Please contact us with your specific dates and we will gladly provide you with the best offers currently on the market but in the meantime see below for some of our specials and the Summer Schedules for flights from Cape Town to Germany and Switzerland.
Deukom Travel's Hot Tip on seats to avoid....
The Dreaded Middle Seat, is the true mush-pot in the seat assignment game of duck-duck-goose. On non-assignment airlines like Southwest, you can see the panic in the eyes of people in later boarding groups as they search for a seat — any seat — that's not sandwiched between two people. On airlines with seat assignments, dreaded middle seats are always the last to be claimed, meaning the later you book, the more likely you are to have to resign yourself to battling your window and aisle seatmates for the extra few centimeters that armrest domination secures. |
15 Airlines increase Cape Town travel!
Wesgro calculated over 1.5 million two-way seats will be available for Cape Town travellers due to increased services and new routes. Check out which airlines are making this a great summer for our Mother City.
5 New Flights Launching in South Africa
With South Africa’s domestic airline industry under increasing pressure, international airlines are taking advantage of a post-Covid boom in demand by launching several new flight paths that will come into effect before the end of the year.
South Africa’s remaining domestic airlines are likely to remain under pressure for the next four to five months, said FlySafair CEO Elmar Conradie – with limited flight capacity and rising input costs keeping ticket prices higher than before.
The domestic market has suffered a number of blows this year, with the closure of Comair wiping approximately 40% of the local flight capacity from the market, leaving reaming airlines scrambling to meet demand. This was exacerbated by the liquidation of SA Express last week, with another local airline, Mango, currently in limbo.
International flights have also struggled, with many countries still adopting a tight border policy. Conradie noted that with capacity issues and high costs being a deterrent, the domestic market has not yet returned to pre-Covid (2019) levels, currently at about 70%.
The international market is slightly weaker at 67% of pre-Covid levels, he said. But out of the ashes, some international carriers are finding opportunities in South Africa.
South Africa’s remaining domestic airlines are likely to remain under pressure for the next four to five months, said FlySafair CEO Elmar Conradie – with limited flight capacity and rising input costs keeping ticket prices higher than before.
The domestic market has suffered a number of blows this year, with the closure of Comair wiping approximately 40% of the local flight capacity from the market, leaving reaming airlines scrambling to meet demand. This was exacerbated by the liquidation of SA Express last week, with another local airline, Mango, currently in limbo.
International flights have also struggled, with many countries still adopting a tight border policy. Conradie noted that with capacity issues and high costs being a deterrent, the domestic market has not yet returned to pre-Covid (2019) levels, currently at about 70%.
The international market is slightly weaker at 67% of pre-Covid levels, he said. But out of the ashes, some international carriers are finding opportunities in South Africa.
Air Belgium – Cape Town / Joburg to Brussels – September 2022
Flights aboard Air Belgium’s modern A330neo will depart Brussels every Wednesday and Sunday at 19h45 – arriving in Johannesburg at 7h15 the next day, with a continuation to Cape Town.
South Africans heading to Europe will be able to fly from Cape Town International (with a short stop in Johannesburg) or OR Tambo every Monday and Thursday.
The flight offers 30 seats in Business Class, 21 seats in Premium Class and 235 Economy Class seats.
Fares start at R11,569 for an all-in return ticket between Johannesburg and Brussels, and passengers are allowed a 30kg baggage allowance for free.
Flights aboard Air Belgium’s modern A330neo will depart Brussels every Wednesday and Sunday at 19h45 – arriving in Johannesburg at 7h15 the next day, with a continuation to Cape Town.
South Africans heading to Europe will be able to fly from Cape Town International (with a short stop in Johannesburg) or OR Tambo every Monday and Thursday.
The flight offers 30 seats in Business Class, 21 seats in Premium Class and 235 Economy Class seats.
Fares start at R11,569 for an all-in return ticket between Johannesburg and Brussels, and passengers are allowed a 30kg baggage allowance for free.
