| | Luxury in the sky | | by Sean Cudahy, Senior Aviation Reporter | |  | Hi everyone,
I’m out for a few weeks traveling with my family across the Middle East and to Thailand — you can follow my trip on my Instagram @briankelly.
For this week, I’ve asked Senior Aviation Reporter Sean Cudahy to share the latest and greatest in airline seat innovation from the annual Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany. As an AvGeek, I’m particularly excited about the new first-class concept Airbus shared for its A350s, and I’m eager to see if any airlines draw some inspiration from it.
Safe travels,
BK
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Hello from 35,000 feet above the Atlantic Ocean as I return from seeing more lie-flat seats, premium economy recliners and seatback screens than you could possibly imagine under one roof this week.
It was all part of a massive annual industry gathering in Hamburg that showcases many of the swankiest suites and buzzy inflight entertainment that could be available to you in a few short years ... or months, in some cases.
Stealing the show, in many ways, was the bold new first-class concept Airbus shared for its A350-1000 jets (the big wide-body aircraft that someday will be part of the world’s longest commercial flights from Sydney to New York and London).
Basically, Airbus is trying to inspire airlines to think big on the front cabin. The idea is three private rooms — including a “master suite” for two that looks like luxury hotel-level comfort.
Is it realistic? And will airlines bite? Time will tell.
On the more practical side of things, Frontier Airlines just struck a deal for its first-ever first-class seats — yes, that Frontier — which should hit the skies later this year.
Have a look, and let us know if this makes you feel more on board with the thought of flying Frontier (also, don’t forget, it’s getting ready to start offering some passengers a pretty enticing companion pass).
I also got to try out the newest premium economy seats from Star Alliance carrier All Nippon Airways, which could be part of your future Tokyo travels.
But I came away thinking less about the seats ANA announced and more about the splashier business-class reveal the airline said is still to come in a few short months. One executive left me with a hint that was, to say the least, intriguing.
While we wait for those seats and suites, here are a few ideas and strategies for scoring the best onboard accommodations already available:
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