7 High-Design Airplane Cabins for Chic Summer Travels
As the pandemic eases and we can think about travel again, it’s important to make sure you start your first journey on the right foot. While there are plenty of airlines to choose from, a few stand out for having invested millions over the past couple of years, raising the bar for passenger experience across the globe. Whether it’s private suites, luxurious cabins, or onboard chefs you’re after, now your vacation can truly begin from the moment you step onboard.
JetBlue A321 Mint
JetBlue’s foray into the transatlantic market this summer brings a brand-new Mint seat. Premium passengers will enjoy all-aisle flatbed access, and two expansive Mint Studios in the front row offer even more luxury. Brought to life by London design studio Acumen Associates and JetBlue, there’s a real Manhattan design aesthetic—fitting for an airline headquartered in New York City. Expect residential loft-like design touches including personal lights with concrete lampshades, denim-effect carpets, and even New York subway tile adorning the washrooms. When it comes to comfort, passengers can sink into their Tuft & Needle mattress, wirelessly charge their phone, and enjoy fine small-plate dining from Pasquale Jones.
Emirates A380 premium economy
Emirates is one of the latest airlines to bring the mid-cabin premium-economy seat to the skies. The much-awaited cabin class is slowly being rolled out over the A380 fleet. Situated at the front of the lower deck, this exclusive space features just 56 seats, offering larger private-jet-inspired seating adorned in quilted cream leather matching the new business-class seats upstairs. With enhanced comfort, leg rests, and an industry-leading seat pitch of 40", there’s ample room to stretch out and relax on your next long-haul flight via Dubai.
ANA’s Boeing 777s
Asia-bound travelers will want to book themselves on an ANA flight, which features some of the widest business-class seats in the skies. At a meter wide, these private “Rooms” designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma and Acumen are both minimalist and expansive. In first class there’s even more real estate and, at 43", the largest in-flight entertainment screen in the skies. The aircraft also has elegantly designed premium-economy and economy cabins that feature traditional Japanese Yagasuri patterns and state-of-the-art seating. ANA currently flies these newly fitted 777-300ER aircraft from New York, London, and Frankfurt to Tokyo.
Fiji Airways new A350
Fiji Airways may not be on the tip of everyone’s tongue, but the carrier has an impressive young long-haul fleet with its new A350s, featuring the carrier’s flagship cabins. At the front, the carrier has an all-aisle access flatbed seat in a stylish monochromatic color palette. The traditional Fijian motifs running through pillows, blankets, and amenities offer a signature touch. This boutique Pacific carrier offers a stylish one-stop option to Australasia from the U.S. as well as being the perfect start to a Fiji vacation.
Pre-pandemic, the leading South American airline invested in a new business-class cabin, replacing its older, tired seats. Now, select 777s and 787s have a stunning business cabin with all-aisle access thrones designed by U.K.-based PriestmanGoode, featuring design influences from across the continent. Passengers will enjoy an 18" TV, new premium pillows, bed clothes, mattresses with temperature-regulating and pressure-point technology, and design touches including black marble side tables, textured seat walls, and the airline’s upgraded dining offering.
Singapore’s A350-900 ULR
It might not be one of the newest cabins to grace the skies, but it is one of the most exclusive. At just over 17 hours in-flight, Singapore Airlines’ ultra-long-haul aircraft operates its most prestigious route between New York and Singapore. Inside, the aircraft isn’t your usual experience, with just 67 business-class seats and 94 enhanced premium-economy seats. Both are stunning examples of modern aviation design, with JPA Design’s business-class seats taking automotive styling and a monocoque structure to striking effect. It’s certainly the most comfortable way from the East Coast to Singapore.
Turkish Airlines A350/787
Turkish Airlines is known globally for its excellent service and dining both in business and economy. However, the airline has recently updated its cabin product, offering all business-class passengers on the airline’s new 787 and A350 aircraft all-aisle access and stylish flatbeds with added privacy. The cabin styling is both elegant and contemporary, with a distinct charcoal gray color palette running through the cabin. New amenities, onboard chefs, and complimentary Wi-Fi for business-class passengers make Turkish Airlines an airline that’s hard to beat right now.
Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest
