First Class air travel is synonymous with opulence and extraordinary levels of comfort. Over the years, it has evolved beyond extra legroom and gourmet meals to include an array of stylishly curated amenity kits. These kits, often branded collaborations between leading airlines and luxury cosmetic or lifestyle companies, have become an essential part of the first-class experience, adding a touch of exclusivity and elegance to your journey.
This article takes you through some of the best airline First Class amenity kits available today. Not just a collection of travel-size toiletries, these kits are brimming with luxurious skincare products – from lavish moisturisers to high-end designer fragrances. Add to that plush pillows and the best cotton bed linens, and these thoughtful touches are a testament to the airlines' relentless pursuit of passenger satisfaction and the art of refined travel. So, please sit back and fasten your seatbelts as we discover the epitome of in-flight pampering.
The BusinessClass.com guide to the 10 best amenity kits in First Class:
Cathay Pacific
First Class on Hong Kong's flag carrier is a refined and holistic travel experience. Bamford, a leading British organic clothing and skincare brand, provides Cathay Pacific's long-haul First Class amenity kit. The kit is presented in a zipped vegan leather bag with premium products that will help soothe, protect and hydrate your skin during a long flight. The kits include face mist, moisturiser, lip balm, mouthwash, toothbrush and toothpaste, foam ear plugs and a soft cotton eye shade.
First Class seats transform into some of the most expansive beds in the sky. Passenger comfort is further enhanced with Bamford's luxurious bedding, including a thick mattress, 600-thread-count bed linen, a warm blanket, a selection of plush pillows – 'soft', 'medium' or 'firm' – and a calming pillow mist cocktail of frankincense, lavender and marjoram. High-quality organic cotton sleepsuits, soft slippers and eyeshades are also provided courtesy of Hong King-based PYE and made from the finest quality cotton.
Read the BusinessClass.com review of Cathay Pacific First Class
Read the BusinessClass.com article as Cathay Pacific reopens its flagship lounges in Hong Kong
Read the BusinessClass.com article on Cathay Pacific's Cantonese fine dining for premium passengers
Etihad
Relax and prepare to be pampered onboard Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways. Etihad First is a highly respected, envied and sophisticated experience. Pyjamas and slippers help to make the flight more comfortable, and amenity kits by Acqua di Parma contain signature Colonia lip balm, body lotion and cologne, as well as staple essentials such as eye masks, socks, a toothbrush and toothpaste. Passengers can request additional items such as combs, ear plugs and shaving kits from the cabin crew.
First Class passengers have two lavatories on the Airbus A380 – one featuring a comfortable and well-equipped shower suite. The Boeing 787s and 777s do not support shower suites but provide luxury amenities in the lavatories. Passengers travelling First Class in the opulent three-room 'The Residence' on the Airbus A380 will experience ultimate air travel comfort, complete with individual butler service, a chef, and a well-equipped private shower suit.
Read the BusinessClass.com review of Etihad First Class
Read the BusinessClass.com article on Etihad's new Dreamliner Suites
British Airways
First Class on British Airways offers exclusive Alice Temperley-designed amenity kits stocked with seven-piece skin and body care collection from innovative British-made beauty brand Elemis with even more available in the First Class lavatories. The contents include moisturising products from the Elemis Ultra Smart pro-collagen range, an eye mask, ear plugs, a dental kit, deodorant, tissues and a pen. In addition, men receive shaving foam, and women also have a compact mirror.
The striking and colourful women's amenity kits are made of satin and feature a Temperley Star print motif, while the men's kit comes in plain black velvet with interior detailing. When it comes to sleeping, passengers receive a luxurious quilted mattress topper and a crisp white 400-thread-count cotton duvet and pillow. The Temperley London loungewear consists of men's and women's pyjamas made from soft black cotton with black satin detailing and shawl collars for the ladies. The amenity bag and slippers are nice take-home souvenirs to remember the flight.
