Class Act 2017

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CLASS ACT 2017

Everything you need to travel the world in style

Class Act 2017

FIRST AND BUSINESS CLASS p. 8 PREMIUM ECONOMY p. 30 A VISIT TO AIRBUS AND BOEING p. 35 THE WORLD'S LONGEST ROUTES p. 38 HOTEL OPENINGS p. 42 FLIGHT ATTENDANT TRAINING p. 46

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EDITORIAL

Editor in Chief KIMBERLY KROL

kim.krol@globaltravelerusa.com

Vice President/Digital Director KATIE SKRZEK

DECISIONS, DECISIONS

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Associate Editor/Copy Editor PATRICIA VANIKIOTIS patty.vanikiotis@globaltravelerusa.com

WHEN IT COMES TO BOOKING FLIGHTS, especially long-haul flights, comfort is key. For today’s business traveler, it’s important to choose wisely when planning a trip to be sure the flight provides everything you desire. But airlines constantly upgrade their fleets and add new aircraft, so it can be difficult to keep track of what each airline offers. We’ve reached out to the airlines and done GREAT OUTDOORS: Tracey Cullen visiting the Finger Lakes in New York some research of our own to bring you this year’s PHOTO: © TRACEY CULLEN Class Act Guide, a comprehensive collection of everything you need to know about the first- and business-class cabins of airlines around the world. The user-friendly format makes it easy to compare airline to airline based on regions served, aircraft and amenities.

This year we bring you along on a visit to Airbus and Boeing headquarters, where you will learn just what goes into building the world’s largest aircraft. Join us as we discover the training it takes to become a flight attendant and explore the world’s longest routes. We also take an around-the-world look at some of the most anticipated hotel openings for 2018 and, as usual, provide a roundup of airline premium-economy-class offerings. For our readers — who take to the skies quite frequently and prefer to travel in the most comfortable way possible — this keepsake guide offers an indispensable tool for comparing routes and in-flight amenities and, ultimately, booking tickets.

I hope you enjoy our Class Act Guide 2017 and keep it handy when planning future business and leisure trips!

Assistant Editor NICOLE QUASTÉ nicole.quaste@globaltravelerusa.com Assistant Editor ANGELIQUE PLATAS angelique.platas@globaltravelerusa.com Digital Content Producer DEBRA BOKUR debra.bokur@globaltravelerusa.com News Editor ALLIE MOORE allie.moore@globaltravelerusa.com Assistant Digital Coordinator ALLIE MENZIONE allie.menzione@globaltravelerusa.com ART Art Director TRACEY CULLEN tracey.cullen@globaltravelerusa.com Staff Photographer CHRISTOPHER P. OTTAUNICK christopher@globaltravelerusa.com Special Events Video Editor VANCE PICCIN

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EASY DOES IT THE WAIT IS OVER — Global Traveler’s 13th annual Class Act Guide is here! Every year Global Traveler compiles all things aviation and packs it into a single special issue. Nowhere else can you get everything you need to know before booking your next flight, delivered to your door. Whether you’re a new traveler or the most experienced frequent flyer, you can rely on this handy tool as you plan upcoming trips.

As a newcomer to the premium travel lifestyle, I used to find it a bit difficult to choose the best method for getting places, with so many options to consider in order to enjoy the GOING PLACES: Ashley Richards at the Global Business whole process, not to mention getting from Travel Association convention point A to point B in style. Working for Global PHOTO: © ASHLEY RICHARDS Traveler benefited me in more ways than one, as last year’s Class Act Guide made my travel planning much easier.

The awesome team at GT simplified all the cabin information regarding first-, business- and premium economy-class seating, and also selected a good number of our airline reviews from the past year to include. My favorite section of our monthly issues is our GT Tested reviews — what better way to relate than through another traveler’s experience?

Indulge in these personal experiences, the easy-to-read seating charts and, of course, a sneak peek at the most anticipated luxury hotel openings in 2018.

For an inside look at the world of aviation, peruse our features on the world’s longest routes, flight attendant training and aircraft assembly at Boeing and Airbus. Whether you are traveling for business, leisure or bleisure, keep this special edition close as you embark on your global journeys. Enjoy!

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contents

Class Act 2017

34

42

46

ON THE COVER

8 On Top of the World Airlines continue to elevate the premium experience on the ground and in the air.

38 The Long Haul Technological advances make the world smaller as aircraft stretch their reach.

30 Premium Economy Airlines meet growing passenger demand for affordable comfort and luxury.

42 Grand Openings Look for luxury in the robust hotel boom of 2018.

35 From the Ground Up Get a glimpse of aircraft assembly at Boeing and Airbus facilities.

46 Flight Preparations Take an inside look at flight attendant training at Delta Air Lines.

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CLASS ACT 2017

Everything you need to travel the world in style

52

36

globaltravelerusa.com GLOBAL TRAVELER’S CLASS ACT GUIDE 2017

FIRST AND BUSINESS CLASS p. 8 PREMIUM ECONOMY p. 29 A VISIT TO AIRBUS AND BOEING p. 34 THE WORLD'S LONGEST ROUTES p. 38 HOTEL OPENINGS p. 42 FLIGHT ATTENDANT TRAINING p. 46

COVER PHOTO: SWISS' First Class Lounge on the Check-In 1 concourse at Zürich Airport PHOTO: © SWISS

6

Class Act 2017

PHOTOS: © DELTA AIR LINES, © AIRBUS, © MARRIOTT AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION, © DELTA AIR LINES

30

MADE OF TASTE

Magnifica: travel in pure Italian style. In our long haul Business Class you can enjoy award-winning Italian regional cuisine, seats that become fully-flat beds, Wi-Fi* connectivity and a touch of charm that will transform every flight into an unforgettable travel experience.

ALITALIA.COM | 1-800-223-5730 | TRAVEL AGENCIES

*In-flight Wi-Fi and international roaming is available on select aircraft at an additional cost.

On Top of the World Airlines continue to elevate the premium experience on the ground and in the air. BY SUSAN B. BARNES ABOVE AND BEYOND: (Left

to right) American Airlines' Flagship First Lounge at JFK, Hawaiian Airlines' Premium Cabin, Lufthansa's lounge at Boston Logan International Airport and artist's rendering of SWISS' First Class Lounge on the Check-In 1 concourse at Zürich Airport PHOTOS: © AMERICAN AIRLINES, © HAWAIIAN AIRLINES, © LUFTHANSA, © SWISS

8

WHEN IT COMES TO AIR TRAVEL, airlines constantly evolve to meet their customers’ needs and desires, especially when it comes to premiumclass travelers. From enhancing lounge experiences to providing exclusive check-in services to refitting planes with roomier seats, airlines know how to please their customers while staying in the black.

According to a story published this spring in The Wall Street Journal, the world’s biggest airlines are pulling out all the stops to provide their premium travelers with more perks while at the same time cutting back on basic amenities for those passengers who fly economy. There is a reason for that — economy fares have to compete with budget airlines, and airlines are looking to their premium cabins to make up the difference.

THESE DAYS, PREMIUM service is not limited to the air but often begins as soon as passengers arrive at the airport.

Passengers traveling on qualifying American Airlines’ international and transcontinental flights in its Flagship First cabin begin enjoying the airline’s first-class service as soon as they arrive at the airport with Flagship First Check-In. After being greeted and checked in by a dedicated Premium Customer Service representative, Flagship First passengers are escorted to an expedited security line for a quicker trip to the awaiting Flagship Lounge. American’s Flagship First Check-In service is available at New York JFK, Chicago O’Hare, London Heath-

globaltravelerusa.com GLOBAL TRAVELER’S CLASS ACT GUIDE 2017

row, Los Angeles International and Miami International, with service soon to arrive at Dallas/Fort Worth International.

Likewise, earlier this year British Airways introduced its First Wing check-in area at London Heathrow Terminal 5 for its First customers.

First Wing provides a dedicated two-lane security area and direct access to the airline’s Galleries First Lounge and Concorde Room.

For the frequent-flyer crowd, this spring Singapore Airlines became the first Asian carrier to offer TSA PreCheck to customers traveling from its four U.S. gateways — Houston (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX), New York (JFK) and San Francisco (SFO).

Passengers who book economy seats with Hawaiian Airlines but yearn to fly first class may have a chance. The airline debuted Bid Up

by Hawaiian Airlines last summer, an auction upgrade service that gives passengers a chance to bid on available first-class seats, along with all of the benefits including two complimentary checked bags, expedited check-in, priority pre-boarding, award-winning in-flight dining and more. Winning bidders are notified of their upgrade 48 hours prior to departure.

ONCE THROUGH SECURITY, it’s time to relax, and airlines invest millions to make their premium customers as comfortable as possible before takeoff.

Earlier this year, American Airlines expanded access to its Flagship Lounges to include business-class customers traveling on qualifying international and transcontinental flights; first-class passengers already enjoy access to Flagship Lounges.

In addition, American debuted Flagship First Dining in its Flagship Lounge at New York’s JFK airport. Flagship Dining, a complimentary, exclusive, full-service dining experience for those passengers traveling in Flagship First on qualifying international or transcontinental flights, features regionally inspired dishes, locally sourced ingredients, signature wines, craft beers and spirits and handcrafted cocktails. The menu at JFK includes American’s signature Flagship Burger, featuring grass-fed beef from Joyce Farms and cheese from Sprout Creek Farms, both local to the area, and specialty cocktails designed by New York mixologist Pamela Wiznitzer.

“Customers in the Flagship Lounge and in Flagship First Dining will enjoy elevated service throughout their trip,” said Kurt Stache, senior vice president, marketing, loyalty and sales, American Airlines.

Additional Flagship First Dining opportunities are expected to open in American’s Flagship Lounges in London Heathrow, Los Angeles International, Miami International and Dallas/Fort Worth International airports.

Lufthansa’s brand-new lounge atop Boston Logan International Airport’s Terminal E encompasses 6,400 square feet, nearly doubling its previous lounge space. The airline’s premium and status customers may access the Lufthansa Lounge, as may premium and status customers from all Star Alliance partners.

“Input from passengers was essential to the development of Lufthansa’s newest lounge,” explained Björn Becker, senior director, product management, ground and digital services, Lufthansa. “We conducted customer surveys and focus groups to determine what products and services are of importance to our passengers. These findings were coupled with inspiration from the current Lufthansa Lounge design to create the new lounge.”

In February Virgin Atlantic unveiled its new London Gatwick North Terminal Clubhouse and is just finishing renovations to its flagship Clubhouse at

London Heathrow. Each of these spaces affords passengers more space to relax and unwind before boarding their flights.

Also at London Gatwick, British Airways’ new complex in the South Terminal boasts 40 percent more square footage than its former lounge in the North Terminal, and its Boston Logan lounge recently opened with 30 percent more room, not to mention direct gate access for easy boarding.

In New York British Airways is investing $65 million over the next two years to renovate its JFK Terminal 7 First and Club World lounge facilities, as well as the customer experience at check-in, security and the boarding gates. The redesign should be completed by the end of 2018. Looking ahead, the airline will revamp lounges in Aberdeen (ABZ) and Rome (FCO) and expand the lounge in Geneva (GVA). Additional investments are planned for its Chicago (ORD), Johannesburg (JNB), London Heathrow, Manchester (MAN) and San Francisco (SFO) lounges.

By the end of the year, Swiss International Air Lines will open a new First Class Lounge on the Check-In 1 concourse at Zürich Airport, complete with its own security checkpoint. Inside, the lounge will feature an à la carte restaurant, showers and a bar with more than 100 different grappas. In addition, SWISS is renovating its Business Class and Senator lounges in Zürich’s Terminal A; work is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2018.

“Our new premium product on the ground will offer our customers genuinely new levels of air travel comfort and convenience,” said Thomas Klühr, CEO, Swiss International Air Lines.

Last summer, Etihad Airways opened a premium lounge at Los Angeles International Airport for the exclusive use of Etihad first- and business-class guests and Etihad Guest Platinum and Gold and Silver members flying on EY170, among a few others. Inside, guests will find a “modern Arabian” décor, luxuriously appointed seating, an à la carte dining area, a showcase bar, TV area, shower facilities and much more. The lounge, the airline’s third in the United States, joins the premium lounges found at Washington Dulles and New York JFK. GLOBAL TRAVELER’S CLASS ACT GUIDE 2017

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9

NATURALLY, AIRLINES’ exceptional services continue at 30,000 feet (and higher), and they go above and beyond to make sure their passengers are as comfortable as possible as they soar above the Earth.

Hawaiian Airlines debuted its Premium Cabin on its Airbus A330 in summer 2016 and should have the entirety of its A330 fleet outfitted by the end of this year. Upon its debut, the Premium Cabin was made available on all flights between Honolulu (HNL) and Auckland (AKL), Brisbane (BNE), Beijing (PEK), New York (JFK), Sydney (SYD), Tokyo (HND) and Osaka (KIA); additional markets will be added throughout the year.

“We are thrilled to introduce our guests to our lie-flat seats — the centerpiece of a Premium Cabin thoughtfully crafted to bring on board all of the sights, sounds and tastes of Hawai’i,” said Avi Mannis, senior vice president for marketing, Hawaiian Airlines.

The aloha spirit pervades Hawaiian’s Premium Cabin, complete with 18 lieflat leather seats that open into 180-degree beds, 20.5 inches wide and 76 inches long. Eye masks, quilts, plush mattress pads and pillows also help provide a more comfortable sleep. What’s more, the airline teamed up with local designer Sig Zane to develop an exclusive amenity kit, complete with a hand and body balm, lip balm, hydrating mist, a dental kit, socks and a bamboo comb, to ensure passengers feel refreshed upon arrival.

Also exclusive to Hawaiian’s Premium Cabin, Executive Chef Chai Chaowasaree showcases regional food by Hawai’i’s top local chefs as well as a wine list selected by Master Sommelier Chuck Furuya and local craft beers and specialty cocktails, some with Hawai’ian-made spirits.

In addition to Hawaiian’s A330 fleet, a new cabin design will debut on this year’s A321neo fleet. Materials found throughout the cabin pay homage to traditional Hawai’ian crafts, including bark cloth, fishing nets and signage in the Hawai’ian language. Additionally, LED mood lighting will evoke Hawai’i’s sunrises and sunsets. Passengers in the Premium Cabin will find leather recliners and an additional AC power outlet, along with all the aforementioned premium amenities available on Hawaiian Airlines.

Delta Air Lines continues to evolve in terms of premium travel with its Delta One suite, the world’s first all-suite business-class cabin to feature a sliding door at each suite. Delta’s first Airbus A350 will include 32 suites when it enters service this fall, primarily flying routes between the United States and Asia.

Delta One passengers will enjoy Westin Heavenly in-flight blankets with pillows, TUMI amenity kits featuring Kiehl’s Since 1851 premium skincare, and in-flight loungewear on select flights.

On the Delta One dining scene, chef-curated meals will be available, including creations from Los Angeles-based chefs John Shook and Vinny Dotolo on flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to New York (JFK) and Washington, D.C. (IAD), paired with wines chosen by Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson.

“Delta constantly listens to customers and responds with products that deliver what they want. After setting the standard with the introduction of full flat-bed seats with direct aisle access in 2008, Delta is again elevating the international business-class experience,” said Tim Mapes, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, Delta. “Added comfort and privacy are important to business travelers, and that drove the design of the all-new Delta One suite.”

Earlier this year, JetBlue extended its Mint service to three new and expanded routes: New York (JFK) and Las Vegas (LAS), New York (JFK) and San Diego (SAN), and Boston (BOS) and San Diego. By the end of the year JetBlue expects about one out of every 14 JetBlue flights will offer Mint to its customers.

Passengers’ favorites among JetBlue’s Mint service features include lie-flat seats, signature cocktails, a tapas-style menu created by Saxon + Parole of New York City, fresh espresso, amenity kits from Hayward and Hopper and dessert from Blue Marble and Milk Bar. In anticipation of incorporating its entire fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners

12

globaltravelerusa.com GLOBAL TRAVELER’S CLASS ACT GUIDE 2017

FINE DINING:

La Compagnie Chefs & Co. meal PHOTO: © LA COMPAGNIE

(three are currently in service), Spain-based Air Europa reconfigured three of its Airbus A330 planes with flat-bed seats for its business-class customers en route between Madrid (MAD) and New York (JFK) and São Paulo (GRU).

To add to the experience, business-class passengers can select from a dining menu that features dishes created by Michelin-starred chef Martín Berasategui, whose Basque dishes include anchovy lasagna with vegetables and Basque gazpacho as a starter, and cod confit with smoked eel emulsion or “Zubigain” Iberian pork shoulder for an entrée.

Speaking of dining, Aeroflot, named Best Major Airline in Europe and Best Business Class in TripAdvisor’s 2017 Travelers’ Choice Awards, takes its dining options seriously, collaborating with Michelin-starred chefs and haute-cuisine experts to develop its business-class menus.

Just three years on the scene, all-business-class La Compagnie shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, this summer the boutique airline, traveling exclusively between Paris (CDG) and New York (EWR), launched its Chefs & Co. program on all flights to highlight renowned chefs, under the watchful eye of Head Chef Christophe Langrée.

Each month, Chefs & Co. will feature one chef, one recipe and one style of cuisine: Michelin-starred chef David Toutain, Restaurant David Toutain in Paris; Michelin-starred chef Frédéric Duca, Racines NY; New York City-based chef Jody Williams, owner, Buvette; and Chef Christophe Saintagne of Papillon in Paris.

Not to be outdone, Air France re-signed Chef Daniel Boulud for another year (beginning March 2017) to create dishes to be served in the airline’s La Première and business classes on flights from the United States to Paris. In addition, Michel Roth will create new dishes for passengers in La Première to enjoy on long-haul flights from Paris (through September 2017), and Francois Adamski will create new dishes for the business-class menu on long-haul and mediumhaul flights departing from Paris.

To wet its passengers’ whistles, in July Air France began serving exclusive cocktails in La Première created by Colin Field, head bartender at The Ritz, and made available new comfort kits for La Première and business-class travelers.

To better align with its popular 787 Upper Class cabin, Virgin Atlantic is redesigning its Airbus A330 fleet with fully flat beds, additional overhead storage and mood lighting to elevate the traveling experience.

To enhance its Club World service, British Airways partnered with British lifestyle brand The White Company to provide luxurious bedding on its longhaul flights, including large pillows, satin-trimmed blankets and padded mattress covers.

“We are passionate about creating the best night’s sleep for all our customers, and I’m truly delighted to now be working with British Airways to ‘sleep well in the sky,’” said Chrissie Rucker MBE, founder, The White Company. “I hope you love the result as much as we do.”

