Class Act 2019 Global Traveler

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Class Act 2019

FIRST- & BUSINESS-CLASS SURVEY p. 8 PREMIUM ECONOMY-CLASS SURVEY p. 30 ART OF THE STOPOVER p. 36 A LOOK AT FREQUENT-FLYER PROGRAMS p. 40 AIRPORT LOUNGE UPDATE p. 42 ALTERNATIVE AIRPORTS p. 46 2020 HOTEL OPENINGS p. 48

CLASS ACT 2019 EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO TRAVEL THE WORLD IN STYLE

®

EDITORIAL Editor in Chief KIMBERLY KROL

A THE

CUT ABOVE REST

THE 15TH ANNUAL Class Act Guide is here! Global Traveler’s annual guide is the perfect companion for frequent travelers. The Global Traveler team gives readers an insider’s look at the inner workings of the travel industry with articles covering airlines, airports and hotels. I look forward to the Class Act Guide each year so I can gain insight from our team on industry trends as I plan ahead for my next year of travel.

When it comes to in-depth coverage of luxury travel, as always, the team at Global Traveler has you covered. This year’s guide features articles for every type of travel need.

The annual charts are back. Here we provide a comprehensive list of first-, business- and premium economy-class cabins of airlines around the world. Readers will find details on everything from seat pitch and entertainment options to lounge access and amenity kits.

In this year’s edition, we take an in-depth look at frequent-flyer program offerings.

We provide alternative airport options for savvy travelers. Read the airport lounge update for the latest on lounges around the world. If you’re considering an extended stop on your next trip, look to our article detailing the art of the stopover. Read GT Tested reviews of first- and business-class airline cabins to feel as if you’re sitting in the seats along with our writers. Finally, we look ahead to 2020 with a closer look at worldwide hotel openings.

Be sure to keep this guide with you as you plan your next business or leisure trip!

BRIGHT OUTLOOK: Katie enjoying the colorful streets of Valparaíso, Chile. © KATIE SKRZEK

kim.krol@globaltravelerusa.com Vice President/Digital Director KATIE SKRZEK katie.skrzek@globaltravelerusa.com Senior Editor JANICE HECHT jan.hecht@globaltravelerusa.com Associate Editor/Copy Editor PATRICIA VANIKIOTIS patty.vanikiotis@globaltravelerusa.com Associate Editor ANGELIQUE PLATAS angelique.platas@globaltravelerusa.com Assistant Editor ERICH J. MARTIN erich.martin@globaltravelerusa.com Social Media & Editorial Coordinator MARY MELNICK mary.melnick@globaltravelerusa.com News Editor ALLIE MOORE allie.moore@globaltravelerusa.com Editor at Large HOLLY RIDDLE holly.riddle@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

WRITERS KRISTY ALPERT DEBRA BOKUR ELLEN CLARK JACK GUY HOLLY RIDDLE

ete bios, For compl usa.com altraveler visit glob

CIRCULATION Specialists JOHN WROBLEWSKI, LOUIE ATSAVES Managers JAYHAWK EVANS, MARK P. FORD, TERESA JACKSON, ANTHONY “SCRAPS” DIMERA Circulation Director MICHELE SHANNON Circulation Manager ANNA PUDZIANOWSKI Research Consultant SHARON STERNE ADVISORY BOARD Chairman MICHAEL DONAHUE, COO MICHAEL KIELY, President CARLOS CAPPUCCIO, Executive Vice President GARY OSWALD, Deputy Vice President Aviation EDWARD JEFFERSON, Deputy Vice President Accommodations STEPHEN DOHERTY, Deputy Director Destinations WAYNE TALLMAN, Vice President Special Events/Photography CHRISTOPHER OTTAUNICK, Secretary MARK LANE, Research Director FRANK LOVERME, Treasurer KEVIN RYAN, Director of Technology BOB HANCOCK, Director of Digital Advancement JARED TORGAN GENERAL COUNSEL THOMAS F. GOLDMAN

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GLOBAL TRAVELER’S CLASS ACT GUIDE 2019

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® ®

YOUR GO-TO GUIDE AS THE OLD SAYING GOES, “It’s not about the destination but the journey.” Nothing is truer when it comes to your travel experiences from point A to point B. Global Traveler’s Class Act Guide is here to help you navigate the wide variety of options for the well-informed and discriminating traveler. As always, this year’s guide will continue to give you up-to-date offerings for first class, business class and premium economy on all the major domestic and ON THE ROAD: international airlines, highlightBill Lodzinski with his daughter, Tisha, at The Great Wall of China ing the many categories of PHOTO: © BILL LODZINSKI cabin comforts the airline industry provides.

In today’s world, frequent business and luxury travelers are much more sophisticated. They want to keep up with all the amenities and features airlines offer and how those offerings translate to benefits for them on their journey. This survey shares details like aircraft type, seat pitch, seat width, movie selections, audio options, lounge access and WiFi capabilities. Our user-friendly format makes it a breeze to compare airlines based on regions served, aircraft and amenities. Our aim is to make your travel planning easier, stress-free and rewarding.

In addition, we take an around-the-world look at alternative airport options and airport lounge updates, as well as an in-depth look at frequent-flyer programs available — and, last but not least, a preview of the most anticipated hotel openings in 2020.

I hope this year’s Class Act Guide makes your journey just as exciting and important as your destination.

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HOSPITALITY

MORE THAN JUST A WORD Our Business Class experience is made of true hospitality which comes from our hea s. It is central to everything we do.

MORE THAN JUST A TRANSFER

MORE THAN JUST MOVIES AND GAMES

MORE THAN JUST A VISIT

MORE THAN JUST A MEAL

MORE THAN JUST A SEAT

With the Exclusive Drive service, private chauffeur-driven vehicles will take you to or from the airpo , with a pleasant, luxury ride.

Hundreds of movies and music albums, live TV, free Wi-Fi connection and much more will be at your finge ips.

Lounge Business will refresh you before your meetings with five-star facilities such as gourmet dining, suite rooms, shower, piano, massage therapy and mini golf.

During your flight, a truly fine dining experience will take your taste buds above the clouds.

A special seat that turns into a fully flat bed, an abundant legroom, seat separators for your privacy, luxury amenity kits and more. All for your comfo .

*Now available in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Montreal, New York, San Francisco, Toronto and Washington.

contents

Class Act 2019 48

PHOTOS: © QANTAS AIRWAYS, © QANTAS AIRWAYS, © SIX SENSES NEW YORK

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30 46 8 Up, Up and Away Airlines raise the bar on the premium experience and expand international routes.

42 Enticing Amenities New upscale experiences lure passengers to luxury airport lounges.

30 Premium Economy Airlines create more comfort and convenience in the in-between cabin.

46 Beyond the Big Hubs Transit through alternative airports can prove faster, cheaper and more convenient.

36 Stopover Style Book a breather to avoid jet lag and explore places along the way.

52

40 Rewards of Membership Take a look at the perks of joining frequent-flyer programs.

6

48 New and Exciting Check out the hot trends in hotel openings for 2020.

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ON THE COVER

FX E X P R E S S

P U B L I C AT I O N S , I N C .

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Class Act 2019

FIRST- & BUSINESS-CLASS SURVEY p. 8 PREMIUM ECONOMY-CLASS SURVEY p. 30 ART OF THE STOPOVER p. 36 A LOOK AT FREQUENT-FLYER PROGRAMS p. 40 AIRPORT LOUNGE UPDATE p. 42 ALTERNATIVE AIRPORTS p. 46 2020 HOTEL OPENINGS p. 48

CLASS ACT 2019 EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO TRAVEL THE WORLD IN STYLE

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COVER PHOTO: American Airlines Admirals

Club DFW

PHOTO: © AMERICAN AIRLINES

Global Traveler and Globility are registered trademarks of Global Traveler magazine and of its parent company, FXExpress Publications, Inc. Global Traveler is not affiliated with any commercial interests within the travel industry. The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, nor can the publisher accept responsibility for errors or omissions.

The magazine cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited articles, photographs or other material.

AAM member 04-0361-2. AAM audited circulation 111,517. ISSN 1551-7187 ©2019 FXExpress Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of text, photographs or illustrations without permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.

Up, Up and Away Airlines raise the bar on the premium experience and expand international routes. BY ERICH MARTIN LIKE A DREAM:

Business-class cabin on the Qantas Dreamliner PHOTO: © QANTAS AIRWAYS

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IN TERMS OF PURE EXPERIENCE, the difference between a standard economy seat and a first- or business-class cabin is immeasurable. Year-over-year, premium airline accommodations retain their obvious position for good reason. As airlines look to squeeze more seats and passengers onto flights, a place at the front of the aircraft becomes even more appealing.

Every new plane and redesign raises the bar for premium passengers. Sometimes airlines make small and purely aesthetic changes, like those LATAM Airlines Group introduced this year in the form of marble-textured surfaces and an overall theme of the geography of Latin America. Other times more drastic enhancements shake up the way flight attendants tend to guests throughout the flight. Regardless of the changes any one update brings, the gulf between premium and standard accommodations

globaltravelerusa.com GLOBAL TRAVELER’S CLASS ACT GUIDE 2019

remains tough to quantify.

Seasoned travelers know that while front-of-the-cabin accommodations are all premium for a reason, definite rifts exist even among the upper echelons of premium air travel. Each year Global Traveler honors the best overall airlines, best first-class service and best business-class service in the GT Tested Reader Survey awards and compiles the data charts you’ll see on the following pages to help travelers figure out if a potential airline offers everything that really matters in a flight. Skytrax, a U.K.-based consultancy organization that runs airline ranking and review sites, also provides a good starting point to learn which airlines are really the best.

Singapore Airlines ranks No. 1 in the Skytrax list of the top 10 airlines for first-class accommodations, followed by Lufthansa, Air France, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Emirates, All Nippon Airways, Swiss International Air Lines, Qantas Airways and Oman Air. Other high-ranking airlines include British Airways, Japan Airlines and Asiana Airlines. There’s more to booking a comfortable flight than blindly trusting online rankings, however. Keep these charts nearby as you prepare for your next flight to make sure your accommodations satisfy your appetite as a passenger.

This year airlines made big changes in terms of in-flight dining. As more airlines hire chefs to re-imagine menus, they offer more diverse and healthier options. Across the industry, airlines now focus on the importance of appropriate menus for flights. Increasingly, smaller and lighter options allow passengers to eat and quickly get on with the rest of their travel to-do list.

LATAM recently unveiled new ways dining will better serve busy travelers on long flights. Meals prioritize different options for different flights and times of day. For instance, flights taking off late at night still offer dinner, albeit a light meal designed to promote more restful sleep. Breakfasts pack a punch to get guests ready to tackle the new day with vigor.

Changing the game when it comes to dining doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all solution. After conducting research into how customers eat in-flight meals, Fiji Airways introduced a new concept for its business and premier guests.

The study found nearly one-third of Australian passengers skipped meals in order to maximize rest during the flight. To satisfy these guests, the airline introduced “Dine on the Ground,” a pre-flight meal to allow them more time for sleep in flight.

For many passengers, seating proves as important as dining, especially with the current trend toward providing direct access to aisles.

As you page through the following first- and business-class charts, you will notice many airlines now utilize 1-2-1 layouts, granting every seat direct aisle access. There is no feeling less luxurious than being awakened from your sleep in the middle of a long-haul flight so your neighbor can exit for a trip to the bathroom.

The shift to direct aisle access trended upward since at least 2010. LATAM is adding it to its business renovations following feedback from regular business-class passengers. Now roughly half of the airlines we survey include layouts conducive to direct aisle access.

Other airlines, including Delta Air Lines, also enhance privacy for passengers in business class. Suites, closing doors included, used to be a staple of first-class offerings. The proverbial arms race for increased privacy, comfort and luxury reached a fever pitch with Delta One’s inclusion of doors and dividing barriers, turning every seat into a suite. These features may not be available on every single flight with Delta One offerings, but the availability on long-haul international flights signifies an important start.

British Airways and Qatar Airways also jumped on the business suite bandwagon. Qatar joined the trend in 2017 but since then doubled down on privacy on business-class flights.

Business cabins continue to expand, and some might argue the increased quality of the amenities and perks of flying business are beginning to encroach on the sacred ground once held by first-class accommodations.

Earlier this year, for example, Korean Air announced it removed first-class offerings on 27 international routes. The result, according to local news outlets, means the airline offers its first class on only about 30 percent of its international flights as of July 1. Just days later, Asiana Airlines ceased sales of any first-class products across its entire fleet, replacing the seats with the upgraded business suite in the same vein as Delta, British Airways and Qatar Airways.

The cost of offering premium experiences in first and business classes continues to rise as airlines compete to offer more extravagant and luxurious experiences on board. In the past, airlines offered amenities like first-class showers, double beds and virtual reality headsets.

At the same time, as business offerings continue to improve in much the same way, it is no real surprise some airlines begin to rethink first class in favor of a business class just a little bit more extravagant.

The quality of amenities passengers receive also reflects the difference in luxury between flying business or first class as opposed to standard economy. Domestic airlines like American Airlines and

GLOBAL TRAVELER’S CLASS ACT GUIDE 2019

COMFORT: SUITE SPOTS:

Delta One businessclass suites (top), and Fiji Airways' new menu concept PHOTOS: © DELTA AIR LINES, © FIJI AIRWAYS

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PERSONAL SPACE:

United Polaris (top), and American Airlines' first-class international amenity kit (bottom) PHOTOS: © UNITED, © AMERICAN AIRLINES

10

United Airlines make onboard amenity kits a priority. Earlier this year, American and United rolled out new kits to make sure passengers in all premium seats are well-cared for and comfortable.

American Airlines introduced two new kinds of kits in February, depending on the type of route. International premium passengers receive leather kits from well-known

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accessory companies with a number of skincare products, while those on longer flights receive a more inclusive kit with products like hydration packs, ear plugs, skincare products and large eye masks to promote better sleep on flights.

United Polaris business class, on the other hand, now offers brand-name skincare products in lounges and in onboard amenity kits. Like the greater products, amenity kits continually evolve to give passengers better experiences in the sky.

For all the luxury airlines offer, passengers have no reason to even step on a plane if not for the simple fact they need to get somewhere far away quickly. This year, airlines increased their scope of operations to offer more service to an everincreasing menu of destinations.

American Airlines added a number of long-haul, international flights to its repertoire this year. New routes include Philadelphia (PHL)–Casablanca (CMN), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)–Tel Aviv (TLV), Chicago (ORD)–Krakow (KRK), Chicago–Budapest (BUD) and Chicago–Prague (PRG). The expansion to Casablanca marks the airline’s first foray into Africa.

Not to be left behind, this year United Airlines added Chicago–Tokyo (HND), Los Angeles (LAX)–Tokyo and New York (EWR)–Tokyo. The airline also added 12 new international destinations from some of its hubs. Seasonal New York (EWR)–Curaçao (CUR), New York–Nice (NCE) and New York–Palermo (PMO) routes will get travelers to their vacations with ease, while the carrier increased the frequency

of flights to Amsterdam (AMS) and Frankfurt (FRA).

United also features the most premium seating for passengers flying from the continental United States to London (LHR). The Boeing 767-300ER operating the route features 46 United Polaris business-class seats and 22 United Premium Plus seats.

No matter how luxurious the current first- and business-class offerings, airlines and aircraft manufacturers likely will continue to pursue making an even more alluring product. Airbus proved that at this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo. The manufacturer made a few major announcements, such as which airlines were launching the new Airbus A320, but the firm also unveiled a few new cabin interior features which could really change the game when it comes to business travel.

Although not yet flying in any business-class products, the Settee Corner could alter the way business passengers fly forever. More of a sofa, the seat is actually about one-third lighter than most business-class seats offered now. The seat has no lie-flat position but makes up for it with a lighter and overall longer seat. At the time of the announcement, this option was only shown as a potential feature of the Airbus A321LR. At the same show, Airbus unveiled its bigger Airspace XL overhead bins capable of fitting up to four bags, giving passengers about 40 percent more storage space. These bins launched on American Airlines’ Airbus A321neo aircraft.

Air France also unveiled a new business product this year. Aboard its Airbus A330s, Air France offers 36 business seats in a 1-2-1 layout, giving all passengers direct aisle access. A sliding panel separates the two middle seats, providing each passenger ultimate privacy from fellow travelers. New entertainment options including an extrawide touch screen, new bathroom facilities and self-service bars all incorporate redesigns as well.

British Airways also launched a new business product this year on board its Airbus A350 aircraft. The long-haul duty-bound aircraft features many of the same benefits we examined in the Air France and LATAM premier seating, such as a 1-2-1 layout, doors and dividers for privacy and wholly redesigned interiors. The new product includes 40 percent more storage, a vanity unit and mirror, WiFi, 18.5-inch entertainment screens and more.

Finally, Turkish Airlines rolled out new Boeing 787s and Airbus A350s this year. These new aircraft change the originally stuffy 2-3-2 layouts of the old business product into the new configuration. Turkish Airlines’ new seats include massage features, rotating light sources, lie-flat configurations and much more to give travelers everything they need for a relaxing and productive flight. Paired with Turkish Airlines’ excellent service, this makes the perfect choice for travelers looking for premier luxury. Similar

to other business products, Turkish Airlines offers preferential check-in, extra baggage allowances and the ability for guests to earn bonus miles.

Our first- and business-class survey covers the airlines mentioned here and many more, from aircraft type to amenities and from seat features to the regions they fly. Whether 1-2-1 configurations are your big deal breaker or you’re more interested in entertainment options, we dig into it all. Just make sure to keep these charts handy when you’re planning your next business trip.

No matter what, airlines won’t stop innovating and bringing new experiences and luxuries to their passengers. Sit back, sip some wine and relax because these first- and business-class offerings will only continue to get better.