Read the BusinessClass.com review of British Airways First Class
Read the BusinessClass.com article on the US lounge food & drink revamp
Read the Businessclass.com article on British Airways' revamped premium cabin experience
Emirates
Emirates embraces the ultimate luxury in commercial aviation with true Arabian panache. BVLGARI provides First Class Amenity Kits and comes in a satisfyingly luxurious dark brown, slightly distressed faux leather bag with a range of BVLGARI and Gillette products for men and women – including BVLGARI body lotion, lip balm, deodorant, and a hairbrush. Men also receive BVLGARI Le Gemme Eau de Parfum 'Tygar', aftershave, a razor, and shaving foam. There's BVLGARI Le Gemme Eau de Parfum' Rubinia' and a compact hand mirror for women. First Class passengers also receive complimentary BYREDO travel wellness products - a cleansing towelette, refreshing facial toner, relaxing chamomile roll-on sleep oil, hydrating eye cream, and a chamomile pillow mist spray together with a faux-leather notebook and branded pen.
Long-haul passengers can avail themselves of Emirates' Hydra Active 'moisturising' sleepwear – designed to prevent skin dehydration, plus comfy slippers and eye shades. The bedding is soft and luxurious and includes a sizeable plush pillow. First Class cabins on the Emirates Airbus A380s also provide two First Class "shower spas" complete with a dedicated shower attendant preparing them with towels and even more Bvlgari products.
Read the BusinessClass.com review of Emirates First Class
Read the BusinessClass.com article on Emirates' robotic check-in assistant
All Nippon Airlines (ANA)
Tokyo-based All Nippon Airlines (ANA) delivers a superb First Class experience, and the amenities are no exception. Attractive, mini-suitcase-looking amenity kits by Globe-trotter contain designer toiletries by The Ginza, including fragrance, cleansing foam, moisturising lotion, moisturising emulsion, dental kit, face masks, lip balm and ear plugs. Further amenities such as mouthwash, refreshing face & body wipes, combs and socks are available in the lavatory or from a basket offered by flight attendants.
Cloth cardigan sweaters are available upon request (they must be returned before landing), and organic cotton eco-friendly pyjamas are an excellent way to tuck in for a good rest. In addition to two pillows - one filled with Hungarian white duck down - and a feather-down Nishikawa comforter encased in pure Egyptian cotton, a Nishikawa bed pad can be spread over the seat when it is time to sleep as part of the turndown experience that the crew lovingly provides. A Tenerita blanket made from organic cotton with the front side made of cashmere is also offered. Other niceties include a shoe bag to store shoes and a shoe horn to use when putting them back on.
Read the BusinessClass.com review of ANA First Class
Read the BusinessClass.com news as ANA enhances its sake offerings to premium customers
Qatar Airways
Doha-based airline Qatar Airways has a limited long-haul First Class network of routes, including London, Paris, Sydney, Perth and Bangkok on Airbus A380s and Hong Kong on the Boeing 777. However, passengers lucky enough to fly First will enjoy the trappings of high-end luxury travel. Qatar Airways has an exclusive amenity kit partnership with iconic French perfumer, Diptyque for its skin care products. On selected outbound flights from Doha, passengers will receive their Diptyque products in a branded amenity kit – and on selected inbound flights, they are presented with bespoke gift boxes featuring Diptyque's signature oval branding. All the packaging aligns with Qatar Airway's sustainability policies – the Diptyque bags are made from vegan leather, while the eyeshade and socks are crafted from recycled plastics.
The amenity kits feature body lotion, lip balm, face cream and signature Diptyque fragrances – 'Eau Rose' Eau de Toilette - an infusion of the finest damascene and centifolia roses, or the brand's woody '34 Boulevard Saint Germain' Eau de Toilette for gentlemen. Night flight passengers receive soft designer pyjamas from The White Company and a pair of comfortable slippers.
Read the BusinessClass.com review of Qatar Airways First Class
Read the Businessclass.com news article on Qatar Airways Virtual Reality offerings
Read the BusinessClass.com news of the Louis Vuitton Lounge in Doha
SWISS
Swiss International Air Lines, commonly called SWISS, is the only major airline in the world offering First Class travel on all its long-haul routes. The flag carrier of Switzerland delivers the highest possible levels of comfort to its First Class passengers, who receive soft pyjamas specially designed by luxury Swiss underwear brand Zimmerli along with a comfortable pair of slippers to complement the plush pillow and bed covers.
An upscale amenity kit from fashion brand Bally contains high-end natural care skin products from the luxurious Zurich-based cosmetics brand Soeder. The new 'Forest' line of products is enriched with natural ingredients such as stone pine, moss and blueberry oil and includes hand cream, face cream and face serum. Other essentials include a toothbrush, toothpaste, quality socks, a soft eye mask, earplugs, and tissues. Additionally, ladies have a brush and vanity kit, while gentlemen will find a comb and shoehorn. Two spotlessly clean and reasonably sized lavatories are available in the forward section of the cabin, and they are stocked with single-use towels and luxurious Soeder cosmetics.
