How The Other Half Flies

Welcome Aboard

The idea of flying first-class comes with a pretty hefty price tag in upwards of $4000-$12,000.

Despite low-cost carriers, there are those that wage no bones about spending the extra buck for the luxury of first-class pampering.

But what's the point?

Some will say it's just a waste of money that can be spent in a more resposible way.

Agree or disagree?

But really, what do you get for spending the big bucks?

The following information was provided by Via, a AAA Traveler's Companion, comparing airlines and the perks they provide:

Goodie Bags

• American — Origins Lip Remedy, cooling gel, and (on request) Blade Runner shaving cream.
• United — Aerosense mouth wash, lip balm, and moisturizer, all created for the airline.
• Delta — Lip balm and lotion from L’Occitane.
• Continental — Rembrandt toothpaste and toothbrush; blue cotton socks.
• Virgin — Virgin Vie eye gel, essential oil body gel, pen, paper, and mints.
• Singapore — Hermès lotion and Neutrogena lip moisturizer; aromatherapy oils and mist.

To Help You Sleep

• American — A privacy divider and a fully reclining seat.
• United — Full-size pillows, a privacy divider, and a fully reclining seat.
• Delta — An eye shade with a terry liner, and comfy, ergonomically designed seats.
• Continental — Full-size pillows, electronic lumbar support, and an adjustable footrest.
• Virgin — Fully reclining seats, eye shades, cotton pajamas, and soft, cozy socks.
• Singapore — Seats turn into beds with fresh linens and duvet. Plus: Givenchy pajamas.

Dinner

• American — Filet mignon pot roast, paella, or lamb chops in rosemary sauce.
• United — Golden sesame chicken napped in citrus sauce with fried rice and peppers.
• Delta — Five-course meal with entrée choices ranging from beef tenderloin to vegetarian pasta.
• Continental — Grilled veal chop with porcini mushroom sauce and roasted vegetables in wine sauce.
• Virgin — Menu allows you to select from 23 items, from a light salmon salad to a Philly cheese steak.
• Singapore — Lobster thermidor, steak, lamb noisettes, or a barramundi fillet baked in a banana leaf.

Dessert

• American — Vanilla flan with white chocolate mousse or coconut manjar with chocolate sauce.
• United — Ice cream sundaes with hot fudge, walnuts, and whipped cream. Dieting? Fresh fruit.
• Delta — Old-fashioned ice cream sundaes with the works.
• Continental — Hot fudge sundaes, apple cobbler, and cognac.
• Virgin — Sweet nibbles, including miniature raspberry cheesecakes and meringue tortes.
• Singapore — Healthy sweets, such as sliced fresh fruit, or berry sorbet with a fruit compote.

Free Booze

• American — 1996 Bordeaux and Pommery Cuvée Madame Louise 1988 champagne.
• United — Dom Pérignon and Chivas Brothers Royal Salute scotch.
• Delta — A selection of wines from around the world.
• Continental — Grand Marnier and Harvey’s Bristol Cream
• Virgin — Order some Virgin vodka or Rémy Martin cognac at the stand-up bar.
• Singapore — Champagne from Dom Pérignon and Krug.

Entertainment

• American — Personal TV screen with a DVD player.
• United — Personal TV screen with programs from NBC, Disney, and ESPN. Plus your choice of films.
• Delta — Personal TV screen, films, and video games, ranging from blackjack to Tetris.
• Continental — Personal screen for viewing The Simpsons, first-run movies, or classics like Rebel Without a Cause.
• Virgin — Watch new films (or favorite oldies) on your personal screen. Or you can play Nintendo.
• Singapore — Personal 14-in. screen; interactive information on your destination.

Seat Size (pitch is distance from seat back to back of seat behind)

• American — Pitch: 89 in. Width: 21 in. (30.5 in. on international flights) Recline: all the way.
• United — Pitch: 78 in. Width: 21.5 in. Recline: all the way.
• Delta — Pitch: 60 in. Width: 21 in. Recline: 17 in.
• Continental — Pitch: 55 in. Width: 20-21 in. Recline: 15 in.
• Virgin — Pitch: 55–60 in. Width: 22.5 in. Recline: converts into a bed.
• Singapore — Pitch: 78 in. Width: 23 in. Recline: converts to a 76-in. bed with an inflatable air mattress.

Luxurious Amenities

• American — Bose noise-cancelling headsets.
• United — The seat can inflate and deflate every two minutes, giving you a massage.
• Delta — A self-service snack station with cheeses, fruits, and nuts.
• Continental — Complimentary limousine service upon arrival; open snack bar.
• Virgin — In-flight massages and manicures; free limo service.
• Singapore — Sip your Dom Pérignon from crystal glasses.

If you ask me, you can spend much less on any of the perks yourself and still have the "luxury" of living like the other half.

Bring a freind along or a few on the trip and make it a party in coach.

Thanks For Flying :)