Number of Audio Channels

Number of Movies

Number of News Channels

Number of Other Video Programs

WiFi on Board

Complimentary

Lounges Shared or Dedicated

Free WiFi in Lounges

Amenity Kits Included

Date of Last Major Cabin Oerhaul

56 56

1 1

7 7

Y Y

Y Y

B B

Y Y

Y Y

2015 10 2015 10

N N/R Europe N N/R Europe

PRESIDENT

A330-300 A330-300 A330-300 A330-200 777-300ER

28 34 36 34 30

N N N N N

8, 650+ Albums 8, 650+ Albums 8, 650+ Albums 8, 650+ Albums 8, 650+ Albums

200+ 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+

1 1 1 1 1

200 200 200 200 200

Y Y Y Y Y

N N N N N

B B B B B

Y Y Y Y Y

Y Y Y Y Y

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

6 6 6 8.3 3.5

N N N N N

Y Y Y Y Y

Europe Europe Europe Europe Europe

A330-200

22 2-2-2

12

8

0

301

N

N/A

S

Y

Y

2013 10.4

N

N

Latin America

100 Albums 100 Albums 100 Albums 100 Albums 100 Albums

225 225 225 225 225

1 1 0 0 0

160 160 160 160 160

Y Y N N N

N N N/A N/A N/A

B B B B B

Y Y Y Y Y

Y Y Y Y Y

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

North America North America North America North America North America

2-2-2 2-2-2 2-2-2 2-2-2 2-2-2

75" 62" 60" 62" 60"

20" 20" 20" 20" 20.9"

180° 160° 169° 160° 180°

Y Y Y Y Y

60" HB

21.5"

170°

Y N/A

Aircraft

Regions Flown

Adapters Required

15 15

Green Certification

Power for Laptop

N N

Chauffeur Service

Recline

Y Y

Average Age of Aircraft

Seat Width

180° 180°

Seat Pitch

30 1-2-2 58–60" SG 27" 23 1-2-1 58–60" SG 27"

Layout

A330-300 A330-200

AER LINGUS

Number of Seats

BUSINESS CLASS

AEROFLOT

FIRST AND BUSINESS CLASS

AEROLINEAS ARGENTINAS* CLUB CONDOR

AEROMEXICO PREMIER 787-8 32 2-2-2 60" HB 20" 180°

787-9 36 1-2-1 60" HB 20" 180°

737-700 12 2-2 36" 21" 99° EST

737-800 16 2-2 39" 21" 110° EST

777-200 49 2-3-2 60" 19.4" 66° EST

AIR CANADA

Y Y N N Y

N N N N N

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

BUSINESS CLASS 777-300ER 28–40 1-2-1 Suite 21" 180° Y N 12, 100 CDs 150 1 200 IP N B Y Y N/R N/R N/R N/R Europe, Latin America,

North America,Pacific Rim

777-200LR 40 1-2-1 Suite 21" 180° Y N 12, 100 CDs 150 1 200 IP N B Y Y N/R N/R N/R N/R Europe, Latin America,

North America, Pacific Rim

787-9 30 1-2-1 Suite 21" 180° Y N 12, 100 CDs 150, 10 Books/ 1 200 IP N B Y Y N/R N/R N/R N/R Europe, Latin America,

Podcasts

Middle East, North America,

Pacific Rim

787-8 20 1-2-1 Suite 21" 180° Y N 12, 100 CDs 150, 10 Books/ 1 200 IP N B Y Y N/R N/R N/R N/R Europe, Latin America,

Podcasts

Middle East, North America,

Pacific Rim

A330 27 1-1-1 Suite 20" 180° Y N 12, 100 CDs 150 1 200 IP N B Y Y N/R N/R N/R N/R Europe, North America

767-300 24 1-1-1 Suite 20" 180° Y N 12, 100 CDs 150 1 200 N N B Y Y N/R N/R N/R N/R Europe, North America, Pacific Rim

A321 16 2-2 37" 21" N/R Y N 12, 100 CDs 63 1 200 Y N B Y N N/R N/R N/R N/R North America

A320 14 2-2 37" 21" N/R Y N 12, 100 CDs 63 1 200 Y N B Y N N/R N/R N/R N/R North America

A319 14 2-2 37" 21" N/R Y N 12, 100 CDs 63 1 200 Y N B Y N N/R N/R N/R N/R Europe, North America

E190 9 1-2 37" 20" N/R Y N 12, 100 CDs 63 1 200 Y N B Y N N/R N/R N/R N/R North America

E175 9–12 1-2 38" 20" N/R Y N 12, 100 CDs 63 1 200 N/R N/R B Y N N/R N/R N/R N/R North America

CRJ-705/900 10 1-2 37" 21" N/R Y N 12, 100 CDs 63 1 200 N/R N/R B Y N N/R N/R N/R N/R North America

AIR CHINA*

FORBIDDEN PAVILION CAPITAL PAVILION

747-400 Combi 747-400 Combi 777-300

10 24 35

1-1 2-2 2-3

62" 62" 62"

21" 21" 21"

170° 170° 170°

Y Y Y

N N N

14 13 13

60 N/R N/R

N/R N/R N/R

14 N/R N/R

N N N

N/A N/A N/A

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

N/R N/R N/R

7.7 7.7 6

Y Y Y

N N N

Pacific Rim Pacific Rim Pacific Rim

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

THE METHOD

Global Traveler spends months contacting airlines and gathering information for our annual first- and business-class survey.

GT starts by contacting airlines and asking them to complete a form for each aircraft and cabin operating on a direct route to any destination in North America.

If we are unable to obtain a response from an airline, we conduct independent research to complete the charts, and all entries are clearly marked with an asterisk.

In the instance a section of our survey form was left blank or we were unable to accurately decipher information, columns are marked as No Reply, or N/R. There may be instances where the airline’s information does not perfectly match our specified categories; we attempt to interpret this information to the best of our ability. For instance, as there is not one ruling body on environmental practices, we asked airlines to answer YES if they receive certification from any environmental agency for their earth-conscious practices. Nearly all airlines do have green standards and practices in place. Our survey goes beyond just the premium cabins and examines airlines as a whole.

KEY ANG Angled B Both D Dedicated EST Estimate HB Herringbone IP In Progress

N No N/A Not Applicable NP Newspaper N/R No Reply OD On Demand S Shared

SG Staggered V Varies W Wide Seat Concept Y Yes

Pitch is defined as the distance between the back of your headrest and the headrest in front of you when seats are fully upright. Based on the average height of an adult male, pitch must be 70 inches or greater to offer a true lie-flat bed of 180 degrees. However, as airlines implement unique cabin configurations, these exact terms may not apply; configuration exceptions are marked throughout the survey.

GLOBAL TRAVELER’S CLASS ACT GUIDE 2017

globaltravelerusa.com

13

Regions Flown

Green Certification

Chauffeur Service

Average Age of Aircraft

Date of Last Major Cabin Overhaul

Amenity Kits Included

Free WiFi in Lounges

Lounges Shared or Dedicated

Complimentary

WiFi on Board

Number of Other Video Programs

Number of News Channels

Number of Movies

Number of Audio Channels

Power for Laptop Adapters Required

Recline

Seat Width

Seat Pitch

Layout

Number of Seats

Aircraft

FIRST AND BUSINESS CLASS

AIR EUROPA AIR EUROPA BUSINESS A330-300 24 2-2-2 60" 20" 180° Y N N/A 8 N/A

9 Y Y S Y N/R N/R 2 N Y Europe (10 MB

Voucher)

A330-200 24 2-2-2 65" 20" 180° ANG Y N 15 16 N/A 8 Y Y S Y Y N/R 11 N Y Europe (10 MB

Voucher)

787-8 22 2-2-2 65" SG 20" 180° T N VOD, 100 CDs 50 N/A 85 Y Y S Y Y N/R 1 N Y Europe (10 MB

Voucher)

AIR FRANCE* LA PREMIERE BUSINESS CLASS

777-300 4 Suites N/R 777 40–58 1-2-1 N/R

22" 28"

180° Y N 17, 700 Albums 180° Y N 17, 700 Albums

23" 23" 20" 22"

180° Y N 250 Hrs. 180° Y N 250 Hrs. 178° Y N OD 180° Y N OD 180° Y N 180° Y N

200 200

1 1

200+ 200+

N N

N/A N/A

D D

Y Y

Y 2014 8 Y 2014 15

Y N

Y Europe Y Europe

150 Hrs. 150 Hrs. OD OD

1 1 1 1

N/R N/R OD OD

N N N N

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

B N Y N/R N/R Y N/R Pacific Rim B N Y N/R N/R Y N/R Pacific Rim B N Y 2007 N/R Y N/R Pacific Rim B N Y N/R N/R N/R N/R Europe

1,800 Hrs. 1,800 Hrs.

1,800 Hrs. 1,800 Hrs.

1,800 Hrs. 1,800 Hrs.

N/A N/A

N/A N/A

S S

Y Y

Y N/R 4.3 Y N/R 1.2

N

N/A

S

Y

Y 2013 N/R N N/R Pacific Rim

Y

Y 2016 9

AIR INDIA BUSINESS CLASS

777-200LR 777-300ER 777-300 787-8

8 1-2-1 82" 4 1-2-1 82" 29 2-3-2 N/R 18 2-2-2 74"

AIR NEW ZEALAND*

BUSINESS PREMIER 777-300 44 1-2-1 80" 22"

787 18 1-1-1 80" 20"

1,800 Hrs. 1,800 Hrs.

Y N/R Pacific Rim Y N/R Pacific Rim

AIR TAHITI NUI

POERAVA BUSINESS A340-300 32 2-2-2 60" 20" 160° Y N/R 20 14 0 24 Channels/ 15 Games

AIR SERBIA* BUSINESS CLASS

A330-200

18

1-1-1

N/A

23"

180° Y N

20"

180° Y N

FIRST CLASS 737-400 12 2-2 37" 21"

737-700 12 2-2 36" 21"

737-800 16 2-2 36" 21"

737-900 16 2-2 36" 21"

E175 12 1-2 37" 24"

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

BUSINESS CLASS

180° Y N 180° Y N

50 Albums

20

N/A

26

Y

N

S

N

N Europe

N/A

50

N/A

120

Y

N

B Y Y 2014 7.7 N Y Europe

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

V V V V V

0 0 0 0 0

Y Y Y Y Y

N N N N N

D D D D D

12 12

80 80

4 4

AIRBERLIN* BUSINESS CLASS

A330-200 19 1-2-1 72"

ALASKA AIRLINES* N N Y Y Y

N N N N N

V V V V V

Y Y Y Y Y

N N N N N

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

9.8 9.8 9.8 9.8 9.8

N N N N N

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

North America North America North America North America North America

ALITALIA

777 30 1-2-1 76" 22" A330 20 1-2-1 73.5" 21.5"

235 235

N/A N/A B Y Y 2016 8 N N Europe Y N B Y Y 2016 8 N N Europe

ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS FIRST CLASS BUSINESS CLASS

777-300ER 8 1-2-1 N/A 777-300ER 52/68 1-2-1 44" SG 787-8 46 1-2-1 44" SG 787-8 42 2-2-2 59" SG

32.9" 19.4" 19.4" 21.5"

180° 180° 180° 160°

Y Y Y Y

N N N N

380+ 380+ 380+ 380+

380+ 380+ 380+ 380+

380+ 380+ 380+ 380+

380+ 380+ 380+ 380+

Y (Some) Y (Some) N Y (Some)

N N N/A N/A

B B B B

Y Y Y Y

Y Y Y Y

2010 N/R N/R N/R

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

N N/R Pacific Rim N N Pacific Rim N N Pacific Rim N N Pacific Rim

AMERICAN AIRLINES FIRST CLASS A321-T 10 1-1 43" HB 21"/23" 180° Y N 18, 380 Albums 210 Live Text News Up to 240 Y N D Y Y New 1 N N North America (Transcon)

777-300ER 8 1-2-1 63" HB 21"/48" 180° Y N 18, 380 Albums Up to 250 Live Text News Up to 160 Y N B Y Y New 1.2 N N Europe, Latin America,

Suite width North America, Pacific Rim BUSINESS CLASS 787-9 30 1-2-1 43" HB 22" 180° Y N 18 Up to 250 Live Text News Up to 160 Y N B Y Y New N/R N N Europe, Latin America,

North America, Pacific Rim

777-200 37 1-2-1 43" HB 22" 180° Y N 18, 380 Albums Up to 260 Live Text News Up to 240 Y N B Y Y 2016 N/R N N Europe, Latin America,

(Retrofit) North America, Pacific Rim

777-200 45 1-2-1 46" HB 21"/ 180° Y N 18, 380 Albums Up to 260 Live Text News Up to 240 Y N B Y Y 2015 N/R N N Europe, Latin America,

(Retrofit) 25.5" (aft) North America, Pacific Rim

30.6" (fore)

787-8 28 1-2-1 49" HB 21"/ 180° Y N 18 Up to 250 Live Text News Up to 160 Y N B Y Y New 1 N N Europe, Latin America, 25.5" (aft) North America, Pacific Rim

30.6" (fore)

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

14

globaltravelerusa.com GLOBAL TRAVELER’S CLASS ACT GUIDE 2017

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

Complimentary

Lounges Shared or Dedicated

Free WiFi in Lounges

Amenity Kits Included

Date of Last Major Cabin Overhaul

Chauffeur Service

Green Certification

Regions Flown

12 22 66 28

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

83" 74.5" 74.5" 77"

25.2" 22" 22" 22"

180° 168° 180° 180°

Y Y Y Y

N N N N

18, 150+ Albums 18, 150+ Albums 18, 150+ Albums 18, 150+ Albums

61 61 61 61

4 4 4 4

65 65 65 65

N N N Y

N/A N/A N/A N

B B B B

Y Y Y Y

Y Y Y Y

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

3 N/R 3 0

Y Y Y Y

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

Pacific Rim Pacific Rim Pacific Rim Pacific Rim

777 777 767

48 48 36

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

44" SG 44" SG 44" SG

20.8" 20.8" 19.8"

180° 180° 180°

Y Y Y

N N N

100+ 100+ 100+

60 60 60

N/R N/R N/R

80 80 80

N N N

N/A N/A N/A

S S S

Y Y Y

Y Y Y

N/R N/R N/R

N/R N/R N/R

N/R N/R N/R

N/R N/R N/R

Europe Europe Europe

A330 A330 787 A319 A320 A321

30 32 28 12 12 12

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

65" 45" Fishtail 46" Fishtail 40" 40" 40"

20.5" 170° Y 20.5" 180° Y 20.5" 180° Y N/R 99° EST Y N/R 99° EST Y N/R 99° EST Y

N N N N N N

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

N N N N N N

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

V V V V V V

Y Y Y Y Y Y

Y Y Y Y Y Y

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

Latin America Latin America Latin America Latin America Latin America Latin America

N

N/A

D

Y

Y

2015

N/R

N/R

N/R

Europe

N

N/A

D

Y

Y

2015

N/R

N/R

N/R

Europe

N

N/A

D

Y

Y

2015

N/R

N/R

N/R

Europe

N

N/A

D

Y

Y

2015

N/R

N/R

N/R

Europe

N N N N Y

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/R

D D D D D

Y Y Y Y Y

Y Y Y Y Y

2006 2006 2006 2006 2009

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

Europe Europe Europe Europe Europe

N N

N/A N/A

D D

Y Y

Y Y

2012 2012

19.4 18.4

Y Y

N/R N/R

Europe Europe

Average Age of Aircraft

Number of Seats

A380 777-200ER A380 A350

Aircraft

FIRST AND BUSINESS CLASS

ASIANA AIRLINES FIRST SUITE BUSINESS SMARTIUM

AUSTRIAN AIRLINES BUSINESS CLASS

AVIANCA* BUSINESS CLASS

BRITISH AIRWAYS NEW FIRST 747 8–17 1-2-1 N/R 22.5" 180° Y N 500+ 120+ 1 200+ Hrs., 400

777 8–17 1-2-1 N/R 22.5" 180° Y N 500+ 120+ 1 200+ Hrs., 400

787-9 8–17 1-2-1 N/R 22.5" 180° Y N 500+ 120+ 1 200+ Hrs., 400

A380 8–17 1-2-1 N/R 22.5" 180° Y N 500+ 120+ 1 200+ Hrs., 400 CLUB WORLD 747 52–97 2-4-2 N/R 21.5" 180° Y N 500 Hrs. 130+ 1 400

777 52–97 2-4-2 N/R 21.5" 180° Y N 500 Hrs. 130+ 1 400

787 52–97 2-3-2 N/R 21.5" 180° Y N 500 Hrs. 130+ 1 400

A380 52–97 2-4-2/2-3-2 N/R 21.5" 180° Y N 500 Hrs. 130+ 1 400 CLUB WORLD LONDON CITY A318 32 2-2 72" 25" 180° Y N 70 Hrs. 70 Hrs. 70 Hrs. 70 Hrs.

BRUSSELS AIRLINES BUSINESS CLASS

A330-300 A330-200

30 22

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

45" SG 45" SG

23" 23"

180° 180°

Y Y

N N

14, 54 Hrs. 14, 54 Hrs.