Read the BusinessClass.com review of SWISS First Class
Read the BusinessClass.com article on the new SWISS Business and First Class cabins
Read the BusinessClass.com news article on SWISS reopening the Premium Lounge in Zurich Airport
Oman Air
Oman Air is the Sultanate's national carrier with a global reputation for luxury and quality from its hub at Muscat International Airport. The airline has recently introduced a range of enhancements across its long-haul fleet, including quilted duvets, fluffy silk-trimmed pillows and pure cotton pyjamas with slippers. Attractive and practical His & Hers amenity kits by Amouage – Oman's own luxury fragrance brand – feature a range of luxurious essentials, including face moisturiser and hand and body lotion. The usual comfort goodies include a dental kit, mouthwash, silk eyeshades, a hairbrush, socks & ear plugs. The female amenity kit also has a vanity set, while a shaving kit is available for male passengers.
Amouage was founded in 1983 and has redefined the Arabian art of perfumery with a unique and opulent fusion of East meets West. Traditionally, Amouage produces powerful scents in its products, but they are toned down for Oman Air.
Hot or cold towels are offered multiple times throughout the flight.
Read the BusinessClass.com review of Oman Air First Class
Read the BusinessClass.com Muscat travel guide
Lufthansa
German flag carrier Lufthansa provides impeccable First Class service to just a limited number of destinations onboard its Boeing 747, Airbus A340 and A380 fleet – with a new First Class cabin coming to Airbus A350s in 2024. Before departure, First Class guests receive a wrapped set of Van Laack pyjamas (sometimes as a special edition) in a bag that can store shoes. While the design is high-end, the material is a mix of 60% cotton and 40% polyester - which may not be everyone's liking. There is also a set of wonderfully thick slippers and a high-end amenity kit.
For many years, Lufthansa First Class had collector's edition, hard-shell Rimowa kits that were exceptionally popular with fliers, but these were discontinued. The airline tends to rotate the style of amenities on offer, such as Sinn, Porsche Design and Jil Sander. The kits include premium, science-led skincare products from Augustinus Bader and also contain eye shades, socks, lip balm, and a hair brush. Lavatories, which are sizeable, offer a cushioned bench for changing clothes, stock mouthwash, razors and dental kits, and Augustinus Bader amenities.
During holiday periods, Lufthansa offers specially themed amenity kits, and during Oktoberfest, passengers can expect themed promotions, including ground staff wearing authentic costumes and inflight menu specialities.
Read the BusinessClass.com review of Lufthansa First Class
Read the BusinessClass.com news about Lufthansa's new First Class and Business Class cabins
American Airlines
American Airlines is the last remaining North American carrier to offer long-haul First Class travel and, as such, is the go-to in the region for high-end travel. Flagship First is only available on Boeing 777-330 aircraft, but this product provides plenty of amenities for travellers to enjoy. Casper pyjamas and slippers are the first of many welcome gifts, including a refreshed range of amenity kits. American Airlines has teamed up with two American boutique luxury goods companies - Shinola and D.S. & Durga for the current amenity kit in Flagship First. Detroit-based Shinola crafts world-class watches and premium leather goods and have produced the amenity bags, while D.S. & Durga – from Brooklyn – are perfumers who have created lotions and balms – which are all wrapped in sustainable packaging. Amenity bag contents include responsibly-sourced eye masks, a plant-based toothbrush, and socks made from recycled PET fabric.
While the washrooms do not have any upgraded toiletries, passengers can ask the flight crew for help turning down their beds before they sleep. This includes placing the Casper mattress pad over the seat and unwrapping the many blankets - including a day blanket and duvet. In addition to a large pillow, there is also a lumbar support pillow.
Read the businessclass.com review of American Airlines First Class
Read the BusinessClass.com news article as AA First Class Lounge returns to Heathrow T3
Read the BusinessClass.com news as BA and AA unveils three new premium lounges at JFK
Final thoughts
First Class travel offers an unparalleled indulgent experience at 36,000 feet. However, this once-widespread product is becoming increasingly rare, with many airlines opting to concentrate on more economically viable Business Class options. For those still lucky enough to experience First, the great amenity kits are just one aspect of this increasingly exclusive product at the pinnacle of luxurious travel.
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