GLOBAL TRAVELER’S CLASS ACT GUIDE 2019

AT YOUR SERVICE:

Air France business cabin (top), and British Airways' business-class seating on the A350 PHOTOS: © AIR FRANCE, © BRITISH AIRWAYS

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WiFi on Board

Complimentary

Lounges Shared or Dedicated

Free WiFi in Lounges

Amenity Kits Included

Date of Last Major Cabin Overhaul

7 7

Y Y

Y Y

B B

Y Y

Y Y

2015 2015

10 10

N N

N/R N/R

Regions Flown

Number of Other Video Programs

1 1

Green Certification

Number of News Channels

56 56

Chauffeur Service

Number of Movies

15 15

Average Age of Aircraft

Number of Audio Channels

Adapters Required

Power for Laptop

1-2-2 58–60" SG 27" 180° Y N 1-2-1 58–60" SG 27" 180° Y N

Recline

30 23

Seat Width

A330-300 A330-200

Seat Pitch

Layout

BUSINESS CLASS

Number of Seats

AER LINGUS*

Aircraft

FIRST AND BUSINESS CLASS

Europe Europe

AEROFLOT PRESIDENT

A330-300 28 2-2-2 75" 20" 180° Y N 3,000+ Tracks 200+ 1 345 A330-300 34 2-2-2 62" 20" 160° Y N 3,000+ Tracks 200+ 1 345 A330-300 36 2-2-2 60" 20" 169° Y N 3,000+ Tracks 200+ 1 345 A330-200 34 2-2-2 62" 20" 160° Y N 3,000+ Tracks 200+ 1 345 A330-200 30 2-2-2 62" 20" 160° Y N 3,000+ Tracks 200+ 1 345 777-300ER 30 2-2-2 60" 20.9" 180° Y N 3,000+ Tracks 200+ 1 345

Y Y Y Y Y Y

N B N B N B N B N B N B

Y Y N/R 7 N Y Europe Y Y N/R 7 N Y Europe Y Y N/R 7 N Y Europe Y Y N/R 9.4 N/R Y Europe Y Y N/R 9 N/R Y Europe Y Y N/R 3.2 N Y Europe

AEROLINEAS ARGENTINAS* CLUB CONDOR A330-200 22 2-2-2 60" 21.5" 170° Y N/A

12

8

0

301

N

N/A

S

Y

Y

2013

10.4

N

N

Latin America

AEROMEXICO

PREMIER 787-8 32 2-2-2 60" 20" 180° Y N 100 Albums 225 1 160 Y N B Y Y N/R N/R N/R N/R North America

787-9 36 1-2-1 60" 20" 180° Y N 100 Albums 225 1 160 Y N B Y Y N/R N/R N/R N/R North America PREMIER 737-700 12 2-2 36" 21" N/R N N 100 Albums 225 0 160 N N B Y Y N/R N/R N/R N/R North America

737-800 16 2-2 39" 21" N/R N N 100 Albums 225 0 160 N N B Y Y N/R N/R N/R N/R North America CLASE PREMIER 737-MAX 16 2-2 40" 21" N/R Y N 100 Albums 200 N/R 200 Y Y B Y Y N/A 1 N N/R Latin America

North America

AIR CANADA SIGNATURE CLASS 777-200ER 40 1-2-1 Suite 21" 180° Y N 12, 100 CDs, 215 1 350 IP N B Y Y 2015–16 10.5 Y N/R Europe, 10 Books/Podcasts 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,

Pacific Rim, North America

787-9 30 1-2-1 Suite 21" 180° Y N 12, 100 CDs, 215 1 350 IP N B Y Y None 1.8 Y N/R Europe, Latin America, 10 Books/Podcasts Pacific Rim, North America,

Europe

787-8 20 1-2-1 Suite 21" 180° Y N 12, 100 CDs 215 1 350 IP N B Y Y None 3.9 Y N/R Europe, Latin America, 10 Books/Podcasts Pacific Rim, North America,

Middle East

A330 27 1-1-1 Suite 20" 180° Y N 12, 100 CDs 130 1 300 IP N B Y Y 2008–09 17.9 Y N/R North America

767-300 24 1-1-1 Suite 20" 180° Y N 12, 100 CDs 130 1 300 N NA B Y Y 2006–08 29 Y N/R North America BUSINESS CLASS A321 16 2-2 37" 21" N/R Y N 12, 100 CDs 110 1 300 Y N B Y N 2006–08 15.3 Y N/R North America

A320 14 2-2 37" 21" N/R Y N 12, 100 CDs 110 1 300 Y N B Y N 2006–08 15.5 Y N/R North America

A319 14 2-2 37" 21" N/R Y N 12, 100 CDs 110 1 300 Y N B Y N 2006–08 21.1 Y N/R North America

E175 12 1-2 38" 20" N/R Y N 12, 100 CDs 110 1 300 Y N B Y N None 12 Y N/R North America

CRJ-705/900 12 1-2 37" 21" N/R Y N 12, 100 CDs 110 1 300 Y N B Y N None 10.5 Y N/R North America

737MAX 16 2-2 38" 21" N/R Y N 12, 100 CDs 215 1 350 N N B Y N None 0,4 Y N/R North America * 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.

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KEY ANG Angled B Both D Dedicated EST Estimate HB Herringbone

IP In Progress N No N/A Not Applicable 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.

Y Y Y

N/R N/R N/R

7.7 7.7 6

Y Y Y

Regions Flown

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

Green Certification

Chauffeur Service

N/A N/A N/A

Average Age of Aircraft

N N N

Date of Last Major Cabin Overhaul

14 N/R N/R

Amenity Kits Included

N/R N/R N/R

Free WiFi in Lounges

Complimentary

60 N/R N/R

Lounges Shared or Dedicated

WiFi on Board

14 13 13

Number of Other Video Programs

N N N

Number of News Channels

Y Y Y

Number of Movies

170° 170° 170°

Number of Audio Channels

Adapters Required

FORBIDDEN PAVILION 747-400 COMBI 10 1-1 62" 21" CAPITAL PAVILION* 747-400 COMBI 24 2-2 62" 21"

777-300 35 2-3 62" 21"

Power for Laptop

AIR CHINA*

Recline

Seat Width

Seat Pitch

Layout

Number of Seats

Aircraft

FIRST AND BUSINESS CLASS

N Pacific Rim N Pacific Rim N Pacific Rim

N/R

2

N

Y Europe

N/R

11

N

Y Europe

N/R

1

N

Y Europe

Y N N

AIR EUROPA* AIR EUROPA BUSINESS A330-300 N/R 2-2-2 60" 20" 170° Y N N/A 8 N/A 9 Y Y (10 MB S Y N/R EST Voucher)

A330-200 N/R 2-2-2 65" 20" 170° Y N 15 16 N/A 8 Y Y (10 MB S Y Y EST Voucher)

787-8 N/R 2-2-2 65" 20" 170° T N VOD, 100 CDs 50 N/A 85 Y Y (10 MB S Y Y EST Voucher)

AIR FRANCE LA PREMIÈRE BUSINESS CLASS BUSINESS CLASS

777-300 777 A330

4 Suites 40–58 1-2-1 36 2-2-2

N/R N/R N/R

22" 28" 22.4"

180° 180° 180°

Y Y Y

N 17, 700 Albums N 17, 700 Albums N N/R

200 200 350 EST

180° 180° 178° 180°

Y Y Y Y

N N N N

250 Hrs 250 Hrs OD OD

150 Hrs 150 Hrs OD OD

30

1 1 N/R

200+ 200+ 400 EST

N N Y

N/A N/A N

D D D

Y Y Y

Y Y Y

2014 2014 2018

8 15 N/R

Y Europe Y Europe N/R Europe

N/R N/R OD OD

N N N N

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

B B B B

N N N N

Y Y Y Y

N/R N/R 2007 N/R

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

40

Y

Y

S

Y

Y

2018

14

N

N Europe

1,800 Hrs 1,800 Hrs 1,800 Hrs

IP IP IP

N N N

S S S

Y Y Y

Y Y Y

5.7 N/R N/R

N/R 11.7 1.9

N N N

Y Pacific Rim, Europe Y Pacific Rim, Europe Y Pacific Rim, Europe

AIR INDIA* BUSINESS CLASS

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

8 4 29 18

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

82" 82" N/R 74"

23" 23" 20" 22"

A330-200

24

2-2-2

78"

20"

Lie Flat

Y

N

8

777-300 777-200 787-9 V2

44 26 27

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

Lie Flat Lie Flat Lie Flat

22" 22" 22"

180° Lie Flat 180°

Y Y Y

N N N

1,800 Hrs 1,800 Hrs 1,800 Hrs

1 1 1 1

AIR ITALY* BUSINESS CLASS

N/R

AIR NEW ZEALAND* BUSINESS PREMIER

1,800 Hrs 1,800 Hrs 1,800 Hrs 1,800 Hrs 1,800 Hrs 1,800 Hrs

AIR TAHITI NUI POERAVA BUSINESS A340-300 32 2-2-2 60" HB 20" 160° Y N/R 20 14 0 24 Channels/ N N/A S Y Y 2013 N/R N 15 Games

787-9 30 2-2-2 60" HB 20.4" 180° Y N 40 16 N/R 15 Y Y S Y Y 2019 Less N than 1

N/R Pacific Rim N/R Pacific Rim

AIR SERBIA* BUSINESS CLASS A330-200 18 1-1-1 N/A 23"

180°

Y

N

50 Albums

20

N/A

26

Y

N

S

Y

Y

2016

9

N

N Europe

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

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

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

N N N N N N N N N N

D Y N N/R 9.8 N N/R North America S Y N 2018 20 N N/R North America S Y N 2009 12 N N North America S Y N 2009 5 N N North America S Y N 2007 9 N N North America S Y N 2019 9 N N North America S Y N 2007 9 N N North America S Y N 2019 9 N N North America S Y S 2019 1 N N North America S Y N 2015 3 N N North America

256 256

Y Y

ALASKA AIRLINES

FIRST CLASS 737-400 12 2-2 37" 21" N/R N N

737-700 12 2-2 38" 21" 120–130° Y N

737-800 12 2-2 41" 21" 120–130° Y N

737-900 16 2-2 41" N/R 120–130° Y N

A319 8 2-2 55" 21" 140° Y N

A319 12 2-2 41" 21" 120–130° Y N

A320 8 2-2 55" 21" 140° Y N

A320 12 2-2 41" 21" 120–130° Y N

A321neo 16 2-2 41" 21" 120–130° Y N

E175 12 2-2 42" 21" 120–130° Y N

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

MAGNIFICA

12 12

V 700+ 700+ 700+ 250+ 700+ 250+ 700+ 700+ 700+

ALITALIA

777 A330

30 20

1-2-1 1-2-1

46" SG 73.5"

22" 21.5"

180° 180°

Y Y

N N

Y Y Y Y

N N N N

90 90

2 2

Y (50MB) Y (50MB)

B B

Y Y

Y Y

2016 2016

N/R N/R

N N

N Europe N Europe

ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS THE ROOM BUSINESS CLASS

777-300ER A380 787-9 787-9

52 1-2-1 107" 22.2" 180° 56 1-2-1 44" SG 19.5" 180° 40 1-2-1 44" SG 19.8" 180° 42 1-2-1 44" SG 19.7" 180°

380+ 380+ 380+ 380+

380+ 380+ 380+ 380+

380+ 380+ 380+ 380+

Y Y Y Y

N N N N

S D S S

Y Y N/R N/R N/R Y N/A Pacific Rim Y Y N/R N/R 1 Y N/A Pacific Rim Y Y N/R N/R N/R Y N/A Pacific Rim Y Y N/R N/R N/R Y N/A Pacific Rim

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

GLOBAL TRAVELER’S CLASS ACT GUIDE 2019

globaltravelerusa.com

13

Free WiFi in Lounges

Amenity Kits Included

N

D

Y

Y

2013

5.6

Y

N

Regions Flown

Lounges Shared or Dedicated

Y

Green Certification

Complimentary

300

Chauffeur Service

WiFi on Board

2

Average Age of Aircraft

Number of Other Video Programs

190

Date of Last Major Cabin Overhaul

Number of News Channels

Number of Audio Channels

Power for Laptop Adapters Required

Recline

Seat Width

Seat Pitch

Layout

Number of Seats

Number of Movies

Aircraft

FIRST AND BUSINESS CLASS AMERICAN AIRLINES

FLAGSHIP FIRST A321-T (Transcon) 10 1-1 43" 21"/23" 180° Y N 18, 700 Suite Albums

North America

777-300ER 8 1-2-1 63" 21"/48’ 180° Y N 18, 700 Up to 250 3, Live Text 300 Y N D Y Y 2012 5.6 Y N

Suite Albums News

North America, Latin America, Europe, Pacific Rim

BUSINESS CLASS 787-9 30 1-2-1 43" HB 22" 180° Y N 18 Up to 250 3, Live Text 300 Y N D Y Y 2016 1.9 Y N

News

North America, Latin America, Europe, Pacific Rim

FLAGSHIP BUSINESS 777-200 (Retrofit) 37 1-2-1 43"/46" 21/25.5"" 180° Y N 18, 700 Up to 250 3, Live Text 300 Y N D Y Y 2016 18.8 Y N

HB Albums News

North America, Latin America, Europe, Pacific Rim

787-8 20 1-2-1 49"

HB

North America, Latin America, Europe, Pacific Rim

A321-T (Transcon) 20 2-2

21"/25.5" 180° Y N 18 Up to 250 3, Live Text Up to 300 Y N D Y Y 2018 3.8 Y N (Aft) 30.6" News (Forward) N

North America

777-300 52 1-2-1 43" 21" 180° Y N 18, 700 Up to 250 3, Live Text Up to 300 Y N D Y Y 2012 5.6 Y N

HB Albums News

North America, Latin America, Europe, Pacific Rim

A330-200 20 1-2-1

63" 19" 180° Y N 18, 700 HB Albums

Up to 190

2

Up to 300

Y

N

D

Y

Y

2013

5.6

Y

48" 22" 180° Y N 18 250 3 300 Y N D Y Y 2016 7.8 Y N North America, HB Europe

A330-300 28 1-2-1 48" 22" 180° Y N 18 250 3 300 Y N D Y Y 2012 19.1 Y N North America, HB Europe

ASIANA AIRLINES BUSINESS SUITE A380 12 1-2-1 BUSINESS SMARTIUM 777-200ER 22 1-2-1

A380 66 1-2-1

A350 28 1-2-1

83" 74.5" 74.5" 77"

25.2" 22" 22" 22"

180° 180° 180° 180°

Y Y Y Y

N N N N

20 20 20 20

75 75 75 75

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/R N/R N/R N/R

4 N/R 4 1

Y Y Y Y

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

Pacific Rim Pacific Rim Pacific Rim Pacific Rim

AUSTRIAN AIRLINES BUSINESS CLASS

777-200ER

38

1-2-1

44" SG

20.8"

180°

Y N

90

85

N/R

17 TV Shows

N

N/A

D

Y

Y

2012

18

Y

Y

Europe

767-300ER

26

1-2-1

44" SG

20.8"

180°

Y N

90

85

N/R

17 TV Shows

N

N/A

D

Y

Y

2013

15

Y

Y

Europe

20.5" 20.5" 20.5" N/R N/R N/R

170° 180° 180° 99° EST 99° EST 99° EST

Y Y Y Y Y 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/R N/R N/R N/R N/R N/R N/R N/R 72"

22.5" 22.5" 22.5" 22.5" 21.5" 21.5" 21.5" 21.5" 25"

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

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

N N N N N N N N N

500+ 500+ 500+ 500+ 500 Hrs 500 Hrs 500 Hrs 500 Hrs N/R

120+ 120+ 120+ 120+ 130+ 130+ 130+ 130+ N/R

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 N/R

200+ Hrs, 400 200+ Hrs, 400 200+ Hrs, 400 200+ Hrs, 400 NA NA NA NA N/R

IP IP IP IP IP IP IP IP Y

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

D D D D D D D D D

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

2015 2015 2015 2015 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 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 Europe Europe Europe Europe

45" SG 43" SG

23" 23"

180° 180°

Y N Y N

23 23

46 46

1 1

50 50

N N

N/A N/A

D D

Y Y

Y Y

2019 New 2019 New

AVIANCA*

BUSINESS CLASS A330 30 2-2-2 65"

A330 32 1-2-1 45" Fishtail

787 28 1-2-1 46" Fishtail

A319 12 2-2 40"

A320 12 2-2 40"

A321 12 2-2 40"

BRITISH AIRWAYS* FIRST

CLUB WORLD

CLUB WORLD LONDON CITY

747 777 787-9 A380 747 777 787 A380 A318

8–17 1-2-1 8–17 1-2-1 8–17 1-2-1 8–17 1-2-1 52–97 2-4-2 52–97 2-4-2 52–97 2-3-2 52–97 2-4-2/2-3-2 32 2-2

BRUSSELS AIRLINES BUSINESS CLASS

A330-300 A330-200

30 22

2-1-2 2-1-2

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

14

globaltravelerusa.com GLOBAL TRAVELER’S CLASS ACT GUIDE 2019

Y N Y N/R

Europe Europe

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

N N N N

65 65 65 65

271 271 271 271

3 3 3 3

90 90 90 90

IP IP Y Y

Y N N N

D D D D

Y Y Y Y

Y Y Y Y

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

7.7 7.7 1 1

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

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

Pacific Rim Pacific Rim Pacific Rim Pacific Rim

PREMIUM BUSINESS CLASS

28" 28"

180° 180°

Y Y

N N

16 16

125 125

N/A N/A

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

Y Y

Y Pacific Rim Y Pacific Rim

Regions Flown

Recline

Y Y Y Y

Seat Pitch

180° 180° 180° 180°

Layout

36” 21" 31" 31"

Number of Seats

Seat Width

Aircraft

FIRST CLASS 777-300ER 6 1-1-1 81” BUSINESS CLASS 777-300ER 53 1-2-1 82"

A350-900 38 1-2-1 45" HB

A350-1000 46 1-2-1 45" HB

FIRST AND BUSINESS CLASS CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS*

CHINA AIRLINES*

777-300ER A350-900

40 32

1-2-1 1-2-1

43" HB 44" HB

CHINA EASTERN AIRLINES FIRST CLASS BUSINESS CLASS

777-300ER 6 1-2-1 79" 26.5" 180° Y N 1,000+ 110 0 30 Y Y S Y Y 2014 N/R 777-300ER 52 1-2-1 75" 23.6" 180° Y N 1,000+ 110 0 30 Y Y S Y Y 2014 N/R

CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES* FIRST CLASS A380 8 1-2-1 82" 33" 180° Y Y AVOD AVOD AVOD AVOD N N/A B Y Y N/R N/R N/R N/R Pacific Rim

777 4 1-2-1 84" 28.5" 180° Y Y AVOD AVOD AVOD AVOD N N/A B Y Y N/R N/R N/R N/R Pacific Rim

787 4 1-2-1 84" 27" 180° Y Y AVOD AVOD AVOD AVOD N N/A B Y Y N/R N/R N/R N/R Pacific Rim BUSINESS CLASS A380 70 2-2-2 48" SG 24" 180° Y Y AVOD AVOD AVOD AVOD N N/A B Y Y N/R N/R N/R N/R Pacific Rim

777 34 1-2-1 44" SG 22" 180° Y Y AVOD AVOD AVOD AVOD N N/A B Y Y N/R N/R N/R N/R Pacific Rim

787 24 2-2-2 74" 21.5" 180° Y Y AVOD AVOD AVOD AVOD N N/A B Y Y N/R N/R N/R N/R Pacific Rim

COPA AIRLINES* BUSINESS CLASS

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/A N N/A

B B

Y Y

Y Y

N/R N/R

5.3 5.3

N N

Y Y

Latin America Latin America

DELTA AIR LINES FIRST CLASS 717 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

MD-88 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

MD-90 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 .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 A350 32 1-2-1 44" 22-24" 180° Y N 1,631 300+ 3 600+ Y N D Y Y 2 2 N N/R North America, Suite Europe, Pacific Rim

777-200 28 1-2-1 45" 24" 180° Y N 1,631 300+ 3 600+ Y N D Y Y 2 14 N N/R North America, Suite Europe, Pacific

Rim, Middle East

767-400 34 1-2-1 44" 20" 180° Y N 1,631 300+ 3 600+ Y N D Y Y 1 15 N N/R North America, Suite Europe, Pacific

Rim, Middle East,

Latin America

A339 29 1-2-1 45" 23.3" 180° Y N 1,631 300+ 3 600+ Y N D Y Y 1 1 N N/R North America, Suite Europe,

Pacific Rim,

A330-200 34 1-2-1 45" 19.7" 180° Y N 1,631 300+ 3 600+ Y N D Y Y 5-6 14 N N/R North America, Suite Europe, Pacific

Rim, Latin America

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

GLOBAL TRAVELER’S CLASS ACT GUIDE 2019

globaltravelerusa.com

15

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

Adapters Required

Power for Laptop

Recline

Seat Width

Seat Pitch

Layout

Number of Seats

Aircraft

FIRST AND BUSINESS CLASS DELTA AIR LINES (cont.)

DELTA ONE A330-300 34 1-2-1 45" 19.7" 180° Y N 1,631 300+ 3 600+ Y N D Y Y 5-6 8 N N/A North America,

Suite Europe, Pacific Rim,

Latin America

767-300 26 1-2-1 44" 21" 180° Y N 1,631 300+ 3 600+ Y N D Y Y 5 18 N N/A North America,

Suite Europe, Pacific Rim,

Latin America

757-200 16 2-2 58" 19" 180° Y N 1,631 300+ 3 600+ Y N D Y Y 4-5 10 N N/A North America,

Suite Europe, Pacific Rim,

Latin America

767-300ER 36 1-2-1 44" 21" 180° Y N 1,631 300+ 3 600+ Y N D Y Y 8 18 N N/A North America,

Suite Europe, Pacific Rim,

Latin America

EDELWEISS

BUSINESS CLASS A340-300 27 1-2-1/2-2-1 44" SG 21"

A340-300 27 1-2-1/2-2-1 45" SG 21"

180° Y N 180° Y N

100 100

90 N/A N/A N 90 N/A N/A N

N/A N/A

S N/R Y 2018 16 S N/R Y 2016 5

N N Europe N N Europe

73

8 N/A 35 N N/A S Y Y 2012 5 N N Middle East/Africa

EGYPTAIR*

HORUS

777

49 2-3-2 78"

20" 180° Y Y

EL AL ISRAEL AIRLINES

EL AL FIRST CLASS 777-200 6 2-2-2 N/R 20.7" EL AL BUSINESS CLASS 777-200 35 2-3-2 75–76" 20" BUSINESS CLASS 787 32 1-2-1 42–43" HB 21"

180° 180° 180°

Y Y Y

Y Y N

100 100 435

70 70 180

1 1 3

300 300 400

N N N

N/A N/A N/A

D D B

Y Y Y

Y Y Y

2017 2017 N/R

N/R 12 0.5

Y N N

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

FIRST CLASS

BUSINESS CLASS

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

N N N N N N N N

2,800 2,800 2,800 2,800 2,800 2,800 2,800 2,800

1,500 1,500 1,500 1,500 1,500 1,500 1,500 1,500

8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8

4,500 4,500 4,500 4,500 4,500 4,500 4,500 4,500

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

D D D D D D D D

Y Y Y Y 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

6.9 4.6 4.6 10.5 2.7 6.1 6.9 6.9

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

N N N N N N N N

800+ 800+ 800+ 800+ 800+

100+ N 100+ N 100+ N 100+ N 100+ N

115+ 115+ 115+ 115+ 115+

N N N N N

N N N N N

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

EMIRATES

777-300ER A380 A380 777-300ER A380 777-300ER 777-300ER 777-200LR

8 14 76 42 58 42 42 38

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

82" 82–83" 44" SG 72" 44" SG 65" SG 72" 72"

23.5" 21.6" 19.3" 20.5" 20.8" 20.5" 20.5" 23"

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

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" HB 65" HB 60" HB 78" 78"

29.2" 22.9" 29.2" 20.9" 20.9"

180° Y N 180° Y N 180° Y N 180° Y N 180° Y N

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

ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES* CLOUD NINE

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

S Y Y 2016 S Y Y 2016 S Y Y 2016 S Y Y 2015 S Y Y 2015

1 4 4 6 3

ETIHAD AIRWAYS* THE RESIDENCE BY ETIHAD

FIRST FIRST SUITE FIRST APARTMENT BUSINESS BUSINESS STUDIO

A380-9 1 Three- 82" Sofa: 29.5" 180° Y N 16, 400+CDs 110+ 7 300+ Y N S Y Y 2014 1 Y N Middle East/Africa (Single or Double Suite Room Per Person/ Occupancy) Bed: 82" 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 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 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 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 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

EUROWINGS BIZCLASS

A330-300 A340-300

30 2-2-2 64" HB 19.1" 180° Y N 18 2-2-2 64" HB 19.1 180° Y N

35 35

305 N/R 75 Y 35 N/R 75 Y

Y Y

S Y Y 2018-19 N/R N N/R Europe S Y Y 2018 N/R N N/R Europe

90

N

B

EVA AIR

ROYAL LAUREL CLASS 777-300ER 38–39 HB

1-2-1

81"

26"

180°

Y

N 20, 300 CDs

0

120+

Y

V

Y

2012

N

3.94

N

Pacific Rim

FIJI AIRWAYS BUSINESS CLASS A330-200 24 2-2-2 60" 26–27" 172° Y N 5 23 0 30 N N/A S Y Y 2013 N/R N N Pacific Rim,

North America

A330-300 24 2-2-2 60" 26–27" 172° Y N 5 23 0 30 N N/A S Y Y 2015 N/R N N Pacific Rim,

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

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globaltravelerusa.com GLOBAL TRAVELER’S CLASS ACT GUIDE 2019

GLOBAL TRAVELER’S CLASS ACT GUIDE 2019

globaltravelerusa.com

17

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

Adapters Required

Power for Laptop

Recline

Seat Width

Seat Pitch

Layout

Number of Seats

Aircraft

FIRST AND BUSINESS CLASS FINNAIR*

BUSINESS CLASS A330-300 32 2-2-1/1-2-1 60" SG 21" 180° Y N 25 95 N/A 120+ Y Y (Finnair Plus D N/A Y 2014 N/R N Y Europe Platinum

Members)

HAINAN AIRLINES*

BUSINESS CLASS 787-9 30 1-2-1 74"

27"

180°

Y

Y

1000

200

N/A

600

Y

Y

B

Y

Y

N/A

2

Y

Y

Pacific Rim

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

2016 2016

4 4

N N

N/R North America N/R Pacific Rim

22.8" 22.8" 22.8" 22.8" 22.8" 22.8" 22.8"

180° 180° 180° 180° 180° 180° 180°

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

N N N N N N N

100 100 100 100 100 100 100

2 2 2 2 2 2 3

110 110 110 110 110 110 110

N N N N N N Y

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

B B B B B B B

Y Y 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 N N N N N N

N/R Asia N/R Asia N/R Asia N/R Asia N/R Asia N/R Asia N/R Asia

22.83" 19.68" 19.68" 19.68"

180° 180° 180° 180°

Y Y Y Y

N N N N

90 90 90 90

70 70 70 70

0 0 0 0

111 111 111 111

Y Y Y Y

N N N N

S S S S

Y Y Y Y

Y Y Y Y

N/R 2018 2018 N/A

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

Y Y Y Y

20.5" 20.5" 20.5"

140° Y N 140° Y N 140° Y N

10 10 10

54 54 54

0 0 0

57 57 57

Y Y Y

Y Y Y

Y Y Y 2015–16 19 Y Y Y 2015–16 19 Y Y Y 2015–16 19

33"

180°

N/R

N/R

N/R

Y

N

B

25.5" 25.5"

180° Y N 180° Y N

N/R N/R

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

Y Y

N N

B Y Y 2013 N/R N/R N/R Pacific Rim B Y Y 2013 N/R N/R N/R Pacific Rim

22" 20.5"

N/R 180°

100+ 100+

N/R 100+ N/R 100+

Y Y

HAWAIIAN AIRLINES

FIRST CLASS A330 18 2-2-2 71"/64" BUSINESS CLASS A330 18 2-2-2 71”/64”

HONG KONG AIRLINES* BUSINESS CLASS

A320 A332 A33V A33S A33T A333 A350

8 24 18 30 18 32 22

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

31 36 29 19

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

71" 71" 71" 71" 71" 71" 71"

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

IBERIA BUSINESS PLUS

A350-900 A340-600 A330-300 A330-200

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

Y Y Y Y

Europe Europe Europe Europe

ICELANDAIR SAGA CLASS 757-200 22 2-2 42"

757-300 22 2-2 42"

767-300 25 2-1-2 42"

N N/R Europe N N/R Europe N N/R Europe

JAPAN AIRLINES* JAL FIRST CLASS 777-300ER 8 1-2-1 Suite

JAL BUSINESS CLASS 787-8 38 2-2-2 Suite

777-300ER 49 2-3-2 Suite

Y

N

N/R

Y

Y

2013

N/R

N/R

N/R Pacific Rim

JETBLUE* MINT A321 4 Suites 1-1 60" SG

A321 12 2-2 58" SG

Y Y

N N

N/R N/R

N/R N/R

D N/R Y D N/R Y

2014 2014

N/R N/R

N N

N/R North America N/R North America

KENYA AIRWAYS* PREMIER WORLD 777-200ER 28 3-3-3 76" 31" 176° Y N/A 25 16 N/R 9 N N/A S Y Y N/R 6.3 N/R Y Middle East/

Africa

KLM WORLD BUSINESS CLASS 747 35 2-2-2 N/R 19.6" 180° Y N 1,000 Hrs 80+ 1,000 1,000

Hrs Hrs

777-200 35 2-2-2 N/R 19.6" 180° Y N 1,000 Hrs 80+ 1,000 1,000

Hrs Hrs

787-10 38 1-2-1 42" HB 21" 180° Y N N/R N/R N/R N/R

N

N/A

D

Y

Y

2013

4–21

N

Y

Europe

Y

N/R

D

Y

Y

2013

4–21

N

Y

Europe

Y

N

D

Y

Y

2018

N/R

N

N N N N N N N N

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

D D D D D D D D

Y Y Y Y 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

5.4 1.2 14.4 4.6 5.4 1.2 14.4 4.6

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

N/R Europe

KOREAN AIR* COSMO SUITES A380 12 1-2-1 83"

747-8i 6 1-1 83"

777-200ER 8 1-2-1 83"

777-300ER 8 1-2-1 83" PRESTIGE SLEEPER A380 94 2-2-2 74"

747-8i 48 2-2-2 75"

777-200ER 28 2-3-2 74"

777-300ER 42 2-2(3)-2 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

500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500

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

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

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

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

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

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

18

globaltravelerusa.com GLOBAL TRAVELER’S CLASS ACT GUIDE 2019

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Fly High in Luxury New business-class service brings the ultimate in comfort to LATAM passengers.

LATAM AIRLINES CONTINUES to make strides in advancing its own services. Ranging from seats to a revamped culinary service, LATAM Airlines is bringing innovation and excellence to South American travel.

LATAM took its most recent steps into the future this year, when the airline unveiled the fruit of a $400 million investment to make the premier South American airline the best it has ever been.

The overhaul is ongoing and will take a few years to complete. By the end of the retrofit, more than 200 aircraft will sport new interiors.

The enhancements are extensive across the entirety of the aircraft, with the most pronounced changes coming to the airline’s Boeing 767 business-class cabin. The airline asked for feedback and opinions from frequent travelers, and each change is one advocated for by customers.

In business class, the new 1-2-1 configuration gives every passenger direct aisle access.

The new seats also reflect the aesthetic of

South America — from the deserts of Chile to the marble of the Andes — all the natural wonders of the continent are represented. The customdesigned Thompson seats offer more privacy than business travelers ever enjoyed onboard LATAM. The new business cabin is already onboard select Boeing 767s. In the coming years, the new accommodations will come to LATAM’s entire wide-body fleet, including the Boeing 777s, 787-9s and the Airbus A350-1000, still to be delivered.

Updates to LATAM’s premium service are expected to debut later this year. With so many overnight flights, LATAM recognizes the concern of passengers to arrive well rested and the airline is actively working to revamp the culinary service to induce more restful sleep while simultaneously creating fewer disturbances for passengers from flight staff. New bedding and mattresses also increase comfort during flight.

Passengers now also have the option of LATAM+ seats, offering passengers more comfort

than a standard economy fare without the cost of a full business-class upgrade. The new seats offer about four more inches of extra legroom, 40 percent more pitch, an available footrest in certain aircraft models, an exclusive overhead compartment, priority boarding and first deplaning privileges.

Whether you’re traveling to South America for business, leisure or both, there is no better way to get there than by way of LATAM’s new business cabin and service.

LATAM flies out of New York City (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), Orlando (MCO), Boston (BOS) and Las Vegas (LAS). When you fly LATAM’s business class, you will arrive wellrested, on time and ready for whatever your trip has in store.

WiFi on Board

Complimentary

Lounges Shared or Dedicated

Amenity Kits Included

Date of Last Major Cabin Overhaul

Average Age of Aircraft

25.98"

180°

Y

N

2

34

1

2

N

N/A

S

Y

Y

2015

N/R N

N

Europe

75"

23"

180°

Y

N 200 Albums

170

0

320

N

N/A

D

Y

Y

2017

2.6

N

N

Latin America

78"

23"

180°

Y

N

20+

50+

0

50+

N

N/A

B

Y

Y

2014

1.8

Y

84" 84" 84" 84" 84" 64" ANG 64" ANG 64" ANG 64" ANG 64" ANG 64" ANG 61" HB

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

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

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

N 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 30, 300 CDs

197 197 197 197 197 197 197 197 197 197 197 197

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

326 326 326 326 326 326 326 326 326 326 326 326

Y Y 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 D

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

2010 2014 2010 2010 2010 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2017

11.4 11.4 11.4 11.4 11.4 11.4 11.4 11.4 11.4 11.4 11.4 11.4

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

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Europe Europe Europe Europe Europe Europe Europe Europe Europe Europe Europe Europe

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 2014

3 N 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

600 600 600

1,300 1,300 1,300

N/A N/A N/A

Y N Y

N N/A N

S S S

Y Y Y

Y Y Y

2018 2018 2018

1.7 5.3 1.7

N N N

N N N

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

62"

21"

170° EST

Y

N

Regions Flown

Number of Other Video Programs

61.1" ANG

2-2-2

Green Certification

Number of News Channels

N/R N

44

Chauffeur Service

Number of Movies

N/R

777-300ER

Free WiFi in Lounges

Number of Audio Channels

Y N/R

Adapters Required

S

Power for Laptop

N

Recline

Y

Seat Width

N/R

Seat Pitch

N/R

Layout

N/R

Number of Seats

N/R

Aircraft

FIRST AND BUSINESS CLASS KUWAIT AIRWAYS* OASIS CLASS

N/R Middle East/Africa

LA COMPAGNIE* BUSINESS CLASS

757-200

74

2-2

LATAM AIRLINES*

PREMIUM BUSINESS 787-800 247 2-2-2

LOT POLISH AIRLINES* LOT BUSINESS CLASS

787

18

2-2-2

N/R Europe

LUFTHANSA

FIRST CLASS

BUSINESS CLASS

A380 A340-600 A340-300 A330-300 747-8 747-400 A340-300 A330-300 A340-600 A380-800 747-8 A350-900

8 1-2-1 8 1-2-1 8 1-2-1 8 1-2-1 8 1-2-1 67 2-2/2-2-2 18, 30 2-2-2 42 2-2-2 44 2-2-2 78 2-2-2 80 2-2/2-2-2 48 2-2-2

PHILIPPINE AIRLINES* BUSINESS CLASS

777-300ER A340-300

42 36

2-3-2 2-2-2

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 A350-900 36 1-2-1 50" HB

777 42 1-2-1 75"

A350-1000 46 1-2-1 103"

22" 21.82" 21"

180° 180° 180°

Y Y Y

Y Y Y

1,000 1,000 1,000

ROYAL AIR MAROC*

BUSINESS CLASS 787-8 18 2-2-2 61" ANG 21" 180° Y N 49 60 N/A 35 N N/A D Y Y N/A 2.4 N N/R Middle East/Africa, North America, Europe

