Wheels-up, Up Front
Premium Cabins remain more popular than ever with airlines upping the ante to woo coveted customers.
Dinner Service Aboard British Airways Club World (Business Class)
Let’s face it, provided the means, one would be hard-pressed to find a reason to elect to fly in the back cabin vs. upfront where it’s much roomier with added luxuries and creature comforts.
With fully-flat beds in (in some cases) fully enclosed suites, gourmet chef-inspired meals, premium beverages, lounge access and so on, it’s no wonder these come w/ hefty price tags.
The savvy traveler however can oftentimes workout how to circumvent some of these hefty costs via leveraging alternative currencies (credit card points), to secure upgrades or pay for the entire trip outright (another topic entirely), so it certainly isn’t beyond reach.
Over the years we’ve had the opportunity to try some of these premium cabins - some we’ve enjoyed more than others (they certainly aren’t all created equal, so be mindful). To inspire a future trip, we’ve featured a handful here including Emirates, Etihad, British Airways, Swiss & Iberia.
Aeromexico: The Better Option to/from Mexico
View of our chariot for the afternoon which will be whisking us away to Mexico City, the Boeing Dreamliner 787-8. This is a view from the American Express Centurion Lounge at JFK.
Aeromexico Meal Service: MEX —> JFK, Economy.
Given the choice, and supposing schedules align w/ your preferences, I would suggest electing to fly Aeromexico to Mexico and vice versa (at least from and to NY) over Delta or for that matter, any major American carrier. Their jets tend to be in much better shape (read typically newer and much more pleasant—flew a #787 Dreamliner on the outbound leg, and returned on a #737 Max jet—fully appreciate of course the precarious nature of the latter), hot meals are served from nose to tail (as pictured), and service is personable and friendly (if a tab bit not as enthusiastic on the return leg).
From a US carrier perspective, I can never understand why these flights are treated as ‘domestic’ executions. On a ~5-hr duration it’s the standard snacks and uninspiring offerings for purchase in the back (even on codeshare flights). Typically a fan of Delta’s though this is an area improvements can be made.
For bespoke itineraries to Mexico, please do not hesitate to get in touch. And check-out our full feature on Oaxaca City in our On Location section.
Virgin Atlantic: Special Meal Service - LHR to JFK
Our bird awaits - the A330-300 - to whisk us away to London (from JFK). Though not the latest aircraft - technologically, you’d want the A350 or A330neo, it still does the job and the comfort onboard is quite satisfactory.
The is a view from the second (newish) Delta Sky Club in the A Concourse.
Tasty and enjoyable plant-based meals from Virgin Atlantic — likely the best I’ve had in any cabin.
Pictured: The vegan veggie curry (the curry itself is nestled beneath the rice, in case you’re wondering ☺️), and prior to landing, the vegan afternoon tea which included a delicious chickpea wrap, an apple and elderflower bar, and a chocolate brownie; both gluten-free as well (just really thoughtful catering). And all served by some truly friendly flight attendants (makes quite the difference).
Plus, extra marks for having oat milk! onboard (again, a good example of keeping one’s finger on the pulse of changing attitudes). 🙌🏿
[Honorable mention to KLM who also had a decent offering on a flight I took last summer].
For bespoke itineraries to the UK, please do not hesitate to get in touch. And check-out our Brighton and Hove feature in the On Location Section.
