For most people, flying can be a huge hassle. But for the lucky few who can afford a first class ticket, the experience is something entirely different.

United Arab Emirates-based Etihad was recently crowned the world's leading first class airline by the World Travel Awards, but the eight other international airlines that were nominated for the title also have pretty cushy accommodations.

You'd be hard-pressed to find better service, better food, or more comfortable settings than in the first class cabins you're about to see.

ETIHAD AIRWAYS: A round-trip, first class ticket from New York to Abu Dhabi, the airline's hub, costs between $14,000 and $16,000

Source: Etihad Airways

The airline seeks to reflect the best of Arabian hospitality; their in-flight chefs are recruited from some of the world's best restaurants

Source: Etihad Airways

Etihad sports a luxurious flatbed seat in each of its suites which, at the touch of a button, shifts into a 6' 8" bed

Source: Etihad Airways

Please follow Getting There on Twitter and Facebook.

The halcyon days of domestic first class seating may be behind us as the experience becomes more and more similar to coach.

Over the years first class has lost its luxury luster, having suffered from a variety of factors including, most importantly, 1970s financial deregulation and free upgrades, reports Jesse McKinley for The New York Times.

Deregulation, which did away with government-controlled fares, meant that airlines were now competing through better prices, not better service.

And upgrades offered through frequent flier deals have, according to some, cheapened the sanctity of a first class experience. Also, with the addition of premium economy to the hierarchy of airplane seating, the line of luxury has been blurred even more.

Even so, some airlines still go the full nine yards for their highest-paying customers.

Click here to see the 9 most incredible first class airline seats >

Please follow Getting There on Twitter and Facebook.

Join the conversation about this story »

A cruise ship owned by the same company responsible for the fatal Costa Concordia disaster last month has gone adrift near the Seychelles after a fire broke out on board, the Italian coast guard is reporting, according to SkyNews.

The Italian coast guard said in a statement that all passengers and crew were “in good health and were informed promptly of the situation,” according to the National Post.

The ship, the Costa Allegra, has around 1,000 people on board, the National Post reports. It's currently floating around 200 miles from the shore of the Seychelle Islands in the Indian Ocean.

The fire has reportedly been put out and the ship's communication devices are working, though its engines are not.

In mid-January, the Costa Concordia, owned by Carnival's Italian subsidiary Costa Cruises, ran aground on the western coast of Italy, killing 32.

Last week, the company faced another PR disaster when 22 passengers aboard a Carnival ship were robbed by hooded gunmen in Mexico.

SEE ALSO: 10 Horrifying Cruise Ship Disasters >

Please follow The Life on Twitter and Facebook.

Join the conversation about this story »

The British airline Virgin Atlantic is planning to institute a whisper-only policy aboard its soon-to-be-launched Upper Class Dream Suite, reports Nancy Trejos for USA Today. 

Virgin has hired "whispering coaches" to train flight attendants to speak softly when lights are low and passengers are resting. Cabin seats are even equipped with buffers that make snoring inaudible.

Passengers, too, are expected to keep it down during resting time. "Down," in this case, means 20 to 30 decibels, according to Trejos, who writes that 60 to 70 decibels is the normal speaking volume.

Richard Fitzgerald, a whispering coach, told Trejos via e-mail that whispering "soothes and relaxes passengers."

But apparently this is only a First Class amenity. It would not surprise us if the lowly passengers in coach did not receive treatment below 90 decibels.

Now check out the best first class airline seats >

Please follow Getting There on Twitter and Facebook.

Join the conversation about this story »

Americans consider themselves the world's worst tourists, according to the latest LivingSocial"Escapes" survey.

Among the 5,600 people surveyed across five countries, 20 percent of respondents agreed that the
United States had the worst travelers. China came in second, at 15 percent.

And the proof may be in the pudding: 39 percent of the Americans surveyed admitted to stealing from a hotel, from towels to umbrellas.

Some even fessed up to taking bibles--how ironic.

Of those who came clean about their sticky fingers, Miami residents were the most likely to steal, LivingSocial found.

Orlando, Minneapolis, and San Francisco residents were least likely to steal from hotels.

DON'T MISS: How To Travel In Singapore Without Getting Caned >

Please follow The Life on Twitter and Facebook.

Join the conversation about this story »

Imagine having access to a pass that lets you fly as much as you want.

Sounds too good to be true, right?

Well, that's the reality for the lucky few who own AAirpass, a pass that gets them an unlimited lifetime access to first-class trips on American Airlines.