Qantas – Perth to Johannesburg – 1 November 2022
From 1 November, Qantas will operate the only direct service from Perth to South Africa, operating three return flights per week on its Airbus A330 aircraft.
The new flights will cut more than six hours from the fastest current travel time, with customers heading to Johannesburg from Perth currently having to fly on Qantas via Sydney, or via the Middle East.
From 1 November, Qantas will operate the only direct service from Perth to South Africa, operating three return flights per week on its Airbus A330 aircraft.
The new flights will cut more than six hours from the fastest current travel time, with customers heading to Johannesburg from Perth currently having to fly on Qantas via Sydney, or via the Middle East.
United – Cape Town to Washington DC – 18 November 2022
United Airlines will fly a direct, non-stop service between Washington Dulles Airport and Cape Town International Airport.
The route positions United as the first carrier to provide a non-stop, roundtrip service from US capital, Washington DC, to Cape Town. Flights will operate three times a week, with the first take-off on 18 November 2022.
One-way flights are from R10,679, with a round trip priced from R14,789.
United Airlines will fly a direct, non-stop service between Washington Dulles Airport and Cape Town International Airport.
The route positions United as the first carrier to provide a non-stop, roundtrip service from US capital, Washington DC, to Cape Town. Flights will operate three times a week, with the first take-off on 18 November 2022.
One-way flights are from R10,679, with a round trip priced from R14,789.
Air Mauritius – Cape Town to Mauritius (overnight) – 16 November 2022
Air Mauritius is set to resume non-stop flights from Cape Town to Mauritius from 16 November this year.
The airline said it will offer two weekly flights leaving at night (22h05) from Cape Town and arriving in the early morning in Mauritius (05h10).
Air Mauritius currently offers flights from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo with a one-way economy class ticket costing around R5,500. FlySafair earlier this year also extended its route capacity to include twice-weekly flights from OR Tambo to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport.
Air Mauritius is set to resume non-stop flights from Cape Town to Mauritius from 16 November this year.
The airline said it will offer two weekly flights leaving at night (22h05) from Cape Town and arriving in the early morning in Mauritius (05h10).
Air Mauritius currently offers flights from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo with a one-way economy class ticket costing around R5,500. FlySafair earlier this year also extended its route capacity to include twice-weekly flights from OR Tambo to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport.
Delta – Cape Town to Atlanta, USA – 17 December 2022
Delta airlines announced a new nonstop route from Hartsfield–Jackson International Airport to Cape Town International Airport.
The new route between Atlanta and Cape Town will be available by the beginning of 17 December, the airline said. It comes as part of the carrier’s expansion from the largest airline hub in the world, located in Atlanta, into Africa.
Delta airlines announced a new nonstop route from Hartsfield–Jackson International Airport to Cape Town International Airport.
The new route between Atlanta and Cape Town will be available by the beginning of 17 December, the airline said. It comes as part of the carrier’s expansion from the largest airline hub in the world, located in Atlanta, into Africa.
Airlink connects Cape Town and Maputo with direct flights
On August 31st, 2022, Airlink began operating the first direct flights between Cape Town and Maputo. The new service, which will initially run three times per week, will make use of modern and efficient 37-seat Embraer 135 regional jets.
“Airlink is responding to the call of the travelling market for a direct service between the two coastal cities, which are also home to growing centres of economic activity, including trade and tourism. By flying direct rather than through Johannesburg, we will more than reduce the door-to-door travel time, giving our customers more time to do business and take advantage of the wide range of activities, attractions, food, and culture that Maputo has to offer, explains Rodger Foster, CEO and Managing Director of Airlink.
