Delta Lounges
Traveling via air and social distancing? The Delta airport lounges offer a smaller environment, fewer people. Here’s how to access Delta’s Skyclub Lounge.
https://onemileatatime.com/delta-skyclub-access/
10 Best Longhaul Business Class Products
The competition continues. The airline industry is constantly trying to create a better product, stay up with passenger demands, and out do each other. For the flying public that’s a good thing. For the airline it’s a costly endeavor. Who does it best?
Here, the great blog, The Luxury Travel Expert gives us a rundown of current Business Class cabins.
(This post originally published at https://theluxurytravelexpert.com/2019/04/08/best-airlines-business-class/amp/?__twitter_impression=true#top.)
Top 10 best airlines for longhaul Business Class
BEST AIRLINES LONGHAUL BUSINESS CLASS
Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.
Today (April 8, 2019): Top 10 world’s best airlines for longhaul Business Class.
Each year, I give a round-up of my favorite 10 Business Class products in the world. Flying Business Class is purely aspirational for most, a lifetime experience for some, and a must for a select few. With Business Class, the journey itself becomes a fun experience: you don’t have to wait in line at the airport; you get access to airport lounges; you interact with attentive personnel; you are treated to gourmet food and quality wines; and you can sleep in a comfortable flat-bed for total relaxation. But which airline has the best Business Class cabin product anno 2019? I hereby present you my selection of the top 10 best Business Class cabins of 2019 (reflecting my own personal taste).
There is more information (with trip reports & Youtube clips) below my slideshow. Think I missed one? Leave a comment or take my poll below!
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10. BRITISH AIRWAYS
While British Airways’ Business Class (dubbed Club World) raised the bar worldwide two decades ago with the introduction of the first fully lie-flat seat and an innovative “Ying/Yang” seat plan, the seat concept itself is now dated and outclassed by some of its competitors. So you would not expect British Airways to end up in a top 10 list like this one, but it remains one of my preferred airlines for longhaul travel, because the product is consistent across its wide-body fleet and the seat is extremely private (as long as you don’t end up along the aisle). And as I recently experienced myself, British Airways dramatically increased its onboard experience over the past year, with improved catering (from DO&CO), excellent bedding, and stylish amenity kits, which rivals the best in the skies. In July, the airline will also introduce a new suite concept onboard its A350 planes, with direct-aisle access, a suite door for greater privacy, luxurious flat-bed seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, enviable 18.5-inch inflight entertainment screens, and 40 % more storage space per seat (including a vanity unit and mirror).
- Official website: British Airways.
- Review: read here my review of British Airways’ Business Class in an Airbus A380.
- Review: read here my review of British Airways’ Business Class in a Boeing 747-400.
- Review: read here my review of British Airways’ Business Class in a Boeing 777-300ER.
- Review: read here my review of British Airways’ Business Class in a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
9. EMIRATES
The success of Emirates’ Business Class product is very much based on the comfort and space of its Airbus A380 fleet, and that’s why the mega plane is rolled out on all major international routes of the Dubai based carrier. With a staggered 1–2–1 configuration in Business Class, each passenger is assured of direct aisle access and a significant amount of privacy. The window Business Class seats are perfect for solo travelers, while the dual and more intimate seats in the center of the cabin are perfect for partners traveling together. Mammoth amenity kits, a huge inflight entertainment selection, and a roomy and well-appointed bar on the upper deck makes flying Emirates’ A380 quite an event, and in addition, the ground service matches the flying experience (e.g. chauffeur service, a gigantic Dubai lounge). Unfortunately, the Business Class cabins in most of Emirates’ Boeing 777s are laid out in a 2-3-2 configuration (with no direct aisle acces for all passengers), which is significantly inferior to the one offered on the airline’s Airbus A380 fleet.
- Official website: Emirates
- Review: read here my review of Emirates’ Business Class in an Airbus A380.
- Review: read here my review of Emirates’ Business Class in a Boeing 777-300ER.
- Review: read here my review of Emirates’ Business Class in a Boeing 777-200LR.