The lifestyle of these privileged AAirpass holders was recently featured in an LA Times feature over the weekend. Apparently, American Airlines is losing millions of dollars from some of the heavy users of the AAirpass program. The firm decided to find ways to cancel some of their memberships and allegedly used dirty tactics such as bribery and extortion.

The program was started in 1981 as a way for the airline to raise money for expansion. Each pass started out costing $250,000 and came with the option of purchasing an additional companion pass for an extra $150,000. Of course, the price rose throughout the years, and the airline finally retired the program in 1994. However, it did make one last appearance in 2004 in a Neiman Marcus Christmas catalog for $3 million.

Here's what it's like to hold one of these passes:

"He was airborne almost every other day. If a friend mentioned a new exhibit at the Louvre, Rothstein thought nothing of jetting from his Chicago home to San Francisco to pick her up and then fly to Paris together.

In July 2004, for example, Rothstein flew 18 times, visiting Nova Scotia, New York, Miami, London, Los Angeles, Maine, Denver and Fort Lauderdale, Fla., some of them several times over. The complexity of such itineraries would stump most travelers; happily for AAirpass holders, American provided elite agents able to solve the toughest booking puzzles."

It sounds like a dream to be able to fly to any country you want on a whim — where would you travel if you had one of these passes?

Now see how a personal finance expert plans a trip to Ireland > 

Please follow Your Money on Twitter and Facebook.

Join the conversation about this story »

Do you have champagne tastes, but your company has a beer budget?

Comfort while traveling might seem like a luxury, but it is essential to your productivity.

If you spend hours up in the air flying economy, you can arrive tired and stressed, and not exactly in prime shape for working.

That doesn't mean you have to beg your boss to splurge for the upgrade.

Here are five savvy tips from experienced business travelers that will make you feel like you feel like a million bucks by the time you arrive at your destination (without costing your company the same).

Time your travel
One of the worst parts of flying economy are the long check-in lines. If you're smart and have a flexible enough schedule, you will time your travel so you never have to deal with them. "Airports are at their busiest in the early morning on weekdays," notes Mathias Friess, CEO of Webjet, a international online travel agency. If you fly the night before, you'll avoid the crowds, and if you book an airport hotel, the small extra cost may be made up by finding a less popular (read: cheaper) flight.

Earn frequent flyer miles, fast
Focus your miles on one or two airlines, and then start using the airline's branded credit cards. "Every dollar I spend is on credit and gains miles. I once flew and stayed in a 4-star hotel for free for a week for a business trip using only frequent flyer miles. Frequent flyer credit cards [also] can actually lower the cost to check baggage. The Delta Gold Amex allows passengers to check a free bag," notes Michael Stanat, global research executive with SIS International Research. He adds that some cards also offer free access to airport lounges.

Ask for things
If you don't try to get upgrades or freebies, you never will. "Traditionally in economy class, they make you wait until the plane has reached a certain altitude before serving drinks. I've found that if you ask the flight attendant for a bottle of water or a can of ginger ale when you first get on the plane as you board, they will just give it to you right then and there," shares Richard S. Bernstein, CEO and Founder of Richard S.

Bernstein & Associates, Inc., a national health care and life insurance company. And consider paying a few bucks for some small luxuries, like a pillow or blanket. "Think of it this way: What's better, paying a couple hundred dollars extra for business class or pay a couple bucks for the amenities of business class?" says Bernstein.

Read the full post here. 

Business travel tips: 6 ways to make work trips tolerable
Business travel diet: 8 ways to lose weight and stay healthy
Monster commutes: should yours make the list?

DON'T MISS: 10 things you don't want to forget to pack in your carry-on >

Please follow Your Money on Twitter and Facebook.

Join the conversation about this story »

YouTube user Volterrific treated himself to a first class ticket on a recent Emirates Airlines flight from Bangkok to Hong Kong, and recorded the whole experience to the delight of folks who are used to sitting economy.

The ticket cost a relatively meager $550, likely because the flight is a quick three hours, Volterrific wrote.

As you can see from the video below, it was a three hours well spent. Volterrific took a shower at 40,000 feet, ate a delicious looking meal, and even shook up a drink behind the bar.

[Laughing Squid via Gawker]

Now check out the luxurious amenities of the world's best airlines >

Please follow Getting There on Twitter and Facebook.

Join the conversation about this story »

In recent years, flying first class has lost its luxury luster, to the point where we're not even sure if it's still worth the money.

But for those who are set on having the best at 30,000 feet, it's good to know which airlines to choose.

For 15 years, the World Travel Awards have been selecting the "World's Leading Airline" for flying first class.

Etihad Airlines has won every year since 2008, including 2012. But the eight other nominees have great things to offer as well.

