Commercial airlines missing the point. Again.
The rise in popularity of private jets has commercial airlines doing their best to lure higher income customers back–or to keep those they still have from leaving in the first place. I applaud their efforts (and look forward to enjoying them on occasion), but I feel they’ll fall short in stemming the tide.In a CNN/Money report entitled, “First classs gets a ’suite’ makeover,” the author states:
“As more high-net worth travelers take on fractional jet ownership or even splurge on their own Gulfstreams… [commercial carriers are trying] to lure big spenders back with luxurious perks like Beluga caviar and Dom Perignon.”
Interesting. And it’s more than how they want to wine-and-dine people like you and me. For instance, here’s what Singapore Airlines is up to:
“Each of the 12 roomy suites in the front of the plane has a chaise lounge so guests can curl up and watch one of 100 movies on their 23-inch widescreen LCD TV, or listen to a selection of CDs with accompanying Bose headsets.
And gone are the days of pushing the seat back when you want a snooze. There’s a standalone full-sized bed that folds down, with a plush mattress and a Givenchy-designed duvet.
The suites in the center row have double beds roomy enough for two. The amenities kit furnished by Salvatore Ferragamo features his latest fragrance to create a little atmosphere.”
As for the new Emirates A340-500:
“…there are 12 first-class cabins fit for a king, outfitted in leather and walnut with gold accents.
Beyond their rooms, passengers have plenty of space to move about the cabin (thanks in part to a lack of overhead storage bins), hit the communal bar and mingle with the other royal guests if they’re feeling social.
If not, the suites are equipped with a personal mini-bar and meals or movies can be ordered on demand from a hand-held remote. The plush leather seat reclines to become a fully-flat bed at the press of a button. There are also buttons to close the doors to your suite and illuminate a ‘do not disturb’ sign. Once safe and sealed inside, the walls are even insulated to reduce noise.”
Such enhancements to US airlines are, no doubt, not far behind.
There’s no denying that these sorts of extraordinary creature comforts make commercial flying more, well, comfortable. But comfort isn’t the reason I’m considering fractional jet ownership. At least it’s not the driving reason. Regardless of how comfortable the seat or suite may be on a commercial jet, I’m still beholden to their schedule and to their airports. I’m still not being efficient with my time. And as tempting as it may sound to have a widescreen TV in my private suite, I have to be honest and say that I’m often more productive (or find more rewarding ways to relax, such as reading) without the Siren song of such gadgetry (I concede this last point is just personal preference — others may find the widescreen exactly the tonic they need to wind down on a long flight).
