LOFTY AMBITIONS

Any frequent traveler is constantly reminded of the stress and hassle associated with airports and airplanes. The constant queuing, security points and luggage-limit can all contribute to an unpleasant experience. It goes without saying that most BAA airport staff are less than helpful, on constant power trips, and will not hesitate to reprimand any type of atypical behavior (this naturally includes staring at the departure screen for any extended period of time). So what can we look forward to in this world of chaos, disorder and brutally bad terminal architecture? It seems as though our only respite can be found in first, business and a select few economy class cabins.

It has become blatantly obvious that the upper echelons of air-travel have improved past all measure, bounding beyond any pre-existing spatial frontiers that may have existed. The days of shared television screens, stiff chairs and supersonic travel are long gone. Although the retirement of Concorde may be regrettable, airlines recognize that most passengers spend more time in the sky, often on long-haul flights. As a consequence expectations have elevated to new heights; fundamentally, we expect our high time to be more enjoyable. Thankfully a quasi proxy war seems to have developed between national carriers, and competing to upgrade all areas to improve overall ambience seems to be the battle tactic du jour. The spoils of war include lie flat beds in business, private cocoons in first, and general ambience upgrades in coach.

Any modern first or business class should provide cabins with ample space to stretch, seats that lie completely flat, and an enjoyable in-flight service comparable to the best five star hotel concierges. If you feel you are being shafted, you are, for in the best first and business classes you will not think twice about each penny you spent. Singapore Airlines is probably the most renowned luxury carrier, and nowhere is this attention to aesthetic more apparent than on their A380 fleet. Here first class must be redefined entirely, as guests are allocated ‘suites’ that are multi-functional and entirely innovative. A large hand-stitched Italian leather pilot chair (with in-built massage function) offers unsurpassed space and comfort. A 20inch flat screen TV brings you over 1000 entertainment options and with an amenities kit packed full of Ferragamo toiletries, you will be sure to arrive refreshed. Exhaustion is not an issue, as a turndown service converts your seat into a large standalone bed, complete with luscious duvets, full-sized pillows, and exclusively designed Givenchy pajamas.

Air New Zealand’s take on business travel rivals most first class cabins, offering privacy and comfort. Each business passenger’s seat may be swiftly converted into a lie flat bed measuring close to 7 feet in length. Thankfully, with direct aisle-access from every seat, the days of jumping over other passengers are long gone. If you enjoy wine you have most certainly arrived, for the airline boasts the best ‘cellar of the sky’, with over 20 different red and white options. Active Noise Cancellation Technology headsets guarantee remote baby screams are well and truly drowned out.

Although first and business class air travel may only be available to the incredibly wealthy (or senior businessmen), your first glimpse into the finest celestial cabins will most certainly incite envy. Harness this emotion into motivation to earn, for one day you will want to travel like a king, and no one should deny you this privilege.