55 55

1 1

32 32

CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS* BUSINESS CLASS

777

54

2-2/2-2

N/R

21"

180°

Y

N

N/R

100

N/R

500+

N

N/R

D

Y

Y

N/R

7

N/R

N/R

Pacific Rim

777-300ER A350-900

40 32

1-2-1 1-2-1

43" HB 44" HB

28" 28"

180° 180°

Y Y

N N

16 16

125 125

N/R N/R

125 125

Y Y

N N

B B

Y Y

Y Y

N/R N/R

2.2 2.2

N N

Y Y

Pacific Rim Pacific Rim

CHINA AIRLINES PREMIUM BUSINESS CLASS

CHINA EASTERN AIRLINES FIRST CLASS BUSINESS CLASS

777-300ER 6 Suites 777-300ER 52

1-2-1 1-2-1

79" 75"

26.5" 23.6"

180° 180°

Y Y

N N

1,000+ 1,000+

110 110

0 0

30 30

Y Y

Y Y

S S

Y Y

Y Y

2014 2014

N/R N/R

Y Y

Y Y

Pacific Rim Pacific Rim

CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES FIRST CLASS

BUSINESS CLASS

A380 777-300ER 787 A380 777-300ER 787

8 4 4 70 34 24

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

82" 84" 84" 48" SG 44" SG 74"

33" 28.5" 27" 24" 22" 21.5"

180° 180° 180° 180° 180° 180°

Y Y Y Y Y Y

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

AVOD AVOD AVOD AVOD AVOD AVOD

AVOD AVOD AVOD AVOD AVOD AVOD

AVOD AVOD AVOD AVOD AVOD AVOD

AVOD AVOD AVOD AVOD AVOD AVOD

N N N N N N

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

B B B B B B

Y Y Y Y Y Y

Y Y Y Y Y Y

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

3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5

N N N N N N

N N N N N N

Pacific Rim Pacific Rim Pacific Rim Pacific Rim Pacific Rim Pacific Rim

737-700 737-800

12 16

2-2 2-2

38" 38"

20" 20"

N/R N/R

Y Y

N N

N/R N/R

N/R N/R

N/R N/R

N/R N/R

N N

N/A N/A

B B

Y Y

Y Y

N/R N/R

5.3 5.3

N N

Y Y

Latin America Latin America

COPA AIRLINES* BUSINESS CLASS

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

GLOBAL TRAVELER’S CLASS ACT GUIDE 2017

globaltravelerusa.com

15

Regions Flown

Green Certification

Chauffeur Service

Average Age of Aircraft

Date of Last Major Cabin Overhaul

Free WiFi in Lounges Amenity Kits Included

Lounges Shared or Dedicated

Complimentary

WiFi on Board

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

Aircraft

FIRST AND BUSINESS CLASS

DELTA AIR LINES* FIRST CLASS 717

MD-88

MD-90

12 2-2 37" 19.6" 120–130° Y N N/A 75 N/A 200 Y N D Y N 2014 13.8 Select Customers N North America 16 2-2 37" 19.6" 120–130° Y N N/A 75 N/A 200 Y N D Y N 2011 25.0 Select Customers N North America 16 2-2 37" 19.6" 120–130° Y N N/A 75 N/A 200 Y N D Y N 2013 18.6 Select Customers N North America

A319 12 2-2 37" 21" 120–130° N N N/A 75 N/A 200 Y N D Y N 2009 13.7 Select Customers N North America

A319 Retrofit 12 2-2 37" 21" 120–130° Y N 16 330 N/A 750 Y N D Y N 2016/Ongoing 13.7 Select Customers N North America

A320 12 2-2 36" 21" 120–130° N N N/A 75 N/A 200 Y N D Y N 2009 20.5 Select Customers N North America

A320 Retrofit 16 2-2 36" 21" 120–130° Y N 16 330 N/A 750 Y N D Y N 2016/Ongoing 20.5 Select Customers N North America

A321 20 2-2 37" 21" 120–130° Y N 16 330 N/A 750 Y N D Y N 2016/New .4 Select Customers N North America

737-700 12 2-2 37" 21" 120–130° Y N 16 37 N/A 115 Y N D Y N 2008 6.7 Select Customers N North America

737-800 16 2-2 38" 21" 120–130° Y N 16 330 4 750 Y N D Y N 2016/Ongoing 14.8 Select Customers N North America

737-900ER 20 2-2 37" 21" 120–130° Y N 16 330 4 750 Y N D Y N 2013 2 Select Customers N North America

757-200 20 2-2 37" 21" 120–130° Y N 16 330 4 750 Y N D Y N 2016/Ongoing 20.6 Select Customers N North America

757-300 24 2-2 37" 21" 120–130° Y N 16 330 4 750 Y N D Y N 2014 12.5 Select Customers N North America

767-300 30 2-2-2 37" 18.5" 120–130° Y N 16 75 N/A 750 Y N D Y N 2006 24.8 Select Customers N North America

CRJ-700 9 1-2 36" 19.6" 120 –130° Y N N/A 75 N/A 200 Y N D Y N 2016/Ongoing N/R Select Customers N North America

CRJ-900 12 1-2 37" 19.6" 120–130° Y N N/A 75 N/A 200 Y N D Y N 2016/Ongoing N/R Select Customers N North America

E170 9 1-2 37" 20" 120–130° N N N/A 75 N/A 200 Y N D Y N 2016/Ongoing N/R Select Customers N North America

E175 12 1-2 37" 20" 120–130° N N N/A 75 N/A 200 Y N D Y N 2016/Ongoing N/R Select Customers N North America DELTA ONE 757-200ER – 75S 16 2-2 54–55" ANG 21" 180° Y N 16 330 4 750 Y N D Y Y 2013 14.5 Select Customers N Europe, Middle East/ Africa

767-300ER – 76T 36 1-2-1 76.5–81.4" 21" 180° Y N 16 149 N/A 200 Y N D Y Y 2013 19.6 Select Customers N Europe, Latin America, Pacific Rim

767-300ER – 76L 36 1-2-1 76.5–81.4" 21" 180° Y N 16 330 N/A 750 Y N D Y Y 2013 19.6 Select Customers N Europe, Latin America, Middle East/Africa

767-300ER – 76Z 26 1-2-1 76.5 – 81.4" 21" 180° Y N 16 330 N/A 750 Y N D Y Y 2013 19.6 Select Customers N Europe, Latin America, Middle East/Africa

767-400ER 39 1-2-1 76.5–81.4" 21" 180° Y N 16 149 N/A 200 Y N D Y Y 2008 14.5 Select Customers N Europe, Latin America

747-400 48 1-1/1-2-1 82" 20.5" 180° Y N 16 330 N/A 750 Y N D Y Y 2011 29.3 Select Customers N Europe, Pacific Rim /1-1-1

777-200ER 37 1-2-1 78" 21" 180° Y N 16 330 N/A 750 Y N D Y Y 2014 15.6 Select Customers N Europe, Latin America, Pacific Rim

777-200LR 37 1-2-1 78" 21" 180° Y N 16 330 N/A 750 Y N D Y Y 2014 6.4 Select Customers N Europe, Latin America, Middle East/Africa Pacific Rim

A330-200 34 1-2-1 80" 21" 180° Y N 16 330 N/A 750 Y N D Y Y 2013 10.5 Select Customers N Europe, Latin America Pacific Rim

A330-300 34 1-2-1 80" 20" 180° Y N 16 330 N/A 750 Y N D Y Y 2013 9.64 Select Customers N Europe, Latin America Pacific Rim

EDELWEISS BUSINESS CLASS

A340-300 A340-300

27 1-2-1/2-2-1 27 1-2-1/2-2-1

44" SG 44" SG

777

49 2-3-2

78"

20.5" 20.5"

180° 180°

Y Y

N N

270 270

140 N/A 140 N/A

N/A N/A

N N

N/A N/A

S N/A Y S N/A Y

2014/2015 2016/2017

3.9 13.6

N N

N/R Europe N/R Europe

EGYPTAIR HORUS

20" 180° Y Y 73

8 N/A

35

N N/A S Y Y

2012

5

N

20.7" 20"

70 70

300 300

N N

2015 2015

12 12

Y N

N Middle East/Africa

EL AL ISRAEL AIRLINES EL AL FIRST CLASS EL AL BUSINESS CLASS

777-200 777-200

6 35

2-2-2 2-3-2

N/A 75–76"

180° 180°

Y Y

Y Y

100 100

1 1

N/A N/A

D Y Y D Y Y

N/R Middle East N/R Middle East

EMIRATES EMIRATES FIRST CLASS A380-800 LD 14 1-2-1 82" 27.35" 180° Y N 1,000 Hrs. 500 Live 1,000 Y Y (20 MB) D Y Y N/R 5.6 Y N/R Europe, Middle East/Africa

Hrs., 100

A380-800 ULR 14 1-2-1 82" 27.35" 180° Y N 1,000 Hrs. 500 Live 1,000 Y Y (20 MB) D Y Y N/R 5.6 Y N/R Europe, Middle East/Africa

Hrs., 100

777-300ER LD 77WR 8 1-2-1 82" 28.8" 180° Y N 1,000 Hrs. 500 Live 1,000 Y Y (20 MB) D Y Y N/R 5.6 Y N/R Europe, Middle East/Africa

Hrs., 100

777-300ER ULR 77WP 8 1-2-1 82" 28.8" 180° Y N 1,000 Hrs. 500 Live 1,000 Y Y (20 MB) D Y Y N/R 5.6 Y N/R Europe, Middle East/Africa

Hrs., 100

777-200ER LD 772R 12 1-2-1 81–84" 22.78" 180° Y N 540+ 150+ Live 140+ Y Y (20 MB) D Y Y N/R 5.6 Y N/R Europe, Middle East/Africa

777-200LR 77LU 8 1-2-1 82" 28.8" 180° Y N 1,000 Hrs. 500 Live 1,000 Y Y (20 MB) D Y Y N/R 5.6 Y N/R Europe, Middle East/Africa

Hrs., 100

777-300LD 773L 12 2-2-2 81–84" 22.78" 180° Y N 540+ 150+ Live 140+ Y Y (20 MB) D Y Y N/R 5.6 Y N/R Europe, Middle East/Africa EMIRATES BUSINESS CLASS A380-800 HD 58 1-2-1 44" SG 20.8" 180° Y N 1,000+ 500+ Live 1,000 Y Y (20 MB) D Y Y N/R 5.6 Y N/R Europe, Middle East/Africa Hrs., 100+

A380-800 LD 76 2-4-2 87" SG 20.8" 180° Y N 1,000+ 500+ Live 1,000 Y Y (20 MB) D Y Y N/R 5.6 Y N/R Europe, Middle East/Africa Hrs., 100+

A380-800 ULR 76 2-4-2 87" SG 20.8" 180° Y N 1,000+ 500+ Live 1,000 Y Y (20 MB) D Y Y N/R 5.6 Y N/R Europe, Middle East/Africa

Hrs., 100+ **Airline Airlinedid didnot notreply. reply.Survey Surveyinformation informationwas wascompiled compiledwith withGT GTresearch. research.

Continued

16

globaltravelerusa.com GLOBAL TRAVELER’S CLASS ACT GUIDE 2017

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

LOS ANGELES TO BEIJING.

NONSTOP.

New daily flights begin November 5 on our new Boeing 787 Dreamliner and will feature fully lie-flat seats with direct-aisle access in FlagshipÂŽ Business and a walk up bar stocked with snacks and refreshments - a first for any U.S. carrier.

Learn more at aa.com/moreasia

American Airlines and the Flight Symbol logo are marks of American Airlines, Inc. oneworld is a mark of the oneworld alliance, LLC. Š 2017 American Airlines, Inc. All rights reserved.

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

Complimentary

Lounges Shared or Dedicated

Free WiFi in Lounges

Amenity Kits Included

Date of Last Major Cabin Overhaul

Average Age of Aircraft

Chauffeur Service

Green Certification

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

72" 72" 72" 72" 72" 72"

20.5" 20.5" 20.5" 20.5" 20.5" 20.5"

180° 180° 180° 180° 180° 180°

Y Y Y Y Y Y

N N N N N N

1,000+ 1,000+ 1,000+ 540+ 1,000+ 540+

500+ 500+ 500+ 150+ 500+ 150+

Live Live Live Live Live Live

1,000 Hrs., 100+ 1,000 Hrs., 100+ 1,000 Hrs., 100+ 140+ 1,000 Hrs., 100+ 140+

Y Y Y Y Y Y

Y (20 MB) Y (20 MB) Y (20 MB) Y (20 MB) Y (20 MB) Y (20 MB)

D D D D D D

Y Y Y Y Y Y

Y Y Y Y Y Y

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

5.6 5.6 5.6 5.6 5.6 5.6

Y Y Y Y Y Y

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

A350-900 787-8 787-8 777-200LR 777-300ER

30 24 24 24 28

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

60" ANG 65" ANG 60" ANG 78" ANG 78" ANG

29.2" 22.9" 29.2" 20.9" 20.9"

180° 180° 180° 180° 180°

Y Y Y Y Y

N N N N N

800+ 800+ 800+ 800+ 800+

100+ 100+ 100+ 100+ 100+

N N N N N

115+ 115+ 115+ 115+ 115+

N N N N N

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

S S S S S

Y Y Y Y Y

Y Y Y Y Y

2016 2016 2016 2015 2015

1 4 4 6 3

N N N N N

Y Y Y Y Y

EMIRATES (CONT.) EMIRATES BUSINESS CLASS 777-300ER HD 77WJ

777-300ER LD 77WR

777-300ER ULD 77WP 777-200ER LD 772R

777-200LR 77LU

ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES

CLOUD NINE

ETIHAD AIRWAYS

Regions Flown

Number of Seats

777-300LD 773L

42 42 42 42 42 42

Aircraft

FIRST AND BUSINESS CLASS

Europe, Middle East/Africa Europe, Middle East/Africa Europe, Middle East/Africa Europe, Middle East/Africa Europe, Middle East/Africa Europe, Middle East/Africa Middle East/Africa Middle East/Africa Middle East/Africa Middle East/Africa Middle East/Africa

THE RESIDENCE BY ETIHAD A380-9 1 Three- 82" 180° Y N 16, 400+CDs 110+ 7 300+ Y N S Y Y 2014 1 Y N Middle East/Africa Sofa: 29.5" Per

Room (Single Person/ or double Suite

occupancy Bed: 82"

FIRST 777-200LR 8 1-2-1 80" 29.5" 180° Y Y 16, 400+ CDs 100 7 200 Y N/R S Y Y N/R 6 Y N/R Middle East/Africa FIRST SUITE 787-9 8 1-2-1 80.5" 26" 180° Y N 16, 400+ CDs 110+ 7 300+ Y N S Y Y 2014 1 Y N Middle East/Africa FIRST APARTMENT A380-800 9 1-1 80.5" 30.3" 180° Y N 16, 400+ CDs 100+ 7 300+ Y N S Y Y 2014 1 Y N Middle East/Africa BUSINESS 777-200LR 40 1-2-1 73" 20" 180° Y N 16, 400+ CDs 100 7 200 Y N S Y Y N/R 6 Y N/R Middle East/Africa BUSINESS STUDIO A380-800 70 1-2-1 80.5"/75.7" 22" 180° Y N 16, 400+ CDs 110+ 7 300+ Y N S Y Y 2014 1 Y N Middle East/Africa

787-9 28 1-2-1 80.5"/75.7" 22" 180° Y N 16, 400+ CDs 110+ 7 300+ Y N S Y Y 2014 1 Y N Middle East/Africa

EVA AIR ROYAL LAURAL 777-300ER 38–39 HB 1-2-1 81"

FIJI AIRWAYS

26"

180°

Y

N

20, 300 CDs

90

0

120+

Y

N

B

V

Y

2012

3.94 N N Pacific Rim

BUSINESS CLASS

21" 21"

N/R N/R

Y Y

N N

5 5

23 23

0 0

30 30

N N

N/A N/A

S S

Y Y

Y Y

2013 2015

2 N N Pacific Rim New N N Pacific Rim

A330-200 A330-300

24 24

2-2-2 2-2-2

60" 60"

FINNAIR BUSINESS CLASS A330-300 32

2-2-1/ 60" SG 21" 180° Y N 25 95 N/A 120+ Y Y D N/R Y 2014 N/R N 1-2-1

Y Europe

HAINAN AIRLINES BUSINESS CLASS

787-9 787-8 767-300 737-700HH 737-700 A330-200 A330-300 737-800

30 2-2-2 73-80” 22” 180° Y N 30 2-2-2 73-80” 22” 180° Y N 30 2-2-2 73-80” 22” 180° Y N 30 2-2-2 73-80” 22” 180° Y N 30 2-2-2 73-80” 22” 180° Y N 30 2-2-2 73-80” 22” 180° Y N 30 2-2-2 73-80” 22” 180° Y N 30 2-2-2 73-80” 22” 180° Y N

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

50 N/R 50 N/R 50 N/R 50 N/R 50 N/R 50 N/R 50 N/R 50 N/R

10+ 10+ 10+ 10+ 10+ 10+ 10+ 10+

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

B Y Y N/R 5 Y N/R Pacific Rim B Y Y N/R 5 Y N/R Pacific Rim B Y Y N/R 5 Y N/R Pacific Rim B Y Y N/R 5 Y N/R Pacific Rim B Y Y N/R 5 Y N/R Pacific Rim B Y Y N/R 5 Y N/R Pacific Rim B Y Y N/R 5 Y N/R Pacific Rim B Y Y N/R 5 Y N/R Pacific Rim

18 18

HAWAIIAN AIRLINES BUSINESS CLASS FIRST CLASS

A330 A330

2-2-2 2-2-2

71" 71"

20.5" 20.5"

180° 180°

Y Y

N N

20 20

41 41

0 0

70 70

N N

N/R N/R

D D

Y Y

Y Y

26.37" 26.37" 26.37" 26.37" 26.37"

180° 180° 180° 180° 180°

Y Y Y Y Y

N N N N N

90 90 90 90 90

68 68 68 68 68

0 0 0 0 0

112+ 112+ 112+ 112+ 112+

Y Y Y Y Y

N N (Voucher for N some

complimentary N time)

B B B B B

Y Y Y Y Y

Y Y Y Y Y

2016 2016

4 4

N N/R Pacific Rim N N/R North America

IBERIA BUSINESS PLUS CLASS

A330-200 A340-600 A340-600 A330-300 A330-300

19 36 46 36 29

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

44.5" SG 44.5" SG 44.5" SG 44.5" SG 44.5" SG

757-200 757-300 767-300

22 2-2 42" 20.5" 104° EST Y N 10 25 0 70 Y Y B Y Y 2015–16 18 N N/R Europe 22 2-2 42" 20.5" 104° EST Y N 10 25 0 70 Y Y B Y Y 2015–16 18 N N/R Europe 25 2-1-2 42" 20.5" 104° EST Y N 10 25 0 70 Y Y B Y Y 2015–16 18 N N/R Europe

N

2016 1.07 Y Y Europe 2016 11.12 Y Y Europe 2016 11.12 Y Y Europe Ongoing 3.89 Y Y Europe Ongoing 3.89 Y Y Europe

ICELANDAIR SAGA CLASS

J APAN AIRLINES JAL FIRST CLASS JAL BUSINESS CLASS

777-300ER 787-8 777-300ER

8 38 49

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

Suite Suite Suite

33" 25.5" 25.5"

180° 180° 180°

Y Y Y

N N N

N/R N/R N/R

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

N/R N/R N/R

Y Y Y

N N N

A321 A321

4 Suites 12

1-1 2-2

60" SG 58" SG

22" 20.5"

N/R 180°

Y Y

N N

100+ 100+

N/R 100+ N/R 100+

N/R N/R

Y Y

N/R N/R

777-200ER

28

2-3-2

76"

31"

176°

Y N/R

9

N

N/A

B B B

Y Y Y

Y Y Y

2013 2013 2013

N/R N/R N/R Pacific Rim N/R N/R N/R Pacific Rim N/R N/R N/R Pacific Rim

D N/R D N/R

Y Y

2014 2014

N/R N N/R North America N/R N N/R North America

S

Y

N/R

6.3 N/R Y Middle East/Africa

JETBLUE* MINT

KENYA AIRWAYS* PREMIER WORLD

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

18 globaltravelerusa.com GLOBAL TRAVELER’S CLASS ACT GUIDE

2017

25

16

N/R

Y

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

12 12 12 12

20+ 20+ 20+ 20+

5 5 5 5

N N N N

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

83" 83" 83" 83" 74" 75" 74" 75"

26.5" 26.5" 26.5" 26.5" 21" 21" 20.1" 20.1–21"

180° 180° 180° 180° 180° 180° 180° 180°

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

N N N N N N N N

Recline

1-2-1 1-1 1-2-1 1-2-1 2-2-2 2-2-2 2-3-2 2-2(3)-2

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

80+ 80+ 80+ 80+ 80+ 80+ 80+ 80+

Y Y

Regions Flown

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

12 6 8 8 94 48 28 42

Green Certification

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

1,000 Hrs. 1,000 Hrs.

