10 Best Airline Amenities in First and Business Class

In-flight amenity kits have long been standard for premium fliers, but these days airlines are pairing up with luxury brands for upscale offerings.

American Airlines fliers are treated to a rotating selection of offerings, so that each experience is a surprise. While they each have the basics of a dental kit, eye mask, and earplugs, a recent series featured a Stand Up to Cancer collaboration of colorful pouches with Joanna Vargas lotions and Relevant lip balm. 

United Polaris and Premium Plus travelers on international flights score wellness-focused kits from Therabody, best known for their massage therapy devices (which are available for use in the lounges). Business-class passengers on transcontinental domestic routes are treated to a kit with products from Astura, known for its partnership with Venus Williams, and those who are traveling to or from Hawaii get a taste of the islands from Ua Body.

Singapore Airlines first-class passengers have the option to select one of three kits from French luxury glassware company Lalique (a male, female, or unisex one), while those in business get one from British perfumer Penhaligon’s.  Qatar Airways first and business travelers receive one with goodies from French perfumer Diptyque, while Finnair’s business and premium economy passengers get one from Finnish designer Marimekko. Air New Zealand’s business premiere and premium economy classes are treated to Aotea, which is inspired by traditional Māori herbal practices.

Italian ateliers are a favorite for amenity kit partnerships, with Delta One passengers getting a Missoni amenity kit, Turkish Airlines business passengers on long-haul flights receiving one from Ferragamo, Air Canada’s business class with Acqua di Parma, Emirates with Bulgari, and EVA Air’s Royal Laurel class with Giorgio Armani.

Pajamas

Socks and slippers are the bare minimum for many premium-class passengers, as many airlines now offer pajamas, especially on long-haul overnight flights.

One of the comfiest out there is American Airlines’ pajamas from sustainable company Nest Bedding, which pair perfectly with the brand’s mattress pad and slippers. Many other airlines, including Air Canada, Korean Air, and Emirates offer sleepwear to premium-class passengers on long-haul flights.

Luxury Vehicle Transfers 

Several airlines offer select top-tier customers — usually first-class passengers — door-to-door transfer services at airports in luxury vehicles.

Chosen United MileagePlus Premier members are taken between their connecting gates in an electric Jaguar, while Air Canada uses electric Porsches to escort customers from their flight to the Air Canada Signature Suites. 

Spa Services

Air France passengers with lounge access at New York City’s JFK International Airport and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport can sign up for facial services on a first-come, first-served basis. In NYC, options include Anti Jet Lag, Instant Detox, and Focus Regard, while in the French capital, additional plant-based treatments are offered.

Arrival Showers

Korean Air understands that there’s nothing like showering off after a long flight. For passengers flying in first or Prestige class with morning arrivals, they offer a premium arrival shower service at the Grand Hyatt Incheon’s spa, Club Olympus. Available from 6 to 11 a.m., qualifying travelers simply hop on a free shuttle and store their luggage with the concierge before showering off. 

Sleep Rituals

Getting a good night’s sleep on board a long-haul flight is one of the biggest challenges for most travelers, so Air New Zealand offers a tried-and-true routine called a Sleep Ritual to Business Premiere passengers on long overnight routes.

“The Sleep Ritual is an opt-in offering consisting of an exclusive passionflower sleep balm, chamomile tea, a specially designed ‘bliss mix’ with sleep-promoting properties, and a hot towel,” Kylie McGillivray-Brown, the airline’s general manager of customer experience told Travel + Leisure, explaining the emphasis on New Zealand products as an embodiment of manaaki, a Maori term for support and protection. “It’s a demonstration of care, helping our customers relax.”

Collectible Items

KLM’s Delft Blue houses are among the most-coveted items for frequent premium fliers. First introduced in the 1950s, new houses are added on the airline’s birthday every year on Oct. 7. The 105th one debuted this year, modeled after Amsterdam’s The House at the Three Canals and filled with Dutch Bols gin.

Also fun: Korean Air passengers who use the first-class lounge can request a customized metal name tag with their Skypass number engraved on it. 

Stopover Perks

Some layover times are just a little too long to be confined to an airport. Turkish Airlines understands the need for exploration and offers an Istanbul Stopover Service to those with long transfer times. Business-class passengers can be treated to a three-night stay in a five-star hotel on qualifying flights.