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

Soon

A330 24 2-2-2 62" ANG 21" 180° Y N 600 Albums 98 1 120+ Coming

Soon

787 24 2-2-2 60" ANG 20.5" 180° Y N 600 Albums 98 1 120+ Coming

Soon

Y

N/R N/R Y

N/R

4.8 N/R N/R Middle East/Africa

Y

N/R N/R Y

N/R

4.8 N/R N/R Middle East/Africa

Y

N/A N/R Y

N/R

4.8 N/R N/R Middle East/Africa

SAUDI ARABIAN AIRLINES FIRST CLASS 777-300ER 12 1-2-1 82" BUSINESS CLASS 777-300ER 36 1-2-1 43" HB

22" 20"

180° 180°

Y Y

N N

24 24

411 411

0 0

1,281 1,281

Y Y

Y Y

S S

Y Y

Y Y

N/A N/R

4.29 N 4.29 N

24" 24" 24"

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

Y Y Y

N/R N/R N/R

Y Y Y

Y Y Y

2016 2016 2016

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

N N

Middle East/Africa Middle East/Africa

SAS SCANDINAVIAN AIRLINES SAS BUSINESS

A330-300 A330-300 A340

32 32 40

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

33" SG 33" SG 33" SG

N/R Europe N/R Europe N/R Europe

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

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GLOBAL TRAVELER’S CLASS ACT GUIDE 2019

globaltravelerusa.com

21

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

2013 2013 N/A N/A N/A N/A 2017 2017

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

N N N N N N N N

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

23" 24" 24"

180° 180° 180°

Y Y Y

N N N

170+ 40+ 40+

100+ 100+ 100+

0 0 0

100 100 100+

N N N

N/A N/A N/A

B B B

Y Y Y

Y Y Y

2016 2006 2011

2.5 16 N/R

N N N/R

SWISS FIRST A330-300 8 1-2-1 83" 22"

A340-300 8 1-2-1 83" 22"

777-300ER 8 1-2-1 83" 22" SWISS BUSINESS A340-300 47 1-2-1/2-2-1 45" SG 20.5

A330-300 45 1-2-1/2-2-1 45" 20.5"

777-300ER 62 1-2-1/2-2-1 45" SG 20.5"

TAP AIR PORTUGAL*

180° 180° 180° 180° 180° 180°

Y Y Y Y Y Y

N N N N N N

140 140 140 140 140 140

120 120 120 120 120 120

200 200 200 200 200 200

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

Y Y Y Y Y Y

Y (50 MB) Y (50 MB) Y (50 MB) N N N

D D D D D D

Y Y Y Y Y Y

Y Y Y Y Y Y

2009 2019 2016 2019 2009 2016

8.7 15.6 2.7 15.6 8.7 2.7

Y Y Y N N N

N N N N N N

Europe Europe Europe Europe Europe Europe

TAP EXECUTIVE

180° 180°

Y Y

N N

12 12

100+ 100+

3 3

81 81

Y Y

N N

D D

Y Y

Y Y

2017 2017

13 13

N N

N N

Europe Europe

Layout

Regions Flown

WiFi on Board

Y N N N N N Y Y

Number of Other Video Programs

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Number of News Channels

B B B B B B B B

Number of Movies

Power for Laptop

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Number of Audio Channels

Recline

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Adapters Required

Seat Width

N 1,000+ Total Total N 1,000+ Total 1,000+ Total N 1,000+ Total N N 1,000+ Total N 1,000+ Total 1,000+ Total N 1,000+ Total N

Seat Pitch

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Number of Seats

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

Aircraft

35" 28" 28" 28" 28" 28" 21" 35.25"

FIRST AND BUSINESS CLASS SINGAPORE AIRLINES*

FIRST CLASS 777-300ER 4 1-2-1 67" BUSINESS CLASS 777-300ER 48 1-2-1 51" SG

A350 42 1-2-1 51" SG

A350ULR 67 1-2-1 51" SG

A380-03 78 1-2-1 51" SG

A380 86 1-2-1 51" SG SUITES A380-03 6 1-1 N/A

A380 12 1-2-1 81"

SOUTH AFRICAN

Europe, Pacific Rim, North America Europe, Pacific Rim, North America Europe, Pacific Rim, North America Europe, Pacific Rim, North America Europe, Pacific Rim, North America Europe, Pacific Rim, North America Europe, Pacific Rim, North America Europe, Pacific Rim, North America

AIRWAYS

PREMIUM BUSINESS CLASS

A330-300 A340-600 A330-200

46 42 36

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

45" SG 73" 73"

Y Middle East/Africa Y Middle East/Africa N/R Middle East/Africa

SWISS INTERNATIONAL AIR LINES

TURKISH AIRLINES

A330-200 25 A330-900neo 34

1-2-2/1-2-1 45" 1-2-1 42" HB

22.3" 22.3"

BUSINESS CLASS 777-300ER 49 2-3-2 78" 22" 180° Y N 83,500 Artists 400+ N/R N/R Y Y S Y Y N/R 8.2 Y N/R Europe

A330-300 28 2-2-2 76" 22" 177° Y N 8,811 Albums 312 4 573 Y Y D Y Y N/R 6.7 Coming N/R Europe

Soon

A340 34 2-2-2 60" 20" 159° Y N 8,811 Albums 312 4 573 Y Y D Y Y N/R 6.7 Coming N/R Europe

Soon

UNITED AIRLINES United Polaris Business Class 757-200 16 2-2 76" 21" 180° Y N 150+ 100 N/A 225 Y N/A D Y Y 2011 22 Y Y North America, Europe,

Latin America

767-300v1 46 1-1-1 77" 21" 180° Y N 150+ 300+ N/A 700+ Y N/A D Y Y 2018 19 Y Y Europe

767-300v2 30 1-1-1 75" 21" 180° Y N 150+ 300+ N/A 700+ Y N/A D Y Y 2018 27 Y Y North America, Europe,

Latin America

767-300v3 30 2-1-2 75" 21" 180° Y N 150+ 300+ N/A 700+ Y N/A D Y Y New 23 Y Y North America, Europe,

Latin America

767-400 39 1-2-1 75" 21" 180° Y N 150+ 300+ N/A 700+ Y N/A D Y Y New 18 Y Y North America, Europe,

Latin America

777-200v1 50 1-2-1 78" 22" 180° Y N 150+ 300+ N/A 700+ Y N/A D Y Y New 18 Y Y North America, Europe, Latin America, Middle East/

Africa, Pacific Rim

777-200v2 50 2-2-2 78" 22" 180° Y N 150+ 300+ N/A 700+ Y N/A D Y Y 2010 17 Y Y North America, Europe, Latin America, Middle East/

Africa, Pacific Rim

777-200 48 1-2-1/2-4-2 76–78" 18.5–22" 180° Y N 150+ 300+ N/A 700+ Y N/A D Y Y 2010 20 Y Y North America, Europe, Latin America, Middle East/

Africa, Pacific Rim

777-300 60 1-2-1 78" 22" 180° Y N 150+ 300+ N/A 700+ Y N/A D Y Y New 2 Y Y North America, Europe, Latin America, Middle East/

Africa, Pacific Rim

787-8 36 2-2-2 78" 21" 180° Y N 150+ 300+ N/A 700+ Y N/A D Y Y New 6 Y Y North America, Europe, Middle East/Africa, Pacific Rim

787-9 48 2-2-2 78" 21" 180° Y N 150+ 300+ N/A 700+ Y N/A D Y Y New 3 Y Y North America, Europe, Middle East/Africa, Pacific Rim

787-10 44 1-2-1 78" 21" 180° Y N 150+ 300+ N/A 700+ Y N/A D Y Y New Less Y Y North America, Europe,

than 1 Middle East/Africa, Pacific Rim

VIETNAM AIRLINES* BUSINESS CLASS 777 25 2-3-2 59" 20"

VIRGIN ATLANTIC*

150°

Y

Y

9

3–6

N/R

N/R

N

N/A

B

Y

Y

N/R

11.2

N

N

Pacific Rim

UPPER CLASS

180°

Y

Y

400

60

0

70+ Hrs

Y

N

D

Y

Y

2014

2

Y

Y

Europe

23–28" 180°

Y

N

N/R

N/R

N/R

N/R

Y

N

D

Y

Y

2016

N/R

Y

787-9

31

1-1-1

N/R

777

37

1-2-1

80"

22"

VIRGIN AUSTRALIA THE BUSINESS

22

globaltravelerusa.com GLOBAL TRAVELER’S CLASS ACT GUIDE 2019

N/R Pacific Rim

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

WE’RE IN THE BUSINESS OF YOU Enjoy the ultimate end-to-end experience in Business Class.

Air Canada caters to all types of travellers, whether you’re a frequent flyer, wine aficionado, on-the-go entrepreneur or all of the above. Enjoy priority airport services, exclusive Maple Leaf LoungeTM access, a wine list curated by our sommelier Véronique Rivest, up to 1,000 hours of in-flight entertainment on a personal touch screen and more. We always make sure you arrive refreshed and inspired while connecting you to over 220 destinations worldwide. That’s how we’re in the business of you. aircanada.com/businessclass

TM

Maple Leaf Lounge is a trademark of Air Canada.® Star Alliance and the Star Alliance logo are registered trademarks owned by Star Alliance and used by Air Canada under licence.

GT tested

BRITISH AIRWAYS | CLUB WORLD

London (LHR) to Philadelphia (PHL)

Reviewed by Francis X. Gallagher On the Ground: I checked in online the night before and forwarded our boarding passes to the front clerk at the Corinthia Hotel for printing. I was traveling with my wife after crossing the Atlantic on the Queen Mary 2 and spending a few days in London to see friends. I arranged a car service to take us to Heathrow, which turned out to be a smart move, as the trains were all stopped due to an issue. Checking luggage was swift, as was security, and I was looking forward to spending some time in the British Airways lounge. However, a traffic delay did not allow us that luxury.

Instead, we took the airport train system to the gate and waited for the plane to board.

In-Flight: I find the seating on BA’s business class a little awkward.

My middle seat faced backward, so I looked directly in the face of the woman sitting on the aisle. We chatted for a while and she was pleasant, but we both agreed to pull up the privacy screen after takeoff. Fortunately, the gentleman behind her never fully reclined, so I had an easy path to the bathroom during the entire flight; otherwise, I would have had to step over him and straddle his feet to get in and out.

24

globaltravelerusa.com GLOBAL TRAVELER’S CLASS ACT GUIDE 2019

Once airborne, attendants distributed amenity kits, and the BA machine was in full swing as dinner orders and cocktails appeared. I ordered a scotch, served in a rather nice tumbler of cut glass and accompanied by warmed nuts. Unfortunately, this flight was not serving the second- and third-place wines from our survey — Oldenburg Vineyards Chardonnay 2016, South Africa, and Waimea Pinot Gris 2016, New Zealand — but as I ordered a seared filet of British beef, I selected Château de Ruth 2017, Sainte-Cecile Côtes du Rhone Villages, recommended by my flight attendant. By then we had become chummy. The crew offered cheeses and sweets after dinner and presented teas with sandwiches before landing.

As this was a day flight, I watched several movies including The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. I also accessed BA’s WiFi for a reasonable fee and emailed my team during the entire flight, making great use of the time.

British Airways is excited about its new uniform designer, Ozwald Boateng, OBE. The new designs are rather smart and seem like a big hit with the crew. British Airways is investing approximately $5.7 billion over the next five years and will install higher-quality WiFi and power in every seat, outfit 128 long-haul aircraft with new interiors and take delivery of 72 new aircraft. Next year, BA will also introduce a new Club World seat with direct aisle access to really bring the airline up to speed with others as it reaches its 100-year anniversary.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

◆ The new Club World seats will help one of aviation’s best innovators move back to the top ranking. ◆ Philadelphia International Airport can use some basic help with luggage delivery. ◆ A good selection of movies kept me entertained, and the WiFi was superb.

BRITISH AIRWAYS ba.com PHOTO: © BRITISH AIRWAYS

Pre-Flight: Once the flight started boarding, we were both selected for an additional security check. It was rather detailed, involving taking the escalator down to the boarding tunnel (jetway), where a makeshift security team went through luggage and asked passengers to lift up clothing for review. Perhaps this was due to our one-way ticketing, but those selected hardly fit any profile. Once clear, we were directed back up the escalator to line up for the flight.

Getting all settled with carry-on bags stowed took a few minutes, then the crew passed around newspapers and served Champagne.

We were offered the middle seats in a row of four business-class flat beds. As a couple, this was fine, but I imagine it might be awkward as strangers. I was looking forward to tasting BA’s award-winning wines from our annual Wines on the Wing survey (ranked fifth globally) and settling in for my flight.

GT tested

HONG KONG AIRLINES | BUSINESS CLASS

Hong Kong (HKG) to Los Angeles (LAX)

Reviewed by Carly Allen

PHOTOS: © HONG KONG AIRLINES

On the Ground: Hong Kong Airlines’ recent entry into the United States allowed a great new innovator into this space, and I have to say this fresh and modern airline made quite an impression. After a week of meetings throughout Asia, I headed home from Hong Kong on a Sunday morning. HKG is always busy, and the Hong Kong Airlines check-in was to the right and a bit confusing for me to find at first. I was checked in within a few minutes at the business-class counter and received a VIP passenger pass, enabling me to use a VIP line through security, easily cutting my time by 20 minutes.

I had about an hour before boarding, so I was able to experience the Hong Kong Airlines lounge. The lounge, on the second level, sports an open-air ambience, so it wasn’t too loud. Despite the bustle of passengers, there was plenty of seating at couches and large tables for families, but my favorite was casual tables against the windows facing the taxiway with warm sunshine spilling in. The buffet-style cuisine included dim sum, juices and a made-to-order omelet bar.

Pre-Flight: The Airbus A350 business class features a 1-2-1 herringbone configuration, giving everyone lots of space — especially the window seat. I arrived at seat 15A, where the crew greeted me with a choice of water or lemon tea. I went with the slightly sweet lemon tea.

Hot towels, newspapers and menus were promptly offered. We took off shortly, and I settled in to enjoy this new aircraft.

In-Flight: As we reached cruising altitude, I began to scope out my seat. The 180-degree lie-flat seat featured a warm red fabric, a decent width and lots of extra storage for my personal items. The technology was also a great surprise, starting with a large screen with excellent quality. I was interested to see a new handheld remote for the entertainment system that looked and ran like an iPhone, which made choosing movies or shows much easier compared to the old gamerlooking consoles or reaching over your seat. Decent entertainment choices included new Hollywood releases.

As our flight attendants began to take our orders, the menu really caught my eye — the unique design featured cute, cartoon drawings and figures on all the pages, lightening a normally boring piece of paper. The items on the menu were also diverse and, more importantly, tasted delicious. My favorite dishes were the foie gras starters, seafood stir-fry main course and the chocolate pancakes for breakfast.

I am not the best flyer, as I hardly sleep on planes, so a 14-hour flight can seem endless. However, the beyond-friendly cabin crew made my trip easy and fun. It started mid-flight (I was the only one up, watching a movie), and they surprised me with a cup of tea and a warm doughnut (yes, a warm doughnut). On my first flight the crew also realized I wasn’t sleeping and offered to chat in the galley if I got bored and brought me tea and chocolate. I am not sure how they knew sweets were the way to my heart, but they did.

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TOP TAKEAWAYS:

◆ Menu options offered traditional dishes like dim sum and modern perks like chocolate pancakes! ◆ Onboard technology was convenient and of great quality. I enjoyed the wide selection of new movies and easy, iPhone-like controls. ◆ The onboard crew went above and beyond to make the flight enjoyable and memorable.

HONG KONG AIRLINES hongkongairlines.com

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GT tested

EGYPTAIR | BUSINESS CLASS

New York (JFK) to Cairo (CAI)

Reviewed by: Stephanie Makowski

Pre-Flight: We were seated in the first row, which offered additional room and, as advised by EgyptAir staff, would offer a quiet alternative to the back of the section where many families sat.

Amenity kits, headphones, a bottle of water and pillow and blanket awaited at our seats. The seats were spacious and comfortable, and the staff took our coats to avoid wrinkles and arranged our bags above in the storage compartment. EgyptAir does not provide alcohol, but attendants greeted us with fresh juice options as we settled in. I chose the orange as it was approaching flu season, and any vitamin C boost is helpful. After takeoff, I found the navigation screen useful to keep track of the time and our location en route to Cairo.

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In-Flight: Each seat was equipped with a screen for onboard entertainment, and I enjoyed a great documentary about the Valley of the Kings and the pyramids. The visuals and information were inspiring and prepared me for our upcoming activities and meetings in Egypt. Other movies were available in English and Arabic for passengers to peruse. Our flight was in the evening, so we were served dinner right away. The flight attendants came around with a service cart and presented the options as each course was served. I would have liked to see a menu for review so I could know what was included in each dish, but the attendants answered most of my questions. EgyptAir offers culinary options for various religiousbased dietary restrictions or allergies; you just have to inform the staff before your flight. The meal itself was delicious; I enjoyed a delightful shrimp cocktail and selected the beef as my entrée.

We finished the meal with coffee, a selection of cheeses and nuts and dessert.

During our flight we experienced a terrifying bout of heavy turbulence. This sometimes happens while crossing the Atlantic, but Fran asked me if my seat belt was secure, so I knew my fear was justified. Luckily, we passed through safely.

My hunger satisfied, I reclined my seat, which was almost completely flat, and enjoyed the soft blanket. The ceiling in the cabin was dimmed, and aisle lighting looked like the night sky full of stars. This encouraged a peaceful slumber, and I woke to breakfast being served before we reached Cairo. The breakfast was delicious, with our coffee accompanied by reading materials. Prior to landing we received a simple form to fill out for immigration. The experience was overall pleasant for an almost11-hour flight, and Egypt itself proved a magical destination of wonder and history.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

◆ If you enjoy wine or Champagne on your flights, as I do, have no fear. Though EgyptAir does not sell alcohol on flights, you are permitted to purchase alcohol in the airport and bring it aboard.