Flight Schedule:
4Z 489 depart Cape Town 17.10, arrive Maputo 19.40 (Wednesday, Friday & Sunday)
4Z 490 depart Maputo 06.10, arrive Cape Town 09.00 (Monday, Thursday & Saturday)
“Airlink is responding to the call of the travelling market for a direct service between the two coastal cities, which are also home to growing centres of economic activity, including trade and tourism. By flying direct rather than through Johannesburg, we will more than reduce the door-to-door travel time, giving our customers more time to do business and take advantage of the wide range of activities, attractions, food, and culture that Maputo has to offer, explains Rodger Foster, CEO and Managing Director of Airlink.
Flight Schedule:
4Z 489 depart Cape Town 17.10, arrive Maputo 19.40 (Wednesday, Friday & Sunday)
4Z 490 depart Maputo 06.10, arrive Cape Town 09.00 (Monday, Thursday & Saturday)
Emirates
Is Returning Effective 06th August 2021.
PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF THE FOLLOWING SCHEDULES TO CAPE TOWN:
The following European Airlines to resume direct flights ex Cape town :
Seasonal Flights ex Cape Town ( October – April )
Lufthansa
Cape Town – Munich – Cape Town
New: Cape Town – Frankfurt – Cape Town ( all year round )
Eurowings
Cape Town – Cologne – Cape Town
Edelweiss
Cape Town – Zurich – Cape Town
Austrian Airlines
Cape Town – Vienna – Cape Town ( commencing October 2018 )
The following European Airlines to resume direct flights ex Cape town :
Seasonal Flights ex Cape Town ( October – April )
Lufthansa
Cape Town – Munich – Cape Town
New: Cape Town – Frankfurt – Cape Town ( all year round )
Eurowings
Cape Town – Cologne – Cape Town
Edelweiss
Cape Town – Zurich – Cape Town
Austrian Airlines
Cape Town – Vienna – Cape Town ( commencing October 2018 )
Emirates is proud to announce our third daily flight from Cape Town to Dubai starting on the 04 July 2016.
Now with better / more connections to;
New York, London, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Rome, Sydney, Athens, Mumbai, Shanghai, Milan, Beijing, Munich, Hong Kong, Phuket, Bangkok, Singapore, Medina, Deli, Male and many more.
Now with better / more connections to;
New York, London, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Rome, Sydney, Athens, Mumbai, Shanghai, Milan, Beijing, Munich, Hong Kong, Phuket, Bangkok, Singapore, Medina, Deli, Male and many more.
One Mile at a Time
Interesting read on Top 10 airlines from One Mile at a Time. Click here to read more from their website.
1. Air France First Class 777-300ER
There are great first class products, and then there’s the perfection which is Air France first class. Air France’s 777-300ER first class cabin consists of a single row of seats, in a 1-2-1 configuration. The cabin is so elegant, and rather than offering enclosed suites with doors, they instead have curtains you can pull around your suite.
But what really sets apart Air France is the first class soft product. The food is the best I’ve had on any airline, the service is impeccable and oh-so-French, and every part of the experience is thought out.
When it’s time to sleep, Air France has some of the most comfortable bedding in the sky, and I love being able to draw a curtain around my seat for full privacy, which is more privacy than any other “enclosed” suite provides.
The way I see it, Air France first class is the world’s most well rounded first class product. While I’m not reviewing ground experiences here, the degree to which they tailor the experience from the moment you arrive at the airport until you leave is unrivaled. A flight in Air France first class feels like a perfectly executed performance.
The only area where Air France first class could improve is with the addition of wifi, but that’s coming soon.
1. Air France First Class 777-300ER
There are great first class products, and then there’s the perfection which is Air France first class. Air France’s 777-300ER first class cabin consists of a single row of seats, in a 1-2-1 configuration. The cabin is so elegant, and rather than offering enclosed suites with doors, they instead have curtains you can pull around your suite.
But what really sets apart Air France is the first class soft product. The food is the best I’ve had on any airline, the service is impeccable and oh-so-French, and every part of the experience is thought out.
When it’s time to sleep, Air France has some of the most comfortable bedding in the sky, and I love being able to draw a curtain around my seat for full privacy, which is more privacy than any other “enclosed” suite provides.
The way I see it, Air France first class is the world’s most well rounded first class product. While I’m not reviewing ground experiences here, the degree to which they tailor the experience from the moment you arrive at the airport until you leave is unrivaled. A flight in Air France first class feels like a perfectly executed performance.
The only area where Air France first class could improve is with the addition of wifi, but that’s coming soon.
2. Garuda Indonesia First Class 777-300ER
Garuda Indonesia is another airline that’s both consistent and tailors the experience from the time you arrive at the airport to when you leave. Garuda Indonesia first class has eight suites with doors. The hard product is good, though not remarkable compared to some of the other products out there.
But everything about the soft product is perfection. I find Garuda Indonesia to have the best flight attendants of any airline, and they even have an onboard chef in first class. The food is divine, they have great wine pairings, the presentation is exceptional, they offer first class passengers free wifi, etc. If you have any special requests for your flight, you can even make those before departure.
But really it’s the crews that make the experience. Many surveys rank Garuda Indonesia as having the best cabin crew, and I have to agree. The warmth of the Garuda Indonesia flight attendants I had on both of my flights with them was unrivaled.
The only area where Garuda Indonesia can improve is with their bedding. While it’s good, it’s not nearly as plush as what some other airlines offer.
While SkyTeam is generally thought of as the alliance of “leftover” airlines, it’s interesting that they have the world’s two best first class products.
Garuda Indonesia is another airline that’s both consistent and tailors the experience from the time you arrive at the airport to when you leave. Garuda Indonesia first class has eight suites with doors. The hard product is good, though not remarkable compared to some of the other products out there.
But everything about the soft product is perfection. I find Garuda Indonesia to have the best flight attendants of any airline, and they even have an onboard chef in first class. The food is divine, they have great wine pairings, the presentation is exceptional, they offer first class passengers free wifi, etc. If you have any special requests for your flight, you can even make those before departure.
But really it’s the crews that make the experience. Many surveys rank Garuda Indonesia as having the best cabin crew, and I have to agree. The warmth of the Garuda Indonesia flight attendants I had on both of my flights with them was unrivaled.
The only area where Garuda Indonesia can improve is with their bedding. While it’s good, it’s not nearly as plush as what some other airlines offer.
While SkyTeam is generally thought of as the alliance of “leftover” airlines, it’s interesting that they have the world’s two best first class products.
3. Emirates First Class A380
There’s no product in which I have more fun than Emirates A380 first class. Funny enough the biggest downside to Emirates first class is the actual suites. While they’re comfortable, they’re not all that spacious, and there are 14 of them, which is among the largest first class cabins offered by any airline.
Everything else about the Emirates first class experience is so well done, from their free flowing Dom Perignon, to their dine on demand menu with all kinds of great options (including caviar), to their excellent bedding.
But what really makes the Emirates A380 so fun is the onboard shower suite. Being able to shower in a huge private suite with heated floors and more toiletries than a Bed, Bath & Beyond, never gets old. On top of that, Emirates has on onboard bar at the back of business class.
So what’s not to love about starting your flight at the bar for a few drinks, having an amazing meal with caviar and Dom, taking a nap, waking up and taking a shower, heading back to the bar, and then having another meal?
There’s no product in which I have more fun than Emirates A380 first class. Funny enough the biggest downside to Emirates first class is the actual suites. While they’re comfortable, they’re not all that spacious, and there are 14 of them, which is among the largest first class cabins offered by any airline.
Everything else about the Emirates first class experience is so well done, from their free flowing Dom Perignon, to their dine on demand menu with all kinds of great options (including caviar), to their excellent bedding.
But what really makes the Emirates A380 so fun is the onboard shower suite. Being able to shower in a huge private suite with heated floors and more toiletries than a Bed, Bath & Beyond, never gets old. On top of that, Emirates has on onboard bar at the back of business class.
So what’s not to love about starting your flight at the bar for a few drinks, having an amazing meal with caviar and Dom, taking a nap, waking up and taking a shower, heading back to the bar, and then having another meal?
4. Etihad First Class A380
Etihad is the only airline to have a single-aisle configuration in first class on their A380s.
Their First Class “Apartments,” as they’re called, will take your breath away. I remember being speechless the first time I walked on an Etihad A380.
Etihad has a dine on demand menu with an onboard chef who can help you customize your meal, an onboard shower, and has the most square footage dedicated to each first class passenger of any airline.
However, there are some areas where Etihad is style over substance, in my opinion. While the suite is huge, it isn’t actually that practically designed, as the seat doesn’t recline that far back, and the bed isn’t that large. The food selection also isn’t quite as high end as Emirates’, and I’ve had some issues with them running out of food in first class. I also find that service can be a bit hit or miss.
These are all minor things, but explains why I rank Emirates’ A380 first class ahead of Etihad’s A380 first class, despite the gorgeous cabins on Etihad.
Etihad is the only airline to have a single-aisle configuration in first class on their A380s.
Their First Class “Apartments,” as they’re called, will take your breath away. I remember being speechless the first time I walked on an Etihad A380.
Etihad has a dine on demand menu with an onboard chef who can help you customize your meal, an onboard shower, and has the most square footage dedicated to each first class passenger of any airline.
However, there are some areas where Etihad is style over substance, in my opinion. While the suite is huge, it isn’t actually that practically designed, as the seat doesn’t recline that far back, and the bed isn’t that large. The food selection also isn’t quite as high end as Emirates’, and I’ve had some issues with them running out of food in first class. I also find that service can be a bit hit or miss.
These are all minor things, but explains why I rank Emirates’ A380 first class ahead of Etihad’s A380 first class, despite the gorgeous cabins on Etihad.
5. Singapore Suites Class A380
I should note that Singapore Airlines will be revealing their new Suites Class in just under a week, and it has the potential to be the world’s best first class product. However, over the past few years I think Singapore’s product has slipped a bit as a relative matter.
Singapore’s A380 Suites Class has an impressive layout. You can choose a single Suite by the window…
…or if you’re traveling with someone you can snag two seats in the center section, and have a double bed (if you’re traveling with someone and like this feature, it might just make it the world’s best first class).
On a good day, Singapore’s Suites Class might be the best first class product in the world. On a lunch or dinner flight departing Singapore their catering is typically excellent, and they sometimes have caviar, satay, etc. You can even “book the cook” in advance, and order from a huge menu that’s not available onboard.
Singapore is also the only airline to offer both Dom Perignon and Krug onboard. Tough decision.
Service on Singapore Airlines is typically impeccable, thanks to the famous “Singapore Girls” (and boys, I suppose).
There are a few reasons I’m not ranking this product higher, though. I find the actual bed to be a bit too hard, and not nearly as comfortable as some of the products out there. Wifi is slow and outrageously expensive. Lastly, the product isn’t terribly consistent — while the food is typically great on a lunch or dinner flight, late night departures typically get a “supper” service, which is a much lighter (and less extravagant) meal.
I should note that Singapore Airlines will be revealing their new Suites Class in just under a week, and it has the potential to be the world’s best first class product. However, over the past few years I think Singapore’s product has slipped a bit as a relative matter.
Singapore’s A380 Suites Class has an impressive layout. You can choose a single Suite by the window…
…or if you’re traveling with someone you can snag two seats in the center section, and have a double bed (if you’re traveling with someone and like this feature, it might just make it the world’s best first class).
On a good day, Singapore’s Suites Class might be the best first class product in the world. On a lunch or dinner flight departing Singapore their catering is typically excellent, and they sometimes have caviar, satay, etc. You can even “book the cook” in advance, and order from a huge menu that’s not available onboard.
