After another month of multiple flights from one continent to another, I wonder, how much importance we give to the journey, or is every airline the same as the next?
Flying Business and above is a treat, not something most of us do all the time. Every frequent flyer of business has their preferred airline du choix, for different reasons, many for their miles and perks but, having flown with a number of the most known airlines carriers, I can attest that it is not always the same experience. At different points of the experience, some excel more than others. If I'm about to embark on the trip of a lifetime, I want to be sure I get the best from home to hotel.
Not being number one doesn't make it a bad experience but, if i consider the end to end journey, this is what my wish list for smooth travel from my most used airlines, this year.
Arriving in style - travel begins from the moment you leave your house. For business there is typically ongoing work and multi tasking as you get to and from airports. For holiday, you want to start the distress as soon as possible.
1. Etihad Airways, a great business chauffeur service from home to airport, and optional airport meet and greet, even for transfers.
2. Virgin Atlantic, another great chauffeur service, although no ongoing airport assistance services.
3. British Airways, oddly no car service in Club World which is a miss by comparison to other airlines.
Checking In with ease - queues can add hours to your pre-flight time, so having dedicated business check in is so convenient.
1. British Airways, domestic or international the priority queues for executive club and business travel is always efficient and incredibly friendly.
2. Etihad Airways, fast and friendly in UK and the Abu Dhabi hub, but less amicable at extended country service desks where it's very run of the mill.
3. Singapore Airlines, similar to Etihad, something goes amiss out of country and service varies.
4. Virgin Atlantic, regrettably service is vanilla and, for me, can be very hit and miss for friendliness. Maybe there is a higher expectation for Upper Class, but it falls short to others of this level.
Lounging - I love allowing time to relax over a quiet drink before I board. Lounge access is key when you travel between countries with delays and cancellations. Some are better equipped that others...
1. Etihad Airways, dedicated lounges are fantastic. Abu Dhabi can get very busy, but once your rewards status promotes to the First Class lounge it is an oasis of calm and a joy to reach after a long haul flight. Great private dining, food of high end restaurant quality, sleep rooms and the plus of spa treatments and experience showers
2. Virgin Atlantic, little beats the Clubhouse experience. It's got it all, and then some. Total va va voom, although not all are consistent in style and facilities as Heathrow.
3. Cathay Pacific, 1 haven't found the same experience as many others with Cathay business service, by comparison to other airlines, but their lounges and dining in Hong Kong are spectacular.
4. British Airways, really good lounges with fab champagne bars. Buffet dining is good, a la carte is a nice surprise. They cater as lounges for large volumes of pass through passengers though and so lack a personal touch to prevent it feeling so transit-like. Smaller lounges have limited catering and tends to be sweet and snacks.
5. Singapore Airlines, like BA they are designed for transit and the lounges are maybe not reflective of the in-flight service.
Where it matters most, at 30,000 feet!
1. Etihad Airways, when you are greeted at the door by name, you know things have just got personal. Friendliness and one on one care is non stop for the duration if your flight. By far Etihad also have the best concept for in-flight dining, with dine anytime. You are in control of when and what you eat, no restrictions. Business cabins are spacious and comfortable with padded duvets and good flatbeds. Dining is silver service and food is as good as you'll find on terra firma. Take it up another notch whn you travel in First with private cabins and a chef service to bespoke your meal and free inflight wifi.
2. Singapore Air, definitely the winner for space with double person width seats that transform to wide flat beds. Silver service dining, although it doesnt have the Etihad flexibility on anytime dining.
3. VirginAmerica, first class cabin is like a space odyssey. Just a few so service is attentive. Add mood lighting, white leather, reclining and free inflight wifi, this feels like a nightclub in the sky!
4. British Airways, clubworld design is a little invasive on privacy, as the seat dividers are raised and dropped for every query and meal serving. Not good when seated beside a stranger who also has to step over you to get to the aisle. Dining falls short of expectation. Menu choice is limited and first come first served, until stock is gone. Dining is at a fixed time, and self serve snacks disappear quickly.
5. Cathay Pacific, least impressive and a little tired
6. Virgin Atlantic, upper class might have led the field in its hey day, and 5years ago been closer to my number one. But other airlines are as good, and better, today. Crew service skills is the let down, not attentive regardless of the class you travel in.
Like everything, if you could package up the best bits there would be a perfect travel experience. Or maybe there is, and I just haven't found it yet!? I'm sure I will have plenty if opportunity.