The staff can store it and serve it to you in flight. ◆ If you have dietary restrictions, it may be best to pre-request a menu so you are fully aware of the culinary features on your flight. There is no printed menu in business class. ◆ The staff provided clever stickers for each seat which passengers could use to inform crew of requests to be awakened for meals, not disturbed and so on.

A great, simple add-on.

EGYPTAIR egyptair.com

PHOTO: © ANDREW PERIAM - DREAMSTIME.COM

On the Ground: New York’s JFK Airport presented the usual hustle and bustle as I parked my vehicle, with Global Traveler CEO Francis X. Gallagher in the passenger seat. We were flying together to the Middle East, first stop Cairo, to meet with clients. Originally we planned to use off-site parking, but a heavy rainstorm altered our plans, and we parked in the covered garage near the International Terminal entrance. We collected our luggage and made our way to the EgyptAir check-in counter. Fran had checked us both in the evening prior, and the friendly EgyptAir staff greeted us, reviewed our destination and checked our bags quickly.

We unfortunately did not have EgyptAir club access pre-flight but checked to be sure. We proceeded through security, which in JFK’s International Terminal turned into a game of ever-rolling bins without order and hastily making sure all our items were together in the end. At boarding time we were ushered to a separate line for priority seating; passing by the rest of the plane’s passengers, I noticed quite a few families and groups. We made our way onto the Boeing 777-300, where a pleasant flight attendant escorted us to our seats.

GT tested

LATAM AIRLINES | PREMIUM BUSINESS CLASS New York City (JFK) to Lima (LIM)

Reviewed by Erich Martin

On the Ground: It is safe to say John F. Kennedy International Airport on New York’s Long Island is typically a madhouse. My flight’s departure time of a brisk 1:15 a.m. meant my commute to the airport was pretty light once I reached the subway.

I arrived at the terminal a little late, with just about 25 minutes until my priority boarding began. Luckily, the late hour gave me the opportunity to check in and pass through security with no wait whatsoever.

At JFK, LATAM Airlines cooperates with American Airlines to offer lounge access for business passengers. Unluckily for me, the lounge is open only until 10:30 p.m., so taking a trip to the lounge to unwind wasn’t in the cards, even if I weren’t running late. I arrived at the gate just as boarding began, got in line for Premium Business access and took my seat on the plane.

PHOTOS: © LATAM

Pre-Flight: I was immediately impressed with the space afforded the business-class cabin. On the Boeing 787-9, LATAM employs a 2-2-2 layout for the business class. My aisle-access seat significantly reduced the stress I might have felt getting up in the middle of the night.

Less than two minutes after finding my way to my seat and stowing my carry-on luggage, a crew member offered to take my jacket for me. A few minutes after I sat down and began to get settled, the same crew member (I never got his name) brought over a tray of Champagne and mineral water with bowls of assorted nuts. I opted for the Champagne and set it aside to investigate my amenities kit. The fully stocked kit includes all the standards — a toothbrush and toothpaste, facial lotion, an eye mask, earplugs and socks. Before I knew it, we were pushing off from the gate and beginning our takeoff.

In-Flight: Due to the late hour, crew members began taking stock of the meal situation nearly as soon as our initial ascent was behind us. I did not get to look at the full menu for dinner because of my early designation to the airline as a vegetarian. The crew paid attention to my dietary restrictions and brought out a delicious spread, including fresh and warm bread, vegetables and rice, a delicious garden salad with a balsamic vinaigrette and a tasty fruit salad for dessert.

While I waited for my meal to arrive, I investigated the entertainment options. A large screen with a hand-held controller gave me access to a large number of new and older movies. I

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

◆ The crew members were extremely attentive to my needs.

Whenever I had any question or concern, it was addressed within minutes or, more often, seconds.

settled on something I had seen before because I knew there was no way I was going to make it through an entire movie.

I ate dinner while Kong: Skull Island delivered a killer backdrop. Following dinner, the crew quickly removed my plates and silverware. I opened up the pillow and blanket, set my seat to its lie-back configuration and turned off the movie. In a matter of minutes, I was out. Crew members joked with me shortly before landing that I was sleeping so deeply they were unable to wake me for breakfast. I might have missed breakfast; but if the rest of the flight was any indication, it would have been excellent.

There was plenty of space to situate myself and organize my luggage after landing. I was not fighting other passengers for access to the overhead compartments because everyone had such ample space.

The end result was a service, clocking in at just under eight hours, that went by in the blink of an eye.

◆ The lie-back seat was exceptionally comfortable.

Combined with earplugs and a cozy blanket, I slept like a rock through most of the flight. ◆ An expansive entertainment library ensured I had a way to pass the time while waiting for the dinner service to arrive.

LATAM AIRLINES latam.com

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GT tested

ALITALIA | MAGNIFICA CLASS

Washington, D.C. (IAD) to Rome (FCO)

Reviewed by Chris Sager

Pre-Flight: Upon boarding I was immediately impressed with the Magnifica layout that allowed everyone to maneuver their carry-on bags quickly and efficiently into the overhead bins. After a few minutes I found my aisle seat and sat down to get ready for the nine-hour flight to Rome.

Alitalia won Best Business-Class Seat Design in our 2018 GT Tested Reader Survey awards, so I was naturally curious to experience the award-winning seats for myself. Being 6 feet, 3 inches tall, I sometimes have to squeeze into airline seats, but there was a perfect amount of space for me to

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extend my legs and relax a bit. Once I took my seat, a crew member swiftly greeted me and provided drinks, a WiFi voucher, an assortment of nuts and the Magnifica standard Salvatore Ferragamo amenity kit.

In-Flight: Wearing sharp new uniforms designed by Italian designer Alberta Ferretti, flight attendants wasted no time taking everyone’s food and drink orders after take-off. In addition to Best Business-Class Seat Design, Alitalia has won Best Airline Cuisine for nine consecutive years in the GT Tested Reader Survey awards. I regrettably did not try the Alitalia Lavazza espresso (given the overnight flight), opting instead for a red wine. The wide-ranging menu gave me some great options, and after placing my order I reclined my seat to watch a movie.

My food arrived course by course with little wait time, and the crew took all steps to make sure I had everything I needed. Every part of the meal was excellent, and I can see why our readers love the Alitalia cuisine so much. With a movie on, a full stomach and my seat at 180 degrees, I got some quality sleep for the night and woke up in the morning just prior to landing.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

◆ All crew members paid exceptional attention to detail and were always timely with service. ◆ The comfort of the Magnifica seat allowed me to fully relax during the long flight. ◆ The Alitalia food and wine exceeded my expectations, and the menu was expansive but not overwhelming.

ALITALIA alitalia.com PHOTOS: © ALITALIA

On the Ground: I got on the road from Philadelphia early enough to arrive at IAD two hours prior to my flight.

Having never flown out of Dulles International Airport before, I was interested to see how busy it is compared to the surrounding D.C. traffic on a Sunday morning.

I was pleasantly surprised to find the airport was busy but organized, making for smooth sailing at the Alitalia check-in counter. The Alitalia staff immediately greeted me with a smile, seamlessly completed the check-in process and allowed me to journey to my terminal with some time to spare.

GT tested

TAP AIR PORTUGAL | EXECUTIVE CLASS

SAN FRANCISCO (SFO) TO LISBON (LIS)

Reviewed by Kimberly Krol

PHOTOS: © TAP AIR PORTUGAL, © AIRBUS

On the Ground: I was lucky to be on board TAP Air Portugal’s first flight from San Francisco to Lisbon, the first-ever route directly connecting the U.S. West Coast to Portugal.

I’d traveled from Newark (EWR) that morning, so I didn’t check in at SFO, and because of the special circumstances, I opted to forgo the lounge in order to enjoy the fanfare at the gate. This included Portuguese cuisine, a cake, a fado singer and speeches. You could feel the buzz and excitement in the air, and it was palpable what an important moment this was for both the airline and the San Francisco and Lisbon communities. A baggage snafu at SFO, outside of the airline’s control, delayed us, but once boarding commenced, it was quick and efficient.

Pre-Flight: TAP’s Executive Class features a 1-2-1 configuration. On this flight I was in the two-seat, middle section; however, each row features a different seat layout.

For instance, on some single-aisle seats, the seat is right against the window, with the storage area to the aisle; in the next row, it’s swapped. In the middle section, either the two seats are separated by the middle storage areas or the seats are next to each other with the storage areas to the aisle. I was seated in the former.

As it was a long flight, I unloaded my laptop, book and a few magazines before placing my belongings in the overhead compartment. I also plugged in my phone to charge before settling in. Flight attendants passed around welcome beverages; it was a celebration, so it seemed only fitting to opt for Champagne. Amenity kits and noisecancelling headphones, as well as a small, Portugal-made gift in honor of the inaugural flight, awaited business-class passengers at their seats.

In-Flight: This was my first time flying TAP Air Portugal, and I was eager to see what awaited me. I was familiar with the airline’s Taste the Stars chefs program, so I was surprised to see a description of the program in the menu, but none of the food options boasted the program’s logo to indicate they were chef-curated meals. I saw the designation on my return flight from Lisbon to Newark, however. The meal began with a tuna and cream cheese canapé as well as mixed

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

◆ A brand-new Airbus A330-900neo jet serves the SFO–LIS route, and the modern aircraft was pristine, comfortable and offered a peaceful in-flight environment. ◆ I appreciated the complimentary in-flight messaging that allowed me to send What’s App and iMessages during the more than 10-hour flight.

nuts, followed by veal tonnato with radish and herb salad and mint pea soup. I chose the filet of beef with Madeira sauce for my entrée. I particularly enjoyed the au gratin potatoes on the side. I finished with strawberry ice cream. After recently completing our wine survey, I recognized some of the served wines from the tasting, and I was eager to try them. I found the Casa de Compostela Vinho Verde pleasant.

The service was efficient if not overly effusive.

After purchasing an enhanced WiFi option on board in order to get some work done, I settled in to watch a few movies and sleep. I thought the onboard movie selection lacked a bit when it came to new releases, but I found, overall, plenty of films I wanted to watch.

Before landing, a light breakfast was served, including cold cuts and cheese, jam, butter, fresh fruit, a bread and pastry selection and coffee and tea. I will say, caffeine addicts beware: The coffee/tea cups are quite small, so you’ll need several cups to satisfy your cravings.

GLOBAL TRAVELER’S CLASS ACT GUIDE 2019

◆ I usually sleep rather fitfully on flights, but the 180-degree, lie-flat seat and calm in-flight environment were conducive to sleep; and I arrived in Lisbon the next day feeling refreshed.

However, as my seat was on the aisle, I found the provided blanket a bit too large for the space, as it kept falling into the aisle or getting stuck under the cart’s wheels. ◆ The amenity kit bags feature cute scenes from Portuguese destinations.

I don’t always keep the bags, but this one was unique enough to save!

TAP AIR PORTUGAL flytap.com

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Premium Economy Airlines create more comfort and convenience in the in-between cabin. BY ELLEN CLARK COMFORT CLASS:

Qantas Airways' premiumeconomy seating PHOTO: © QANTAS AIRWAYS

30

NO QUESTION — IF I COULD AFFORD IT, I’d never travel anything but business class, whether it’s a two-hour jaunt or a 15-hour journey. But sometimes I have to look elsewhere to escape being crammed into a narrow economy seat. I was delighted when the industry introduced a new class of service to the flying public.

In 1991 EVA Air started it all when it offered a class of service somewhere between economy and business. Originally named Evergreen Class, eventually it became known as premium economy. Today’s premium economy class essentially reflects the economy class of 40 or 50 years ago, before air travel boomed and airplanes got bigger and seats got smaller. In the 1970s, for example, a United Airlines economy-class seat boasted a pitch of 36 inches, closer to the premium-economy seat pitch today.

Premium economy is a cabin class sandwiched between economy and business class, generally available on international flights and some popular short-haul domestic flights. While premium economy cabins vary substantially from airline to airline, one can expect some basics such as increased legroom, seat width and seat recline; adjustable headrests, leg-rests or

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lumbar support; larger personal TV screens; and upgraded food service.

Depending on the airline, benefits can also include noisecancelling headsets, dedicated check-in, priority boarding, fast-track security where available and more relaxed baggage allowances. Bear in mind: No matter how generous the premiumeconomy perks, it’s no match for business class with its lie-flat beds and upgraded food and wine. Nonetheless, it can definitely make a trip more comfortable, especially on long-haul flights.

According to SeatGuru’s Premium Economy Class Comparison Chart, 43 airlines worldwide offer premium economy-class service on one or more of their routes. However, some of the benefits vary widely. One of the areas with the widest variability is seat pitch. Seat pitch is the distance between rows of seats, measured from the back of one seat to the back of the next seat.

Obviously, more room likely translates to more comfort. The pitch ranges from a high of 46 inches to a low of 29 inches, but by far the most common pitch is 38 inches. This beats most economy seats by about six to eight inches.

If you’re looking for a roomier seat, however, you may be disappointed. Most economy seats measure 17–18 inches wide, while premium-economy seats range 17–21 inches wide, with most 18–19 inches. This means in most instances you’re only likely to get an additional inch or two of actual sitting space. Flyers who like to recline their seats will generally pick up an extra two to three inches in premium economy.

While no premium-economy ticket will cost nearly as much as a business-class fare, there is still a good deal of difference in price between economy and premium economy, depending on the airline, the route and the going rate of an economy seat. While I have shelled out extra dollars for premium economy upon occasion, I have a few caveats.

First and foremost, I have to be guaranteed a window seat. I am fairly small with short legs, and I like a window seat no matter what class of service. For me, a window seat in economy tops a middle seat in premium economy any day. In addition, the upgrade price needs to be what I consider reasonable, which usually means no more than 40 percent above the cost of a standard economy ticket. For a particularly long flight, however, I might pay more. For example, last winter I paid almost 60 percent extra to fly round-trip to China from Los Angeles in premium economy on American Airlines. The length of the flight and the low price of the economy ticket made it worth the few hundred dollars I paid for the upgrade.

Some airlines also feature premium economy cabins and service that really stand out for various reasons.

For one, Qantas receives glowing accolades for its premium economy class. It offers a separate, dedicated check-in counter and priority boarding, a private cabin with designed seats with a multiway adjustable headrest and noise-cancelling USB headsets, among other things. But all of this comes at a price, and you possibly will pay as much as two times the basic economy price … and sometimes even more.

Relative newcomer Norwegian Airlines offers the most generous seat pitch in the business at 46 inches.

Its premium economy class also includes complimentary drinks, a three-course dinner and breakfast, seat choice when booked, two checked bags and fast-track security where available. It boasts the added advantage of flying a modern fleet of airplanes at excellent prices.

No wonder Singapore Airlines’ premium economy class also excels, as it has been voted one of the top airlines year after year. The recently redesigned premium economy cabin now boasts new 19.5-inch-wide seats, a 38-inch seat pitch, a 125-degree recline, a built-in calf and foot rest, 13.3-inch full HD monitors, the opportunity to preorder meals from the Book the Cook menu, nonstop Champagne, and priority boarding and baggage handling.

Virgin Atlantic receives its share of praise for its flights and services, and its premium economy class proves no exception. One of the biggest draws, at least for most flyers, is the 21-inch-wide leather seats. The width and the comfort of the seats beat out most other premium economy cabins. It also offers dedicated check-in, priority boarding and fast-track security. Seats can be chosen for free up to 331 days prior to takeoff, and meals include a choice of three

KEY AB AK AVOD B BA BW

Alcoholic beverages Amenity kits Audio/visual on demand Bedding (blanket, pillow or both) Additional baggage allowance Bottled water

CP Continuous programming CS Coffee service EST Estimated G Games HP Headphones HT Hot Towel LP Learning programs

leep ondon S L e h T d n ed Airbus a idth help f seat w ucted by o d a h n c g o c in in r y l du iona stud t longer n A sleep ne addit e o c r t e s p u j 53 found rage of Centre p an ave e le s s t an particip l flight. u a h long-

entrées served on china with real cutlery and linen.

What is the target audience for premium economy class? For starters, any traveler who wants to escape being crammed into basic economy but can’t afford the lofty business-class price tag might swing a premium-economy upgrade. Airline executives like Phil Capps, head of customer experience, Qantas, have their theories. “Our premiumeconomy passengers are a mix of leisure travelers on special occasions and business travelers who appreciate the value.”

Regarding the future of premium economy, currently the class represents fewer than 4 percent of the seats in the sky, according to a recent Travelport/Carlson Wagonlit study. But at the rate carriers are adding this class of service to their long-haul flights, it’s hard to believe these percentages won’t start to rise. For starters, U.S. airlines are jumping on the premium economy-class bandwagon. Both American Airlines and Delta Air Lines introduced premium economy class on their long-haul flights. And in December 2018, United Airlines introduced its Premium Plus, offering the premium economy class on 21 international routes as of this past May.

