Luxury Brands Elevate In-Flight Perks for Preferred Passengers

Snagging a pair of headphones from a long flight can be fun, but receiving a custom case full of name brand amenities sure is better. More and more leading airlines are hoping to relieve the stress of long flights by offering up goods by luxury brands to their business and first class customers. With both Qantas Airways and Delta Airlines already stocking their business class cabins with designer travel kits and premium skincare products, we look forward to seeing what else is going to turn up for these preferred passengers.

If economy class is not already jealous of Qantas’ premium International Business Service (offering Mark Newson-designed SkyBeds, Neil Perry-designed menu options, and an in-flight entertainment system that features more than 500 entertainment options), they might consider upgrading for the Kate Spade New York and Jack Spade amenity kits. Regular readers will recognize these exclusive bags because we wrote about them back in October 2012. As a reminder, the pouch comes in two exclusive designs, one masculine and one feminine, and carries a selection of Malin+Goetz skincare products as well as an eye mask, ear plugs, socks, toothpaste and a toothbrush.

Providing preferred customers with a good night's (or day’s) rest is a top priority for Qantas, which is why they chose to add a mattress pad over the existing Skybeds. They also got rid of the itchy blankets and opted for soft duvets instead. The new Select on Q-Eat service is in place to help you take advantage of those comfy beds. You can choose exactly what you want to eat and when you'd like it served before you even board, so your beauty rest isn't disturbed.

Not to be outdone, Delta Air Lines is also offering select Malin+Goetz skincare products, coming in a sleek case designed by luxury travel brand Tumi. The kit, made from the brand's signature abrasion-proof ballistic nylon fabric, will include Malin+Goetz’s Neroli Hand & Body Lotion and Lip Moisturizer, a Tumi eye mask, socks and toiletries. The travel cases will debut later this month in Delta's BusinessElite cabins for international fliers.

Delta's BusinessElite experience already touts some high-end extras: full flat-bed seats with direct aisle access; a five-course gourmet meal (including paired wines) curated by Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson; hours of digital on-demand entertainment options; premium pillows; and quilted duvets.

With these two major airlines leading the way for preferred passenger perks, we hope it's only a matter of time before other companies take note and do the same. Even though long flights can be taxing, we definitely think brands like Tumi, Kate Spade, and Malin+Goetz make the experience much better. Besides, who doesn't like swag while cruising 30,000 feet in the air?