New Double Decker Jet Offers 1st Class Customers...

[24KT]

New Double Decker Jet Offers 1st Class Customers Computers, Lounge - And A Shower At 43,000 Feet
Monday July 28, 2008


Photo credit: Martin Rose/Getty Images

Airlines are cutting back on everything from pillows to peanuts in an effort to squeeze every dollar they can, right? So goes the conventional wisdom.

But if you're willing to pay enough, one airline is offering you not only the frills but downright luxury.

Those who can afford to book a flight on the new A380 Airbus delivered to Emirates Airlines, the official carrier of the United Arab Emirates, will have at least some of the comforts of home. And those who think flying a long distance has to be a hot, sweaty and uncomfortable experience may get a real eye opener - although those eyes may be full of soap suds.

The double decker plane officials delivered to the airline on Monday at Airbus's Hamburg plant, has two bathrooms with showers (top left) that are available to first class passengers. The luxury bonus means the aircraft will have to carry an extra 500 kilograms of water to accommodate the expected demand.

But don't think you can stay under the taps forever. The bathroom in the sky will limit users to just a few minutes under the refreshing hot spray and you won't be able to extend it any longer than that.

"The showers are regulated through a software program that gives people a five-minute shower, which is ample in most cases," warns airline president Tim Clark. A 'traffic light system' will let you know how long you have left. "If you're on amber and your hair's full of shampoo, you want to get moving," he jokes.

The jet also comes with a personal computer terminal in the spacious seats, a TV set to watch movies or videos, and a lounge travellers can use when the seatbelt sign isn't on.

It holds 489 people, including 14 suites, 76 business chairs and the 399 poor souls who are stuck in economy class.

It features mood lighting, including a "starry night" effect for sleeping - although it seems all you'd really have to do is look out the window to achieve the same thing.

As for the price of this bells-and-whistles sky high fly-by? Chances are if you have to ask, you can't really afford it.

The first flight departs from the Emirates to New York on August 1st. And judging by the hype, some may prefer just to stay on the plane.

[24KT]

 
Enter Tapper in.. 3... 2... 1... Jag is a Liberal and Canada SUCKS!

[youandme]

I guess the shower is a good idea since Arabs don't use toilet paper 

[Dos Equis]

Very tempting.  I had an infant screaming in my ear for 45 minutes on Friday.   

[OzmO]

Very tempting.  I had an infant screaming in my ear for 45 minutes on Friday.   

ugh.  i hate flying.   Had economy plus and 1st class upgrades 1/2 of the time last week.  So not too bad.   

[Dos Equis]

ugh.  i hate flying.   Had economy plus and 1st class upgrades 1/2 of the time last week.  So not too bad.   

I don't mind flying, unless I'm going to the East Coast and the South.  It's brutal (about 12 hours).  Neighbor island flights are fine, unless you have to take the bigger jets (which I did on Friday) with all the tourists.  Takes longer to load, longer to taxi, and longer to exit.  Even longer when a baby is screaming bloody murder in your ear.

I usually don't want to spend the money to fly first class.  I get upgrades every now and again, but it's often not worth it IMO.  I do like the reclining seats though.   

I'm going to take the Superferry one of these days.  About a three hour ride. 

[24KT]

I don't mind flying, unless I'm going to the East Coast and the South.  It's brutal (about 12 hours).  Neighbor island flights are fine, unless you have to take the bigger jets (which I did on Friday) with all the tourists.  Takes longer to load, longer to taxi, and longer to exit.  Even longer when a baby is screaming bloody murder in your ear.

I usually don't want to spend the money to fly first class.  I get upgrades every now and again, but it's often not worth it IMO.  I do like the reclining seats though.   

I'm going to take the Superferry one of these days.  About a three hour ride. 

Crying babies on a plane can be a bloody nightmare.
Personally, I've found the only way for me to get through it is to put myself in the baby's position...
Big scary noises ...eardrums popping ...no understanding why or how and no one understanding you or making it stop.

[OzmO]

I don't mind flying, unless I'm going to the East Coast and the South.  It's brutal (about 12 hours).  Neighbor island flights are fine, unless you have to take the bigger jets (which I did on Friday) with all the tourists.  Takes longer to load, longer to taxi, and longer to exit.  Even longer when a baby is screaming bloody murder in your ear.

I usually don't want to spend the money to fly first class.  I get upgrades every now and again, but it's often not worth it IMO.  I do like the reclining seats though.   

I'm going to take the Superferry one of these days.  About a three hour ride. 

It's all about the warm nuts dude.  I imagine the short trips aren't a big thing.  but a trip to the main land is nice or 2 hour plus rides are nice.  You get on and off first and get real food most of the time.

I don't pay for it.  just use upgrades or my company springs for it occasionally. 

[Dos Equis]

Crying babies on a plane can be a bloody nightmare.
Personally, I've found the only way for me to get through it is to put myself in the baby's position...
Big scary noises ...eardrums popping ...no understanding why or how and no one understanding you or making it stop.

I do that too, depending on how old the kid is.  This was an infant, so I knew she needed something and couldn't simply just ask.  Wasn't eardrums (at least initially), because she was screaming 20 minutes before we took off.

On the other hand, some of those older kids just need the pimp hand.    

[Dos Equis]

It's all about the warm nuts dude.  I imagine the short trips aren't a big thing.  but a trip to the main land is nice or 2 hour plus rides are nice.  You get on and off first and get real food most of the time.

I don't pay for it.  just use upgrades or my company springs for it occasionally. 

We just get cookies and drinks on neighbor island flights.   

I don't think I'll ever "pay" for first class on a regular basis.  I meet very interesting people in coach.  I sat next to Colt Brennan last summer on a trip to California.  I thought it was an honor because that was probably the last time he'll ever fly coach. 

[240 is Back]

Very tempting.  I had an infant screaming in my ear for 45 minutes on Friday.   

Yeah, the dude does whine a lot.