Chauffeur Service

Amenity Kits Included

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

N N

Average Age of Aircraft

Free WiFi in Lounges

D D D D D D D D

Y Y

Date of Last Major Cabin Overhaul

Lounges Shared or Dedicated

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

180° 180°

Complimentary

N N N N N N N N

19.6" 19.6"

WiFi on Board

60+ 60+ 60+ 60+ 60+ 60+ 60+ 60+

N/R N/R

Number of Other Video Programs

500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500

2-2-2 2-2-2

Number of News Channels

2013 4–21 N 2013 4–21 N

35 35

Number of Movies

Y Y

Number of Audio Channels

Y Y

Adapters Required

D D

Power for Laptop

N/A N/R

Seat Width

747-8i 777-200ER 777-300ER A380 747-8i 777-200ER 777-300ER

N Y

Seat Pitch

PRESTIGE SLEEPER

80+ 1,000 Hrs. 1,000 Hrs. 80+ 1,000 Hrs. 1,000Hrs.

Layout

KLM* WORLD BUSINESS CLASS 747

777-200

AIR KOREAN COSMO Suites A380

Number of Seats

Aircraft

FIRST AND BUSINESS CLASS

Europe Europe

5.4 N N/R Pacific Rim 1.2 N N/R Pacific Rim 14.4 N N/R Pacific Rim 4.6 N/R N/R Pacific Rim 5.4 N N/R Pacific Rim 1.2 N N/R Pacific Rim 14.4 N N/R Pacific Rim 4.6 N/R N/R Pacific Rim

KUWAIT AIRWAYS* FIRST CLASS

OASIS

A340 777 A340 777

18 24 24 24

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

61" 61" 45" 45"

757-200

74

2-2

PREMIUM BUSINESS

787-800 A350-xwb

30 30

2-2-2 2-2-2

75" 74"

LOT BUSINESS CLASS

787

18

2-2-2

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

8 8 8 8 8 67 30 4 44 78 80

777-300ER A340-300

42 36

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

160° 160° 160° 160°

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

20.3 N N Middle East/Africa N/R N N/R Middle East Africa 20.3 N/R N Middle East/Africa N/R N/R N/R Middle East/Africa

LA COMPAGNIE* BUSINESS CLASS

61.1" ANG 25.98"

180°

Y

N

2

34

1

2

N

N/A

S

Y

Y

2015 N/R

N

N

Europe

23" 23"

180° 180°

Y Y

N N

45 Playlists 45 Playlists

115 115

0 0

350 350

N N

N/A N/A

B B

Y Y

Y Y

2017 New

1 1

N N

N N

Latin America Latin America

78"

23"

180°

Y

N

20+

50+

0

50+

N

N/A

B

Y

Y

2014

1.8

Y

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

84" 84" 84" 84" 84" 64" ANG 64" ANG 64" ANG 64" ANG 64" ANG 64" ANG

31.5" 31.5" 31.5" 31.5" 31.5" 20" 20" 20" 20" 20" 20"

180° 180° 180° 180° 180° 180° 180° 180° 180° 180° 180°

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

N N N N N N N N N N N

30, 300 CDs 30, 300 CDs 30, 300 CDs 30, 300 CDs 30, 300 CDs 30, 300 CDs 30, 300 CDs 30, 300 CDs 30, 300 CDs 30, 300 CDs 30, 300 CDs

100+ 100+ 100+ 100+ 100+ 100+ 100+ 100+ 100+ 100+ 100+

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

200+ 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

V V V V V V V V V V V

D D D D D D D D D D D

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012

11.2 11.2 11.2 11.2 11.2 11.2 11.2 11.2 11.2 11.2 11.2

Y Y Y Y Y N N N N N N

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Europe Europe Europe Europe Europe Europe Europe Europe Europe Europe Europe

2-3-2 2-2-2

78" 74"

20.42" 19.69"

N/R N/R

Y Y

N N

12 12

99 37

0 0

0 0

Y Y

N N

D D

Y Y

Y Y

2014 3 N 2014 14.9 N

N N

Pacific Rim Pacific Rim

150 100+

0 1

500 500+

N N

N/A N/A

D D

Y Y

Y Y

N/A 2008

7.7 7.7

N N

N N

Pacific Rim Pacific Rim

B

Y

Y

2016

5

N

Y

Middle East/Africa

B B B B B

Y Y Y Y Y

Y Y Y Y Y

2017 2017 2017 2017 2017

5 5 5 5 5

N N N N N

Y Y Y Y Y

Middle East/Africa Middle East/Africa Middle East/Africa Middle East/Africa Middle East/Africa

D

Y

Y

N/R

N/R

N

LATAM AIRLINES

LOT POLISH AIRLINES* N/R Europe

LUFTHANSA FIRST CLASS

BUSINESS CLASS

PHILIPPINE AIRLINES* BUSINESS CLASS

QANTAS* QANTAS FIRST SUITE A380-800 14 1-1-1 83.5" 29" 180° Y N 1,000 CDs QANTAS BUSINESS A380 64 2-2-2 80" 21.5" 180° Y N 20+, 1,000

+CDs

QATAR AIRWAYS

BUSINESS CLASS A350 36 1-2-1 80" 22" 180° Y N

Y Y (Up to

10 MG)

777-200 42 2-2-2 78" 21.82" 177° Y N

N N/A Up to 4,000 total

777-300 24–42 2-2-2 78" 21.82" 180° Y N

N N/A QSUITE 777-300 24–42 1-2-1 79" 21.5" 180° Y N

N N/A

A350 36–46 1-2-1 80" 21.5" 180° Y N

N N/A

777-200 42 1-2-1 79" 21.5" 180° Y N

N N/A

ROYAL AIR MAROC* BUSINESS CLASS

787-8

18

2-2-2

60" ANG

21"

180°

Y

N

150 Albums

45+

N/R

N/R

N

N/R

N/R Middle East/Africa

ROYAL JORDANIAN BUSINESS CLASS A321 20 2-2 48" 27" N/R Y N 600 Albums 98 1 120+ Coming Y N/R N/R Y N/R 4.8 N/R N/R Middle East/Africa

soon

A330 24 2-2-2 62" ANG 21" 180° Y N 600 Albums 98 1 120+ Coming Y N/R N/R Y N/R 4.8 N/R N/R Middle East/Africa

soon

787

24

2-2-2

60" ANG

20.5"

180°

Y

N

600 Albums

98

1

120+

Coming

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

Y

N/A N/R

Y

N/R

4.8 N/R N/R Middle East/Africa

GLOBAL TRAVELER’S CLASS ACT GUIDE 2017 globaltravelerusa.com

19

Number of Movies

Number of News Channels

Number of Other Video Programs

WiFi on Board

Complimentary

Lounges Shared or Dedicated

Free WiFi in Lounges

Amenity Kits Included

Date of Last Major Cabin Overhaul

Average Age of Aircraft

Chauffeur Service

Green Certification

180° 180°

Y Y

N N/R

734 734

285 285

24-40 24-40

354 354

Y Y

Y Y

S S

Y Y

Y Y

2017 2017

5.9 5.9

N N

N N

Regions Flown

Number of Audio Channels

82" 30.5" 60" SG 20"

Adapters Required

Seat Width

1-2-1 1-2-1

Seat Pitch

12 36

Power for Laptop

777-300ER (VI)

Recline

BUSINESS CLASS

Layout

SAUDI ARABIAN AIRLINES 777-300ER SAUDIA FIRST SUITE

Number of Seats

Aircraft

FIRST AND BUSINESS CLASS

Middle East/Africa Middle East/Africa

SAS SCANDINAVIAN AIRLINES SAS BUSINESS

A330-300 32 1-2-1 N/R N/R 180° Y N/R

N/R

N/R

N/R N/R Y Y B Y Y 2016 N/R N/R N/R Europe

SINGAPORE AIRLINES NEXT GENERATION FIRST CLASS NEXT GENERATION BUSINESS CLASS

777-300ER 777-300ER A350-900

4 48 48

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

67" SG 35" 51" SG 28" 51" SG 28"

180° 180° 180°

Y Y Y

N 1,000 total N N

Y Y Y

N N N

B B B

Y Y Y

N N N

2013 2013 2016

N/R N/R N/R

N N/R Europe, Pacific Rim N N/R Europe, Pacific Rim N N Europe, Pacific Rim

SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS PREMIUM BUSINESS CLASS A330-300 46 1-2-1 45" SG 23" 180° Y N 170+ 100+ 0 100 N N/A B Y Y 2016 10 N Y Middle East/Africa Months

A340-600 42 2-2-2 73" 24" 180° Y N 40+ 100+ 0 100 N N/A B Y Y 2006 14 N Y Middle East/Africa

SWISS INTERNATIONAL

AIR LINES

SWISS FIRST A330-300 8 83" 22" 180° Y N 16 80 N/R 130 Y Y (50 MB) D Y Y 2009

A340-300 8 1-2-1 83" 22" 180° Y N 16 80 N/R 130 N N/A D Y Y Upcoming 2018

777-300ER 8 1-2-1 83" 22" 180° Y N 16 80 N/R 130 Y Y D Y Y 2016 SWISS BUSINESS A340-300 47 1-2-1/2-2-1 45" SG 20.5" 180° Y N 16 80 N/R 130 N N/A D Y Y Upcoming 2018

A330-300 45 1-2-1/2-2-1 45" SG 20.5" 180° Y N 16 80 N/R 130 Y N D Y Y 2009

777-300ER 62 1-2-1/2-2-1 45" SG 20.5" 180° Y N 16 80 N/R 130 Y N D Y Y 2016

6.79 13.7

Y Y

Y Y

Europe Europe

1.09 13.7

Y N

Y Y

Europe Europe

6.79 1.09

N N

Y Y

Europe Europe

N

N

Europe

TAP PORTUGAL TAP EXECUTIVE

TURKISH AIRLINES

A330-200

25 1-2-2/1-2-1 45"SG 22.3"

180°

Y

N

BUSINESS CLASS

UNITED AIRLINES

777-300ER A330-300 A340

49 28 34

177° 177° 159°

Y Y Y

N 8, 811 Albums N 8, 811 Albums N 8, 811 Albums

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

76" 76" 60"

22" 22" 20"

12

100+

3

81

Y

N

D

Y

Y

2017

13

312 312 312

4 4 4

573 573 573

Y Y Y

Y Y Y

D D D

Y Y Y

Y Y Y

N/R N/R N/R

6.7 N/R Europe Coming 6.7 N/R Europe soon 6.7 N/R Europe

UNITED BUSINESSFIRST 747 52 2-4-2 76" EST 20" 180° Y N N/A 50+ N/A 200+ Y N S Y Y 2009 21 V N Europe, North America, Pacific Rim

757-200 16 2-2 76" EST 21" 180° Y N N/A 50+ N/A 200+ Y N S Y Y 2011 18 V N Europe, North America

757-200 P.S. 28 2-2 76" EST 21" 180° Y N N/A 220+ N/A 450+ Y N S Y Y 2013 21 V N North America

767-300 26 2-2-2 76" EST 20" 180° Y N N/A 50+ N/A 200+ Y N S Y Y 2008 23 V N Europe, Latin America, North America

767-300 30 2-1-2 75" EST 21" 180° Y N N/A 220+ N/A 450+ Y N S Y Y 2012 16 V N Europe, Latin America, North America

767-400 39 2-1-2 75" EST 21" 180° Y N N/A 220+ N/A 450+ Y N S Y Y 2012 14 V N Europe, Latin America, North America

777-200 40 2-4-2 76" EST 20" 180° Y N N/A 220+ N/A 450+ Y N S Y Y 2010 15 V N Europe, Latin America, Middle East/Africa North America, Pacific Rim

777-200 50 2-2-2 76" EST 23" 180° Y N N/A 220+ N/A 450+ Y N S Y Y 2010 14 V N Europe. Latin America, Middle East/Africa, North America, Pacific Rim

787-8 36 2-2-2 76" EST 22" 180° Y N N/A 220+ N/A 450+ Y N S Y Y New 2 V N Europe, Latin America, Middle East/Africa, North America, Pacific Rim

787-9 48 2-2-2 78" EST 22" 180° Y N N/A 220+ N/A 450+ Y N S Y Y New 1 V N Pacific Rim UNITED POLARIS CLASS 767-300ER 30 1-1-1 78" 21" 180° Y N N/A AVOD AVOD AVOD Y N D Y Y 2016/17 V N/R Y Europe, Latin America, Middle East/Africa, North America, Pacific Rim

777-300ER 60 2-1-2 78" 23" 180° Y N N/A 220+ AVOD 450+ Y N D Y Y 2016/17 V N/R Y Europe, Latin America, Middle East/Africa, North America, Pacific Rim

777-300 60 1-2-1 N/R 23” 180° Y N 30 150+ 0 50+ Y N B N Y New N/R N/R N/R Middle East/Africa, North America, Pacific Rim VIETNAM AIRLINES* BUSINESS CLASS 777 25 2-3-2 59" 20" 150°

VIRGIN ATLANTIC

Y

Y

9

3–6

N/R

UPPER CLASS 787-9 31 1-1-1 N/R 22" 180°

VIRGIN AUSTRALIA*

Y

Y

400

60

0

N/R

N

70+ Hrs. Y

N/A

B

Y

Y

N/R

11.2

N

N

Pacific Rim

N

D

Y

Y

2014

2

Y

Y

Europe

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS 777-300ER 33 2-3-2 GT research.

77" 23" 180° Y N 11, 300 CDs 54 1 151 N N/A S N/R Y 2009 N/R N/R N/R Pacific Rim * Airline did not reply. Survey information was compiled with

20

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

globaltravelerusa.com GLOBAL TRAVELER’S CLASS ACT GUIDE 2017

GT tested

TURKISH AIRLINES | BUSINESS CLASS

.

New York (JFK) to Istanbul (IST) to Dubai (DXB)

Reviewed by Banu Yilmaz

TOP TAKEAWAYS

PHOTOS: © TURKISH AIRLINES, © SUFI70 | DREAMSTIME

On the Ground: Before this trip, most people were surprised to hear I hadn’t experienced Turkish Airlines, as I’m Turkish. I was excited to arrive at the airport early enough to relax in the lounge before takeoff. With no one in the business line, this may have been one of my quickest check-ins to date. I would say it took less than two minutes. Off to the lounge I went.

Pre-Flight: I took a quick walk through the lounge to see what was available. The lounge — clean with plenty of food and drink options — featured a crisp design and comfortable chairs. With dependable WiFi, I sat down with a plate of food and a Bloody Mary and dove into some emails. Because it was a late flight out of JFK, I knew I would be getting some shuteye on the plane unless the entertainment was too good to pass up.

In-Flight: The plane boarded on time. I immediately reached my window seat, offering plenty of legroom as well as storage space for my bags. As soon

as I sat down, I was served a juice option. I noticed an actual bar up front with an attendant concocting drinks to everyone’s liking. I grabbed a refreshing lemonade. I wanted to get comfortable under the thick blanket and check out the entertainment available. Shortly after takeoff, I started one of many movies I planned to watch during the long haul. One of the previews introduced Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, which Turkish Airlines promoted. Almost everything was designed to promote the film — even the menus were in the shape of a bat opening its wings — and I think the marketing team did an excellent job.

The chef on board took our orders immediately.

I thoroughly enjoyed a glass of Chablis Premier Cru Les Joyaux 2013 to complement my grilled Chilean sea bass. The wine list featured many vintages I wanted to taste. Did I mention the cute electronic candle for each passenger? Romantic dinner, party of one. Such a thoughtful detail! Full from the plethora of delicious food options, I found it easy to fall asleep on the fully flat bed right after dinner.

◆ There is a reason Turkish Airlines wins best airline awards across the globe. The service is impeccable, the food provides a great representation of the culture, and the staff is famous for its first-class hospitality. ◆ During my layover, I visited the new business lounge, a destination in itself. It featured a pool table where travelers could enjoy friendly competition and safes big enough to hold luggage. ◆ The lounge food was, of course, amazing. My favorite? The display offering all Turkish desserts.

Turkish Airlines turkishairlines.com

GLOBAL TRAVELER’S CLASS ACT GUIDE 2017

globaltravelerusa.com

21

GT tested

BRUSSELS AIRLINES | BUSINESS CLASS

Brussels (BRU) to New York (JFK)

Reviewed by Kimberly Krol

Pre-Flight: While I intended to pass my pre-flight time at The Loft lounge, my flight departed from the B Terminal and I was directed to The Suite lounge. Both offer superb airport experiences to premium passengers. The Suite can accommodate more than 150 passengers, and it was full on the day of my visit. Once I found seating, I helped myself to a light morning snack

22

and caffeinated beverage and chatted with my travel companions until it was time to make my way to the gate for boarding. By the time I walked to the gate, boarding was underway.

I used the priority lane to board quickly.

In-Flight: As my flight departed in the late morning, my ultimate goal was to stay awake in flight and arrive back in the United States prepared to adjust accordingly to the time change.

The lie-flat seats with integrated massage functions sure tempted me to snooze, though. Overall, the in-flight experience offered everything a premium traveler craves in a business-class experience: a large, 15.3-inch, touchscreen entertainment system with a variety of options; a Star Chef menu; a range of wine and beer options; a well-stocked amenity kit; and attentive service.

I settled in, prepared to pass the time dining and watching movies, which included an old favorite, The Town. And I did rest my eyes for just a short time. As my flight was longer than seven hours, a snack was served in addition to lunch.

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TOP TAKEAWAYS ◆ If possible, select one of the “king seats,” considered the lone seat in the 1-2-1 configuration, for even more space and enhanced privacy. ◆ I found the presentation of my snow crab snack and sliced veal starter particularly lovely and visually appealing. ◆ After we reached cruising altitude, the flight attendants set up an area at the front of the cabin where passengers could help themselves to chilled Champagne throughout the flight — a nice touch. ◆ Each flight features a Star Chef and a wine and beer of the month. Dimitri Marit was the Star Chef featured on my flight. I quite enjoyed my cod in a Parmesan crust, as well as the Blanche de Thines Belgian beer, the highlighted beer. ◆ Another nice touch? Business-class passengers receive a gift box of Neuhaus chocolate.