You'd be hard-pressed to find better service, better food, or more comfortable settings than in the first class cabins you're about to see.

American Airlines

This airline offers the industry's first swivel seats in its first class section, making face-to-face interaction much easier.

The 6' 6" seats aboard American have dropdown armrests and recline fully flat.

British Airways

Each first class suite aboard British Airways comes with a private wardrobe. 

It was also the first airline to offer electronic blinds onboard a commercial aircraft.

Cathay Pacific Airways

All dishes aboard Cathay are made to order, representing an array of Asian and international cuisine.

For entertainment, passengers can select from more than 100 movies, 500 TV shows, and 22 radio channels — in 10 languages — to watch on their personal screen.

There are only six to nine first class seats — suites, really — aboard each of Cathay's jets.

Please follow Getting There on Twitter and Facebook.

Famed financial writer and terminator-turned-Californian-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger sat next to each other on their first class flight this week, according to the Australian Financial Review’s Rear Window column.

Lewis was speaking at an AFR lunch, where the the Money Ball author mentioned the first time he saw a room full of naked baseball players, and Schwarzenegger is here raising awareness for climate change.

At the lunch yesterday Lewis also described how he thinks he inadvertently caused the sub-prime crisis by making bond trading seem like such a cool job in his book Liar’s Poker.

Now read: Liar’s Poker Author Reckons He Inadvertently Created The Subprime Crisis

Read more posts on Business Insider Australia »

Join the conversation about this story »

First-class air passengers have a carbon footprint as much as seven times larger than the average passenger's, according to a new study from the World Bank. The study comes as airliners push the envelop of luxurious accommodations, while simultaneously aiming to 'green' their operations. 

Finally, there's a reason to feel good about sitting in coach.

First-class fliers, by contrast, have a carbon footprint that's as much as seven times larger than the average passenger's, according to the World Bank's study. Not only do first-class passengers take up more space, those first-class seats are also more likely to remain unfilled than economy seats.

The study comes as airliners push the envelop of luxurious accommodations, while simultaneously aiming to 'green' their operations. Those goals appear paradoxical. Can travelers enjoy the comforts of modern air travel without the guilt of the contrails they leave behind?

One might argue that weight is the most important factor, so all those extra passengers and their luggage crammed in economy make a plane less fuel-efficient.

"The problem with this argument is that the 'footprint' of a passenger on a commercial flight depends more on the space taken up by the passenger in the aircraft, and less on how much the passenger (and her or his luggage) weighs," Jon Strand, a senior economist at World Bank, wrote on the organization's blog. 

Passenger weight makes up only 15 to 20 percent of an aircraft's weight, the World Bank found. The more passengers you fit on a plane the lower their personal footprint will be. First-class fliers, meanwhile, take up as much as six times more space than economy fliers, according to the study.

Global air travel produced 689 million metric tons of carbon dioxide in 2012, according to the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), an industry association. That's 2 percent of the world's total emissions and 12 percent of total transport emissions. Road travel, by comparison, made up 74 percent of transportation emissions, according to ATAG. 

It helps contextualize planes like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which pairs spacious interiors with energy-saving battery technology and lightweight design. The Dreamliner saves 20 percent on fuel compared with planes of similar sizes, according to Boeing, but it has experienced a debut marred with overheating batteries and cracked engines. Only time will tell if the industry can succeed in pursuing twin goals of enhanced passenger experience and reduced environmental impact.

In the meantime, perhaps it's the economy passengers who deserve to look down on their leg-stretching brethren at the front of the plane.

Join the conversation about this story »

For most travelers in the 21st century, flying is a dreary experience, full of inconvenience, indignity, and discomfort.

That wasn't the case in the late 1930s, when those with the money to afford trans-oceanic flight got to take the Boeing Model 314, better known as the Clipper.

Even Franklin Roosevelt used the plane, celebrating his 61st birthday on board.

Between 1938 and 1941, Boeing built 12 of the jumbo planes for Pan American World Airways.

The 314 offered a range of 3,500 miles — enough to cross either the Atlantic or Pacific —and room for 74 passengers onboard.

Of course, modern aviation offers an amazing first class experience (and it's a whole lot safer), but nothing in the air today matches the romanticism of crossing the ocean in the famed Clipper.

Thanks to the Pan Am Historical Foundation for sharing its photos. The foundation is currently working on a documentary about Pan American World Airways and the adventure of the flying boat age. Find out more here.

The Model 314's nickname Clipper came from an especially fast type of sailing ship, used in the 19th century.

The ship analogy was appropriate, as the Clipper landed on the water, not runways.

Here's a diagram of the different areas of the plane.

[Source: Boeing]

Ana Silva O’Reilly gets almost misty-eyed when she thinks about a souvenir from her trip to New York several years ago: an Anya Hindmarch bag, featuring a black-and-white photo of London Bridge, which she received while flying first class on British Airways.

“There was something special about the bags,” says the U.K.-based luxury-travel blogger. “They were quite exclusive but, more than anything, very usable. To this day, you see quite a few on security queues—and people smile at each other.”

Even for travelers who embrace all manner of egalitarianism on the ground, it’s hard to argue with the VIP treatment you get while riding in business or first class on long-haul flights. Of course, there’s the legroom and the increasing number of flatbed seats.

But for some passengers, the little creature comforts that many airlines offer—like a set of cozy loungewear, or a live orchid blooming over your seat—elevate the front-of-plane experience. “Although it’s not the main reason why I select which premium class I fly to a particular destination,” admits Brian Kelly, founder of frequent-flyer site ThePointsGuy, “a great amenity kit can definitely make a difference to the in-flight experience.”

The airlines are paying attention. According to the International Air Transport Association, “upper-class passengers” account for about a third of airline revenues, even though they occupy a small piece of the plane’s real estate.

When we looked around the world, we found several airlines (most, strikingly, based outside the U.S.) that butter up their first-class passengers with high-end goodie bags and instant-souvenir embroidered pajamas, along with fabulous front-of-the-cabin perks (hot shower before landing, anyone?) that can mitigate even the worst case of jet lag.

Almost maddeningly, too, those perks are not always easily re-created on the ground. Those BA amenity kits, for instance, have an “amazing lip balm that you can’t buy anywhere yet,” says O’Reilly. “I have asked the brand and was told that I would have to fly BA First again—and I could be tempted.”

Air New Zealand

Any airline that uses characters from The Hobbit for its safety video clearly doesn’t feel the need to embrace pretension. Perhaps that’s why the amenity kit in Air New Zealand’s Business Premier Class (the airline doesn’t even offer a first class) is a nice blend of luxe and quirky. You get Clarins skin-care products, a pair of hipsterish striped socks and eye masks with cheeky messages—such as “Beware I Sleep Walk”—written across the front. airnewzealand.com

British Airways

The former home of the Concorde has inspired a loyal following for its high-tone, cool-Britannia amenity kits. The centerpiece these days is a Gladstone-style bag by Sloane Street retailer Anya Hindmarch—marked with BA’s traditional seal—filled with eye gel, lip balm and moisturizer by all-natural skin-care maker Ren, and accented with a toothbrush set by D. R. Harris (a company that dates back to Victorian times). britishairways.com

Cathay Pacific

On this Hong Kong–based airline, men get a dash of Milan style with a bag by Ermenegildo Zegna filled with Acca Kappa toiletries, while ladies receive a clutch by Trussardi (once the bag maker to the British royal family) stocked with products from Australian brand Aesop.

Everyone, meanwhile, can channel some classic Oriental style in the airline’s heather-shaded sleep suits, featuring a traditional mandarin collar, made by Hong Kong designer PYE. (Coordinate with matching sleep masks and slippers.) To boost the good feng shui, first-class cabins even feature wall-mounted vases with fresh orchids. cathaypacific.com

Delta Air Lines

Thanks to the recently refreshed BusinessElite class, Delta is one of two U.S.-based airlines to make our list. Its anti-ballistic Tumi amenity bag features a Tumi eye mask as well as lotion and lip balm by sensitive-skin-friendly New York apothecary Malin+Goetz. The kit also comes with such essentials as socks, a comb, a dental kit and, for the traveling germaphobe, antibacterial wipes. delta.com

El Al

Israel’s national airline goes Italiano for its gender-specific first-class bags by Salvatore Ferragamo. The luxury brand’s goodies are inside too: Ladies receive hand cream, body lotion, facial mist and face cream, while men get shaving gel, aftershave, lip balm and their own refreshing mist. First-class passengers also receive generous perks on the ground such as complimentary chauffeur service from your house to the airport and, once at your destination, from the airport to your hotel (within 62 miles). elal.co.il

Etihad Airways

The national airline of the United Arab Emirates offers first-class amenity bags so personal that they almost seem like bride-and-groom gifts. Gentlemen are presented with a leather cuff-link box, while ladies get a Swarovski crystal–studded clutch—and both include lotions and toiletries from Swiss-made La Prairie.

The flat beds are topped with glossy, dupioni-silk-and-cotton duvets, and you can slip into your cozies in the luxury changing room, which has a full-length mirror.

