AirTalk
Luxury is subjective. For some it’s a lavish penthouse suite at a high-end hotel, for others it’s an immersive cultural experience with VIP perks, and for others it’s the simple things like extra leg room on a flight, better flight access, or an over-the-top charter aircraft. The latter is exemplified by Crystal Skye.
Crystal Skye has kicked things up a few notches when it comes to luxury air travel. Forget first class, or extra leg room, what Crystal Skye brings to the table is: leather seats, Skye butlers, cashmere blankets and goose down pillows, global WiFi, spacious spa-like restrooms playing relaxing music, and a social lounge that compares to that of a six-star resort.
But the perks don’t end there. Guests who charter Crystal Skye can customize their experience to their heart’s content. Think their own chef on board to make meals during long-haul flights, and a requested channel to broadcast shows specific to their interests, plus they can even bring their favorite wines on board—although the aircraft does feature a wine collection and its own wine cellar.
For those guests who don’t want to bring in their own chef, they won’t skimp out on
the experience as South African chef
Francois Van Zyl creates Michelin-inspired dishes that treat passengers to the flavor of
the destination.
Other opulent perks that come with a Crystal charter include an international crew of 20 who speak about 34 languages; three complimentary checked bags (not exceeding 70 lbs. each), plus one carry on bag and a personal item (purse, laptop bag, etc); 88 seats; 25-inch backseat screens; handcrafted Crystal VIP carpet throughout; meals served either Western- or Eastern-style; dining/lounge tables that flip to become gaming tables; an afternoon tea buffet; and six bathrooms. Make a note that every seat is a window seat as they’re laid out in a way that a passenger can’t block another passenger’s view out the window. And for those guests who plan to be on a shopping spree during their travels, they won’t have to worry about how much they can bring back with them as it’s all allowable and included.
Clients will want to know about Qatar Airways’ new premium chauffeur service for door-to-door transfers for guests in all cabin classes. The new service is bookable for a fee online through qatarairways.com and on the Qatar Airways app. Guests can choose from a variety of high-end vehicles including Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Cadillac. The global chauffeur service features all-inclusive highly competitive rates including all taxes, tolls, fees, and gratuities. Passengers will also receive up-to-date SMS and e-mail updates and confirmations including the driver’s name and phone number.
The airline has also unveiled a new range of limited edition amenity kits—from luxury luggage brands BRIC’S Milano and Nappa Dori for passengers flying First and Business Class. BRIC’S Milano luxury amenity kits come in a selection of four colors and will be given to passengers flying long-haul flights; each bag contains skincare products from Italy’s Castello Monte Vibiano Vecchio, plus socks, eyeshades, and earplugs; and those in First Class will also get a BRIC’S Milano luggage tag. Passengers flying medium-haul routes on First and Business Class, will be offered amenity kits from Nappa Dori that include socks, eyeshades, and lip balm from Castello Monte Vibiano Vecchio and feature a series of destination images printed on the kit’s canvas exterior.
First and Business Class passengers can also now pre-select one main course option from the a la carte onboard menu between 14 days and 24 hours prior to departure.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines announced that it’s the first airline to offer its customers the ability to book and communicate via WhatsApp. The airline is now offering customers around the word booking confirmation, check-in notification, boarding pass, flight status updates, and the ability to ask questions in 10 languages via the WhatsApp Business app.
Air France launched a new winter service to Chicago starting Oct. 24, operating five weekly flights throughout the season connecting Chicago O’Hare International Airport to Paris-Charles de Gaulle.
For guests heading to Ireland, Aer Lingus added a flight between South Florida and Dublin last month. Offering three weekly nonstop flights between Miami International Airport and Dublin Airport.
And, Delta Air Lines is adding its first nonstop service between Indianapolis and Europe next year in partnership with Air France-KLM. The new flights to Paris launch on May 18, 2018 operating up to five times per week.
Contact Information
Air France: airfrance.com
Aer Lingus: aerlingus.com
Crystal Skye: crystalcruises.com/luxury-air
Delta Air Lines: delta.com
KLM: klm.com
Qatar Airways: qatarairways.com
Be sure to check out the Delta Air Lines 2018 Travel Guide to Europe, Africa, the Middle East & India in Recommend’s December 2017 issue.