Brussels Airlines brusselsairlines.com

PHOTOS: © BRUSSELS AIRLINES

On the Ground: My trip to Belgium came just a few months after the tragic terrorist attacks at Brussels Airport in March 2016, so extra security measures were in place. My bus transport was required to drop off a certain distance from the airport’s entrance, meaning I had a longer walk to the terminal and I passed through an additional ad hoc security screening prior to entering the airport, but I was not pulled aside for any screening at that checkpoint. After a bit of a wait to check in, I was on my way through the priority security lanes. The airport was crowded, but everything ran smoothly and without disruption, despite the number of people.

GT tested

AIR INDIA | EXECUTIVE CLASS

Newark (EWR) to London (LHR)

Reviewed by Kimberly Krol

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

◆ Fanfare in the airport for Air India’s inaugural Boeing 787 service from Newark (EWR) to Ahmedabad (AMD) via London (LHR) made the experience more exciting.

PHOTOS: © AIR INDIA, © KIMBERLY KROL

On the Ground: I arrived at the airport a bit early, as I expected a celebration at check-in: I was preparing to take off on the first flight of Air India’s new service from Newark (EWR) to Ahmedabad (AMD) via London (LHR), also the first U.S. Dreamliner service for the airline. The step and repeat, journalists, balloons, candy and Air India mascot met my expectations.

After a quick check-in at the dedicated business-class counter, a friendly Air India employee personally escorted me through security and to the door of the lounge.

Pre-Flight: Air India Executive Class passengers at Newark Liberty International Airport are allowed access to the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse pre-flight. In the darkened, quiet lounge I found a corner on the cushioned banquette to settle in and charge up before my late-evening trans-Atlantic flight.

I ordered one of the suggested signature cocktails and a bowl of noodle soup, both of which I enjoyed while catching up on a few last-minute emails and text messages.

I’m always too anxious to wait for boarding calls, instead opting to head out at a time I feel comfortable with, never being sure if I will want to shop on the way to the gate. I navigated the terminal to find boarding slightly delayed and a huge crowd of passengers waiting at the gate. It was exciting, however, to see the ribbon cutting

◆ On a personal note, the milestone for Air India was a bit of a milestone for me: Nearly nine years ago, I took my first trip for GT on Air India’s inaugural non-stop between New York (JFK) and Mumbai (BOM).

and feel the buzz of enthusiasm for the inaugural flight.

In-Flight: As the Executive Class was not full, I switched my aisle seat for a window. The business-class cabin was bright and, with the reconfigured overhead bins of the 787, felt even roomier than normal premium cabins. As we reached cruising altitude, I settled in to watch movies. I ate a little bit quickly; the flight was overnight and I wanted to reach London well-rested, as I would have one free afternoon in the city before returning home. The comfortable seats did the trick, and I was able to sleep peacefully for most of the flight. Welcome beverages, comforters, pajamas and amenity kits were all passed out before take-off.

◆ The flight also marked my first time (finally!) experiencing the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. ◆ On board, business-class flight attendants gave each passenger a small gift to commemorate the experience.

Air India airindia.in

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ROYAL AIR MAROC | BUSINESS CLASS

Washington, D.C. (IAD) to Casablanca (CMN) to Doha (DOH)

Reviewed by Kimberly Krol

Pre-Flight: At IAD, Royal Air Maroc business-class passengers can access the Etihad lounge. We caught up on emails while enjoying the lounge’s table service, snacking a bit from both the buffet and the menu. I was so comfortable, I started dozing off waiting for the departure of our flight at close to midnight.

The sizable lounge in Casablanca was busy when we arrived. Although our stay was brief, it provided a welcome

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respite to freshen up, have some coffee and check emails between our two seven-hour flights.

In-Flight: Royal Air Maroc’s business class offers all the modern comforts coupled with the conveniences of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner — larger overhead luggage space, noise reduction, larger windows.

On both flights the lie-flat seats offered 61 inches of space, adjustable head rests, partitions with adjoining seats and additional storage space. They were perfect for sleeping, which was my plan of attack on the IAD–CMN flight. From Casablanca to Doha I caught up on movies on the LCD seatback video screens. I did notice the movie offerings were a bit different on the two legs.

Moroccan and international options are offered on the à la carte menus, along with a full selection of Champagne, wine and liquor. Flight attendants greeted passengers with welcome beverages, in-flight reading material and amenity kits.

Boarding, security and immigration processing were made easier with priority access.

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TOP TAKEAWAYS:

◆ Royal Air Maroc launched the non-stop service from Washington Dulles International Airport to Casablanca in September 2016.

The airline’s brand-new Boeing 787 Dreamliners service the route. ◆ Washington, D.C., is the second U.S. city served by Royal Air Maroc, after 40 years of service to New York (JFK). ◆ On my return flight, I had a 12-hour layover in Casablanca, which afforded me the opportunity to both explore the city and spend time in the premium lounge at the airport.

Royal Air Maroc royalairmaroc.com

PHOTO: © ROYAL AIR MAROC

On the Ground: I was traveling to Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi with my colleague Banu Yilmaz. After picking up Banu, based in New York, at the train station, we headed from Yardley, Pa., to Washington Dulles International Airport. As the Royal Air Maroc flight to Casablanca departs quite late from IAD, we didn’t encounter too much traffic on our drive. Parking and check-in couldn’t have been easier.

With priority security access, we were through and on our way to the lounge in no time.

Once at CMN, we cleared immigration, which took a bit longer, then headed to the lounge for a brief visit before our connection departed to Doha.

GT tested

AEROMEXICO | CLASE PREMIER

Mexico City (MEX) to New York (JFK)

PHOTOS: © AEROMEXICO, © BOARDING1NOW | DREAMSTIME.COM

Reviewed by Carly Allen

On the Ground: I always suggest leaving your hotel with plenty of time to spare on your return trip to Benito Juárez International Airport; as in most metropolitan cities, traffic can be unpredictable. Aeromexico has plenty of ticketing counters with friendly staff, and we checked in within five minutes. In my experience at MEX, security lines are never long, so we had plenty of time to find Aeromexico’s temporary Premier Salon lounge. The older VIP lounge was under final reconstruction at the time (it opened April 6 and now includes spa services and a kids’ lounge). The temporary lounge, although crowded, had all the necessities, including a large circular bar, snacks and WiFi. Pre-Flight: Our early evening flight on a new Boeing 737-800 was busy, but we were offered refreshments of Champagne or water and reading materials at once. Takeoff was quick and on time.

In-Flight: Once we reached cruising altitude, we spread out in our lightly reclining seats, perfectly fine for the five-hour flight.

TOP TAKEAWAYS: ◆ Aeromexico’s newer Boeing 737-800 aircraft is a welcome upgrade with onboard entertainment and WiFi.

Clase Premier boasts a 2-2 configuration of fairly wide seats, universal electrical outlets and a fully compatible screen and entertainment system offering newly released movies, music and games.

Dinner offerings were plentiful, but I chose the simple pasta dish with a light cream sauce and veggies, accompanied by a nice glass of Sauvignon Blanc and a top-shelf whiskey as a nightcap.

After everything was cleared, I sat back and watched a newly released film while using onboard WiFi to work on emails before resting for the remainder of the flight. The cabin crew was prompt in keeping passengers replenished with water or refills throughout the trip.

◆ The flight attendants were both unobtrusive and accommodating. ◆ Aeromexico’s new VIP Salon Premier in the International Terminal is a must-try; SkyTeam members can also use it.

Aeromexico aeromexico.com

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GT tested

ASIANA AIRLINES | BUSINESS CLASS

Incheon (ICN) to Singapore (SIN)

Reviewed by Carly Allen

Pre-Flight: We boarded our Airbus A330 on time, and attendants quickly showed us to our seats in the business-class cabin with a 2-2-2 configuration. The crew quickly offered snacks and

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orange juice, and I was glad to get my electronics set up before we took off.

In-Flight: Once we reached cruising altitude, I got situated for the six-hour journey to Singapore, starting with a nice cup of green tea. Each seat features international electrical outlets, so I charged my devices after a day of meetings. The seats on this aircraft offer a nice seat pitch, but it wasn’t fully 180 degrees, which made me slide a bit when trying to rest. However, this was a day flight, and I had plenty of things to keep me busy. Passengers can access the onboard entertainment through the fully functioning handset to choose from dozens of movie and music options plus make requests to the crew.

The full-service dinner offered wines and top-shelf spirits along with Western food and traditional Korean fare. I chose a Korean dish of chicken and white rice with kimchi alongside a garden salad and finished with a fruit tart and glass of Riesling. After dinner, everything was cleared quickly, and my flight attendant, to my delight, brought me a cup of green tea and extra pillows without prompting to enjoy during the remaining time on board.

TOP TAKEAWAYS: ◆ Asiana’s flight attendants prove their award-winning service: always helpful, attentive and kind. ◆ Asiana’s route network throughout Asia and transfer at ICN make a convenient experience for North American travelers. ◆ Leave plenty of time before your flight to enjoy everything Incheon Airport has to offer.

Asiana Airlines flyasiana.com

PHOTOS: © ASIANA AIRLINES

On the Ground: Flying out of Incheon Airport is an experience all on its own. Routinely named the best airport in the world, it boasts dozens of high-end retail shops and every kind of cuisine you can imagine. We arrived three hours early for our international flight, and I was able to get my last bowl of kimchi stew at Sonsoo Bansang, located in the Food Emporium, along with some last-minute duty-free items.

Asiana’s business-class lounge offers everything you’d expect at a home base airport. Sky-high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the runway give this huge room an open feeling despite the busy traffic. Seat options include club chairs, bar stools and private cubicles, allowing travelers choices to pass the time. We chose the club chairs close to the grand piano to get some work done. The food bar offered the usual fare, but a chef stands ready to stir-fry a hot meal at the noodle bar if you want something heavier.

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SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS | BUSINESS CLASS

Washington (IAD) to Dakar (DKR) to Johannesburg (JNB)

Reviewed by Francis X. Gallagher

PHOTOS: © SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS

On the Ground: I was excited to try South African Airways’ new business class, only available from North America via its Washington, D.C., gateway. So I packed up the car with my family and drove from Philadelphia to Dulles, surprisingly easy and convenient. Parking at Dulles was a breeze, really close to the terminal, and check-in was swift at the SAA ticket counter. We were through security in no time and took advantage of South African’s partnership use of the Turkish Airlines lounge at IAD. Knowing I would lose some connectivity while traveling, I was relieved to get online and send a few emails before boarding.

Pre-Flight: As we boarded, we could see this was going to be a comfortable business class. I have flown SAA many times and find the seat, service and wine meet high standards. But this new business class features a fully flat seat with a wide entertainment screen offering a host of movies and programming.

SAA serves Methode Cap Classique sparkling wine chilled to perfection, and we all had a welcome glass to toast our special occasion for the trip, my wife’s birthday. It was a good excuse to get us all together on SAA’s award-winning business class.

In addition, my eldest child, Nate, was flying from JFK to meet us halfway through the trip as a birthday surprise. In no time, we were off on our adventure and ready to enjoy SAA’s service as part of our African experience. The flight attendants made sure we were all set for takeoff, and for the first time ever I was required (with my fellow passengers) to wear a shoulder harness as well as a lap belt for takeoff and landing. The crew delivered newspapers and amenity kits before departure.

In-Flight: I had one of SAA’s friendliest flight attendants — we were in a mutual admiration society, complimenting each other. She had to leave in Dakar but informed her replacement we were “very nice people.” Once airborne, the service started with beverages and appetizers including Balik salmon, Japanese pickle rolls (a modified sushi) and a seasonal salad and soup, all to our liking. One cannot fly on South African Airways without sampling South African wines, and the wide selection included Flagstone Poetry Chardonnay 2015 and Cape Atlantic Sauvignon Blanc 2016 for whites, and for reds, Boschendal Larone 2015 (Shiraz and Mourvedre blend) and Weltevrede Cherrychoc Merlot 2015. We were particularly fond of the Sauvignon Blanc and Boschendal.

Dinner choices included braised beef short ribs with celery root purée, slow-braised chicken, Thai spiced halibut with basmati rice, and black truffle risotto served with snow peas. I opted for the beef, tender and tasty. I passed on the dessert options and went for the cheese plate, which hit the spot. My daughter asked if she should sleep on the first leg or stay up, and I said, “Sleep!” After watching a movie, I took a snooze until we landed in Dakar.

We had a one-hour refuel, security check and flight crew change and off we went to Johannesburg. On this leg I recommend sleep; but if you opt to eat again there is a complete lunch and dinner service. When we landed in Johannesburg I immediately converted some U.S. dollars to South African rand.

By the time we went to the luggage carousel, our bags were waiting, and soon we were comfortably tucked away at the InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport for the night.

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TOP TAKEAWAYS: ◆ Enjoy great South African wine on board. ◆ I always seem to find the friendliest flight attendants! ◆ The return flight was just as enjoyable, and I cannot stress enough the ease of Dulles International Airport. ◆ I took a picture of my daughter and texted it to her, titled “Spoiled Kid.” South African Airways flysaa.com

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GT tested

HAWAIIAN AIRLINES | FIRST CLASS

Honolulu (HNL) to New York (JFK)

Reviewed by Francis X. Gallagher

Pre-Flight: I was excited about my return flight, as I was in Hawaiian’s new first-class lie-flat seat. The crew on both my return and my outgoing flights truly had the aloha spirit, which travelers to Hawai’i anticipate. I had a lot of work to do and decided to split the time by writing a bit, watching a movie or two and making sure I experienced the new seat. The pre-flight service was wonderful, with macadamia nuts and a cocktail; you have to sample Hawaiian Airlines’ signature mai tai — it rivals the classic cocktail served at the Mai Tai Bar at The Royal Hawaiian on Waikiki Beach. The Flor Prosecco, NV Italy served on board is also refreshing. Hawaiian ranked highly in our Wines on the Wing airline wine competition, and as I had the August issue of Global Traveler with me, I shared the competition results with the cabin staff and my seatmate.

In-Flight: Hawaiian Airlines’ first-class product — equal in many respects to an international business class — is slightly different in that it takes a more open approach to the layout and seat. Rather than the cocoon of most business-class products, which some people find claustrophobic, Hawaiian

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opened the seat, more reflective of the Hawai’ian culture.

In nearly every other business class, I could not have a conversation with my seatmate, but here I could. It also has a unique approach to in-flight entertainment, opting for preloaded iPads instead of built-in screens, allowing Hawaiian to maintain its planes for perhaps 10 years or more even as technology changes. It is easier and more cost-effective to swap out the iPad than a seat-mounted monitor. A thin arm extends from the armrest and the iPad system rests in a slot, so passengers do not have to hold the tablet.

Chuck Furuya, the only Master Sommelier in Hawai’i, selects the onboard wines, and while in Honolulu we stopped into his Vino wine bar for a wonderful dining experience. Hawaiian Airlines’ first-class menu was superb, and I was fond of the arugula salad with roasted beets. For the main course I selected Japanese udon noodles, a nice switch from a typical protein. Hawaiian secured “New Hawaiian Talent” by selecting local chefs to create its menus. Chai Chaowasaree, the executive chef, surrounded himself with some of the islands’ newest shining stars, including Chef Sheldon Simeon from Tin Roof Maui.

After my fine meal and a few hours of work, I took advantage of the first-class flat bed. I appreciated the simple controls, and the seat became a bed in no time. I am well over 6 feet tall, and at no time did I feel cramped. Access to the aisle is easy from any seat in the 2-2-2 configuration. Cozy duvets in the Hawaiian Airlines color scheme add to the comfort, particularly when you are seated at the window, which can be cooler.

All this makes Hawai’i a closer destination, and the airline will be adding more non-stop flights to the mainland and Asia when it secures additional Airbus 321neos starting this month and through the beginning of 2018.

TOP TAKEAWAYS: ◆ Pualani, the woman symbolized in the Hawaiian Airlines logo, would be proud of the carrier’s achievements. ◆ The flight from JFK to Honolulu was a short 9.5 hours (scheduled for 10.5), bringing the Hawai’ian Islands much closer to the East Coast. ◆ The rollout of the flat-bed first class will take some time as new aircraft arrive. Sorry, Los Angeles, we need it more on the East Coast!

Hawaiian Airlines hawaiianairlines.com

PHOTOS: © FRANCIS X. GALLAGHER

On the Ground: I dropped off my rental at Hertz and was on the way to the terminal in no time. I had used the Hawaiian Airlines app to check in and secure my boarding pass, but as a creature of habit I also printed out a paper pass at the kiosk. The entrance to security was next to the Hawaiian Airlines check-in and the line was minimal. Honolulu Airport is part inside and part outside, requiring a lot of walking to some gates, but that afforded me a little shopping on the way to the plane.

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ICELANDAIR | SAGA CLUB

New York (JFK) to Reykjavík (KEF)

Reviewed by Banu Yilmaz

TOP TAKEAWAYS

◆ You can stay connected the entire time you’re on board. ◆ I highly recommend Icelandair’s stopover promotion. Plus, the dutyfree purchase of alcohol during your stay is smart and cost-effective.

On the Ground: Because it was a late flight, I avoided the stress of dealing with the usual traffic from Manhattan to JFK. And as expected, only a few people stood in line for Saga Club check-in. I had checked in online, so I just needed to drop off my suitcase at the counter. It was taken care of without any delays, and I headed straight to the security line.

◆ Book your flight earlier in the day if possible. Otherwise, you arrive early in the morning and your hotel may not accommodate an early check-in.

PHOTOS: © ICELANDAIR

Pre-Flight: I was directed to the Galleries Lounge to briefly relax before my flight. Overall, the space was clean, with multiple counters offering different light snacks and drinks. Although I was not too hungry, I grabbed a few pieces of fruit and a soft drink and made some calls. I was excited about my first trip to Iceland and ready for my surprisingly short flight — a little more than five hours. Right at boarding time, I walked to my gate, eager to start my adventure.

In-Flight: The seats were spacious in business class, although they only reclined and did not lie flat. There were plenty of entertainment options as well as WiFi. I was ready to eat my dinner and take a quick nap. I ended up skipping the Parma ham and blue cheese starter. Although I expected some seafood options for the main course, I was delighted with my Indian

◆ Look for Icelandair Hotels throughout the island for clean, comfortable and convenient locations.

Icelandair icelandair.com

chicken breast entrée. I reclined my seat and rested under the warm blanket while watching two consecutive movies and staying in contact with the world 30,000 feet below.

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Premium Economy Airlines meet growing passenger demand for affordable comfort and luxury.

COMFORT ZONE:

American Airlines' premium-economy seating PHOTO: © AMERICAN AIRLINES

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AIRLINES CONTINUE TO REPORT a strong economic outlook coupled with a growing demand for quality service and amenities.

This year proves to be no exception, with the International Air Transport Association reporting the global airline industry expects to see a net profit of $29.8 billion.

