A Business Traveller's guide to... First-Class

First-Class for Atlantic travel

VIRGIN ATLANTIC

Richard Branson's Virgin Atlantic has won multiple awards, including best airline to the US and Canada at the Globe Travel Awards 2009. The airline likes to challenge the mundane and push innovation to give their passengers something a little special. Their Upper Class Suite offers the ultimate in long haul comfort and the entertainment and features you'd expect from this product extend all the way along the plane.

UPPER CLASS SUITE FEATURES INCLUDE:

ï A 6'6" long/202cm, (or 6'8"/208cm on the upper deck), 33" (84cm) wide fully-flat bed

ï A 22" (56cm) wide seat with full lumbar support and coming with its own ottoman, which doubles as a seat for a guest, allowing business matters to be covered with a colleague or a drink shared with a friend.

ï Onboard bar

ï Award-winning entertainment provided on your personal 10.4" wide screen TV.

ï In-seat power

ï Ample storage space for books and magazines

ï A large manoeuvrable table to allow you to get up from your seat without having to stow it away

ï Snooze zone exclusively for those who wish to sleep all through the flight

ï No set meal times. You're free to eat what you like, when you like.

"If you arrive at Heathrow, Gatwick or Johannesburg by chauffeur driven car or LimoBike, your chauffeur will check you in at our unique Drive Thru Check In so you can bypass the terminal and head straight for the Clubhouse," says the airline.

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses include full business facilities and a stylish bar, and you may also find a few things you wouldn't expect such as music rooms, salons and even a spa pool depending on location.

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First-Class for International travel

CATHAY PACIFIC

Founded in 1946, the Hong-Kong based Cathay Pacific has always been highly regarded for its incredible in-flight service and has won many awards, including two Skytrax 2008 awards for best first-class and catering.

Offering 120 destinations worldwide across Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania, Cathay Pacific is a first-class airline to be reckoned with. The airline believes that one of life's great pleasures is to be treated as an individual. In their new First Class, you'll find you have just the right amount of personal attention, interaction and privacy, whenever you want - they'd like you to think of your seat as more of a `suite'.

FEATURES:

ï 81 inch bed that transforms to a seat at the touch of a button

ï Massage function to ensure comfort in your seat

ï Extendable side seat for a guest

ï Drop-down armrest

ï Exceptional cuisine

ï A personal closet

ï Noise concealing headset

ï Round-the-clock exceptional crew service and your beck and call

ï Entertainment audio/video on demand personal television

ï Fresh food made to order a la carte, when you choose

ï A selection of 40 quality wines

ï Espresso, cafe lattÈ, cappuccino and Chinese tea served.

FLIGHTS FROM LONDON TO HONG KONG FROM £5,446.60

QATAR AIRWAYS (pictured):

With access to over 80 destinations worldwide, Doha in the Middle East acts as the perfect connecting hub to practically anywhere. Qatar Airways, the 5-star, multi-award winning airline aims to provide exceptional quality service and their first-class is steeped in all the luxury the Middle East can offer.

FEATURES:

ï Best International First Class as voted by travellers in the 2007 Skytrax survey

ï 5-star status

ï Personal chaffeur in a premium BMW 7-Series right to the aircraft for boarding when travelling from or through central hub Doha

ï An international award-winning crew

ï Ten-course meal offering caviar, lobster, Arabic mezzas and fine chocolates

ï A selection of fine wines & champagnes from cellars

ï Ability to turn your personal space into either: - A full-featured Cineplex in the sky or a completely flat bed enveloped by a feather duvet

ï A 5-star restaurant

ï An office

ï A premium terminal when travelling from or through Doha which includes:

- Jacuzzi

- Spa with a masseur

- Sleeping and shower facilities

- Exclusive duty-free mall

ï Privilege Club Frequent Flyer Programme where you can earn miles with partners ANA, Asiana, Lufthansa, United, US Airways, and Virgin Atlantic

ï Baggage allowance of 40 kg.

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SINGAPORE AIRLINES

The Singapore Airlines Suites, exclusively available onboard the A380, to destinations London, Paris, Sydney and Tokyo, provide a privileged few with their very own haven of tranquillity. Luxuriate in the largest ever seat; a lavish armchair hand-stitched by master Italian craftsmen Poltrona Frau. With only 12 extraordinary suites, available to the most discerning guests on each of their A380 aircraft, the Singapore Airlines Suites is truly in a class beyond first - a class that is yours alone.

Features:

ï At up to 35 inches across, your seat is unsurpassed in comfort and space. With a sundeck position, adjustable headrest and armrests, and simple electronic controls, lounge in luxury in the most exclusive seat in the sky

ï Experience the pleasure of sleeping on a standalone bed - not one converted from a seat. Along with the airline's signature turn-down service, fine linen and full-sized pillows, you are assured of restful slumber

ï Each cabin features sliding doors and window blinds for insured privacy

ï Leather and wood finishes designed in soothing natural hues to enhance the sense of serenity

ï Large stowage space for your cabin baggage and personal items

ï Full length wardrobe

ï Soft leather chaise lounge across from the armchair and a large dining table

ï Everything required to do business, including a multi-port with power supply, headphone connection, USB ports and more.

FLIGHTS FROM LONDON TO SINGAPORE FROM £4364.20