Singapore is also the only airline to offer both Dom Perignon and Krug onboard. Tough decision.
Service on Singapore Airlines is typically impeccable, thanks to the famous “Singapore Girls” (and boys, I suppose).
There are a few reasons I’m not ranking this product higher, though. I find the actual bed to be a bit too hard, and not nearly as comfortable as some of the products out there. Wifi is slow and outrageously expensive. Lastly, the product isn’t terribly consistent — while the food is typically great on a lunch or dinner flight, late night departures typically get a “supper” service, which is a much lighter (and less extravagant) meal.
6. Cathay Pacific First Class 777-300ER
Cathay Pacific’s product has more or less remained unchanged for the past decade, and it’s still one of my favorites out there. Cathay Pacific first class has just six seats, in a 1-1-1 configuration. While the seats aren’t fully enclosed, they’re angled away from the aisle and sufficiently spacious so that there’s no need for them to be. It makes the product feel less claustrophobic, which I appreciate.
Cathay Pacific has one of the three most comfortable beds in the sky. The bed is wide, and the bedding plush.
I also love the ability to dine face-to-face with a companion. Caviar and Krug at 37,000 feet is a heck of a date night. I also appreciate that Cathay Pacific offers a full meal service even on departures in the middle of the night.
Cathay Pacific crews are also consistent and attentive. They’re always there during the meals, and when you need something during the flight, they appear in just a couple of seconds after pushing the call button.
So, why isn’t Cathay Pacific ranked higher? They don’t have wifi (though that’s changing soon), but mainly because other than the caviar, I don’t find their meal services to be that great. The food has been identical for about a decade, and their main courses are typically pretty bland. I wish they’d switch things up a bit more.
Cathay Pacific’s product has more or less remained unchanged for the past decade, and it’s still one of my favorites out there. Cathay Pacific first class has just six seats, in a 1-1-1 configuration. While the seats aren’t fully enclosed, they’re angled away from the aisle and sufficiently spacious so that there’s no need for them to be. It makes the product feel less claustrophobic, which I appreciate.
Cathay Pacific has one of the three most comfortable beds in the sky. The bed is wide, and the bedding plush.
I also love the ability to dine face-to-face with a companion. Caviar and Krug at 37,000 feet is a heck of a date night. I also appreciate that Cathay Pacific offers a full meal service even on departures in the middle of the night.
Cathay Pacific crews are also consistent and attentive. They’re always there during the meals, and when you need something during the flight, they appear in just a couple of seconds after pushing the call button.
So, why isn’t Cathay Pacific ranked higher? They don’t have wifi (though that’s changing soon), but mainly because other than the caviar, I don’t find their meal services to be that great. The food has been identical for about a decade, and their main courses are typically pretty bland. I wish they’d switch things up a bit more.
7. Japan Airlines First Class 777-300ER
There’s no country where there’s more pride in the service industry than Japan, and that’s incredibly evident when flying Japan Airlines first class. It’s like getting a taste of Japan before you even get there. Japan Airlines has fully flat beds in first class with direct aisle access, though the seats as such don’t stand out that much.
What does stand out is the excellent food (caviar, sushi, wagyu beef, etc.), Salon champagne (the most expensive champagne served in the sky), the free and fast wifi, the ability to choose the firmness of your mattress pad, and the perfect service.
There’s no country where there’s more pride in the service industry than Japan, and that’s incredibly evident when flying Japan Airlines first class. It’s like getting a taste of Japan before you even get there. Japan Airlines has fully flat beds in first class with direct aisle access, though the seats as such don’t stand out that much.
What does stand out is the excellent food (caviar, sushi, wagyu beef, etc.), Salon champagne (the most expensive champagne served in the sky), the free and fast wifi, the ability to choose the firmness of your mattress pad, and the perfect service.
