Father Dominic Emmanuel

The next time you plan a dream vacation, you needn’t restrict the search only to destinations — the joyride can begin while you’re airborne! International airliners are vying for top spot to spoil travellers for choice, as the lone ranger feels like a king the minute he steps off the tarmac.

Forget about cramped spaces, noisy cabins, loud passengers and what might seem like an seemingly unbearable flight — you can get rocked in the lap of luxury.
Unlike earlier, American airliners are not sitting pretty on top with the most luxurious options for travellers, but airline companies from the Middle East and Asia like Etihad Airways, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways and Malaysian Airlines take the cake for treating flyers like royalty. Cathay Pacific, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic amongst others have been the conventional leaders in first-class treatment of passengers. Facilities include personalised 23-inch LCD televisions, chefs, massages, champagne, Ferragamo and Ermenegildo Zegna valises and much more.
Businessman Manoj Shah says, “I travel frequently and usually fly business class. By far, the best experience was onboard Singapore Airlines, when I was travelling to Australia via Singapore from Bengaluru. I checked in just 40 minutes before take-off. My seat had complete noise cancellation headphones, with a personalised 10-inch screen. They even had an exhaustive collection of movies, documentaries and music so my in-flight entertainment was top notch.”
Replete with champagne, Italian Poltrona Frau-upholstered 35-inch wide seat, a six-foot bed, convertible two-person table, Bvlgari toiletry kits and Givenchy sleeper suits on select flights. “Book the Cook” service allows meal selection in advance with Dom Perignon wine with dinner amongst many other amenities, this is one midair experience you don’t want to miss. It’s obvious that travelling has assumed a new meaning in the present context — unmindful of the value of the depreciating rupee and costly air travel, this is an indulgence everyone wants to avail.
Krithi Ramesh, a media professional, says, “I once flew business class in Qatar Airways to Munich, with a stopover at Doha. It was by far the most luxurious experience I have had onboard. I ate a sumptuous three-course meal, served with red wine and even got a lovely valise with luxury products. I was offered a massage too! Keeping in mind the jet lag, it’s worth paying a little extra when you travel so far out.” Despite the travel industry’s incomes constantly fluctuating, travel companies claim there has been an increase in the profits by nearly 35 per cent. Opulence is clearly a preferred choice for our jetsetters.
Madhav Pai, director, leisure travel (outbound), Thomas Cook India Ltd, says, “The luxury traveller’s clear demand for top notch quality with exceptional and personalised service has garnered strong demand for luxury airlines. Connectivity of luxury airlines has played an important role along with the exceptional on-board facilities.” Business and first class travellers include the likes of upper corporate echelons, royalty, movie moghuls and entrepreneurs. These travellers hold comfort and privacy as top priority.