It has been a little over 110 years since the first scheduled commercial flight glided through the skies above Florida, and it’s astounding how much the aviation industry has changed in the time since. The mid-20th-century boom in commercial flights saw well-heeled travellers whizzing above the clouds in plush cabins, where service was done from silver trays and cushioned seats reclined well beyond what the modern jetsetter has come to expect – in economy, at least.
As increased routes connected the world and planes grew in size, travellers developed an appetite for flights with all the luxury trimmings they’d come to expect in the world’s glitziest hotels. Trans World Airlines is credited with being the first airline to introduce two distinct types of in-flight service. Decades later, airlines saw a gap in the market for a middle ground – practical luxury, with more space and service that distinguished the cabin from economy class. British Caledonian, Pan Am and Qantas were among the first airlines to jump on board, and airlines around the world soon followed.
Today, travellers turning left are treated to lie-flat beds with plush pillows and cotton sheets, Champagne service on the runway, multi-course meals at 35,000 feet – and business class amenity kits. These little pouches of joy have become a way for airlines to differentiate their offerings and make a statement about the level of luxury travellers enjoy above the clouds, packed with lotions, potions and thoughtful additions designed to have passengers disembarking the plane feeling refreshed. To see which business class amenity kits get top marks for long-haul value, we asked the frequent fliers at Condé Nast Traveller HQ to dive in and give their honest opinion on some of the largest carriers’ offerings.
Our pick of the best business class amenity kits
Qantas
In brief: Sweet-scented Grown Alchemist creams inside an R.M. Williams bag
Favourite item: Zesty vanilla and orange peel hand cream
Long-haul value: The sturdy bag is a trusty travel companion containing the essentials
Worth keeping long after landing: Yes
Comfort score: 6/10
“Oh, it’s from R.M. Williams,” exclaims Condé Nast Traveller’s acting senior fashion and lifestyle editor Harriet in delight as she’s handed Qantas’ offering while blind-testing, noting how it’s a notoriously great boot brand from Down Under. Inside the amenity kits, which come in an assortment of four colours, travellers are treated to a set of Grown Alchemist minis – a lip balm, a hydrating day cream and a hand cream – in addition to 3M earplugs, an eye mask, a pair of socks and a bamboo toothbrush with toothpaste. The Grown Alchemist scents are indulgent enough that they make a perfume redundant. Disembarking a flight sweet-scented with uber-smooth skin? Count us in. “There’s not a huge amount in here, but the inside is really nice”, says Harriet. It’s the size that primarily costs Qantas a couple of comfort points, but one thing’s for sure – the R.M. Williams bags would serve us well long after the flight.