M MU N NP N/R P PO

Movies Music News programming Newspaper No response Priority access Power and/or USB outlets

NEW PERKS: United Airlines' Premium Plus PHOTO: © UNITED AIRLINES

RL Reading light RM Reading material PERSONAL SPACE: S Slippers Qantas' Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner SMS Messaging seating (top), and premium-economy premium economy (bottom) TVIberia's

Television VSPHOTOS:

Personal screen © QANTAS,video © IBERIA WiFi Onboard internet

GLOBAL TRAVELER’S CLASS ACT GUIDE 2019

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Number of Seats

Layout

Seat Pitch

Seat Width

Amenities

Food Service

Entertainment

Date Cabin Was Introduced

48

2-4-2

38"

19.2"

135°

AK, B, S

Y

G, M, MU, N, SMS, TV, VS, WiFi

2013

737-700 737-800 787-8 787-9 737 MAX

18 18 27 27 18

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

34" 34" 38" 36" 33"

17" 17" 17.2" 17.2" 17"

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

AB, AK AB, AK AB, AK AB, AK B, BW, HP

Y Y Y Y Y

M, MU, N, TV, WiFi M, MU, N, TV, WiFi M, MU, N, TV, WiFi M, MU, N, TV, WiFi AVOD, WiFi

N/R N/R N/R N/R 2018

777-300ER 777-200LR 787-9 787-8 A330 737 MAX

24 24 21 21 21 16

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

37–38" 37" 38" 38" 38" 38"

20" 20" 19" 19" 18" 21"

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

AB, AK, HP, P AB, AK, HP, P AB, AK, HP, P AB, AK, HP, P AB, AK, HP, P AK, HP, P

Y Y Y Y Y Y

G, M, MU, N, PO, TV, WiFi G, M, MU, N, PO, TV, WiFi G, M, MU, N, PO, TV, WiFi G, M, MU, N, PO, TV, WiFi G, M, MU, N, TV, WiFi G, M, MU, N, TV, WiFi

2013 2016 2015 2014 2017 2017

AIR CHINA* PREMIUM ECONOMY

A330-300 777-200

16 63

2-4-2 2-5-2

36–37" 36–37"

18" 18"

N/R N/R

PO PO

Y Y

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

N/R N/R

AIR FRANCE PREMIUM ECONOMY

777-200

N/R

19"

123°

AK, B, BA, HP, P

Y

M, MU, PO, RL, TV, USB. VS

2009

AEROFLOT COMFORT CLASS AEROMEXICO AM PLUS

AIR CANADA PREMIUM ECONOMY

AIR NEW ZEALAND* PREMIUM ECONOMY

AIR TAHITI NUI PREMIUM ECONOMY

21–38 2-3-2/2-4-2

Recline

Aircraft Type 777-300ER

PREMIUM ECONOMY CLASS

777-300 777-200 787-9 V2

54 40 33

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

41"–42" 42" 41"–42"

19.3" 19.3" 19.3"

N/R N/R N/R

AK, P AK, P, PO AK, P, PO

Y Y Y

1,800 Hrs of Content, G, M, TV, VS 1,800 Hrs 1,800 Hrs of Content, G, M, TV, VS

2014 2014 2014

787-9 Dreamliner

32

2-3-2

38"

20.4"

122°

AK, HP, P

Y

AVOD, VS

2018

ALASKA AIRLINES PREMIUM CLASS

737-300 737-800 737-900 A319 A319 (Retrofit) A320 A320 (Retrofit) A321neo Embraer E175

18 30 24 12 24 24 24 24 12

3-3 3-3 3-3 3-3 3-3 3-3 3-3 3-3 3-3

35" 35" 35" 37" 37" 37" 37" 37" 36"

17" 17" 17" 18" 18" 18" 18" 18" 18.25"

115°–117° 115°–117° 115°–117° 115°–117° 115°–117° 115°–117° 115°–117° 115°–117° N/R

Upgraded Snack Upgraded Snack Upgraded Snack Upgraded Snack Upgraded Snack Upgraded Snack Upgraded Snack Upgraded Snack Upgraded Snack

N N N N N N N N N

700+ Movies 700+ Movies 700+ Movies 250+ Movies, VS 700+ Movies 250+ Movies 250+ Movies 700+ Movies 700+ Movies

2019 2017 2017 2018 2020 2018 2019 2019 2017

ALITALIA PREMIUM ECONOMY

A330 777

17 24

2-3-2 2-4-2

38" 37–38"

20.44" 19.5"

120° 120°

AB, AK, B, BA, BW, CS, HP, HT, NP, P, RL, RM AB, AK, B, BA, BW, CS, HP, HT, NP, P, RL, RM

Y Y

G, M, MU, VS, WiFi G, M, MU, VS, WiFi

2010 2010

787-8 787-9 777-300ER A380

14/21 14/21 24 73

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

38" 38" 38" 38"

19.3" 19.3" 28.5-19.3" 18.5"

114.5° 114.5° 120° 180°

AB, AK, B, HP, HT, LP, RL, RM, S AB, AK, B, HP, HT, LP, RL, RM, S AB, AK, B, HP, HT, LP, RL, RM, S AB, AK, B, HP, HT, LP, RL, RM, S

Y Y Y Y

AVOD, CP, G, LP, MU, N, TV, WiFi AVOD, CP, G, LP, MU, N, TV, WiFi AVOD, CP, G, LP, MU, N, TV, WiFi AVOD, CP, G, LP, MU, N, TV, WiFi

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

AB, PO

Y

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

2013

AB, PO

Y

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

2015

AB, PO Y AVOD, G, M, MU, N, TV FS, WiFi AB, PO Y AVOD, G, M, MU, N, TV FS, WiFi AB, PO Y AVOD, G, M, MU, N, TV FS, WiFi AB, PO Y AVOD, G, M, MU, N, TV FS, WiFi AB, PO Y AVOD, G, M, MU, N, TV FS, WiFi AB, AK, B, HP, HT, P, PO, RM, S Y AVOD, G, M, MU, N, TV, VS, WiFi

AB, AK, B, HP, HT, P, PO, RM, S Y AVOD, G, M, MU, N, TV, VS, WiFi

AB, AK, B, HP, HT, P, PO, RM, S Y AVOD, G, M, MU, N, TV, VS, WiFi

2013 2012 2017 2017 2016 2016

AB, AK, B, HP, HT, P, PO, RM, S Y AVOD, G, M, MU, N, TV, VS, WiFi

AB, AK, B, HP, HT, P, PO, RM, S Y AVOD, G, M, MU, N, TV, VS, WiFi

2018

ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS* PREMIUM ECONOMY

AMERICAN AIRLINES MAIN CABIN EXTRA 777-200 (Retrofit) 66 3-4-3 34-35" Center/ 18.1" 104°

35" Outboard

787-8 48 3-3-3 35" 17.2" 104°

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

777-300ER 28 3-4-3 35" 18.1" 104°

A330-300 16 2-4-2 17.8" 104°

A330-200 50 2-4-2 34" 17.8" 104°

787-9 36 3-3-3 35" 17.2" 104° PREMIUM ECONOMY 787-9 21 2-3-2 38" 19" 130°

777-200 24 2-4-2 38" 18.5" 130°

777-300 28 2-4-2 38" 18.5" 135°

787-8 28 2-3-2 38" 19" 130°

A350-200 21 2-3-2 38" 19" 130°

ASIANA AIRLINES ECONOMY SMARTIUM

32

A350

36

3-3-3

36"

18"

122°

AB, AK, B, BW, CS, HT, P, PO, RL, RM, S

Y

G, HP, M, MU, NP, VS, WiFi

2017 2018

2017

2017

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

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AUSTRIAN AIRLINES PREMIUM ECONOMY 777-200ER 24 2-4-2 38" 18" 130° EST AK, HP, HT Y

767-300ER 18 2-2-2 38" 18" 130° EST AK, HP, HT Y BRITISH AIRWAYS* WORLD TRAVELLER PLUS A380 Up to 55 2-3-2 38" 18.5" N/R AB, AK, BA, NP, P, PO Y

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

787-9 Up to 55 2-3-2 38" 18.5" N/R AB, AK, BA, NP, P, PO Y BRUSSELS AIRLINES PREMIUM ECONOMY A330-200 21 2-3-2 38" 19" 130° EST AB, B, HP, HT Y

A330-300 21 2-3-2 38" 19 130° EST AB, B, HP, HT Y CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS* PREMIUM ECONOMY A350-900 28 2-4-2 40" 18.5" N/R AK, S Y

A350-1000 32 2-4-2 40" 18.5" N/R AK, S Y

777-300ER 34/32 2-4-2 38" 19.3 N/R AK, S Y

(77A, G, H, K) 34/32 CHINA AIRLINES* PREMIUM ECONOMY 777-300ER 62 2-4-2 39" 19" 118° AB, AK, BA, BW, CS, HP, NP, P, PO, S, RL, RM Y

A350-900 31 2-3-2 39" 20" 129° AB, AK, BA, BW, CS, HP, NP, P, PO, S, RL, RM Y

CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES* PREMIUM ECONOMY 777-300ER 44 2-4-2 38" 19.2" 123° B, HP, P, PO, USB Y

A330 44 2-4-2 38" 19.2" 123° B, HP, P, PO, USB Y DELTA AIR LINES 717 20 2-3 34" 18.1" 115–117° AB, CS, P, PO, RL Snack Service DOMESTIC COMFORT+

MD-88 25 3-2 34" 18.1" 115–117° AB, CA, P, PO, RL Snack Service

MD-90 25 2-3 34" 18.1" 115–117° AB, CS, P, PO, RL Snack Service

A319 18 3-3 34" 18.1" 115–117° AB, CS, P, PO, RL Snack Service

A319-Retrofit 18 3-3 34" 18.1" 115–117° AB, CS, P, PO, RL Snack Service

A320 18 3-3 34" 18.1" 115–117° AB, CS, P, PO, RL Snack Service

A320-Retrofit 18 3-3 34" 18.1" 115–117° AB, CA, P, PO, RL Snack Service

A321 29 3-3 34" 18.1" 115–117° AB, CS, P, PO, RL Snack Service

737-700 18 3-3 34" 17.2" 115–117° AB, CS, P, PO, RL Snack Service

737-800 18 3-3 34" 17.2" 115–117° AB, CS, P, PO, RL Snack Service

737-900ER 21 3-3 34" 17.2" 115–117° AB, CS, P, PO, RL Snack Service

757-200 29 3-3 34" 17.2" 115–117° AB, CS, P, PO, RL Snack Service

757-300 32 3-3 34" 17.2" 115–117° AB, CS, P, PO, RL Snack Service

767-300 35 2-3-2 34" 17.9" 115–117° AB, CS, P, PO, RL Snack Service

CRJ-700 16 2-2 34" 17.3" 120° AB, CS, P, PO, RL Y

CRJ-900 12 2-2 34" 17.3" 120° AB, CS, P, PO, RL Snack Service

E170 12 2-2 34" 18.25" 120° AB, CS, P, PO, RL Snack Service

E175 12 2-2 34" 18.25" 120° AB, CS, P, PO, RL Snack Service 757-200ER–75S 44 3-3 35" 17.9" 130–140° AB, AK, B, BA, CS, HP, P, PO, RL Y INTERNATIONAL COMFORT+

767-300ER–76T 29 2-3-2 35" 17.9" 130–140° AB, AK, B, BA, CS, HP, P, PO, RL Y

767-300ER–76L 32 2-3-2 35" 17.9" 130–140° AB, AK, B, BA, CS, HP, P, PO, RL Y

767-300ER–76Z 29 2-3-2 35" 17.9" 130–140° AB, AK, B, BA, CS, HP, P, PO, RL Y

767-400ER 28 2-3-2 35" 17.9" 130–140° AB, AK, B, BA, CS, HP, P, PO, RL Y

747-400 42 3-4-3 35" 17.9" 130–140° AB, AK, B, BA, CS, HP, P, PO, RL Y

777-200ER 36 3-3-3 35" 18.5" 130–140° AB, AK, B, BA, CS, HP, P, PO, RL Y

777-200LR 36 3-3-3 35" 18.5" 130–140° AB, AK, B, BA, CS, HP, P, PO, RL Y

A330-200 32 2-4-2 35" 18" 130–140° AB, AK, B, BA, CS, HP, P, PO, RL Y

A330-300 40 2-4-2 35" 18" 130–140° AB, AK, B, BA, CS, HP, P, PO, RL Y DELTA PREMIUM SELECT A339 28 2-3-2 38" 18.5" N/R AB, AK, B, BA, CS, P, PO, RL Y

A350 48 2-4-2 38" 18.5" N/R AB, AK, B, BA, CS, P, PO, RL Y

777-200 48 2-4-2 38" 19" N/R AB, AK, B, BA, CS, P, PO, RL Y

767-400 20 2-2-2 38" 19" N/R AB, AK, B, BA, CS, P, PO, RL Y EDELWEISS ECONOMY MAX

EL AL ISRAEL AIRLINES PREMIUM CLASS

Date Cabin Was Introduced

Entertainment

Food Service

Amenities

Recline

Seat Width

Seat Pitch

Layout

Number of Seats

Aircraft Type

PREMIUM ECONOMY CLASS

AVOD, MU, VS AVOD, MU, VS

2018 2018

M, TV, VS M, TV, VS M, TV, VS

2000 2000 2000

AVOD, HP, MU, VS AVOD, HP, MU, VS

2019 2019

AVOD, G, MU AVOD, G, MU AVOD, G, MU

2017 2017 2011

AVOD, CHAT, CP, G, M, MU, N, TV, VS, WiFi AVOD, CHAT, CP, G, M, MU, N, TV, VS, WiFi

2014

AVOD, VS AVOD, VS

N/R N/R

M (Streaming), WiFi M (Streaming), WiFi M (Streaming), WiFi M (Streaming), WiFi AVOD, G, LP, M, MU, N, VS, WiFi M (Streaming), WiFi M (Streaming), WiFi AVOD, G, LP, M, MU, N, VS, WiFi AVOD, G, LP, M, MU, N, VS, WiFi AVOD, G, LP, M, MU, N, VS, WiFi AVOD, G, LP, M, MU, N, VS, WiFi AVOD, G, LP, M, MU, N, VS, WiFi AVOD, G, LP, M, MU, N, VS, WiFi AVOD, G, LP, M, MU, N, VS, WiFi M (Streaming), WiFi M (Streaming), WiFi M (Streaming), WiFi M (Streaming), WiFi AVOD, G, LP, M, MU, VS, WiFi AVOD, G, LP, M, MU, VS, WiFi AVOD, G, LP, M, MU, VS, WiFi AVOD, G, LP, M, MU, VS, WiFi AVOD, G, LP, M, MU, VS, WiFi AVOD, G, LP, M, MU, VS, WiFi AVOD, G, LP, M, MU, VS, WiFi AVOD, G, LP, M, MU, VS, WiFi AVOD, G, LP, M, MU, VS, WiFi AVOD, G, LP, M, MU, VS, WiFi AVOD, G, HP, LP, M, MU, TV, VS, WiFi AVOD, G, HP, LP, M, MU, TV, VS, WiFi AVOD, G, HP, LP, M, MU, TV, VS, WiFi AVOD, G, HP, LP, M, MU, TV, VS, WiFi

2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 N/A N/A N/A N/A

2014

A330-300 A340-300

56 76

2-4-2 2-4-2

35" 35"

18" 18"

118° 120°

AB, B, HP, PO AB, B, HP, PO

Y Y

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

2014 2014

787

28

2-3-2

38"

19"

N/R

AK, BW, RM

Y

AVOD, MU, N

2017

EUROWINGS BEST

A330-200 A330-300 A340-300

21 28 21

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

45" 38" 38"

17.4" 17.4" 17.4"

130° 130° 130°

AK, B, BW AK, B AK, B

Y Y Y

G, M, MU, SMS, TV, VS, WiFi G, M, MU, SMS, TV, VS, WiFi G, M, MU, SMS, TV, VS, WiFi

2015 2018 2018

EVA AIR PREMIUM ECONOMY 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, VS, WiFi, TV

1992

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

GLOBAL TRAVELER’S CLASS ACT GUIDE 2019

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33

HAWAIIAN AIRLINES EXTRA COMFORT

Seat Pitch

Seat Width

Recline

Amenities

Food Service

Entertainment

A330-300

40

2-4-2

34–36"

18"

112°

AK, HP, NP, P, RM

Y

G, M, MU, TV, VS, WiFi

2015

Date Cabin Was Introduced

Layout

FINNAIR* ECONOMY COMFORT

Number of Seats

Aircraft Type

PREMIUM ECONOMY CLASS

A330

68

2-4-2

36"

18"

105°

AK, P, PO

Y

M, TV

2014

IBERIA PREMIUM ECONOMY

A350-900 A340-600 A330-300

24 23 21

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

37" 37" 37"

19" 19" 19"

N/R N/R N/R

AB, AK, BA, HP, P AB, AK, BA, HP, BA, P AB, AK, BA, HP, BA, P

Y Y Y

AVOD, G, MU, WiFi AVOD, G, MU, WiFi AVOD, G, MU, WiFi

N/R N/R N/R

JAPAN AIRLINES* JAL PREMIUM ECONOMY

787-8 777-300ER

35 40

2-3-2 2-4-2

42" 42"

19" 19"

N/R N/R

AK, Lounge Access AK, Lounge Access

Y Y

G, M, MU G, M, MU

2007 2007

747 777

34 34

3-3-3 3-3-3

35" 35"

17.5" 17.5"

N/R N/R

NP, P, PO, RM NP, P, PO, RM

Y Y

VS, 100 Hrs. VS, 100 Hrs.

