Several airlines have recently announced that they are offering new routes, discounted rates and added amenities aboard their flights, as well as on the ground. Luxury Travel Advisor has rounded up some notable happenings for your clients to keep an eye on.
Etihad Introduces Refreshed Abu Dhabi Lounge
Etihad Airways has just opened a newly refurbished First and Business Class Lounge at Abu Dhabi Airport’s Terminal 1.
The upgraded facility includes seating for 134 guests, and is now open 24 hours a day.
The lounge now offers new armchairs, a separate dining area, complimentary Wi-Fi connectivity, USB power outlets, bathrooms with shower facilities and a playroom for children.
Lounge guests can also enjoy Etihad's food and beverage service, which includes a choice of restaurant-style dining as well as a buffet.
Additionally, the Six Senses Spa at the lounge has been completely refurbished, and allows guests access to a15-minute spa session, with a range of other treatments available by appointment.
The Terminal 1 Premium Lounge is open to Etihad Airways First and Business Class guests, qualifying Platinum Etihad Guest members and the equivalent tier loyalty program members of Etihad Airways Partner airlines flying from Abu Dhabi.
Visit www.etihad.com/en-us
New Fly-In Packages at Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve
Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve has partnered with Federal Air to offer new fly-in packages including flights and accommodation at any of the reserve's four luxury lodges.
Two flights a day are scheduled by Federal Air and will depart from OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) in Johannesburg, South Africa to Sabi Sabi.
All Sabi Sabi passengers will enjoy a departure lounge accessed by a complimentary shuttle from the main ORTIA terminal to the nearby Federal Air departure terminal. Guests will also receive personalized service and snacks before and during the flight.
Passengers will arrive directly at Sabi Sabi’s private airport welcome facility and rangers in safari vehicles are available to greet each flight.
The fly-in packages include a three-night stay at any lodge of the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, morning and evening game drives with a highly trained ranger and Shangaan tracker, three daily gourmet meals, local beverages, morning coffee and afternoon tea with culinary delights and cocktails.
The fly-in packages are valid from January 11, 2016, to December 19, 2016, and the packages prices range from $2,141 to $5,949.
Visit www.zoharafricansafaris.com
La Compagnie Offers Passengers New Amenity Kits
La Compagnie has announced that its passengers will now receive a new premium amenity kit with every flight.
New kit includes custom headphones by Venus Brown of Buddah Brown Entertainment, as well as bonus amenities to make each customer’s trip more comfortable.
Additionally, the kit is designed to fit a personal tablet and features “baby blue” and “cool grey details”. A pair of headphones, premier cru Caudalie products, socks, a mirror, a pen, a shoe bag, an eye mask, ear plugs and a toothbrush kit will also be included.
A Samsung Galaxy Tablet is available for passengers to use during their flight, and passengers can also enjoy La Compagnie’s gourmet menu. Michelin-starred chef Christophe Langree can prepare options like sliced chicken, quail egg and vegetables in truffle oil and pea soup with fresh mint and almonds. Passengers seeking quick bites may also indulge in premium French wines, fine liquors and gourmet artisan cheeses.
Visit www.lacompagnie.com
Airlift to Costa Rica Opens New Doors
A new service is soon to be offered this fall, with flights from United Airlines to include Boston on JetBlue, as well as service from Denver, Colorado via United and Apple Vacations charters from St. Louis.
Located 40 minutes from the airport is Peninsula Papagayo, home to the Four Seasons Resort and the nearby Villa Manzu.
Visit www.jetblue.com
Cowshed Spa Partners With American Airlines
United Airlines has joined forces with Cowshed Spa, the premium spa and lifestyle brand of London-based Soho House & Co., to offer travelers luxury skin care products and amenities, both onboard and in airport lounges internationally.
Cowshed skin-care products are available in-flight, packaged in newly redesigned amenity kits for premium-cabin customers on intercontinental flights. A collection of Cowshed products are also provided in many of the carrier’s United Club locations and other lounges.
The new United Global First and United Business First amenity kits include the “premium, earth-tone kit”, containing Cowshed’s moisturizing hand cream, Lippy Cow Natural Lip Balm and a Chamomile Refreshing Towelette. United Global First kits have Cowshed’s Quinoa Hydrating Daily Moisturizer and Jasmine Toning Eye Balm. Amenity kits also contain a variety of other items such as socks, eye masks, tissues, ear plugs, a toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss.
In addition, premium-cabin restrooms on select United international flights offer Cowshed brand Chamomile Refreshing Toner and Lavender Gentle Cleanser.
Customers using United Club shower facilities at airports in Chicago, New York/Newark, Houston, Hong Kong, London and Tokyo, as well as United Arrivals Lounge in San Francisco will enjoy Cowshed’s Cowlick Gentle Shampoo, Saucy Cow Softening Conditioner, Knackered Cow Relaxing Bath & Shower Gel and Knackered Cow Relaxing Body Lotion. Cowshed’s freshening hand wash and moisturizing hand cream will also be available in those locations and in United Global First lounges in Chicago, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., London, Hong Kong and Tokyo.
Visit www.united.com