8. JAPAN AIRLINES (JAL)
Business Class seats on selected JAL planes are named JAL Sky Suites, since each seat is located in its own private space. The seats come with retractable privacy partitions (which can be lowered when you are traveling with a companion), ample storage space beneath an ottoman, and a 23-inch (58 cm) LCD monitor (one of the largest in its class). Comfortable bedding is offered as well, consisting of a highly resilient airweave mattress and pillow, which will send you off to dreamland even if you have trouble falling asleep on a plane. In 2017, JAL began outfitting its B787-9s with a new version of the suite, the so called JAL Sky Suite III which are laid out in a 1-2-1 configuration, providing all passengers with direct aisle access. On top of that, JAL offers some of the finest Business Class food in the skies, with both Western and Japanese menus created by chefs that are working in leading restaurants around the world. You can order in-flight meals from an a la carte menu by tapping a liquid-crystal touch-panel controller, in any order, at any time, and as often as you wish.
- Official website: Japan Airlines
- Review: read here my review of Japan Airlines’ Business Class in a Boeing 777-300ER.
7. EVA AIR
Taiwan based EVA Air calls its international Business class ‘Royal Laurel Class’, providing passengers with comfortable sleeping space for a sufficient rest that is free from disturbances. The seats in Royal Laurel Class onboard EVA’s B777s and B787s are configured in a reverse herringbone 1-2-1 layout that maximizes space. Privacy is assured through fixed panels that help create your own personal area. At the push of a button, each seat converts into an approximately 82 inches (2 meter) long bed, enabling passengers to lie down, get comfortable and sleep on long-haul flights. Thoughtful touches include a space to hang your jacket, a shoe cabinet, a retractable armrest, and a cocktail table. This excellent Business Class product is complemented by exclusive amenity kits, noise-canceling headphones, Fiji water, mouth-watering cuisine from all over the world (ranging from luscious beef steak to delicious lobster), and the warm, friendly service EVA Air is known for. To top it all, EVA Air is one of the few airlines to offer pajamas in Business Class; loose and comfortable, these garments are perfect for slumbering on long-haul flights.
- Official website: Eva Air
” alt=”” />6. VIRGIN AUSTRALIA
Business Class on Virgin Australia’s Boeing 777-300ER aircraft features 37 private suites (that convert into the length of a queen size bed) in a reverse herringbone 1-2-1 cabin layout. The aisle seats face outwards towards the windows and the center two seats face inwards towards each other on a roughly 30 degree angle. Customised triple-layer seat cushion supported by a hammock sub-frame and a turndown service with memory foam mattress toppers and high-grade cotton pillows and donnas make for a good night’s sleep on the airline’s longhaul routes from Australia to Los Angeles and Abu Dhabi. Virgin Australia is also the first airline to have a lounge onboard a single deck aircraft, which offers a selection of nibbles and bites, beer, wine and spirits as well as a hot beverage selection with petit fours. The carrier also offers its passengers continental breakfast at the bar prior to the full breakfast service, or the opportunity to enjoy a full breakfast at the bar rather than in the suite. A new signature service element includes cocktails and movie snack service each hour throughout the flight.
- Official website: Virgin Australia
” alt=”” />5. DELTA AIR LINES
In 2017, Delta Air Lines redefined transatlantic and transpacific Business Class travel with the introduction of a Business Class cabin that features a sliding door at each suite. The suites offer passenger a private space accessed by a sliding door with thoughtfully designed personal stowage areas, an advanced in-flight entertainment system, and premium trim and finishes to create a comfortable, residential feel. Service in Delta One (which is how Delta calls its international Business Class cabin) includes chef-curated meals, wine pairings by Delta’s Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson, terrific Westin in-flight bedding, TUMI amenity kits featuring Kiehl premium skincare, and in-flight loungewear on select flights. The Delta One suite is currently only available on Delta’s A350s and some retrofitted B777s, which flies on selected routes such as Los Angeles to Sydney or Tokyo. Delta will refurbish all eight of its 777-200ER and all ten of its 777-200LR aircraft and expects to have taken delivery of 13 A350s by the end of 2019. The bad news is that when you don’t get to fly the A350 or B777, the experience will be less than stellar.
- Official website: Delta Air Lines
- Review: read here my review of Delta’s Business Class in a Boeing 767.