2009 2009

LATAM AIRLINES GROUP* PREMIUM ECONOMY

A320 A319

12 12

3-3 3-3

34" 34"

19" 19"

N/R N/R

AK, HP AK, HP

Y N/R

G, MU G, MU

N/R N/R

LOT POLISH AIRLINES* LOT PREMIUM ECONOMY

787

21

2-3-2

38"

21"

N/R

AB, AK, RM

Y

G, M, MU, TV, VS

2013

A330-300 A340-600 A380-800 747-400 747-800 A350-900 A340-300

28 32 52 32 32 21 28

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

38" 38" 38" 38" 38" 38" 38"

18–19" 18–19" 18–19" 18–19" 18–19" 18–19" 18–19"

130° 130° 130° 130° 130° 130° 130°

AK, BA, BW, RM AK, BA, BW, RM AK, BA, BW, RM AK, BA, BW, RM AK, BA, BW, RM AK, BA, BW, RM AK, BA, BW, RM

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

M, MU, TV, VS M, MU, TV, VS M, MU, TV, VS M, MU, TV, VS M, MU, TV, VS M, MU, TV, VS M, MU, TV, VS

2014 2014 2014 2014 2014 2014 2014

787-9 787-9 787-8

35 56 32

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

46" 46" 46"

19" 19" 19"

150° 150° 150°

AB, B, BA AB, B, BA AB, B, BA

Y Y Y

M, MU, N, TV, VS, WiFi M, MU, N, TV, VS, WiFi M, MU, N, TV, VS, WiFi

2013 2013 2013

Wireless Entertainment, M, MU, SMS, WiFi

2013

KLM ECONOMY COMFORT

LUFTHANSA PREMIUM ECONOMY

NORWEGIAN AIR SHUTTLE PREMIUM

PHILIPPINE AIRLINES* PREMIUM ECONOMY A330-343 27 3-3-3 34" 15.97–16.2" N/R AB, B, CS, NP, P, RL Y

QANTAS* PREMIUM ECONOMY A380 35 2-3-2 38–42" 19.5" 105° EST

747 32–36 2-4-2 38” 19” N/R

787-9 28 2-3-2 38” 20.5 N/R

SAS SCANDINAVIAN AIRLINES SAS PLUS

AB, AK, B, BW, CS, HP N/R N/R

Y AVOD, G, LP, M, MU, N, SMS, TV, VS N/R N/R N/R N/R

2008 N/R N/R

A330-300 A340

56 56

2-3-2 2-3-2

38" 38"

N/R 18"

N/R N/R

PO AK, PO, WiFi

Y Y

AVOD, VS, WiFi AVOD, VS, WiFi

2002 2002

A380 A380-03

36 44

2-4-2 2-4-2

38" 38"

19.5" 19.5"

125° 125°

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

Y Y

AVOD, G, LP, M, MU, VS, WiFi AVOD, G, LP, M, MU, VS, WiFi

2017 2015

TAP AIR PORTUGAL* TAP ECONOMY XTRA

A330-200

56

2-4-2

34"

17.72"

103°

N/R

Y

AVOD

2017

UNITED AIRLINES PREMIUM ECONOMY

767-300v1 777-200v1 777-300 787-10

22 24 24 21

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

38" 38" 38" 38"

20" 19" 19" 19"

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

AK, B, HP AK, B, HP AK, B, HP AK, B, HP

Y Y Y Y

AVOD, PS, WiFi AVOD, PS, WiFi AVOD, PS, WiFi AVOD, PS, WiFi

2019 2019 2019 2019

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

777

24

2-4-2

41”

19.5”

N/A

AB, AK, B, P

Y

AVOD, MU, VS

2013

SINGAPORE AIRLINES* PREMIUM ECONOMY

34

globaltravelerusa.com GLOBAL TRAVELER’S CLASS ACT GUIDE 2019

* Airline did not reply. Survey information was compiled with GT research. ** For purchase only on certain routes.

aeromexico.com Talk to your travel agent and make sure your flight is with Aeromexico. Visit one of our store locations, or give us a call at 1 800 237-6639.

Stopover Style Book a breather to avoid jet lag and explore places along the way. BY DEBRA BOKUR FIRST STOP: Reykjavík

PHOTO: © ONGPRUKSAR - DREAMSTIME.COM

36

IF YOU’VE EVER LONGED to press a pause button on the way to your destination, you’re in luck: Thanks to a growing number of airline stopover programs, you can call time out and spend a single day or longer exploring a city — or cities — somewhere along the way.

Icelandair pioneered the model in the late 1950s and early 1960s with its innovative Stopover program. At least part of the impetus in those days of longer, slower flights was sheer practicality. The airline’s two carriers, Flugfélag Íslands and Loftleiðir, turned their attention to routes connecting Iceland with North America in one direction and with Europe in the other. Reykjavík

globaltravelerusa.com GLOBAL TRAVELER’S CLASS ACT GUIDE 2019

served as the stop between these points, where switching planes was compulsory for passengers.

“The idea arose to encourage travelers to experience Iceland en route to their final destination,” explained Michael Raucheisen, communications manager North America, Icelandair. “Since then, the program has always been available and was revitalized in 2014 with the #Mystopover campaign. We continue to add twists to the original Stopover, and now there are Facebook and Instagram pages where visitors can share their personal photos and stories about their experiences.”

Today multiple airlines embrace the idea, allowing connecting passengers to enjoy a break and explore a location along their way without an additional ticket.

Among the ever-expanding collection of airlines offering programs are Ethiopian Airlines, Aer Lingus, Qatar Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Japan Airlines, Finnair, Air Canada and KLM. Award-winning TAP Air Portugal launched its Stopover Portugal version in 2016, offering travelers the opportunity to schedule a stay in Lisbon or Porto for up to five nights before carrying on to their ultimate destination. TAP’s highly flexible program allows for stopovers on either outbound or return flights and includes one-way tickets and the airline’s Multi-City itineraries.

“Even destinations within Portugal including the Azores, Madeira and Algarve qualify for stopovers in Lisbon or Porto,” explains Gareth Edmondson-Jones, media relations consultant, TAP Air Portugal. To book, passengers need only go

to flytap.com and choose from the 75-plus destinations beyond Lisbon that qualify as final destinations for a stopover in Lisbon or Porto. Passengers can then download TAP’s Portugal Stopover app, which unlocks hotel discounts and complimentary experiences such as walking tours and museum entries … or even bottles of wine on the house to enjoy with meals.

Andrea Bonaiuto, marketing manager, the Americas, Brussels Airlines, said it was after the success of the Hi Belgium Pass, launched in spring 2017, that Brussels Airlines introduced its new stopover travel option, allowing connecting passengers the time to explore other Belgian cities during an extended layover of anywhere from one to five days in length.

The airline unveiled the current Belgium Stop Over plan in September 2018 for those connecting in Brussels — an ideal location for a base, as the city and airport lie within a two-hour train trip of multiple towns, sites and activities.

Along with the one- to five-night range, this plan includes free access to more than 50 museums and sites in two Belgian cities of choice.

“Belgium has much more to offer than many people know,” says Bonaiuto.

“There’s the seaside and its nice beaches, the Ardennes and its beautiful woods for hiking, the many cultural sites and historical cities. It is the country of beer and chocolate, but it also offers many cultural highlights, exquisite gastronomy and has the best fries in the world. Before booking their stopover, passengers can visit brusselsairlines.com/belgiumstopover to find an overview of all the activities offered in each city — from Congolese rhythms and Belgian dance music to medieval art and revolutionary architecture — and decide which cities and attractions they want to experience.”

The best way to book any stopover is to go directly to the airline’s website or contact a phone agent.

Program details can vary with the airline offering them. Some, such as the programs at Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad Airways, even include hotel accommodations. Others limit stopover stays to 24 hours, such as Ethiopian’s offer with time to tour the capital city of Addis Ababa and its National Museum, enjoy a cultural coffee ceremony, drink in views of the city from Entoto Mountain or marvel at the stained glass and ornate interior of the Holy Trinity Cathedral.

Other stopover agendas provide an opportunity to explore more deeply over multiple days and nights. Airline websites such as Finnair’s keep the process simple. Passengers traveling via Helsinki enter their trip information, including cities and dates, then decide on inbound or outbound timing for their stopover

and how much time they’d like to spend — from five hours to five days.

“The city center of Helsinki is now connected to the Helsinki airport by a train, making it easy and convenient to get to the center in under 30 minutes,” says Simon Barrette, communications manager, Finnair. “The most popular stopover activities are trips to Helsinki or Finnish Lapland in both the summer or winter, visits to the Finnish archipelago [and] daytrips to either

ON THE WATER:

Porto (top), and Dinant in the Belgian Ardennes (bottom) PHOTOS: © SEAN PAVONE DREAMSTIME.COM, © TRAVELPETER - DREAMSTIME.COM

GLOBAL TRAVELER’S CLASS ACT GUIDE 2019

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37

SIGHTS TO SEE: Dubai Marina (top), and aurora borealis in Iceland (bottom)

PHOTOS: © ALEXEY STIOP - DREAMSTIME.COM, © LEONARDOSPENCER DREAMSTIME.COM

38

Tampere or Turku.”

Passengers who fly via Abu Dhabi with Etihad before the end of the year can enjoy a two-night complimentary hotel stay as part of the Abu Dhabi stopover campaign, choosing from hotels that include the 5-star Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Radisson Blu and Pearl Rotana. Air Canada Stopover, available on both outbound and inbound flights, can be arranged up to 96 hours prior to flight time for stays in Montréal, Toronto or Vancouver. One night’s hotel accommodation is included at no additional fee and applies even if you’re doing separate stopovers on your way to and from your destination.

For those traveling through Dubai with Emirates, the Dubai

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Stopover can be booked up to 48 hours prior to departure. Best of all, the stay of up to five days can be customized to include a variety of local experiences, with the added bonus of 24-hour hotel check-in (choices range from 2- to 5- star accommodations). A member of the Emirates Meet & Assist team greets stopover guests upon arrival at Terminal 3 and helps negotiate airport procedures and access to coach transfers.

The roots of the stopover trend, of course, still belong to Icelandair, where innovations benefiting passengers traveling through Reykjavík continue to evolve. This includes the innovative Buddy Hotline, which connects visitors to a local resident who can help travelers get the most out of their time in Iceland based on their personal interests and preferences, whether that’s soaking in volcanic springs, descending into glacial caves or watching for the aurora borealis from the deck of a harbor boat.

“While it’s available, the Icelandair Buddy Hotline is a great way to speak directly with a local about what interests you share and help plan your activities based on what you like best, directly from people who know it the best,” explains Raucheisen.

“It’s a lot of fun, too! We have special Buddy Hotline staff on call who are available with their knowledge and expertise to chat with you about your trip and give you suggestions you may never have known about otherwise. So if you like hiking or food or just exploring the hidden areas, you will be connected with the perfect buddy to assist with your Stopover in Iceland.”

Whichever airline you’re traveling with, think of a stopover as an intermezzo in a longer piece of musical work, a bright, brief interlude in a larger journey. Next, let go of the long-flight stress and start looking forward to going deeper into the fascinating points along the way.

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urban resort in Los Angeles offering luxurious accommodations, California French dining, newly redesigned bar with live entertainment, spacious meeting rooms, complimentary high-speed internet, spa and salon services, fitness center and more.

SOFITEL LOS ANGELES AT BEVERLY HILLS | 8555 BEVERLY BLVD. LOS ANGELES, CA 90048 | 310-278-5444 WWW.SOFITEL-LOS-ANGELES.COM

Rewards of Membership Take a look at the perks of joining frequent-flyer programs. BY ERICH MARTIN THE WALK FROM THE LOUNGE to your departing gate can stretch on for what feels like ages. A few minutes ago, you were enjoying bubbling Champagne and light snacks, whiling away the time before taking advantage of your preferred boarding space as a member of the airline’s frequentflyer elite membership.

With still a lot of time before general boarding begins, you arrive at the gate ready to board and take your milesawarded, business-class seat. Judging by the line in the special-status lane, frequent-flyer programs are popular.

Even regional and budget-conscious airlines offer their own

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versions of frequent-flyer programs, and millions of Americans belong to varying programs from airlines serving destinations all over the world.

In 2019 it seems even casual travelers belong to at least one airline loyalty program. According to The Travel Insider’s look at deregulation in the aviation industry, more than 125 million Americans belong to frequent-flyer programs. The largest of these programs, American Airlines’ AAdvantage, carries more than 67 million members. Not to be outdone, the other big carriers boast programs rivaling American’s offerings.

Texas International Airlines introduced the first frequent-flyer program in 1979. The program didn’t catch on, though. Two years later, in May 1981, American Airlines launched AAdvantage. Less than one week later, United followed suit by launching Mileage Plus.

Since then, American and United have paved the way for frequent-flyer programs around the world.

As competition burgeoned in the months and years following the widespread integration of frequent-flyer programs, American Airlines took some of the steps we recognize as typical in the field today.

Partnerships with hotels and car rental agencies became quick ways for passengers to boost their status. In 1982 American Airlines became the first domestic carrier to take part in an international frequent-flyer cooperation by teaming up with British Airways. The latest big change came as recently as 2016, when many airlines started measuring mile earnings by the cost of fare instead of the distance flown.

SIGNATURE SERVICE: United Polaris Lounge

PHOTO: © UNITED AIRLINES

If you were to narrow down the most famous airlines in the United States, it would be tough to name three bigger than American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. Each carrier’s program offers distinct features that help it to stand out from the crowd, but certain things seem to be universal, no matter with which airline you enroll.

Anyone who has ever looked into loyalty programs, even casually, understands the basic premise: The more you fly with an airline, the more points — or miles — you accrue. Miles can be used for seat upgrades, flights, early boarding and myriad other bonuses.

As passengers rack up more points in a given year, they may reach tiers of elite membership that confer regular and persistent bonuses until the end of the year. These tiered programs offer complimentary upgrades, preferred seat locations, complimentary checked bags and increased mileage rates, dependent on the program and tier achieved.

While they might have been exclusive to American Airlines at one point, partnerships with travel agencies, hotels and rental car agencies spread to nearly every frequent-flyer program, if not all of them. In addition to partnerships with travel industry organizations, airline rewards credit cards also help passengers accrue miles more quickly even when they aren’t flying.

The major carriers each tie in with a different airline alliance.

Given the level of cooperation and collaboration among alliance members, including the ability to redeem award flights, this separation makes sense.

With the oldest program of the three major airlines, American Airlines looks similar to its competitors in 2019. Members can stay at Marriott and InterContinental hotel properties to rack up the points and then use the points accumulated within a year to ascend to an elite status, receiving complimentary upgrades and award travel.

In AAdvantage, passengers can ascend to four different tiers of reward status. In order to achieve elite status, customers can earn elite qualifying dollars and elite qualifying miles or elite qualifying segments. To reach the entry level of AAdvantage, Gold Elite Status, travelers need 25,000 elite qualifying miles and 3,000 elite qualifying dollars. Each additional tier requires the same number of dollars and miles to achieve.

In addition, each tier increases the number of bonus miles flyers are eligible for and the number of complimentary checked bags they can bring, along with several other benefits and bonuses. As part of the oneworld alliance, American Airlines enables AAdvantage members to access the oneworld elite status benefits, earn miles and redeem award flights with other airlines in the alliance.

United MileagePlus was originally known as Mileage Plus until its merger with Continental Airlines in 2011. United’s program includes a few things that set it apart from AAdvantage, but many of the perks of joining an airline alliance are still present.

Every tier of MileagePlus premier status gives status-holders complimentary access to Economy Plus accommodations. The qualifications to reach premier status with MileagePlus are the same as for AAdvantage, with Premier Silver opening up at 25,000 premier qualifying miles and 3,000 premier qualifying dollars.

United partners with Marriott Bonvoy, LifeLock and other brands to help passengers reach premier status and earn rewards more quickly.

MileagePlus offers the Million Miler program, which tracks

lifetime spending and miles on United. Each increment of 1 million miles confers perpetual benefits of Premier Gold, Platinum, 1K and United Global Services.

As part of Star Alliance, United passengers can earn and redeem miles when flying with cooperating airlines.

Some of United’s airline partners include Air Canada, All Nippon Airways, South African Airways and TAP Air Portugal.

MileagePlus is set to change next month. Starting in November there will be no minimum or maximum mileage price for United flights, mileage pricing will not be tied to a specific dollar amount, and mileage credit will post nearly instantly, according to an interview with Luc Bondar, vice president, loyalty, United Airlines. And United Airlines also recently announced members’ miles will no longer expire.

Delta Air Lines’ SkyMiles program is younger than the others, but the carrier made the program stand out in its own ways. Miles earned with Delta SkyMiles never expire, and SkyMiles offers four tiers of medallion status for passengers to work toward in a given year.

SkyMiles separates itself from its chief rivals with a few exclusive offerings. Medallion qualification miles can roll over into the next qualification year if the passenger accumulated more than enough to achieve a specific tier but not enough to reach the next. This gives passengers an early jump on reaching status for the next year. Medallion-status passengers also receive luggage tags to show their loyalty and can reclaim their status easily if their rate of travel slows down for a period of time.

Delta Air Lines’ membership in SkyTeam gives passengers the option to earn and redeem miles with carriers like Aeromexico, Korean Air and Aeroflot.

Overseas, some airlines work to completely overhaul loyalty programs. In 2019 Qantas Frequent Flyer went through the biggest changes in its entire history. The changes include the addition of more than 1 million award seats throughout the year; cutting carrier charges; a reduction in award points necessary to book certain flights; an increase in award points needed to book flights on certain domestic flights in premium accommodations; and new frequentflyer partners, including Air New Zealand and China Airways.

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IN THE CARDS:

United Explorer Card from Chase (top), Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select Card (middle), and Delta Reserve Credit Card from American Express (bottom)

PHOTOS: © UNITED MILEAGEPLUS, © AMERICAN AIRLINES AADVANTAGE, © DELTA SKYMILES

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Enticing Amenities New upscale experiences lure passengers to luxury airport lounges. BY HOLLY RIDDLE AT YOUR SERVICE:

American Airlines Flagship Lounge at DFW PHOTOS: © AMERICAN AIRLINES

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WHEREVER YOU’RE TRAVELING, whatever airline, the airport lounge can set your trip off on the right foot or the wrong one. In many ways, the airport lounge determines the mood — at least initially. It’s the last experience you have on the ground before departing, and it’s one of your first experiences with an airline before boarding the plane.

Recognizing this, airlines consider their lounges more than just private places to stop by for a drink and snack before a flight. Instead, lounges are innovating and rebranding, giving guests the amenities that matter most, from connectivity and travel tech to premium products. For many brands now, the goal is to make the lounge part of your overall travel experience, one you don’t want to leave and one you arrive at the airport even earlier than normal to enjoy.

But it’s not only airlines in the lounge game, and some non-airline brands are changing the lounge experience in such substantial ways that it inspires the airlines to up their ante — all resulting in a better product for the passenger as lounges compete for your loyalty.

Speaking of loyalty, the growing appeal of non-airline lounges could be attributed to just that — a desire to reject loyalty to any particular

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airline, allowing passengers to book with the most convenient or most affordable option while still resting assured a lounge waits for them when they arrive at the airport.

However, whether you prefer an airline lounge or a non-airlineaffiliated lounge brand, you can find something new in the lounge world at every turn. Many brands are adding new locations, upgrading facilities and enhancing amenities, all for your pleasure.

American Airlines opened its newest Flagship Lounge in Terminal D at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. The airport is American’s largest hub and, as such, the airline went all in on its Flagship experience according to Kurt Stache, senior vice president of marketing, loyalty and sales, American Airlines. This is especially true of the lounge’s dining.