Passengers, becoming more discerning about their choice of cabin class, demand comfort at a reasonable price. To keep passengers happy and profits high, the airlines offer additional options and features beyond coach, business and first classes. Business and leisure travelers alike look for reasonable fares with more creature comforts and luxuries in the growing premium economyclass marketplace. One upside for frequent travelers: potentially spending thousands less in premium economy than in business class — without compromising on perks.

While premium economy cabins aren’t new, making their big debut in 1992 on EVA Air and Virgin Atlantic Airlines, some

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BY SUSAN FINCH

airlines have been slow to adapt in the United States. American Airlines was among the first in the country to offer a premium economy cabin and is working to add premium-economy service on a wide variety of its aircraft including all of its Boeing 777300ERs through 2019. But in 2017 its new Airbus A350 will come ready to serve its premium-economy passengers. Delta Air Lines followed suit and launched premium economy in the third quarter of 2017.

Airlines are enjoying increased profits from a growing demand for premium economy, but the industry faced skepticism as to whether passengers would downgrade from business class to premium economy to save on airfare. That hasn’t been the case. Instead, airlines’ economy-class passengers are adapting to premium economy for an upgraded experience. Long-haul flights remain an obviously popular choice for splurging on premiumeconomy airfare.

UPGRADES:

Iberia's premium economy (top), and Qantas' Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner premium-economy seating (bottom) PHOTOS: © IBERIA, © QANTAS

But is premium economy really worth it? It depends on the routes, airlines and the type of cabin experience offered. However, it’s safe to say investing in premium-economy tickets is a popular and worthwhile option on long-haul flights. Airlines report these are typically their most popular routes.

As airlines outfit more planes with premium-economy seating, they are also adding more routes. In spring 2017 American Airlines unveiled an additional international route featuring premium-economy service. Up to this point, American only featured its inbetween class on six of its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners with routes from Dallas/Fort Worth International, Chicago O’Hare and Los Angeles International. American’s premiumeconomy routes expanded to include Chicago to Paris (CDG) in July and Los Angeles to Tokyo (NRT) in August.

Business and leisure travelers exploring Spain and routes on Iberia can now get in on premium-economy benefits. Iberia started by installing premium-economy seats with more legroom on its A340-600s. However, its upcoming Airbus A350s will come factoryequipped and ready to launch its premium economy cabins.

Although not new to the premium-economy marketplace, Qantas Airways announced improvements to its current cabin starting with its Boeing 787-9. Keeping pace with its competitors, the new premium-economy seats will boast an increase in width of 10 percent and more recline than its current version of the seats. Qantas’ new seats will also feature a Z shape to enhance the sleep experience with an ergonomic headrest, custom pillow and multiple storage compartments. Business travelers can plug into USB ports and power outlets in the anticipated 28-seat cabin with a 2-3-2 configuration.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION Qantas plans to feature the new premiumeconomy seats on long-haul flights with its inaugural launch on its first Dreamliner route from Melbourne (MEL) to Los Angeles. It will also feature the new premium economy on a non-stop flight from Perth (PER) to London (LHR) in March 2018. But travelers hoping to snag a seat on the highly anticipated route are out of luck. Qantas already pre-sold the seats nearly a year in advance, and all of its business and premium-economy seats were gone within minutes. It’s no big surprise Skytrax announced Qantas as the World’s Best Premium Economy Class for 2017, with last year’s winner, Air New Zealand, getting knocked into second place.

Extra legroom has always been one of the main draws to premium-economy class, typically spanning upwards of 38 inches of space. However, airlines now go above and beyond the extra legroom perk to entice travelers with added creature comforts. KLM tops the charts for legroom with 55 inches, while Virgin Atlantic offers the widest seat at 21 inches. Other airlines are also looking at creative options to upgrade their seating beyond extra room. Air New Zealand is refitting its Boeing 777-300 fleet to better align with the premium-economy experience on its Boeing 777-200 and 787-9 long-haul flights, removing the current Spaceseat and replacing it with the same luxury premium-economy seat that debuted on the Dreamliner two years ago. All of its Boeing 777-300s will feature an additional 10 premium-economy seats, with more legroom and the largest seat pitch in its class, featuring a 41-inch pitch, 9-inch recline, 19.3-inch width and 5-inch-wide armrests.

The airline industry also keeps pace by unveiling premiumeconomy seats that mimic the types of recliners seen in first class on domestic flights. More premium seats are offering up to 20 inches of width. Although the difference is marginal from the traditional 17 or 18 inches found on most airlines’ domestic offerings, it can make a significant impact on passengers’ comfort. A sleep study

by Airbus and The London Sleep Centre found a single additional inch of seat width can help passengers sleep an average of 53 percent longer during long flights. That inch of space and added sleep can turn an upcoming business meeting from sleep-deprived to reasonably rested.

Delta’s Premium Select cabin meets the expectations for more legroom and seat width with an eye on comfort and an enhanced sleep experience. Its relatively new “superior” Delta cabin is available on a selection of international routes. But Delta also offers a recline feature and foot and leg rest to encourage more rest while passengers enjoy an upgraded entertainment console. Passengers also get the added benefit of a dedicated Premium Select flight attendant for highly personalized service.

Aside from the extra legroom, airlines such as American Airlines offer an upgraded amenity kit and noise-reducing headphones.

Others go beyond a few upgraded amenities and make big investments to upgrade perks like amenity kits. For instance, Air France

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launched a new amenity kit with a flashy new design stocked with toothbrush, eye mask and other creature comforts like socks.

On the ground, premium-economy passengers are enjoying shorter waits at the airport. More airlines offer priority check-in lines allowing passengers to skip past the longer waits, get seated quickly with less chaos and to secure an overhead bin. American Airlines and other carriers also offer two bags free of charge to premium-economy customers and priority boarding ahead of regular economy.

This year’s premium economy shows a push toward a better all-inclusive experience from seating to better sleep and onboard amenities. Whether you’re looking for more legroom and comfort at an affordable price or want to indulge in a luxury upgrade on a long-haul flight, premium economy delivers on both. Choose from frugal to extravagant options for your next flight and stretch out with added legroom and width.

KEY AB Alcoholic beverages AK Amenity kits AVOD Audio/visual on demand B Bedding (blanket, pillow or both) BA Additional baggage allowance BW Bottled water CP Continuous programming CS Coffee service EST Estimated G Games HP Headphones HT Hot Towel LP Learning programs

M Movies MU Music N News programming NP Newspaper N/R No response P Priority access PO Power outlets RL Reading light RM Reading material S Slippers SMS Messaging TV Television VS Personal video screen WiFi Onboard internet

PREMIUM PLEASURE:

Delta’s Premium Select cabin PHOTO: © DELTA AIR LINES

AEROFLOT COMFORT CLASS 777-300ER 48 2-4-2 38" 19.2" 135° AK, B, HP, S Y G, M, MU, N, SMS, TV, VS, WiFi AEROMEXICO AM PLUS 737-700 18 2-2 34" 17" N/R AB, AK Y M, MU, TV, N, WiFi

737-800 18 2-2 34" 17" N/R AB, AK Y M, MU, TV, N, WiFi

777-200 9 3-3-3 36" 17" N/R AB, AK Y M, MU, TV, N, WiFi

787-8 27 3-3-3 38" 17.2" N/R AB, AK Y M, MU, TV, N, WiFi

787-9 27 3-3-3 36" 17.2" N/R AB, AK Y M, MU, TV, N, WiFi AIR CANADA PREMIUM ECONOMY 777-300ER 24 2-4-2 37–38" 20" N/R AB, AK, HP, P Y G, M, MU, N, TV, WiFi

777-200LR 24 2-4-2 37" 20" N/R AB, AK, HP, P Y G, M, MU, N, TV, WiFi

787-9 21 2-3-2 38" 19" N/R AB, AK, HP, P Y G, M, MU, N, TV, WiFi

787-8 21 2-3-2 38" 19" N/R AB, AK, HP, P Y G, M, MU, N, TV, WiFi

A330 21 2-3-2 38" 18" N/R AB, AK, HP, P Y G, M, MU, N, TV, WiFi AIR CHINA* PREMIUM ECONOMY A330-300 16 2-4-2 36–37" 18" N/R PO Y AVOD, MU, VS

777-200 63 2-5-2 36–37" 18" N/R PO Y AVOD, MU, VS, WiFi AIR FRANCE* PREMIUM ECONOMY 777-200 21–38 2-3-2/2-4-2 N/R 19" 123° AK, B, BA, HP, P, PO, RL, USB Y M, MU, TV, VS AIR NEW ZEALAND* PREMIUM ECONOMY 777-300 44 2-2-2 42" 20" N/R USB Y 1,800 Hrs. of Content, G, M, TV, VS

787 21 2-3-2 41" 19.3" N/R AK, P, USB Y 1,800 Hrs. of Content, G, M, TV, VS ALITALIA PREMIUM ECONOMY A330 17 2-3-2 38" 20.44" 120° AB, AK, BA, P Y G, M, VS, WiFi

777 24 2-4-2 37–38" 19.5" 120° AB, AK, BA, P Y G, M, VS, WiFi ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS PREMIUM ECONOMY 777-300ER 24 2-4-2 38" 19.3" 114.5° AB, AK, B, BW, HP, NP, PO, RL, S Y AVOD, G, M, MU, VS, WiFi,

380+ AVOD Channels

787 21 2-3-2 38" 19.3" 114.5° AB, AK, B, BW, HP, NP, PO, RL, S Y AVOD, G, M, MU, VS, WiFi,

380+ AVOD Channels AMERICAN AIRLINES MAIN CABIN EXTRA 777-200 Retrofit 45 3-3-3 36" Center/ 18.1" 104° N/A N N/A

35" Outboard

787-8 48 3-3-3 36" 17.2" 104° N/A N N/A

A321T (Transcon) 36 3-3 35" 17.7" 104° N/A N N/A

777-300ER 30 3-3-3 36" 18" 104° N/A N M, MU, TV PREMIUM ECONOMY 787-9 21 2-3-2 38" 19" 104° AB, AK, B, HP, P, PO, USB Y G, M, MU, TV, VS, WiFi ASIANA AIRLINES ECONOMY SMARTIUM A350 36 3-3-3 36" 18" 122° AK, S Y M, MU, N BRITISH AIRWAYS WORLD TRAVELLER PLUS A380 Up to 55 2-3-2 38" 18.5" N/R AB, AK, BA, NP, P, PO Y M, TV, VS

787-8 Up to 55 2-3-2 38" 18.5" N/R AB, AK, BA, NP, P, PO Y M, TV, VS

787-9 Up to 55 2-3-2 38" 18.5" N/R AB, AK, BA, NP, P, PO Y M, TV, VS BRUSSELS AIRLINES ECONOMY PRIVILEGE A330 24 2-4-2 35" 17.9" 110° AB, AK, BW, HP, HT Y G, AVOD CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS* PREMIUM ECONOMY 773-300 34 2-4-2 38" 19.5" N/R AK, BW, HP, HT Y STUDIOCX Entertainment Options, VS CHINA AIRLINES PREMIUM ECONOMY 777-300ER 62 2-4-2 39" 19" 118° AB, AK, BA, BW, CS, Y AVOD, Chat, CP, G, M,

HP, NP, P, PO, RL, RM, S MU, N, TV, VS, WiFi

A350-900 31 2-3-2 39" 20" 129° AB, AK, BA, BW, CS, Y AVOD, Chat, CP, G, M,

HP, NP, P, PO, RL, RM, S MU, N, TV, VS, WiFi CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES PREMIUM ECONOMY 777-300ER 44 2-4-2 38" 19.2" 123° B, HP, P, PO, USB Y AVOD, VS DELTA AIR LINES* 717 20 2-3 34" 18.1" 115–117° AB, CS, P, PO, RL Snack service M (Streaming), WiFi DELTA COMFORT+

MD-88 25 3-2 34" 18.1" 115–117° AB, CA, P, PO, RL Snack service M (Streaming), WiFi

MD-90 25 2-3 34" 18.1" 115–117° AB, CS, P, PO, RL Snack service M (Streaming), WiFi

A319 18 3-3 34" 18.1" 115–117° AB, CS, P, PO, RL Snack service M (Streaming), WiFi

A319-Retrofit 18 3-3 34" 18.1" 115–117° AB, CS, P, PO, RL Snack service AVOD, G, LP, M, MU, N, VS, WiFi

A320 18 3-3 34" 18.1" 115–117° AB, CS, P, PO, RL Snack service M (Streaming), WiFi

A320-Retrofit 18 3-3 34" 18.1" 115–117° AB, CA, P, PO, RL Snack service M (Streaming), WiFi

A321 29 3-3 34" 18.1" 115–117° AB, CS, P, PO, RL Snack service AVOD, G, LP, M, MU, N, VS, WiFi

737-700 18 3-3 34" 17.2" 115–117° AB, CS, P, PO, RL Snack service AVOD, G, LP, M, MU, N, VS, WiFi

737-800 18 3-3 34" 17.2" 115–117° AB, CS, P, PO, RL Snack service AVOD, G, LP, M, MU, N, VS, WiFi

737-900ER 21 3-3 34" 17.2" 115–117° AB, CS, P, PO, RL Snack service AVOD, G, LP, M, MU, N, VS, WiFi

757-200 29 3-3 34" 17.2" 115–117° AB, CS, P, PO, RL Snack service AVOD, G, LP, M, MU, N, VS, WiFi

757-300 32 3-3 34" 17.2" 115–117° AB, CS, P, PO, RL Snack service AVOD, G, LP, M, MU, N, VS, WiFi

767-300 35 2-3-2 34" 17.9" 115–117° AB, CS, P, PO, RL Snack service AVOD, G, LP, M, MU, N, VS, WiFi

CRJ-700 16 2-2 34" 17.3" 120° AB, CS, P, PO, RL Y M (Streaming), WiFi

CRJ-900 12 2-2 34" 17.3" 120° AB, CS, P, PO, RL Snack service M (Streaming), WiFi

E170 12 2-2 34" 18.25" 120° AB, CS, P, PO, RL Snack service M (Streaming), WiFi

E175 12 2-2 34" 18.25" 120° AB, CS, P, PO, RL Snack service M (Streaming), WiFi

757-200ER – 75S 44 3-3 35" 17.9" 130–140° AB, AK, B, BA, CS, HP, P, PO, RL Y AVOD, G, LP, M, MU, VS, WiFi

767-300ER – 76T 29 2-3-2 35" 17.9" 130–140° AB, AK, B, BA, CS, HP, P, PO, RL Y AVOD, G, LP, M, MU, VS, WiFi

767-300ER – 76L 32 2-3-2 35" 17.9" 130–140° AB, AK, B, BA, CS, HP, P, PO, RL Y AVOD, G, LP, M, MU, VS, WiFi

Date Cabin Was Introduced

Entertainment

Food Service

Amenities

Recline

Seat Width

Seat Pitch

Layout

Number of Seats

Aircraft Type

PREMIUM ECONOMY CLASS

2013 N/R N/R N/R N/R N/R 2013 2016 2015 2014 2017 N/R N/R 2009 N/R N/R 2010 2010 N/R N/R

2015 2015 2013 2012 2016 2017 2000 2000 2000 2016 2012 2014 2014

N/R 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2010 2010 2010

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

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Date Cabin Was Introduced

Entertainment

Food Service

Amenities

Recline

Seat Width

Seat Pitch

Layout

Number of Seats

Aircraft Type

PREMIUM ECONOMY CLASS

DELTA AIR LINES* (CONT.) 767-300ER – 76Z 29 2-3-2 35" 17.9" 130–140° AB, AK, B, BA, CS, HP, P, PO, RL Y AVOD, G, LP, M, MU, VS, WiFi 2010 DELTA COMFORT+

767-400ER 28 2-3-2 35" 17.9" 130–140° AB, AK, B, BA, CS, HP, P, PO, RL Y AVOD, G, LP, M, MU, VS, WiFi 2010

747-400 42 3-4-3 35" 17.9" 130–140° AB, AK, B, BA, CS, HP, P, PO, RL Y AVOD, G, LP, M, MU, VS, WiFi 2010

777-200ER 36 3-3-3 35" 18.5" 130–140° AB, AK, B, BA, CS, HP, P, PO, RL Y AVOD, G, LP, M, MU, VS, WiFi 2010

777-200LR 36 3-3-3 35" 18.5" 130–140° AB, AK, B, BA, CS, HP, P, PO, RL Y AVOD, G, LP, M, MU, VS, WiFi 2010

A330-200 32 2-4-2 35" 18" 130–140° AB, AK, B, BA, CS, HP, P, PO, RL Y AVOD, G, LP, M, MU, VS, WiFi 2010

A330-300 40 2-4-2 35" 18" 130–140° AB, AK, B, BA, CS, HP, P, PO, RL Y AVOD, G, LP, M, MU, VS, WiFi 2010 EDELWEISS ECONOMY MAX A330-300 56 2-4-2 35" 19.7" N/R AB, AK Y G, M, MU, TV 2014

A340-300 76 2-4-2 35" 19.7" N/R AB, AK Y G, M, MU, TV 2014 EL AL ISRAEL AIRLINES ECONOMY CLASS PLUS 777-200 34 3-3-3 34" 17.7" 110° AK, BW, RM Y AVOD, G, M, MU, TV 2012

747-400 34 3-3-3 34" 17.7" 110° AK, BW, RM Y AVOD, G, M, MU, TV 2012

767-300 34 3-3-3 34" 17.7" 110° AK, BW, RM Y AVOD, G, M, MU, TV 2012 EUROWINGS BEST A330-200 21 2-3-2 45" 17.4" 130° AK, B, BW, PO Y G, M, MU, SMS, TV, VS, WiFi 2015 EVA AIR ELITE CLASS 777-300ER 56–64 2-4-2 38" 18.5–19.5" 128° AB, AK, B, BA, CS, HP, P, PO, RL, RM, S Y AVOD, G, M, MU, SMS, TV, VS, WiFi 1992 FINNAIR ECONOMY COMFORT A330-300 40 2-4-2 34–36" 18" 112° AK, HP, NP, P, RM Y G, M, MU, TV, VS, WiFi 2015 HAWAIIAN AIRLINES EXTRA COMFORT A330 68 2-4-2 36" 18" 105° AK, P, PO Y M, TV 2014 IBERIA PREMIUM ECONOMY CLASS A330-300 21 2-3-2 37" 19" N/R AB, AK, B, BA, HP, P, RM Y G, M, MU, TV, VS, WiFi 2017

A340-600 21 2-3-2 37" 19" N/R AB, AK, B, BA, HP, P, RM Y G, M, MU, TV, VS, WiFi 2017 ICELANDAIR ECONOMY COMFORT 757-200 22 2-2 33" 17" 99.2° AK, B, HP, Lounge Access, P, PO Y M, MU, TV, WiFi 2008