There’s also no need to push the flight-attendant call button when you’re parched: First-class suites come with their own mini-bars. etihad.com

See the rest of the airlines over at Executive Travel >

More From Executive Travel:

Nine Surprising Facts About the A-380

10 Facts About Turbulence

Spectacular Hotel Lobbies

Join the conversation about this story »

Yesterday, on Delta flight 928 from Denver to New York City, a passenger in first class was selfless.

According to Floored CEO Dave Eisenberg, who was also on the flight, the passenger gave up the top-notch seat. This person traded spots with another passenger in uniform, who was sitting in a middle seat in coach.

The tweet is being passed around as a source of inspiration just in time for the holidays.

Wow. On @delta flight 928 & just saw passenger in 1st class swap his seat with uniformed army member in middle seat in coach. #1stclassmove

— Dave Eisenberg (@Eisenberg) December 16, 2013

Join the conversation about this story »

These days, flying economy is a lesson in lowered standards. 

If your norm is the fetal position in seat 22B—praying the person in front of you takes his hand off the recline lever—it’s easy to lust over scoring the elusive get-out-of-jail-free upgrade. Travel perks, though, are harder than ever to come by.

“It’s increasingly rare that an ordinary coach traveler gets the pleasant surprise of someone saying, ‘I’ve actually got a seat for you up front,’” says New York 1 cable TV news host Pat Kiernan.

Kiernan, who regularly flies from New York to Canada, says it’s virtually impossible to get a bump up to business because airlines are working hard to sell those premium seats up to the moment that the plane doors close. And when there are seats left open, they’re given to elite-level frequent flyers.

So what can an ordinary traveler do to improve their upgrade forecast? If you can’t marry an airline employee—and even that has limited perks—the first thing to do is to think of your travel experience holistically. Airline upgrades may be the most popular bonus, but your chances of getting a hotel or car rental promotion are much greater.

And when you consider your perks in terms of the time you’ll spend enjoying them, it makes more sense to focus your efforts on scoring a corner suite or luxury sedan rather than a business-class seat that you’ll relish only for a few hours.

Taking the road (or flight) less traveled will also go a long way in your quest for a free upgrade. “Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays are the days for the best deals,” says Bestfares.com founder Tom Parsons. “Basically, whenever the business guys aren’t flying is a good time for everyone else.” Parsons says travelers aren’t only more likely to get promotions on off-peak flights, they’re also more likely to see deeply discounted business- or first-class tickets. And remember that most airlines offer upgrades for purchase—sometimes at a steal—24 hours before takeoff.

If you’re just not willing to shell out any green, you can try and play the airlines at their own game. Kiernan says he’s scored several “mini upgrades”—from economy to premium economy—the last few times he’s flown. “It’s not nearly as big a win as a move up to business class,” he concedes, “but if you opt not to preselect a seat in regular economy, eventually they’ll have to cough up the ‘premium’ seats for free.” It’s a gamble, though—one that might land you right back in 22B.

1. Become a frequent flyer.

With profits razor thin, airlines tend to reward their most frequent travelers with upgrades, so racking up as many miles as possible is your best chance at scoring a better seat. Recent legislation has hampered one’s ability to accumulate free miles by opening dozens of credit cards, but many carriers will award you with anywhere from 20,000 to 40,000 miles for opening an account with their affiliated bank.

Once you’ve got some serious miles under your belt, consider redeeming them for first-class tickets instead of coach. The cheapest tier of mileage tickets tends to sell out quickly because everybody wants them. But often airlines have discounts on business-class or even first-class tickets that go for just slightly more than coach tickets.

2. Brand loyalty matters at hotels and car rental agencies too.

While some road warriors argue the best strategy is to stay at a new property each time you travel so they’ll try to woo you with perks, most hotels tend to reward their most frequent guests and members of their reward programs. Again, it behooves you to choose a brand and stick with it. Many of the same tricks apply on the ground as they do in the air, including racking up points on a hotel-affiliated credit card. Speaking of loyalty, be sure to mention any affiliations you might have. Many car rental agencies have deals with groups like AARP or AAA, and your membership card could be just what it takes to unlock a sweeter ride.

3. Cheap tickets aren’t always the best.

While it’s hard to suppress the desire to score a deal, in many cases buying the cheapest ticket will all but guarantee you’ll be boarding with zone six, regardless of the upgrade opportunities available. This advice is especially important if you are an infrequent traveler or relatively new to the mileage game. In that case, consider buying a full-price ticket directly from an airline. If upgrades become available, these are the tickets that agents look to first.