8. Lufthansa First Class A380 Or 747-8
Maybe I’m biased due to my German background, but I love Lufthansa first class for how consistent and elegant it is. No, they don’t have the most private first class seats out there, but the cabins are elegant (in a German way), the service is among the best of any western airline, and they’re remarkably consistent in terms of their offerings.
There’s just something about the pre-flight champagne, nuts, and roses that makes me feel like I’m at home in Lufthansa first class.
Lufthansa has great bedding in first class, and also has fast and cheap inflight internet, and they offer it more consistently than just about any airline.
Maybe I’m biased due to my German background, but I love Lufthansa first class for how consistent and elegant it is. No, they don’t have the most private first class seats out there, but the cabins are elegant (in a German way), the service is among the best of any western airline, and they’re remarkably consistent in terms of their offerings.
There’s just something about the pre-flight champagne, nuts, and roses that makes me feel like I’m at home in Lufthansa first class.
Lufthansa has great bedding in first class, and also has fast and cheap inflight internet, and they offer it more consistently than just about any airline.
9. Swiss First Class 777-300ER
It’s a toss-up between Lufthansa first class and Swiss first class, so I could have just as easily ranked Swiss ahead of Lufthansa. Swiss’ 777-300ER first class cabins have eight seats, in a 1-2-1 configuration.
The food presentation and quality are definitely higher-end feeling than on Lufthansa, even though they don’t have caviar.
I’ve had great service in Swiss first class, though I’ve also had pretty bad service, so I find that part of the product to be a bit inconsistent.
Swiss’ first class bedding is plush and comfortable, so a great night of sleep on Swiss is a given.
It’s a toss-up between Lufthansa first class and Swiss first class, so I could have just as easily ranked Swiss ahead of Lufthansa. Swiss’ 777-300ER first class cabins have eight seats, in a 1-2-1 configuration.
The food presentation and quality are definitely higher-end feeling than on Lufthansa, even though they don’t have caviar.
I’ve had great service in Swiss first class, though I’ve also had pretty bad service, so I find that part of the product to be a bit inconsistent.
Swiss’ first class bedding is plush and comfortable, so a great night of sleep on Swiss is a given.
10. All Nippon Airways First Class 777-300ER
Some might be surprised to see me ranking ANA first class a few places below JAL first class. Like I said, there’s no science to my rankings, but there are two reasons I don’t like ANA first class quite as much as JAL:
I find ANA’s seats to be poorly designed; they’re like cubicles, and have wood panels by your side so that you can’t easily look outside when you’re in a window seat, and can’t comfortably talk with your seatmate if you’re traveling with someone in the center seats; this is such a silly design. Much more minor, but ANA’s wifi is significantly more expensive
Other than that, ANA first class is great. Caviar, Krug, fantastic Japanese food, etc.
Some might be surprised to see me ranking ANA first class a few places below JAL first class. Like I said, there’s no science to my rankings, but there are two reasons I don’t like ANA first class quite as much as JAL:
I find ANA’s seats to be poorly designed; they’re like cubicles, and have wood panels by your side so that you can’t easily look outside when you’re in a window seat, and can’t comfortably talk with your seatmate if you’re traveling with someone in the center seats; this is such a silly design. Much more minor, but ANA’s wifi is significantly more expensive
Other than that, ANA first class is great. Caviar, Krug, fantastic Japanese food, etc.
Honorable Mention: Etihad A380 The Residence
This can’t be included on the list since it’s not technically a first class product, but rather is the most incredible experience you can have in commercial aviation. Unfortunately it’s also priced accordingly. Having your own three room suite, including a private bedroom and shower, with butler service, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and then some.
This can’t be included on the list since it’s not technically a first class product, but rather is the most incredible experience you can have in commercial aviation. Unfortunately it’s also priced accordingly. Having your own three room suite, including a private bedroom and shower, with butler service, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and then some.