757-300 22 2-2 33" 17" 99.2° AK, B, HP, Lounge Access, P, PO Y M, MU, TV, WiFi 2008

767-300 18 2-2-2 33" 17" 99.2° AK, B, HP, Lounge Access, P, PO Y M, MU, TV, WiFi 2008 JAPAN AIRLINES JAL PREMIUM ECONOMY 787-8 35 2-3-2 42" 19" N/R AK, Lounge Access Y G, M, MU 2007

777-300ER 40 2-4-2 42" 19" N/R AK, Lounge Access Y G, M, MU 2007 KLM* ECONOMY COMFORT 747 34 3-3-3 55" 17.5" N/R NP, P, PO, RM Y VS, 100 Hrs. 2009

777 34 3-3-3 55" 17.5" N/R NP, P, PO, RM Y VS, 100 Hrs. 2009 LATAM AIRLINES GROUP PREMIUM ECONOMY A320 12 3-3 34" 19" N/R AK, HP Y G, MU N/R

A319 12 3-3 34" 19" N/R AK, HP Y G. MU N/R LOT POLISH AIRLINES* PREMIUM ECONOMY 787 21 2-3-2 38" 21" N/R AB, AK, RM Y G, M, MUTV, VS 2013 LUFTHANSA PREMIUM ECONOMY A330-300 21 2-3-2 38" 18–19" 130° AK, BA, BW, RM Y M, MU, TV, VS 2014

A340-600 32 38" 18–19" 130° AK, BA, BW, RM Y M, MU, TV, VS 2014

A380 52 2-4-2 38" 18–19" 130° AK, BA, BW, RM Y M, MU, TV, VS 2014

747-400 32 2-4-2 38" 18–19" 130° AK, BA, BW, RM Y M, MU, TV, VS 2014

747-800 32 2-4-2 38" 18–19" 130° AK, BA, BW, RM Y M, MU, TV, VS 2014 NORWEGIAN AIR SHUTTLE* PREMIUM ECONOMY 787-8 32 2-3-2 46" 19" N/R N/R N M, MU, TV, VS, WiFi 2013 PHILIPPINE AIRLINES* PREMIUM ECONOMY A330-343 27 3-3-3 34" 15.97–16.2" N/R AB, B, CS, NP, RL, P Y M, MU, SMS, WiFi, Wireless Entertainment 2013 QANTAS* PREMIUM ECONOMY A380 35 2-3-2 38–42" 19.5" 105° EST AB, AK, B, BW CS, HP Y AVOD, G, LP, M, MU, N, SMS, TV, VS 2008 SAS SCANDINAVIAN AIRLINES SAS PLUS A330-300 56 2-3-2 38" N/R N/R PO Y AVOD, VS, WiFi 2002 SINGAPORE AIRLINES PREMIUM ECONOMY A380 36 2-4-2 38" 19.5" 125° AB, AK, B, BW, CS, HP, P, PO, RL, RM Y AVOD, G, LP, M, MU, VS, WiFi 2015

777-300ER 28 2-4-2 38" 19.5" 125° AB, AK, B, BW, CS, HP, P, PO, RL, RM Y AVOD, G, LP, M, MU, VS, WiFi 2015

A350 24 2-4-2 38" 19.5" 125° AB, AK, B, BW, CS, HP, P, PO, RL, RM Y AVOD, G, LP, M, MU, VS, WiFi 2015 TAP PORTUGAL TAP ECONOMY XTRA A330-200 56 2-4-2 34" 17.72" 103° N/A Y AVOD 2017 UNITED AIRLINES UNITED ECONOMY PLUS 757 42–55 3-3 35–37" 17–17.3" N/R AB**, B, BW, CS, HP, PO, RL, RM Y AVOD, WiFi 1999

767 49–71 2-3-2 34–35" 17.3–18" N/R AB, B, BW, CS, HP, PO, RL, RM Y AVOD, WiFi 1999

777 72–113 3-3-3/2-5-2 34–35" 18–18.3" N/R AB**, B, BW, CS, HP, PO, RL, RM Y AVOD, WiFi 1999

787-8 70 3-3-3 35" 17.3" N/R AB, B, BW, CS, HP, PO, RL, RM Y AVOD, WiFi 2012

787-9 88 3-3-3 35" 17.3" N/R AB**, B, BW, CS, HP, PO, RL, RM Y AVOD, WiFi 2014

A319 42 3-3 34" 17.7" N/R AB**, CS, HP, RL, RM N Personal Device Entertainment, WiFi 1999

A320 42 3-3 35" 17.7" N/R AB**, CS, HP, RL, RM N Personal Device Entertainment, WiFi 1999

737 18 – 54 3-3 34–37" 17.2–17.3" N/R AB**, CS, HP, PO (Some), RL, RM N DirecTV or Personal Video, WiFi 2012 VIETNAM AIRLINES* PREMIUM ECONOMY 777-300ER 54 3-3-3 38" N/R N/R AB, CS Y N/R N/R VIRGIN ATLANTIC PREMIUM ECONOMY 787-9 35 2-3-2 38" 21" 106° AB, NP, P, PO Y 400 Hrs., M, MU, TV, VS, WiFi 1992 VIRGIN AUSTRALIA* PREMIUM ECONOMY 777-300ER 40 2-4-2 38" 19.5" N/R AB, AK, B, BW, CS, HP, NP, PO, RL, RM Y AVOD, CP, G, M, MU, VS 2009

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

** For purchase only on certain routes.

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From the Ground Up Get a glimpse of aircraft assembly at Boeing and Airbus facilities. BY GREGORY D. MCCLUNEY FLIGHT PREPARATIONS:

Jetstar Hong Kong Airbus A320 PHOTO: © AIRBUS

FOR MOST GLOBAL TRAVELERS, the type, model and configuration of the aircraft they fly for business and pleasure make a big difference in their comfort and travel experience. Some go so far as to choose their carrier based on the manufacturer, model and age of the aircraft being flown to their destinations.

The upfront costs for research and development of a new plane are staggering, often in the billions of dollars, and it takes years before a single sale is made. Airlines can be fickle and are constantly in flux, adding new routes while canceling others. For these and other reasons, the world’s airline customers typically place orders for future needs with the only two major sources: Boeing in the United States and Airbus in Europe. Airline customers do have other options for the purchase of smaller, regional jets.

JUST SIX MILES NORTHWEST of Toulouse in Blagnac, France, Airbus assembles the world’s largest passenger aircraft, the massive Airbus A380, which in various configurations can seat more than 500 passengers. The assembly line here is named for Jean-Luc Lagardere, co-chairman of Airbus’ main shareholder, the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co., or EADS. The A380 has been in service since 2007, when Singapore Airlines first ordered and flew the giant aircraft on its longest flights.

The A380 is so spacious, it can be configured with a special first-class section, including private bedroom suites with fares running more than $22,000 per flight. Other, smaller Airbus aircraft are assembled in various plants in Germany.

Before you journey to France to see the assembly for yourself, be

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IN THE WORKS:

Boeing hangar mural at the Everett factory (top left), 757 line at Boeing (top right), A3501000 transfer at Airbus (bottom left), and A330 station (bottom right) PHOTOS: © BOEING, © AIRBUS

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aware this popular experience requires advance reservations, often made weeks in advance of your visit. A professional tour company, Taxiway, an independent contracter, operates the tours and charges for tickets. Contact Taxiway at least 45 days in advance to select from various options, including language preferences. In addition, special groups can arrange for a bus tour around the adjacent airport.

Visitors are limited to several key viewing areas plus a briefing room and gift shop. No photos are allowed. Tours begin in the boarding room with an A380 presentation. The next stop, the first viewing platform, provides a wow moment when two observations strike the visitor: the incredible size of the assembly hangars and the calm quiet of the process. The building is taller than the Arc de Triomphe in Paris; but while hundreds of workers and bots work below the tour’s viewing platform, sound is strangely muffled. Workers on blue bicycles travel like bees around the vast hangar.

It can take two to three years to build an A380 from scratch.

Component parts are brought to the assembly hangar on barges navigating the nearby Garonne River. Final assembly involves joining three sections, then the tail section, landing gear and engines.

Cockpit work includes the installation of all navigation, fuel maintenance, avionics and flight controls; air conditioning systems; and

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landing gear controls. Engines and interiors are manufactured in other locations and delivered to the Blagnac hangars as each section is readied for installation.

After viewing the assembly hangars, visitors can see the testing stations and get an overall view of the entire site. Each aircraft is flight- and ground-tested here before delivery to airline customers.

The last stop on the tour is a viewing platform overlooking the final assembly area for the A330, A340 and A340-500/600 aircraft.

WHILE BOEING’S CORPORATE headquarters is now in Chicago, visitors have no reason to venture there. All the action occurs at the manufacturing facilities in Washington state; St. Louis, Mo.; and Charleston, S.C. By far the most visited and best-equipped for a traveler wanting to learn more about the aircraft assembly process is in the Everett facility just a few miles north of Seattle in Mukilteo, Wash. This facility is home to the Boeing 747, 767 and 777 assembly lines inside the world’s largest building by volume. In addition to the Boeing tour, most want to add The Future of Flight Aviation Center to their itinerary, housed in the Boeing tour center.

Visitors are also welcome in the St. Louis facility at the James S. McDonnell Prologue Room Air and Space History Exhibit, located next to Boeing and adjacent to the Lambert-St. Louis Interna-

more but include transportation, and The Future of Flight Center admission is complimentary with a Boeing ticket.

Visitors can check out details on the website. FOF offers kid-friendly features with lots of interactive exhibits including Legos, a kid-sized airport and coloring and reading stations.

Children must be at least 4 feet tall, with infants not allowed on the Boeing plant tour. No photography is permitted.

After one experiences the sheer size of the world’s largest building filled with airliners in assembly, the second highlight is the time-lapse video of the production of a 787-9 Dreamliner, followed by the Aerospace Gallery and Strato Deck. Almost as popular: the world’s largest digital graphic (mural) on one side of the mammoth hangar. Visitors can see airplanes being assembled from two platforms overlooking a factory the size of 75 football fields, lit by more than 1 million light bulbs.

This trip to the true Boeing headquarters where the airplanes are made, like its competitor in France, has become one of the top tourist destinations in the Seattle area. In 2016 more than 320,000 visitors came from 180 countries.

ON DISPLAY:

Boeing Factory Tour (top), and the new double-decker Airbus A380 at the 2017 Paris Air Show (bottom) PHOTOS: © BOEING, © VANDERWOLFIMAGES | DREAMSTIME

tional Airport. This self-guided tour is available only during the summer months. The Charleston facility, home to the 787 jumbo program, has no ability to accommodate visitors at this time. The 737 assembly plant in Renton, Wash., can be experienced on the internet with a new video just released by Boeing. On-site tours for the public are not permitted.

The Everett Boeing tour and Flight Center visit requires a half-day commitment at two to three hours (90 minutes for the factory tour alone). Purchase tickets (about $25) in advance at futureofflight.org or as part of a group tour from several Seattle tour companies. Tours, which operate seven days a week, cost

AT THE 2017 PARIS AIR SHOW, both Boeing and Airbus showcased expanded versions of their large airframes, designed to carry more passengers using less fuel, with some enhancements for passengers. Airbus confirmed plans for the A380plus, the next generation of the super jumbo jet, the double-decker A380. It could carry 575 passengers with a range of 8,200 miles while using 4 percent less fuel than the original A380. As of this year’s air show, more than 100 orders are outstanding.

Boeing had news of its own at the show, introducing its latest single-aisle aircraft, the 737-MAX 10, the longest and largest version of its popular 737. Maximum capacity in the all-coach version is 230 passengers, 30 more passengers than its MAX 8 model. The airframe will be stretched by more than 5 feet.

Boeing claims to have more than 240 orders for the new 737, valued at more than $30 billion. The seat-mile cost per passenger will be the lowest in the airline industry, always of interest to the airlines. The company’s new Sky interior boosts overhead storage by as much as 50 percent.

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The Long Haul Technological advances make the world smaller as aircraft stretch their reach. BY JACK GUY SPANNING THE WORLD:

Airline routes around the globe PHOTO: © ANTARTIS | DREAMSTIME

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EVER SINCE THE WRIGHT BROTHERS made the first successful flight over a distance of about 120 feet, engineers pushed aviation technology to its limits in order to see how far planes can fly.

A lot has changed since 1903, with modern jet engines and composite materials allowing for a succession of records to be

globaltravelerusa.com GLOBAL TRAVELER’S CLASS ACT GUIDE 2017

smashed. Holding the title for the world’s longest route remains a mark of prestige for modern airlines, but is the longest route measured by time in the air or by distance traveled?

In terms of time, the longest commercial flight was “The Double Sunrise,” a Qantas-operated route between Perth, Australia, and Sri Lanka. From 1943 to 1945, passengers could expect to spend an average of 28 hours in the air. Flying a Consolidated PBY Catalina amphibian seaplane stripped of all but essential equipment, the flights were a far cry from the levels of comfort we are used to today.

When it comes to distance, it’s important to remember passenger jets rarely fly in a straight line between two cities. In fact, flightpaths are adjusted for headwinds and tailwinds, weather events and the airspace of certain countries. It can be quicker

for aircraft to fly a longer route in order to take advantage of strong tailwinds to cut flight time, and passenger jets are usually barred from flying over conflict zones for safety reasons.

A word about the measurement of flight distances. The term air mile, also known as a nautical mile, refers to the distance between two locations measured by traveling from one to the other over water or in the air, following the curvature of the Earth. A land mile, also known as a statute mile, refers to the distance between two locations measured by traveling between them in an imaginary straight line on the ground.

While air professionals often measure a route’s distance in air or nautical miles, for the purposes of this article we converted the distances provided to us in kilometers to statute miles.

Technological advances have made the world seem smaller than ever, but the viability of ultra-long-haul routes is limited by economic factors. One-off record-breaking flights to push the limits of the aircraft can cover incredible distances, but filling regular flights with passengers presents a completely different challenge.

In 2005 a Pakistan International Airlines Boeing 777-200LR broke the record for the longest non-stop passenger flight with a 13,422-mile eastward flight from Hong Kong to London Heathrow, a route normally flown westward at a distance of 5,994 miles. With only 27 passengers on board the 22-hour, 22-minute flight, the airline would have soon found itself bankrupt if it maintained the route.

While flying the wrong way around the globe could never be called good business practice for an airline, the 2000s did see long routes flown on a regular basis. Singapore Airlines flew five long-range Airbus A340-500 aircraft on non-stop flights on the Singapore–Newark and Singapore–Los Angeles routes. The 10,314-mile return flight from Singapore to Newark became the longest in the world, only slightly longer than the outbound 9,534-mile Newark to Singapore flight. This equals flying from New York to Boston 54 times.

While this flight still holds the record for the longest route in the world, it was discontinued in November 2013 due to falling revenues.

Many other non-stop long-haul services were also canceled due to rising fuel prices and the Great Recession that began in the late 2000s.

However, in recent years fuel prices dropped once more and new fuelefficient aircraft have come into service, meaning some longer routes have been reinstated.

The Boeing 777 200-LR is the plane of choice for ultra-long-haul RECORDflights, while the Airbus A350 and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner also BREAKING: feature composite materials and great fuel efficiency, making them The Doha–Auckland flight operated by viable aircraft for long routes. The 787 Dreamliner is also designed Airways is to make long flights more comfortable for passengers by maintaining Qatar currently the longest more tolerable levels of air pressure and humidity. route.

As things stand, the longest route in the world is the 9,031-mile PHOTO: © QATAR Doha–Auckland flight operated by Qatar Airways. The 8,823-mile AIRWAYS

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NON-STOP:

Qantas Airways' Boeing 787 Dreamliner PHOTO: © QANTAS

40

Dubai–Auckland route comes in a close second, operated by Emirates. Perhaps unsurprisingly, New Zealand and Australia feature heavily in the longest-route league table, with the 8,578-mile Sydney–Dallas route operated by Qantas next on the list.

In the near future, a new aircraft will bring about another shake-up of the world’s longest routes. Singapore Airlines made a deal to buy the ultra-long-range Airbus A350-900 ULR, allowing the company to relaunch its non-stop flights from Singapore to Los Angeles and New York following delivery in 2018. Before that, United Airlines launches a Singapore–Los Angeles route this month using Boeing 787-9s.

Air Canada will make an appearance on the league table starting in December with an 8,191-mile route between Vancouver and Melbourne, which will operate during winter. Another new arrival from Qantas will mark the first regular non-stop flight between Europe and Australia, namely the 9,009-mile route between London and Perth.

Air travel has made the world smaller than ever before, and we can cross the globe without stopping, thanks to modern technology.

While these technological advances make longer flights possible, the question is whether there is enough demand for them to be economically viable. As we saw in the aftermath of the Great Recession, money is a deciding factor in keeping the world’s longest routes running.

That said, there is a certain prestige afforded to the airline that runs a record-breaking route. In some cases the company will do all it can to hold onto the title. While passengers may be impressed by

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long flights, they aren’t necessarily the most comfortable experiences. For some travelers, the chance to break their journey with a short layover may represent a welcome opportunity to visit a new city or simply stretch their legs between flights.

With many flight booking websites now offering the opportunity to build in layovers, consumers are waking up to the joys of tacking on a day or two to experience a new culture instead of simply moving from A to B as quickly as possible. Of course, plenty of travelers don’t have the luxury of time, and these people could stand to benefit from the new wave of ultra-long-haul, non-stop flights.

Business travelers are one important market, and the onus is now on the airlines to make the world’s longest routes as comfortable as possible. Long flights can increase health risks for certain passengers, such as deep vein thrombosis, that can be caused by a prolonged period of inactivity.

If you do book an ultra-long-haul flight, it’s important to take certain precautions. The most important is to get up from your seat and stretch your legs at least once every hour to cut the risk of blood clots. It’s also important to drink water and avoid caffeine and alcohol in order to stave off dehydration that can cause headaches and make jet lag worse.

Flying business class makes things significantly more comfortable, but it’s still important to stretch your legs and stay hydrated.

With leisure travelers more likely to break their journey with a layover, the ultra-long-haul routes of the future may become the preserve of business travelers on a tight schedule.

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THE PLAZA Seoul, Autograph Collection Unveils Delight Seoul Unique new package offers stylish break for tourists visiting a city of culture and history.

ThE 5-STAR ThE PLAZA SEOuL, AuTOGRAPh COLLECTION, Korea’s first destination to carry Marriott International’s luxury lifestyle Autograph Collection brand, presents the Delight Seoul package. Delight Seoul is designed for independent leisure and business tourists in search of a stylish break in the heart of the Korean capital, where culture meets history.

DELIGhT SEOuL IS A NEw AND uNIquE package allowing visitors to discover more of this exciting metropolis, combining sightseeing, shopping, beauty and transport benefits in a single product. These independent tourists prefer personal itineraries reflecting their own distinct interests.

