The Spring's Top News in Air Travel

London Heathrow Terminal 2

Travelers are positively giddy about the new Terminal 2: The Queen’s Terminal at Heathrow, scheduled to open on June 4. It will serve 15.8 million passengers a year from 23 Star Alliance airlines such as United, Aer Lingus, and Virgin’s Little Red. Enticements will include The Perfectionist’s Café by Heston Blumenthal (with a wood-fired pizza oven); a personal shopper service; free pre-flight beauty treatments; plus outposts of Harrods and Caviar House. There will even be an exclusive Heathrow beer called Wingman. United already unveiled the stunning United Global First Lounge and the United Club in Terminal 2.

United Club Lounge, Heathrow

In other United news, the airline has expanded its Mercedes Benz transfer service to LAX. (The service is already offered at hubs like Chicago, Houston, Newark and San Francisco.) Elite travelers with a tight connection will be greeted planeside by a United Representative and whisked across the tarmac in their own clean diesel technology Mercedes Benz SUV.

Four Seasons private jet

Back in April, Four Seasons announced the launch of the hotel industry’s first fully branded private jet. And luxury in-flight enhancements continue to take off, with airlines competing for the most luxurious in-flight experience for top-tier passengers. Air France is set to introduce the new La Première suite, which will have four exclusive individual suites on Air France’s long-haul Boeing 777-300s. Passengers will be indulged with personal 24-inch HD touch screens, one of the largest on any airline, and private wardrobes for their luggage.

Air France private suite

Singapore Airlines is investing millions to upgrade its Boeing 777-300ERs with the latest generation of cabin products, featuring new seats in all classes of travel. (First Class will be some of the most spacious in the business.) Etihad has also launched new suites on A380 and 787 planes. Last but not least, Qatar Airways has unveiled a new First Class Lounge onboard the A380, complete with mood lighting.

Qatar Airways onboard lounge

On the ground, new lounges abound- from FinnAir’s high-tech Helsinki hideaway, to Etihad’s new premium digs in Sydney.

FinnAir Lounge