In other cases, it’s best to detour around coach altogether.Bestfares.com founder Tom Parsons says that, more often than you’d think, first-class tickets are just outright cheaper than coach, especially if you’re traveling with baggage. “You’ve got to remember that first-class passengers get to check three bags for free,” says Parsons, “which can be quite a deal if you’re connecting to a cruise—or would like to bring an extra bag of shoes.”

There is also a special class of tickets known as Y-UP (or Q-UP) fares, which are deeply discounted first-class seats. In some cases, they are as cheap as regular coach seats. It can be tough to track down these mystery tickets without going through a travel agent, but you may be able to find them online if you include “business class” and “first class” in your search criteria and look for results that start with YUPP.

4. But cheap rental cars are.

Considering business- and first-class tickets may be a good strategy in the air, but on the road the cheapest option is usually the smartest strategy. Car companies tend to run out of economy cars quickly, which greatly improves your chances of scoring an upgrade. Keep this in mind as you’re put through the inevitable upgrade spiel at the counter. Even when there are no economy cars to rent you’ll be asked to purchase an upgrade. But if you resist, you may be rewarded with a free one.

5. Do your research.

The upgrade game is not for amateurs. Expect some healthy competition for perks as long as legroom in economy continues to dwindle. Give yourself a leg up by scouring the web for deals. Airlines often post special fares—prices that don’t appear in ticket search engines—on their websites and in email alerts. Scanning frequent-flyer forums like FlyerTalk.com or InsideFlyer.com can also give you insight into savings opportunities and new strategies to try. When booking hotels online, spend a few minutes ticking off yes to extra pillows, or a room with a view—hotels often reward guests who’ve taken time to fill out a survey with an upgrade if one is available.

6. Consider your departure time and route.

If you have flexibility, consider flying when most business travelers are not, as road warriors tend to dominate the mileage game and eat up all the rewards tickets. That means thinking strategically about your departure. A mid-afternoon departure or leaving on a Saturday, for example, might put you in better standing to get a free upgrade. Same goes for rental cars. If you can, rent at the end of the week when business travelers still have all the economy cars checked out.

Domestic ticket prices aren’t the only ones affected by business travel. Parsons advises people to travel to Europe over Thanksgiving, for example, when most people are home for the holidays, or in July when most Europeans are away for summer vacations.

Keep reading at Executive Travel for the rest >

More from Executive Travel:

Best Apps for Business Travelers

Get the Most out of Coach

9 Surprising Facts About the A380

Join the conversation about this story »

http://www.travelandleisure.com/

Join the conversation about this story »

NEW YORK (AP) — On flights from San Francisco to Hong Kong, first-class passengers can enjoy a Mesclun salad with king crab or a grilled USDA prime beef tenderloin, stretch out in a 3-foot-wide seat that converts to a bed and wash it all down with a pre-slumber Krug "Grande Cuvee" Brut Champagne.

Yet some of the most cherished new international first-class perks have nothing to do with meals, drinks or seats. Global airlines are increasingly rewarding wealthy fliers with something more intangible: physical distance between them and everyone else.

The idea is to provide an exclusive experience — inaccessible, even invisible, to the masses in coach. It's one way that a gap between the world's wealthiest 1 percent and everyone else has widened.

Many top-paying international passengers, having put down roughly $15,000 for a ticket, now check-in at secluded facilities and are driven in luxury cars directly to planes. Others can savor the same premier privileges by redeeming 125,000 or more frequent flier miles for a trip of a lifetime.

When Emirates Airline opened a new concourse at its home airport in Dubai last year, it made sure to keep coach passengers separate from those in business and first class. The top floor of the building is a lounge for premium passengers with direct boarding to the upstairs of Emirates' fleet of double-decker Airbus A380s. Those in coach wait one story below and board to the lower level or the plane.

London's Heathrow Airport took a private suite area designed for the royal family and heads of state and in July opened it to any passenger flying business or first class who's willing to pay an extra $2,500.

"First class has become a way for a traveler to have an almost private jet-like experience," says Henry Harteveldt, an airline analyst with Hudson Crossing. Airlines "will do everything but sing a lullaby."

The front of the plane has always been plusher than the back. But in recent years airlines have put a greater focus on catering to the most affluent fliers' desire for new levels of privacy.

There's a lot of money on the line. At big carriers like American Airlines, about 70 percent of revenue comes from the top 20 percent of its customers.

The special treatment now starts at check-in. American and United Airlines have both developed private rooms, located in discrete corners of their terminals in New York, Chicago and elsewhere, that allow for a speedy check-in. Boarding passes in hand, travelers exit through hidden doors leading to the front of security lines.