” alt=”” />4. CATHAY PACIFIC
Hong Kong based Cathay Pacific offers a consistent and solid Business Class product, featuring a flat-bed that is just over 82 inches or 2 meters long. A bed extension increases its width by 6.5 inches or 16.5 cm to provide additional hip support, while the side storage compartment offers extra knee space for sleeping on your side. For sleeping, you may choose to leave your armrest up for more privacy, or down for more space. In fact, Cathay’s Business Class seat is identical to the one installed on American Airlines, Finnair, and Air France, but Cathay deserves to take the top spot for their difference in customer service, impressive lounges, cabin crew training, and award-winning cuisine, whilst ensuring their price point still remains competitive. The carrier’s newest Business Class seat is found on its A350 planes, although it is basically a refreshed design of Cathay’s ‘old’ Business Class product onboard its B777 and A330 planes. Keep in mind that Cathay’s top-notch Business Class product is not available on some B777 planes with a regional configuration, so plan your travels accordingly.
- Official website: Cathay Pacific
- Review: read here my review of Cathay Pacific’s Business Class in an Airbus A350.
- Review: read here my review of Cathay Pacific’s Business Class in an Airbus A330.
- Review: read here my review of Cathay Pacific’s Business Class in a Boeing 777-300ER.
3. ETIHAD AIRWAYS
Business Class with the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates is not business as usual. The Business Studios on Etihad’s A380s and 787 Dreamliners can be customised to suit every stage of the journey and are the embodiment of style, simplicity and functionality. The cabin has a unique dovetail design with forward and rear facing seats that creates a sense of space and freedom, with direct aisle access and convenient storage spaces. Upholstered by Poltrona Frau, the 22-inch (56 cm) wide seat converts into a comfortable fully flat bed of up to 6 feet and 8 inches (203 cm). The Business Studio offers a space for everything, including a concealed storage, a meal table and a separate large side table that can be used for laptops and other personal belongings when you are dining. Located between First and Business Class, there’s also a lounge on the A380 that seats up to six guests and is fitted with seatbelts, power supply and connectivity ports. Unfortunately, Etihad Airways’ A330, A320 and B777 planes feature a less glamorous Business Class product and the carrier is facing financial challenges.
- Official website: Etihad Airways
- Review: read here my review of Etihad Airways’ Business Class in an Airbus A330.
- Review: read here my review of Etihad Airways’ Business Class in a Boeing 777.
2. SINGAPORE AIRLINES
Singapore Airlines has always been synonymous with lavishing luxury in the skies. And they do not fail to impress. With their width of 30 inches or 75 cm, the carrier’s Business Class seats on its A350 and B777 aircraft are the widest in the world (too wide for comfort, according to some). The unrivalled space between each seat is a hallmark of the four-abreast (1-2-1) configuration that offers all passengers direct access to the aisle. Designed by JPA and introduced in 2017 on their A380 aircraft, the carrier’s new Business Class seat – albeit more narrow – is even better than the previous incarnation of the seat. A large back shell on every seat creates a cocoon-like feel for more privacy while the centre divider can be fully lowered to form double beds, making the two centre seats an ideal choice for customers such as families travelling together. Singapore Airlines also offers a fine restaurant-style setting and culinary service at 30,000 feet. Each menu, specially created by a panel of celebrated chefs from around the globe, is sure to appeal to the discerning epicure within you.
- Official website: Singapore Airlines
- Review: read here my review of Singapore Airlines’ Business Class in an Airbus A350.
- Review: read here my review of Singapore Airlines’ Business Class in an Airbus A380.
- Review: read here my review of Singapore Airlines’ Business Class in an Airbus A330.
- Review: read here my review of Singapore Airlines’ Business Class in a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
1. QATAR AIRWAYS
In 2017, Qatar Airways – which is still facing challenges following a severe diplomatic crisis in the Middle East – took its Business Class product to a new, unprecedented level of luxury and style, raising the bar for all of its competitors. The so-called ‘Qsuite’ features not only Business Class suites with sliding doors for total privacy but also double beds, allowing passengers in adjoining seats to create their own private room. Adjustable panels and movable TV monitors on the center four seats also allow colleagues, friends or families traveling together to transform their space into a four person suite, allowing them to work, dine and socialize together. Each seat is crafted with thoughtful and luxurious details such as hand-stitched Italian leather and satin rose gold finishing. To further complement the customisable on-board seating experience that passengers will now enjoy, Qatar Airways is also launching a new food and beverage concept, introducing a menu that offers a host of new dining choices. The Qsuite, which makes Business Class look First Class. is only available on selected routes and aircraft (A350-1000s and some retrofitted B777s and A350-900s).
