korean porridge to scrambled egg-BLT tortilla wraps.

At British Airways’ recently opened lounge at Newark, where the international menu changes monthly, chefs prepare tacos and Indian dosai at popular feature stations. In Emirates’ lounges in 28 airports worldwide, large buffets feature healthy dishes made from fresh, seasonal ingredients; guests can select from Arabic, Far Eastern, Western or vegetarian cuisine, including mezze, sandwiches and cheeses, plus desserts.

United’s Global First lounges serve à la carte dishes, changing selections quarterly. In Hong Kong, guests can expect dishes as varied as smoked duck and mango salad, Chinese pork soup, BLT croissant sandwiches, English muffins with scrambled egg and ham, tandoori chicken sandwiches, penne with spinach and bacon, several teriyaki dishes and sushi. United Club offers breakfast items, changing to snack mix, cheese, crackers and fruits in the afternoon. The Narita menu includes an East-West selection, from sushi and

46 | Global Traveler’s Class Act Guide | 2012

dim sum to cheese or fruit plates and quiches.

While most lounges cater to transit passengers, others also offer a fine-dining experience, especially designed for passengers boarding overnight flights. Iberia’s three VIP lounges in Madrid are adapted to different types of clients, with short- and medium-haul Dalí and Goya VIP lounges serving paninis, sandwiches (perhaps chicken with Parmesan or turkey with Cheddar and curry sauce), hearty salads, cheese, ham, desserts and snacks. But in the long-haul Velázquez lounge, passengers are offered full meals, both hot breakfasts and dinners that might include codfish with grilled vegetables or tenderloin with red wine sauce and apples in caramel.

In addition to the Swissness Menu, Zürich’s SWISS First Class Lounge offers a gourmet menu that might include maigret of duck and seared scallops with sweet potato and shredded cucumbers, followed by a dessert plate of chocolate-mocha cream cake, cherry ice cream and cherry fritter.

British Airways’ Galleries lounges around the world have a “sleeper service” for customers on flights departing in the evening — passengers can have a full meal in the lounge to maximize sleep time on the plane. BA’s First Class Concorde Lounge features private dining booths with full silver service for premium restaurant dining before departure. globaltravelerusa.com

All that glitters: Gold shop at Dubai Duty Free, Dubai International Airport PHOTO: © Dubai Duty Free

Putting on the Glitz

Duty-free hubs lure shoppers with big-name luxury brands.

By Lynn Seldon

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iffany & Co. Louis Vuitton. Dom Perignon. Prada. Cartier. Coach. Cohiba Magicos. Moët Hennessy. Giorgio Armani. Gucci. Givenchy. Bvlgari. Brookstone.

Blancpain. These names are simply synonymous with an opulent lifestyle. Luxury lines and chains such as these are being seen — and shopped — more than ever at duty-free hubs around the world. Affluent travelers from China, Russia, Brazil and beyond are fueling the trend, but global travelers from North America are also getting into the luxe shopping act.

“HMSHost [one of the world’s largest providers of food, beverage and retail services for travelers] has recognized the importance of luxury retail in airports for several years,” says Jim Schmitz, HMSHost’s vice president of merchandising and retail. “Our luxury brands, such as Salvatore Ferragamo, MAC [Cosmetics], Tommy Hilfiger and Kiehl’s, offer domestic and foreign travelers a popular, high-end shopping experience.”

The luxury-leaning duty-free trend is cer-

48 | Global Traveler’s Class Act Guide | 2012

tainly the case at Dubai International Airport.

With sales easily exceeding $1 billion annually — enough for a 5 percent take of worldwide airport duty-free shop sales — Dubai Duty Free sells more than just a few bottles of perfume and chocolate bars. We’re talking an array of the world’s best goods in one spot — all 60,000 square feet and counting. Future plans include a 2013 Concourse 3 expansion dedicated to Emirates’ Airbus A380 fleet and the opening of Concourse 4 in the coming three or four years.

Founded in late 1983, Dubai Duty Free has been in existence almost 30 years. But the luxury side of sales really glistened like a Tiffany diamond in the past few years. In fact, sales were up 11 percent in the first half of 2012, placing Dubai Duty Free on track for annual sales of more than $1.6 billion for the year.

Incredibly, with sales to almost 50 percent of all Dubai International Airport passengers and an average of 62,000 transactions a day, Dubai Duty Free currently offers around 90 outlets across the departures and arrivals sections of globaltravelerusa.com

the sprawling airport. Plus, with the addition of more than 500 sales assistants in the first half of the year, Dubai Duty Free now employs more than 4,200 people — including six wine advisors and two spirits consultants. That’s a lot of help when it comes to buying luxury items.