Some foreign airlines have gone further.

Lufthansa offers first-class passengers a separate terminal in Frankfurt. There's a restaurant, cigar lounge and dedicated immigration officers. For those who choose to shower or take a bath, the private restrooms come with their own rubber ducky — an exclusive plastic souvenir for the international jet set. When it's time to board, passengers are driven across the tarmac to their plane in a Mercedes-Benz S-Class or Porsche Cayenne.

"That sort of exclusivity plays to the ego of people who are in a position to spend that much money on airline flight," says Tim Winship, publisher of travel advice site FrequentFlier.com.

At Heathrow's private suites, designed for up to six people, fliers pass swiftly and privately through their own immigration and security screening. While they're waiting, hors d'oeuvres and Champagne are provided. Steak, sushi or other meals can be delivered from airport restaurants. When it comes time to actually fly, passengers are driven to their plane in a BMW 7 Series sedan and escorted to their seat.

U.S. airlines have copied a bit of that touch. United started in July and Delta Air Lines in 2011 driving their top customers who have tight connections at major airports from one gate to another in luxury cars. No need to enter the terminal, let alone fight the crowd on the moving walkway.

Want to board first? No problem. Want to be the last one seated, moments before the door closes? Sure. Airlines will even save room for your bags in the overhead bin.

International first class has long been distinguished by gourmet meals, wide seats and giant TVs preloaded with hundreds of movies and TV shows. But in recent years, airlines also upgraded their international business class sections, ripping apart cabins to install chairs that convert into lay-flat beds. That left very little to differentiate first class from business class.

So some airlines scrapped the ultra-premium cabin. Others have cut the number of first-class seats in half, thereby creating a more intimate experience that commands the higher price. For instance, a roundtrip flight in July between New York and Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific costs $1,600 in coach, $7,600 in business class and $19,000 in first class. Other airlines charge similar price differences among their passenger classes.

Besides privacy, that extra cash provides an outsize seat, attentive service and superior wines and liquors. Austrian Airlines, Etihad Airways and Gulf Air are among the carriers to staff planes with their own first-class chefs. Instead of having flight attendants reheating meals cooked on the ground, these chefs prepare the meals at 35,000 feet.

Sometimes, that smell wafts back to the rest of the plane.

"You know they've got something good up in front of the curtain, and you know you don't have anything close to it," Harteveldt says. "When you fly coach, you are reminded of the fact that you are unimportant as a traveler."

In the ultimate show of indulgence, Emirates has offered an onboard shower for first class passengers on its A380s since the plane joined the fleet in 2008.

Once back on the ground, that luxury treatment continues. At airports in Paris, London, Istanbul, Bangkok, Sydney and elsewhere, airlines offer their top passengers fast-track cards allowing them to speed past immigration lines.

And then, while other passengers wait in lines for buses, taxis or shuttles, chauffeurs in suits meet these fliers ready to — once again — whisk them out of the chaos.

__

Scott Mayerowitz can be reached at http://twitter.com/GlobeTrotScott .

Join the conversation about this story »

Qatar Airways is getting ready to take delivery of its first Airbus A380, the world's largest passenger jet, and it's got something special planned for its first class customers.

The top-of-the-line seats will transform into fully flat beds, and come with 26-inch television screens.

That in itself is nothing new, but the new design highlights Qatar's good taste and ability to make an airplane cabin look and feel luxurious.

Qatar hasn't revealed how it will configure the rest of the huge plane, but competitor Emirates flies the A380 with about 500 seats.

The rapidly growing airline, based in Qatar, made the announcement this week at the ITB Berlin travel trade show. It has ordered 13 A380 jets from Airbus, and the first should begin between Doha and London later this year.

Qatar recently went on a plane buying spree, ordering $50 billion worth of jets from Airbus and Boeing, including 80 new Airbus A350s. Those deliveries will more than double the size of its current fleet.

Qatar CEO Akbar Al Baker showed Berlin Mayor Klaus Wowereit around:

SEE ALSO: Everything You Need To Know About Lamborghini's All-New Supercar

DON'T FORGET: Follow Business Insider On Facebook

Join the conversation about this story »

As some airlines gut their frequent flyer programs, increase fees and cram more seats into coach, others are pushing the boundaries of flying luxury with of over-the-top first class suites.

Airlines are betting that these opulent accommodations will drive up profit margins and yield greater revenues per mile.

This assumption is not unwarranted. According to The Wall Street Journal, American Airlines' say that 70 % of its total revenue comes from just 25% of its passengers.