- Official website: Qatar Airways
- Review: read here my review of Qatar Airways’ Qsuite Business Class in an Airbus A350.
- Review: read here my review of Qatar Airways’ Business Class in a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
- Review: read here my review of Qatar Airways’ Business Class in a Boeing 777-300.
- Review: read here my review of Qatar Airways’ Business Class in an Airbus A330.
Thanks for stopping by, see you again soon.
Thanks, John
Best VIP Terminal in the World
Flying has become very tedious and uncomfortable on most trips these days.
For ultimate comfort along the way check this out.
Enjoy your air travels.
Thanks for stopping by, John
Provence in Winter
Provence, France in winter gives you lower cost and fewer visitors, which add up to a more relaxing and personal travel experience. In this mild climate a light jacket or maybe a wool sweater is all that’s needed to keep you comfortable. Beauty will surround you 360 degrees. See the vineyards and lavender fields in their winter resting stage of life, hike the local trails, visit museums and Chateaus, take a cooking class at a regional inn or restaurant. So get away from the hectic crowds of summer and experience a more authentic Provence.
For arrangements and private Luxury experiences in Provence and Southern France I use Andy at AndySwannVoyage.com.
(Originally published at NYHabitat.com)
Surprising Winter Holiday in Provence
Provence in Wintertime
The South of France is often associated with summer holidays. While a beach holiday in Southern France can of course be fantastic, areas such as Provence tend to be very crowded in the summer months.
In wintertime, Provence is visited by way less tourists and has an entirely different kind of charm. The climate in Provence stays mild in the winter, so you can still explore the South of France at your leisure. It also doesn’t hurt that the prices usually go down considerably offseason. In this article, we’ll give you an impression of a winter holiday in Provence, and provide you with some insider tips on the best time to go shopping, where to stay in the wintertime, what to eat in Provence, and more!
Winter Holiday Accommodation in Provence
If you’re coming to Provence for a winter holiday, first you have to decide what kind of holiday you prefer: a tranquil and relaxing vacation in one of Provence’s small villages, or a cultural and stimulating holiday in one of Provence’s cities.
A vineyard in Provence during winter
If the first is more to your liking, you can choose a cozy family holiday in the middle of Provence’s beautiful countryside. We have many vacation rentals available in the province of Provence, and in many different villages. The streets of these villages are often very quit during the winter, except for several hours in the morning when markets are taking place on the main road or square of the village. A lot of people know each other in these villages, and if you make the effort to talk to people you can quickly feel like a local and have a very unique experience there. The apartments for rent in these villages almost all come with comfortable living rooms, kitchens where you can prepare your own meals, a bathroom and one or more bedrooms. A vacation rental apartment can be the perfect base to explore the countryside of Provence from. Be sure to stock up on groceries before heading out to your vacation rental, as in the small villages restaurants are sometimes closed for the winter period. Instead of going out to dinner, spend your time cooking Provencal meals in your own apartment, hiking across the golden yellow fields, or by taking a day trip to one of the cities or nearby ski resorts! To find out more about the ski resorts in the Southern French Alps, check out this article about visiting the Southern French Alps in winter.
he city of Avignon and the Pont d’Avignon in the winter
If you like the quiet, but also want to experience living among the locals and going out to town every once in awhile, a city trip may be a bet ter fit. Cities in Provence such as Avignon, Arles, Nimes, Marseille or Aix-en-Provence are great to visit during the wintertime. The dry and sunny winter climate of Provence will inspire you to go out and explore the city. Furthermore, popular tourist attractions such as museums, theaters, the Palais des Papes or the Notre Dame de will be much quieter in wintertime, and you won’t have to stand in line to visit them! For tips on what to see and do in these cities, check out our travel guide to Provence.
Provence’s January Winter Sales
In the cities, restaurants and shops will mostly also remain open for the entire winter period. As for shopping, you’ll be able to get great deals as January in France always means sale period! Stores in France are only allowed to hold sales twice a year: once in July, when tourists fight for the best deals, and once in January- when you’ll have much less competition from fellow bargain-hunters!