Open to Flagship First and Flagship Business passengers, the Flagship Lounge provides high-end, complimentary dining for the former; guests enjoy local flavors across a carefully curated menu. Flagship Business passengers have access to more limited dining and a chef-action station. The new Dallas Flagship Lounge is additionally the first Flagship lounge to offer the much-touted Impossible Burger, though American

plans to extend the offering to its other Flagship First dining locations later in the year.

Other gastronomic changes coming to American Airlines lounges this year include new wine lists for Admirals Club lounges and Flagship lounges. New wine lists take a local focus, so travelers at New York City airports, for example, might see wines on the menu from the nearby Finger Lakes region. The wine menus were created by the two American Airlines staff master sommeliers — two out of only 255 master sommeliers in the world.

Domestic big-three competitor United Airlines rolls out a whole slew of new lounges this year. With the airline’s extensive changes at LaGuardia Airport comes a new United Club, opened June 2. The new United Club, 30 percent larger than United’s previous lounge at LaGuardia, accommodates more than 200 guests.

Other new 2019 United Club lounges include locations at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Raleigh-Durham International Airport and Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.

Meanwhile, the United Polaris Lounge at San Francisco International Airport took home big honors at the Skytrax 2019 World Airline Awards, garnering the award for Best Business Class Lounge in the World. Launched alongside Polaris Class in 2016, Polaris lounges provide a fully immersive visit with their own custom scent, curated playlists and mood lighting for a unique sensory experience.

The United Polaris Lounge isn’t the only one garnering praise for its uniqueness and over-achievement. THE LOFT by Brussels Airlines

and Lexus was named Europe’s Leading Airport Lounge at this year’s World Travel Awards. Open a little more than a year, the one-of-akind LOFT blends Belgian and Japanese qualities for a comfortable, tech-forward lounge that’s already served approximately half a million passengers. The combined efforts of the Brussels Airlines and Lexus brands resulted in a unique space that offers individual nap rooms, shower suites, Belgian chocolate tastings, Belgian beers on tap, a dedicated audio listening room and events such as wine tastings and live music.

But could faster prove better? While some airlines strive for an immersive, time-intensive lounge experience, others go for a quick hit of luxury and convenience they hope travelers will remember in the midst of a hectic travel itinerary. Air Canada unveiled such a product this summer with its Maple Leaf Lounge Express in Toronto Pearson International Airport Terminal 1.

What exactly does an express lounge offer? A smaller space with seating for just 50 travelers, the Maple Leaf Lounge Express provides a self-serve bar, light snacks and complimentary WiFi — in other words, just the basics. According to Andrew Yiu, vice president, product, Air Canada, the new lounge was designed for travelers to “enjoy a calm environment in which to work or relax.”

On the British front, British Airways made a big splash the past few months with plenty of new products in honor of its centennial year. The airline recently completed renovations of its First and Club lounges in New York’s JFK Terminal 7. The lounges are British Airways’ flagship lounges in the United States. The new Club lounge, GLOBAL TRAVELER’S CLASS ACT GUIDE 2019

UNIQUE NEW YORK:

United Club Lounge at LaGuardia PHOTOS: © UNITED AIRLINES

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SHAKE IT UP:

British Airways Club Lounge at JFK (top), and new BA lounge in San Francisco with food (bottom) PHOTOS: © STUART BAILEY WWW.STUARTBAILEY, © BRITISH AIRWAYS

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more than half an acre in size, includes a new Elemis Spa for pre-flight treatments alongside an entertainment room, work stations, dining room and craft beer room serving an exclusive British Airways brew, Speedbird 100.

More recently, British Airways unveiled its new lounge in San Francisco, with a bar, self-serve deli and boutique dining room. Open to first-class passengers, the dining room features bespoke menus inspired by global culinary talent. Further investment is slated for British Airways lounges in Geneva and Johannesburg and at London Heathrow.

For those who like airline-branded lounges but avoid loyalty to one sole airline, there is an option: airline affiliation lounges.

Star Alliance is certainly a favorite with its high-end, luxurious lounges, including a new lounge at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and a newly renovated lounge in Paris.

The latter, in Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport’s Terminal 1, is open to first- and business-class passengers and Star Alliance Gold members traveling on Star Alliance member airlines Aegean, Air China, ANA, Asiana, EgyptAir, EVA Air, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines and United Airlines. The newly refurbished space offers seating for more than 200 guests, views of the airport, complimentary drinks, French-inspired dining menus and — most uniquely — a landscaped Parisian garden.

Lastly, the easy frontrunner in the luxury lounge space, American Express brings its Centurion lounges — open to American Express Platinum cardholders and Centurion members exclusively — to Phoenix (PHX) and London (LHR) this year, with other locations planned for Denver (DEN), Los Angeles (LAX) and New York (JFK).

The Centurion Lounge in Terminal 3 at London Heathrow boasts 7,000 square feet of upscale services such as complimentary dining and drink from world-class chefs and mixologists, premium showers, WiFi and noise-buffering stations, alongside British-esque amenities.

The Charlotte Douglas International Airport Centurion Lounge opens in 2020 with 13,000 square feet for nearly double the space as the London location and with many of the same amenities, only with a North Carolina flair.

However, these lounges aren’t the only new things American Express has in the works. American Express also acquired LoungeBuddy this year, a digital platform created for lounge booking. Now, American Express cardholders have exclusive access to the LoungeBuddy platform, and the brand aims to continue expanding the lounge offerings available on the platform.

As so many lounge options become available and compete for passenger loyalty, travelers enjoy extra leeway to demand spectacular service, and lounges are happy to deliver, as can be seen with this year’s new offerings. As travelers move into the winter travel season, the lounge is no longer a simple stop along the journey — it’s now a destination in and of itself.

Beyond the Big Hubs Transit through alternative airports can prove faster, cheaper and more convenient. BY JACK GUY ACROSS THE BORDER:

Map of San Diego and Tijuana PHOTO: © ANDREA SIMON DREAMSTIME.COM

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SAVVY TRAVELERS HAVE PLENTY OF tricks up their sleeves to optimize the flight experience, from top-notch travel pillows to favorite noise-cancelling headphones. Using an alternative airport might not seem like a game changer, but it can put some of the pleasure back into flying for a number of reasons.

Alternative airports, often the smaller or less well-known options to hubs such as Los Angeles International Airport or London Heathrow, serve to reduce congestion at their more famous neighbors. While many fail to look beyond these big names, you will enjoy myriad potential benefits in seeking out secondary or tertiary airports. Beyond cheaper fares, it can be quicker to get through these generally smaller airports than some of the monster hubs.

Charges for services such as airport parking are often more affordable, and depending on your ultimate destination, you might find it’s easier to get where you want to be. In the United States, airlines such as Southwest, JetBlue and Spirit are known for making use of alternative airports. Ryanair, Easyjet, Aer Lingus and Wizz Air fill a similar segment of the European market.

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Getting alternative airports right can really improve your travel experience. Take San Diego and Tijuana, two cities on the U.S.–Mexico border. Fly from Tijuana International Airport and you can expect significantly lower fares than at San Diego International Airport, just 24 miles away on the other side of the border, especially if your destination lies in Latin America. Getting to TIJ from San Diego couldn’t be easier thanks to an international bridge known as the Cross Border Xpress. Linking TIJ to a terminal building on the U.S. side, the bridge lets passengers cross the border without queuing at normal crossings for $30 for a roundtrip. A shuttle service makes it easy to get to CBX from the center of San Diego, with additional shuttle routes to and from other Southern California destinations, including East Los Angeles.

To fly to Los Angeles itself, you have multiple options if you want to avoid LAX. Choose Long Beach International Airport for decent public transport connections to the city center and easy access to other Southern California destinations. It’s well-served by JetBlue and also handles Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines, with passengers passing through a modern 11-gate terminal that newly opened in 2012.

Bob Hope Airport in Burbank also offers better access to

downtown Los Angeles and Valley cities such as Pasadena than LAX, but avoid Palmdale Regional Airport, which has terrible connections to the city center. Ontario International Airport, to the east of Los Angeles, presents another option. Airlines include China Airlines, Volaris, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest and United Airlines.

Traveling to San Francisco? Book a flight to Oakland International Airport and you’ll land just 20 miles from downtown. A plethora of options await to whisk you to your final destination, from taxis, shuttles and limos to the Bay Area train system known as BART. In Texas skip George Bush Intercontinental Airport in favor of Houston Hobby Airport, only a 10-mile ride from downtown Houston, while Dallas Love Field lies only eight miles from the city it serves. Love Field boasts good amenities thanks to a 2014 renovation and lies only 35 miles from Fort Worth if you need to head west.

Another key alternative airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport sits just 30 miles north of Miami International Airport but a world away in terms of passenger experience. Smaller and cheaper than MIA, FLL offers great connections to North and South America, remaining within easy reach of Miami itself, to boot.

Visitors to New York, however, may struggle to find an alternative to the three main airports: John F. Kennedy International, LaGuardia and Newark Liberty International. Southwest passengers could use Long Island MacArthur Airport in Islip, but at 50 miles from Manhattan it’s too far to take a cab. Public transportation is available, though.

Both Westchester County Airport in White Plains and Stewart International Airport in Newburgh are too far from Manhattan for cabs and offer poor public transport options. However, they’re worth checking out if your travel takes you upstate.

Washington, D.C., is well-served by both Washington Dulles and Reagan National airports, but many travelers may find BaltimoreWashington International Thurgood Marshall Airport more convenient. It lies 32 miles north of Washington, D.C., perfectly placed to serve the wider region. The 18 airlines using the airport offer plenty of choices, and The Club at BWI lounge boasts creature comforts for those who need to work or want to relax.

Internationally, passengers can score serious savings at alternative airports. While some do handle flights from U.S. airlines, you are more likely to benefit from alternative airports when flying intracontinentally. For example, Irish airline Ryanair built a successful business flying between lesser-known airports around Europe. One of its major hubs, London Stansted, lies about 40 miles from the center of the city and serves more European cities than any other airport in the United Kingdom. Additionally, an affordable express train gets you to London Liverpool Street station in 45 minutes.

Other alternatives in Europe include Schönefeld instead of Tegel, in the German capital of Berlin, and Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden Airport in Germany for the French city of Strasbourg. It might be across an international frontier, but with no border controls between 26 countries in Europe, this approach is eminently possible. Alter-

native airports are not as common in regions of the world where transport infrastructure is less developed. Few Asian, African or Latin American cities have multiple airports, although this may change as the world continues to develop.

Wherever you travel, alternative airports can certainly be beneficial. However, check the facilities before you book to make sure you aren’t in for any nasty surprises. One of the most important things to consider: How will you get from the airport to your final destination? While some alternative airports feature convenient locations, others claim to serve cities that are prohibitively far from the runway.

For example, Oslo-Torp Airport lies 73 miles from the Norwegian capital, while Paris-Vatry Airport sits a mind-boggling 131 miles from Paris itself. Even airports that don’t stretch things that far can pose problems, such as poor access to public transport, forcing travelers to use expensive taxis. That said, there is much to be gained from looking beyond the big-name airports when booking your next trip.

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TOP OPTIONS:

Dallas Love Field (top), and London Stansted Airport (bottom) PHOTOS: © WENLING01 DREAMSTIME.COM, © IRSTONE - DREAMSTIME .COM

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New and Exciting Check out the hot trends in hotel openings for 2020.

BY KRISTY ALPERT

THE WORDS “PRODUCT QUALITY” get thrown around quite a bit in the hospitality industry, referring to the constant quest of hoteliers and general managers to meet and exceed the expectations and needs of their guests. But don’t be fooled: There’s nothing exciting about product quality.

Aside from expecting a clean bed, a hot shower and maybe even a breakfast option for the morning, travelers have come to expect more excitement from the hotels they book when traveling for work or leisure. The lineup of new hotels for 2020 promises an entire year of excitement, from innovations in sustainability to futuristic technologies that make travel easier and more comfortable.

“What I’m most excited about is that the industry will start to take sustainability seriously and not pretend just because they got rid of plastic straws,” said Andrew Katz, partner for Europe and Asia, Prospect Hotel Advisors. “I like to think that we are finally gaining some traction on sustainability. The industry has a long way to go in getting rid of single-use water bottles and little amenity bottles. Some brands like Six Senses, SoHo House and Iberostar have done a good job, as has the luxury independent market, but the large international brands need to step up and lead.”

Katz has spent most of his life working in hotels, taking a summer job at a hotel at age 15 before landing his first professional job as a management trainee at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. His expertise in hotels spans continents,

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yet it’s still the little things that excite him about a new hotel.

“I love when I find a hotel with the full package,” he explained. “A great lobby with co-working spaces, a good bar with good food, a good fitness center and a functional room that offers design you don’t see at home but isn’t too far to the edge.”

In 2020 Katz expects to see hotels continuing to streamline technology. “Technology will continue to improve,” he predicted, “especially keyless entry, and I can’t wait to get rid of telephones in guestrooms. Guests will simply download the app — they’ll already need the app since it will be the key to their room — and communicate directly with the hotel.”

ROYAL TREATMENT: The Royal Atlantis Resort & Residences (top) and swimming pool (right) PHOTOS: © ROYAL ATLANTIC RESORT & RESIDENCES

From an architectural masterpiece in New York City to the world’s leading sustainable luxury hotel brand to a 43-story resort in Dubai featuring 10 celebrity chef restaurants on one campus, the lineup of new hotels in 2020 presents plenty to get excited about.

SIX SENSES NEW YORK | New York, New York

Six Senses properties have a reputation for unwavering commitment to sustainability and fresh design, and the brand’s first North American property will maintain these standards. The Six Senses New York will reside in The XI, which comprises two twisting towers that seem to dance with each other as they reach skyward between Manhattan’s Hudson River and The High Line. Two restaurants will serve locally sourced, seasonal cuisine with a focus on wellness that flows seamlessly to the hotel’s on-site spa.

ALLURING LUXURY: Six Senses New York (top), Four Seasons Napa Valley (middle), and Alaia Belize (bottom)

THE ROYAL ATLANTIS RESORT & RESIDENCES | Dubai, United Arab Emirates

PHOTOS: © SIX SENSES NEW YORK, © FOUR

Perched on one of the most prestigious branches of Dubai’s The Palm, the Royal Atlantis Resort & Residences will join the exclusive list of Dubai’s most spectacular architectural achievements when it opens in 2020. The 43-story hotel will house 795 lavish guestrooms and suites, 35 world-class restaurants and a rooftop infinity pool — comprising only a portion of the six buildings that appear connected like Jenga pieces to create one single impressive skyscraper.

SEASONS NAPA VALLEY, © ALAIA BELIZE

FOUR SEASONS RESORT AND RESIDENCES NAPA VALLEY | Calistoga, California

Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts has offered extreme service and luxury experiences for guests since the brand began in 1961. However, for the first time in the brand’s history, Four Seasons’ guests will be able to experience its first on-site winery and vineyard when the Napa Valley property opens in 2020. The resort features 85 luxe, farmhouse-style guestrooms with a vine-to-table restaurant and a seed-to-skin spa on site.

ALAIA BELIZE | San Pedro, Belize

Set on Ambergris Caye, the largest of Belize’s coastal islands, the eco-luxury property Alaia Belize, a Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel, spans more than 20 acres and includes a luxury hotel and a residential section offering two- and three-bedroom condominiums and oceanfront villas. Brazilian designer Debora Aguiar handled all the interiors, which will highlight the natural beauty of the property’s surroundings by locally sourcing roughly 70 percent of fabrics and raw materials (such as reclaimed wood, linen curtains and rustic marbles) from Belize. Guests will have direct access from the hotel to more than 200 cayes filled with lush jungles, secluded beaches, preserved Maya temples and ancient archaeological sites.

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ANICHI RESORT & SPA | Portsmouth, Dominica

This eco-chic property will open as a member of Marriott’s exclusive Autograph Collection on 12 acres overlooking the Caribbean Sea and Dominica’s stunning mountains. Anichi Resort & Spa will offer 128 rooms along the picturesque shores of Picard Beach, with private dip pools and sunken pool lounges, swim-up bars in infinity pools, specialty dining restaurants, a luxurious spa and special programming that focuses on sustainability. That includes the resort’s partnership with Dominica’s Citizenship

by Investment program that awards citizenship to guests interested in purchasing redeemable shares or freehold suites on the property.

KOZMO HOTEL BUDAPEST | Budapest, Hungary

Despite the dramatically high ceilings and chic design elements, guests will be sure to feel right at home when the brand-new Kozmo Hotel Budapest opens in May 2020. A member of Leading Hotels of the World, the Kozmo sits inside a beautifully renovated historic building near the Grand Boulevard of Budapest and just steps from Dohány Street Synagogue and the Great Market. Its distinct interpretation of classic luxury will be the first for Hungary’s capital city.

FAUCHON HOTEL KYOTO | Kyoto, Japan

SEASIDE OR CITY: Anichi Resort aerial view (top) and pool (middle), and Kozmo Hotel Budapest guestroom (bottom) PHOTOS: © ANICHI RESORT & SPA, © KOZMO HOTEL BUDAPEST

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When French gastronomy brand Fauchon Hospitality opened its first hotel in Paris in 2018, no one expected the voracious appetite of travelers to experience the brand’s sumptuous accommodations. As one of the hottest properties in the city, this Leading Hotels of the World member’s focus on pleasure (whether through food and luxury or through its unlimited amenities) keeps rooms in high demand. The brand’s second location in Kyoto will likely stir the same response when this 5-star property opens with 70 guestrooms, a street-level bakery and breathtaking views of Kyoto from the world-class Grand Café Fauchon on the top floor.

XIGERA SAFARI LODGE | Okavango Delta, Botswana

When the Xigera Safari Lodge opens in 2020, it will be the biggest investment into a safari lodge of its size on the entire continent of Africa, reinventing what it means to slumber in the African bush. The lodge will feature 12 suites within a reimagined baobab tree house that includes a luxurious spa inspired by the Okavango’s delicate water lilies. The lodge’s light footprint and sustainable amenities will not impede the indulgent experiences guests may enjoy while at the property.

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