And the International Air Transport Association has found that first- and business-class flyers make up just 8% of all fares, but account for 27% of total revenues worldwide, according to The Christian Science Monitor. 

And the high-end offerings keep getting better and better. Here are 10 first class airline seats that are probably nicer than your apartment.

Etihad Airways

Known simply as "The Residence, Etihad latest luxury offering is the closest thing in mass commercial air travel to the service found on a private jet. Instead of an airline seat, The Residence is more like an apartment in the sky, with a bedroom, private shower, and living area. Flyers traveling in the 125-square-foot Residence are treated to a 32-inch flatscreen TV as well as the full attention of a private butler. 

Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines has long been known as one of the best airlines in the world, and its first class suites certainly live up to its lofty reputation. Singapore's fulling enclosed private suites are equipped with a large 23-inch LCD entertainment system and actual standalone beds instead of converted seat beds. 

Emirates

Dubai's Emirates, one of the pioneers in the luxury suite market, has packed its suites with a fully stocked minibar, vanity mirror and a wardrobe. Onboard its fleet of A380 super jumbos, Emirates also offers suite passengers access to one of the plane's marble-lined shower spas.

British Airways

British Airways offers passengers traveling in its ultra-modern suites a host of luxurious schwag, including cotton pajamas and beauty products in a designer Anya Hindmarch bag. 

Qatar Airways

Though Qatar Airways have decided to concentrate more on its business class seats in recent years, its first class product is still top-notch. Passengers are treated to world-class dining with menus crafted by the likes of Nobu founder Nobu Matsuhisa and Michelin-star-winning chef Tom Aikens. 

Air France

Air France's new La Premiere luxury suite is set to make its commercial debut in September. It will feature plush bedding from Sofitel and Michelin-star-quality dining. According to the Economic Times, Air France will install a total of 76 suites on its fleet Boeing 777-300s at a cost of $75 million.

Qantas

Qantas's international first class suites feature a 6.5-foot-long lie-flat bed with a plush sheepskin mattresses. Passengers are also treated to the airline's Sommeliers in the Sky service to help them make selections from Qantas's award-winning wine list. 

Jet Airways

India's Jet Airways offers luxury suites on its fleet of Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, complete with private sleeping areas and a large selection of Hollywood and Bollywood hits on for viewing on 23-inch flat screen TVs. Suite flyers are also treated to a personalized five-course meal and endless flutes of Dom Perignon. (The photo above shows a Jet Airways plane that's on lease to Turkish Airlines.)

Cathay Pacific

Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific offers its most discerning passengers stylish Norm Foster-designed first class suites with amenity kits by Ermenegildo Zegna and Trussardi. Though not fully enclosed like some of its competitors, Cathay's world-class service and plush bedding make for an equally luxurious experience. 

Lufthansa

Lufthansa's stylish first class suite is a model of elegance. The airline's Airbus and Boeing jumbos offer minimalist and modern suites with a host of fine dining and entertainment options. On the airline's Boeing 747-400 jets, suites passengers are offered separate beds in addition to their seats. 

SEE ALSO: The 22 Biggest Yachts In The Seas

FOLLOW US: Business Insider Is On Pinterest

Join the conversation about this story »

Five-time Oscar nominee Amy Adams displayed some very un-Hollywood behavior Friday on a flight from Detroit to Los Angeles.

Adams, who was born and raised on military bases, gave up her first class seat for a solider who was sitting in coach.

ESPN personality Jemele Hill witnessed the act of kindness and tweeted about the incident to her 244,000 followers:

Just saw actress Amy Adams do something incredibly classy. She gave her 1st class seat to an American soldier. I'm an even bigger fan now.

— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) June 27, 2014

I don't think he knows she did it RT @cryengine1007: @jemelehill if i was the soldier i would have refused, she is after all a lady.

— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) June 27, 2014

Hill later explained to ABC News: "I noticed Ms. Adams was in first class and as I was getting seated, I saw the flight attendant guide the soldier to Ms. Adams' seat. She was no longer in it, but it was pretty clear that she'd given up her seat for him. I was incredibly impressed, and I'm not even sure if the soldier knew who gave him that seat. I guess he will now!"

Looks like Adams also took time for a selfie with a fan:

Told @InsideEdition why Amy Adams was classy for giving up her 1st class seat to the soldier sitting next to me! :) pic.twitter.com/qAcxif2kvz

— Ernest Owens (@MrErnestOwens) June 27, 2014

SEE ALSO: Robert De Niro Crashed A World Cup Party At Someone's House In Brooklyn

Join the conversation about this story »