To start the third quarter, July 1 marked the opening of the Dubai Duty Free-owned Jumeirah Creekside Hotel. At almost 300 rooms, the 5-star property is managed by the wellrespected Dubai-based Jumeirah Group and is located on the grounds of the Aviation Club in Garhoud (where there’s also lots of great dutiable shopping).

Along with concourse sales expansion and the hotel opening, Dubai Duty Free opened its first border shop July 11.

The Hatta Border Shop is located next to the customs and immigration offices at the Hatta-Oman border and provides 24-hour sales for drivers crossing to and from Dubai.

Dubai Duty Free enhances its luxe profile through highend sporting events. The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships celebrated its 20th anniversary earlier this year with wins by Agnieszka Radwanska and Roger Federer (his fifth Dubai title). The sporting calendar also includes horse racing at home and overseas, including the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby.

There are also innovative promotions like the Finest Surprise ($139 tickets to win a luxury car), the Millennium Millionaire and, most recently, a Finest Surprise complement featuring $28 tickets to win a Harley-Davidson or Ducati motorcycle. These promotions produced almost 1,500 luxury car winners from 70 different countries, 130-plus Dollar Millionaires and almost 200 upscale motorcycle owners.

Dubai Duty Free’s involvement in horse racing in Ireland

globaltravelerusa.com

is ironic, in that duty-free shopping as travelers know it today is generally accepted to have started on the Emerald Isle. In 1947, Dr. Brendan O’Regan opened the first airport duty-free shop at Shannon Airport. This was generally to serve trans-Atlantic passengers during fuel stops between North America and Europe.

Duty-free sales in other venues actually started much sooner, with British sailors able to purchase untaxed alcohol for at-sea consumption as early as the 1500s. Later, in the 1800s and 1900s, international ship passengers gained the privilege as well. Though to a lesser extent, duty-free sales for other border crossings (like trains, ferries and autos)

OPEN FOR BUSINESS: Grand opening of Dubai Duty Free’s Hatta Border Shop (top), and Sydney Airport Tax & Duty Free store (bottom) PHOTOs: © DUbai Duty Free, Sydney Airport

2012 | Global Traveler’s Class Act Guide | 49

SHOP THE WORLD: The Lonely Planet store at Sydney International Airport PHOTOs: © Sydney Airport

also grew. However, the huge growth of airline travel and airports that started in the 1960s and ’70s fueled air traveler duty-free sales in a big way.

The timing of this growth coincided with the founding and growth of what is now known as Duty Free Shops.

Begun in Hong Kong by U.S. citizens Charles (Chuck) Feeney and Robert Miller in 1960, DFS expanded globally to include operations in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan and beyond — including groundbreaking duty-free shopping in Hawaii that started in the early 1960s.

Duty-free devotees will love learning the original Shannon location still exists. But, like the rest of duty-free shopping around the world, it’s bigger and better than ever.

Along with the expansion of Concourse 3 and the opening of Concourse 4 at Dubai International Airport, the future of duty-free shopping is on display at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport. Just opened in May, the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal — which connects with the existing international concourse’s duty-free shopping — has taken international travel connection time to a more luxurious level.

“The duty-free stores will meet the needs of international travelers with a great selection of luxury products,” says Paul Brown, concessions director at the airport.

Along with two large Duty Free Americas locations, shop-

50 | Global Traveler’s Class Act Guide | 2012

pers will find familiar luxury brands like Brooks Brothers, Brookstone, Armani (at Emporio Armani), Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, MAC Cosmetics, Prada, Versace and more.

There’s also a new HMSHost concept on the horizon called Luxury Boutique, with well-known brands like Salvatore Ferragamo already in the luxe mix. Spanx, a popular Atlantabased hosiery company, chose to open its first airport location in its hometown’s new terminal.

Other duty-free shopping trends for luxe lifers include the world’s first (but likely not last) Louis Vuitton duty-free shop at Seoul Incheon International Airport; eight Tiffany & Co. duty-free stores by next year, and counting (including Berlin in 2013); day spas with a twist (like Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji’s My Foot Reflexology); unique “traveler” shops like the Lonely Planet hot spots at Sydney International and Manchester Airport, currently the Australian company’s only two stand-alone stores; the huge Harrod’s outlet at LondonHeathrow Terminal 5; and brand-specific logo stores like Ferrari at Rome Fiumicino, where there are no iconic dutyfree Ferraris for sale — at least not yet.

Earlier check-in time and longer layovers mean more time for international travelers to take advantage of upscale duty-free shopping, and shops worldwide routinely keep much longer hours than their non-airport counterparts.

Where time may be the ultimate luxury of all, that’s more good news for in-the-know luxe lovers.

If all this leaves you ready to shop until you drop into your assigned seat on the plane, it’s not surprising to retailers.

Just make sure you know your global duty-free allowances, which are generally applied to cigarettes, cigars, tobacco, wine, spirits and perfume. globaltravelerusa.com

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