ThE PLAZA’S DELIGhT SEOuL PACkAGE, is designed to offer maximum pleasure to independent travelers. In addition to accommodations in a unique and stylish room at THE PLAZA Seoul, created by Italian architect and interior designer Guido Ciompi and offering captivating views of central Seoul, the package includes tickets for Seoul City Tour Bus, stopping at key attractions such as N Seoul Tower, Gyeongbokgung and Deoksugung palaces, Namdaemun, Dongdaemun, the Blue House, Insa-dong and Gangnam Station. Seoul City Tour Bus offers travelers the freedom to get on and off at any stop and at any time throughout the day, as well as audio guides in a number of languages, offering maximum flexibility and enjoyment of the city. Delight Seoul also includes tickets for a traditional cultural experience program at Namsangol Hanok Village. Finally, Delight Seoul features brochures and information services in multiple languages from THE PLAZA’s Concierge Team, dedicated to designing your perfect day, plus a variety of breakfast options.

Inquiries and reservations: THE PLAZA Seoul 119 Sogong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, 04525, Korea 82.2.310.7100 www.marriott.com/selak

Grand Openings Look for luxury in the robust hotel boom of 2018.

BY LAURA DAILY

LUXE LIFESTYLE: Andaz Munich PHOTO: © ANDAZ

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THE ABILITY TO ACCESS GLOBAL FUNDING continues to drive the uptick in hotel construction across the world. Still, to no one’s surprise, as travel shifted away from once-popular business and leisure destinations such as Egypt and the Black Sea region, so too has hotel development.

Of the 100-plus luxury and 200-plus upper upscale properties under construction to open in 2018, about 20 percent are in China, with the United States and United Arab Emirates showing the nexthighest numbers. The rest, for the most part, are scattered across the Far East, Southeast Asia and Western Europe, according to STR, a data and analytics specialist. While luxury hotels may be a fraction of projects on tap, they more than make up in opulence, amenities and creative repurposing what they lack in numbers.

With the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge due to be completed by the end of this year, driving time from Hong Kong to Macau will

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shrink to a mere 30 minutes. As a result, the island is seeing a hotel boom. Scheduled to open in the first half of 2018, Grand Lisboa Palace, a new destination resort in Cotai, features three hotels with about 2,000 rooms: Grand Lisboa Palace (1,400 rooms); Palazzo Versace Macao (290 rooms), Asia’s first Palazzo Versace under the creative direction of Donatella Versace; and Karl Lagerfeld Hotel (290 rooms), the world’s first hotel to be designed entirely by Lagerfeld. Along with the three properties, the resort will include a wedding pavilion, multipurpose theater, six swimming pools, fine-dining venues, a casino and a luxury shopping mall. Morpheus, a fifth tower within the City of Dreams Macau complex, is also on track for a 2018 opening. The world’s first free-form exoskeleton high-rise climbs 39 stories and will house a 780-room flagship hotel and dining at two sky bridges, as well as an infinity swimming pool on the 40th floor.

The first Andaz-branded hotel in Germany, Andaz Munich opens in the Schwabinger Tor cultural district. Andaz, one of Hyatt’s lifestyle brands for trendy millennials, incorporates the local “Munich style” into the design of guestrooms, restaurants, bar and conference space. For instance, the diamond pattern on the parquet floor of the suites was taken from the Bavarian flag. A leather bench in front of the windows in each of 274 rooms resembles the seats in an old BMW 3 series.

Hilton Worldwide will introduce its first Waldorf Astoria hotel

in Southeast Asia next year with the opening of the 170-room Waldorf Astoria Bangkok. The 60-story building will feature multiple restaurants, bars, a fitness center and outdoor pool, all in the bustling Patumwan district close to shopping, dining and attractions, just one mile south of Bangkok’s Central Business District.

Another debut is in Qatar, with the new Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay. With the opening of the first Hard Rock Cafe in 1971, London serves as birthplace of the music-themed brand. So in a case of what-took-them-so-long, Hard Rock Hotel London is slated to ignite the West End next summer. Situated directly at Marble Arch on Hyde Park, the 900-room hotel will include a memorabilia vault home to some of the brand’s more than 80,000 historical pieces, a signature restaurant, a posh speakeasy, a full-service Rock Spa and the chance to nail power chords on a Fender guitar and amplifier.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts increases its international footprint with four hotels and branded private residences in

Montréal, Kuala Lumpur, São Paulo and Bangkok at Chao Phraya River. In Montréal, the 163-room contemporary property will be part of a luxury mixed-use development in the city’s iconic Golden Mile Square, just minutes from both the commercial and financial districts as well as the cobblestone streets of Montréal’s Old Port.

Besides boasting three dining venues, a spa and indoor pool, the hotel will connect to Ogilvy’s department store, one of the city’s finest luxury shopping destinations. In the United States, Four Seasons will open a second hotel in Boston and one in Philadelphia atop the Comcast Technology Center, the skyline’s tallest tower, with 217 rooms housed on the 48th to 56th floors and the lobby on the 60th.

Carlson Rezidor’s Radisson RED lifestyle select brand plans a growth spurt in 2018. On the calendar are Radisson RED at Miami Airport; Radisson RED in downtown Portland, Ore.; Radisson RED Dubai Silicon Oasis (the first Radisson RED in the city); and the Radisson RED Hotel Glasgow in the city’s West End, just GLOBAL TRAVELER’S CLASS ACT GUIDE 2017

CAPITAL CHOICE:

Radisson RED Glasgow exterior (top), bedroom suite and bar (bottom) PHOTOS: © RADISSON RED HOTEL GLASGOW

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FAST TRACK: The Daytona

PHOTO: © MARRIOTT AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION

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steps from the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre. In each case, guestrooms feature touches of Scandinavian design highlighted by efficient, modern-yet-functional furniture pieces such as a picnic table that replaces the traditional desk.

Detroit is in the midst of a renaissance, as proven by the number of new and unique hotels on the docket. Local leather goods and bicycle company Shinola is putting its stamp on the eponymous Shinola Hotel Detroit, a luxury boutique property with 130 guestrooms. The historic 14-story Neo-Gothic Metropolitan Building, once known as the “Jeweler’s Building” due to the jewelry wholesalers it once housed, is being converted into a 110-room Element Hotel, preserving elements of the property’s original ornate lobby and mezzanine. And furniture and home décor retailer West Elm chose Detroit as one of six cities to inaugurate its hospitality business line. Scheduled for a late 2018 opening, the 153-room West Elm Hotel incorporates West Elm’s sleek and modern interior designs.

Curio Collection by Hilton expands its global portfolio of upper upscale hotels handpicked for their unique character and personality. Following extensive renovations, the circa-1900 landmark Candler Building (the city’s first steel skyscraper) in Downtown Atlanta is slated to open as Candler Hotel Atlanta. The 265-room hotel will pay homage to its roots by keeping the Georgia white marble grand staircase, original Tiffany windows and restaurant/

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bar in what used to be a bank. Also, Midtown Atlanta will be the site of the first-ever combination of Marriott’s AC and Moxy under one roof. The $70 million, five-story project will cover a full city block and is expected to open in mid-2018 with a combined 288 rooms and a shared deck-top amenity level with meeting space, fitness center and rooftop pool and bar.

Joining Denver’s robust hotel market in 2018 will be The Jacquard, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, a portfolio of independent hotels. The eight-story, 201-room hotel in chic Cherry Creek North will feature a 75-foot rooftop lap pool and bar, a rarity for the Mile High City. Also look for The Ramble Hotel, a 50-room boutique hotel in Denver’s burgeoning industrial and artistic RiNo neighborhood. Alongside its marquee lobby bar, Death & Co. Denver (the first Death & Co. location outside of New York City’s East Village) will feature an 80-seat screening room with its own entrance where it will showcase films dedicated to Colorado’s outdoor and adventure sports scene.

Another Marriott Autograph Collection hotel is slated to open across the street from the world-famous Daytona International Speedway. The Daytona features 145 guestrooms and nearly 10,000 square feet of custom-built meeting space to accommodate events of all types, including the ability to bring — what else? — cars into the lobby.

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Flight Preparations Take an inside look at flight attendant training at Delta Air Lines.

DEDICATED SPIRIT:

Flight attendant training and display of Delta uniforms PHOTOS: © DELTA AIR LINES, © ANGELIQUE PLATAS

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WITH THE THOUGHT of my two-day flight attendant training looming, I couldn’t help but stare at the cabin crew on my Delta Air Lines flight from Philadelphia to Atlanta. From the comfort of my window seat I observed every move each flight attendant made, wondering how I would do when I was in their shoes at the Delta Air Lines In-Flight Training Center.

I watched intently as the passenger in the row ahead of me demanded lunch service on our 90-minute flight. The flight attendant coolly smiled, apologized for the inconvenience and offered the disgruntled passenger an array of snacks from the service basket.

She made several trips with snacks in hand to check on the guest, making sure he was content with his substitute meal. From the flight attendant’s genuinely kind, helpful and friendly exchange with this passenger and his calmed response, I knew I was in for an education.

And what an education it was. During the two days I delved into all things Delta, the brand and culture, security procedures and customer service highlighted the immense undertaking trainees embark on to become flight attendants. From the interview process to the eight-week boot camp, pursuing the career path of a flight attendant is no easy task.

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BY ANGELIQUE PLATAS

NEW HIRES BEGIN their day-one training with an introduction to Delta as a brand, encapsulating everything about Delta Air Lines from the close-knit community culture to the airline’s uniform and air carrier history. With a full day ahead, I took the introductory tour of the Delta Flight Museum that every new hire receives.

The museum showcases The Spirit of Delta at its centerpiece, as the history of this aircraft reflects the Delta culture and community.

During an especially difficult financial period for Delta in 1982, three flight attendants rallied thousands of Delta employees and supporters to raise the $30 million needed to purchase Delta’s first Boeing 767.

Encased in the Spirit are flight attendant uniforms from years past.

From the 1950s shift dresses and accessories to my personal favorite, a tiger print faux-fur coat, I stood in awe of the various vintage styles.

With the new Zac Posen uniforms rolling out, I can only assume the uniforms I saw on my flight would soon be in the museum as well.

After perusing the Flight Museum, it was off to the Operations and Customer Center, the OCC. I found this day-one tour for new hires incredibly informative. The single room of never-ending monitors was lined wall-to-wall with experts in every field from specific aircraft routes and air carriers to staffing specialists, customer care,

meteorology and everything in between.

Each employee watched several monitors at once, intently surveying every screen, actively problem-solving in every aircraft for every issue imaginable. The technicians maintained a watchful eye while reporting, plotting routes and providing real-time information for flight attendants and pilots. It was impressive to see such an assembly all dedicated to the aspects of flying I tend to take for granted.

NEXT UP WAS THE IN-FLIGHT training building for safety and security drills.

“It’s not all smiling and popping Cokes,” explained Maria, our training instructor. As an active flight attendant herself with more than 20 years of experience, she officially set us off on our immersive flight attendant training.

Beginning with a quick tour of the Delta in-flight safety and security training center, or IFS building, I was pleasantly surprised by the corporate facility’s personal touches within the space, specifically the pink room.

The prominent displays of memorabilia and artwork and the pink walls honoring breast cancer survivors represent Delta’s dedication to the Susan G. Komen organization.

We immediately moved on to security and safety training — a clear focus for Delta’s in-flight training. The door testing room consists of 13 emergency exit doors repurposed from retired airplanes. Our instructor took us from door to door explaining the differences in each. A typical flight attendant needs to know every aspect of the emergency evacuation procedure for each aircraft, as they all vary.

In addition to knowing every aspect of the aircrafts’ features and safety procedures, the trainees must perform under pressure by correctly opening each aircraft door, shouting the correct commands in the correct order and leading passengers to safety in less than 90 seconds.

A few of the doors we tested weighed 150–200 pounds, and with a crash simulation recording of a pilot shouting commands while the aircraft is heading for a not-so-safe landing, there is a lot to remember under a great deal of pressure. Active flight attendants of every seniority level must also perform the correct door safety procedures annually at the training center in order to keep up the high standard of safety.

I tested doors myself, opening a few of the “easier” emergency exits.

With recorded cues from the captain playing overhead, I was expected to shout, “Bend over, stay down” a few times, then “Stay seated” before the cue for my next line, “Release seatbelt, leave everything” and finally,

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READY FOR ANYTHING:

Flight attendant emergency training includes exiting the aircraft on land and water.

PHOTOS: © DELTA AIR LINES

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“Come this way, leave everything” — all while following my own safety procedures, opening the 150-pound door and guiding customers to safety in less than 90 seconds.

After the extensive eight-week boot camp training, hands-on practice and rigorous testing, the once-daunting safety procedures become second nature to flight attendants, but my quick lesson proved I was just dipping my toe in a grueling training process.

With the lowest personal injury rate of all U.S. carriers, it is no wonder the Delta community boasts a strong sense of pride and continues to place extra attention on maintaining and improving that status with every new hire. Delta invests $16,000 in each flight attendant trainee in the program, expecting them to perform while being thoughtful, reliable and innovative.

After I opened various emergency exit doors and realized that on at least two of them I would have fallen out of the plane, we moved on to the land and water evacuation lesson.

The water evacuation room featured the body of a small airplane perched above a pool where, in a water crash landing simulation, trainees performed the proper emergency evacuation responses before jumping into the pool. The training doesn’t end there. Once in the pool, trainees are tested on their rescue skills by treading water and performing emergency water rescue safety tactics. They then board a life raft and begin the next phase: survival. Flight attendant trainees must create shelter on the raft with a cover and access their water rescue and survival kit featuring essential items such as a flare gun and water purifiers.

Land evacuation training had a similar flow, only an inflatable slide served as our rescue exit. We boarded the doomed plane and went through the safety procedures with crash simulations rocking the plane and broadcasting the captain’s voice overhead. Once we followed the flight attendant’s orders, we evacuated the plane safely down the slide

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from the main exit door.

Actually using tools we learned earlier in the door procedure room in a land evacuation scenario with higher stakes truly tested our emergency response rate. Remembering every cue while staying calm, safe and authoritative in a simulation setting was quite jarring. It was difficult to imagine this being just a typical day for a trainee and eventually becoming second nature as a life-saving skill in the field.

We rounded out the safety and security Day One with CPR training. Flight attendants are required to become proficient in CPR and operating the automated external defibrillator, as they may be called on to resuscitate passengers. They also undergo fire safety training and self-defense lessons in order to truly be prepared for any situation that may arise.

WITH DAY ONE OF TRAINING behind us, we stopped off in the flight attendant dormitory on our way out. Each trainee shares a room during the two-month boot camp, encouraging camaraderie in close quarters. Those training together get to know each other quite well, often becoming close friends for life. While training 10–12 hours a day, six days a week with a total of only two Saturdays off over the course of the program, there is quite a bit of bonding.

THE SENSE OF COMMUNITY, a recurring theme at Delta, is evident throughout the training facility. This became even more clear on my second and final day of training, focusing on customer service.

During our lesson in customer service, brand guidelines and uniforms, we noticed a “make someone’s day” board placed on every classroom door, encouraging students to share a positive message with their peers.

In a classroom reviewing every aspect of customer service, I felt like I was back in school, wildly taking notes from every slide, module

improvise on a whim. Although they need to adapt, seemingly dated regulations, such as female flight attendants being required to wear 2- to 2.5-inch heels, remain.

One revelation in my customer service training: All rules serve a bigger purpose. For example, shorter flights offer passengers fewer food choices as a time-saving technique benefiting everyone on board.

More choices means more deliberating by customers and more time required to get through the service. The delay in service can make or break the flight and set a domino effect in motion for the remainder of the flight.

Whether industry standards or Delta’s official rules, attendants are expected to memorize and understand each lesson to the point it becomes second nature; however, employees are encouraged to use their best judgment as unique circumstances arise. Trust is like currency at Delta. Our instructor explained tattoos account for 15 percent of trainees losing their jobs during boot camp. Delta flight attendants can have tattoos but must disclose them. Hiding a tattoo that will be visible when wearing a Delta uniform results in a loss of trust in the new hire.

Other lessons fall under the umbrella of STRIVE: Flight attendants are to Smile warmly; be Timely and appropriate, Responsible and helpful; know that Image is professional; and be Visible and available for Every customer, every flight. This mantra represents the persona of a Delta flight attendant from the customer’s vantage point.

Being one of the few people on each plane who knows absolutely every aspect of the aircraft and what to do in every emergency while seamlessly serving passengers is a remarkable feat. It’s an exceptional accomplishment to be a flight attendant, ultimately uniting the crew in a shared understanding of what a unique group they are.

SAFETY PROCEDURES: Training in CPR and safety PHOTOS: © DELTA AIR LINES

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and discussion point. A flight attendant’s first day of customer service training covers how to prepare for each flight and service. This is determined by the number of miles and the aircraft being flown and requires learning details such as service begins at the front on evennumbered flights and at the back on odd-numbered flights and what type of catering is on board.

Training in a mock airplane pushing a cart down an aisle sounds simple, but full-sized carts can weigh more than 220 pounds, and halfsized carts can topple over the aisle threshold if not pushed carefully.

Frequent flyers may notice the way flight attendants walk down the aisle: The piggyback system allows two flight attendants to walk in the same direction, serving customers 10 feet apart or in three rows. This design replaced the squeeze service, when two carts came toward each other from opposite ends and met in the middle.

Policies and services evolve and change, and flight attendants must remain open-minded. They can be moved to another flight or have to

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OF THE MANY LESSONS I LEARNED, my crash course made it evident consistency is key and seniority is everything.

New flight attendants with the fewest years of experience are called juniors. They often take the routes they are given and have to work their way up to the coveted position of senior, more affectionately known as senior mama. The longer a flight attendant has been in service, the better the job gets. The most desirable routes open up and the perks start rolling in — a hard-earned reward for years of work and dedication.

As we finished our final lesson and I said my goodbyes, I couldn’t get over the incredible dedication it takes to see through such an undertaking. Did I have the stamina to endure the eight-week course and put in the many years of hard work?

With my brain now bursting with information, I prepared to head back to Philadelphia. Waiting by my gate watching the flight attendants cheerfully board the plane, I was eager to observe with a fresh understanding of what their job truly entails.

From my aisle seat I could now better understand and appreciate the flight attendants’ service style — serving window seat passengers first, then aisle, to carefully avoid spills, and never waking passengers wearing eye masks but taking note to check in later and see if they needed anything.

The thoughtfulness was clear now after two days of seeing the intense training that goes into everything they do. I was comforted to know more about a flight attendant’s day-to-day duties and felt honored to have some insight into how much vital, life-saving and impressive information they know, all while smiling, serving snacks and popping Cokes.

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