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Airlines have been getting more thoughtful about the offerings that come with premium-class tickets. Whether you’re flying business or first class, there’s a slew of perks to make your journey easier and more comfortable — and we’re not just talking about roomier seats.
For instance, when I flew KLM to Amsterdam in business class, I was so cozy in my lie-flat seat that when it was time to prepare for landing, I woke up in a dreamy state to an attendant with a tray full of adorable little Dutch house figurines. Turns out, these Delft Blue miniature houses are coveted collectibles among frequent fliers — and they’re filled with gin. Now I have mine on display at home, a reminder of that delightful moment.
Another airline souvenir I use daily: the all-season pajamas I received while flying EVA Air’s Royal Laurel class from Taipei back to New York City. Not only is the two-piece sleepwear set so soft and comfortable, but it’s trendy, created by renowned Taiwanese-Canadian fashion designer Jason Wu, best known for Michelle Obama’s 2013 inaugural gown.
Nowadays, most premium plane tickets tend to come with dedicated check-in desks, as well as exclusive lounge access. In flight, carriers are racing to outdo one another with upscale dining experiences from top-name chefs and brand-name amenities. Here are 10 of the best free perks you can get in business and first class on some of the world’s best airlines.
Grab-and-go Meals
Courtesy of Air Canada
Air Canada Cafés, currently at Toronto Pearson International Airport and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, are part of a new wave of airline offerings focused on travelers who have quick layovers but still want to enjoy the airport lounge. Both of the Montreal-based carrier’s cafes have grocery store-like refrigerated sections stocked daily with wraps, salads, and fresh-baked pastries for healthy and tasty options on the go.
Delta Air Lines also launched the concept at its hub in Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in the Delta Sky Club in concourse B near Gate B18, calling it the Grab-and-go Experience.
In-flight Comfort Foods
Courtesy of Delta
While many premium travelers are treated to high-end chef-curated meals, Delta is going for the ultimate comfort food: a Shake Shack burger. The Atlanta-based airline announced this week it will start offering first-class fliers from Boston traveling more than 900 miles the option to pre-select a cheeseburger from the beloved chain. Not just that, it will be customizable with tomato, lettuce, and ShackSauce.
The meal needs to be selected more than 24 hours in advance and comes with chips, Caesar salad, and a brownie. The perk will launch Dec. 1, and roll out to other U.S. markets throughout 2025.
Premium Amenity Kits
Courtesy of United
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
Courtesy of American Airlines
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
Courtesy of United
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
Courtesy of Air France
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
Courtesy of Hyatt
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
Courtesy of Air New Zealand
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
Courtesy of KLM
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
Photosensia/Getty Images
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.