In between the cultural activities and shopping, don’t forget to hop inside a café every once in awhile to drink the local specialty vin chaud, which means hot wine. This is a great drink when it’s cold and windy outside. However, for the most part Provence has a very mild climate in the winter (the average temperature in Provence in December is 14 degrees Celsius or 57 degrees Fahrenheit!), so you’ll probably also be able to try a local rosé wine sitting outside a café in the sun.
Culinary Winter Endeavors in Provence
A wild game winter dish in Provence
In Provence’s cities, you’ll be able to visit some of the best restaurants in the region without having to book weeks in advance or having to wait outside until a table is free. In the wintertime, restaurants often offer mouthwatering dishes with wild game, truffle and many herbs. Visit an “auberge” to enjoy a cozy dinner at a wooden table beside a real fireplace. Alternatively, you can also cook your own Provencal meal in your apartment. Even the city apartments almost always provide a fully equipped kitchen where you can enjoy exploring the local ingredients, which you can pick up at farmer’s markets. For inspiration on what to prepare, check out this article on Provence’s food culture.
To get an idea of accommodation in one of Provence’s bustling cities, have a look at our vacation rentals in Aix-en-Provence. Also don’t forget to experiment with fresh herbs in the kitchen. Provence is famous for its lavender fields, which are often harvested during summer. However dry lavender is available year round everywhere in the region! Pick up some lavender at a local market and hang it in your vacation rental, so the whole apartment will smell great.
Trips to Provence’s Seaside in the Winter
Although the Mediterranean will be too cold to swim in, Provence’s seaside is still definitely worth a visit in wintertime.
The calanques are very impressive during winter in Provence
The calanques, which are steep-walled inlets of the sea, are especially beautiful in the winter months, and are a great destination for an adventurous hike. You can also take a long stroll on the beach and warm up after in one of the seaside village’s cafes or restaurants.
If you pick a local sea restaurant, be sure to try the local soupe de poisson, or fish stew. Two seaside towns that are great to visit in winter are Aigues Mortes and Saintes Maries de la Mer. Lastly, the seaside park Camargue is a popular birding destination, and in wintertime you’ll be able to spot a diverse population of hibernating birds, as well as real wild horses! You can also go horseback riding yourself in the park, which is a great way to take in the beautiful surroundings.
30 Ways on How to Stay Safe While Traveling
Traveling the world these days has become more dangerous in some areas. As always it’s important to be aware and vigilant of everybody and everything around you.
Here’s an info-graphic and great article to help you to travel safely. Don’t stop traveling, just be more aware now days.
Thanks for stopping by, John
Sedona in Winter
We took a quick trip to Sedona to get away from the nasty inversion, cold temperatures and piled up snow in Utah. The weather in Sedona was better than ours, but we still experienced rain and snow. Even so, Sedona didn’t let us down. The Red Rocks with a powdered sugar like snow on them looked gorgeous . However, with so little sunshine it was difficult to make great photos.
We had hoped to spend our first night at the ARIZONA BILTMORE WALDORF ASTORIA RESORT in Luxury. We liked it so much previously, we were looking for another pleasant stay. Unfortunately, they were sold out because of the Barret-Jackson auto auction. We met a guy who was in town to bid and buy a Lamborghini, in other words a high roller and he had to stay at a Residence Inn. There will be other chances for us to stay at the great Frank Lloyd Wright inspired hotel.
Instead, we drove north to Sedona for 3 days. It was beautiful.
Our special treat was lunch at the Enchantment Resort in the TII Gavo Southwestern restaurant. The atmosphere is casual southwestern with floor to ceiling windows looking out to the red rocks up close and personal (see photo below). The food presentation was beautiful and appealing. We enjoyed the Clam Chowder and Grilled Salmon with tasty local flavorings.
Because of the weather we did our site seeing by car exploring. Schnebly Road gave us beautiful views and muddy, rocky, bumpy road.
Next time when we have more time and better weather conditions we’ll explore the Petroglyphs and the many Vortexes and more restaurants.
Driving back to Phoenix to take our Delta flight home. on the way we were fortunate to see a Double Rainbow, even the end where the pot of gold is.
Thanks for ready our blog, come back again, John