Such companies as United Airlines, Air New Zealand, SAS as well as British Airways were considered to be the first airlines that offered Economy and Business classes that were introduced in the past 10 years. Later Air France and Condor joined the companies.

According to United Airlines the number of bookings for Economy Class increased by 25 percent during January and August this year if compare them with the same period in 2008.

So what do customers have to expect from new classes and how much do they have to pay for tickets?

The distance between seats is the first thing that passengers are able to notice. There will be more space, i.e. between 15.6 and 22.7 centimeters, but in fact it depends on the type of plane. As for British Airways, the company has 97 centimeters between seats it means that it is 18 centimeters more in comparison with Economy Class.

With new classes passengers get more services than in Economy but in fact it depends on airlines. For example, United and Air France offer the same drinks to passengers as they serve travelers from Economy Class.

Ticket cost varies; the additional charge of United is between 80 and 120 euros per flight as well as per person. In case you want to fly from New York to London through British Airways, you will have to spend about 648 euros that is considered to be more in comparison with Economy Class.

But it is still unknown whether other airline company will join the club.

“There are no indications to suggest other airlines are planning to follow suit,” says Martin Gaebges, general secretary of the Board of Airline Representatives in Germany.

Here we present some of the most luxurious airlines in the world and what they have to offer the discerning well-heeled traveler.

1. Virgin Atlantic

Image: Fatmonkey

Always wanting to be seen as the hip and happening airline, Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class Suite offers a colourful cabin where passengers can meet each other in a relaxed atmosphere. With free massages on offer, no set meal times and an attractive bar area, Virgin is a popular choice with those who like all the trimmings but not necessarily all the stuffiness of a luxury airline.

Other perks on offer: Complimentary chauffeur driven car service to and from the airport, drive thru check-in at Heathrow, Gatwick and Johannesburg, and fully reclinable flat-bed seats.

2. Emirates

Image: PYONKO

Emirates have been a consistent contender in the luxury market over the last few years, with an attentive service and excellent reputation. They offer private cabins in first class, where the seat converts into a 2m long flat bed, and in-flight amenities include a 23 inch LCD flat screen and personal mini bar. Business class seats are very roomy, with deep reclining sleeper seats, and frequent flyers are able to customize their entertainment systems with their personal choices for use on future flights.

Other perks on offer: Laptop charging, SMS, phone and email are all available from your seat. First class passengers enjoy a seven-course meal prepared by top chefs and accompanied with a wide selection of fine wines.

3. Thai Airways

Image: Richard Moross

If you’re planning on flying to or through Bangkok any time soon be sure to leave a few hours in your travels to visit Thai Airways’ first class lounge at Bangkok’s new Suvarnabhumi Airport, which this year was awarded the World’s Best First Class Lounge by Skytrax. Offering a luxury spa, massage rooms, a fine dining area, deluxe seating areas and state-of-the-art visual entertainment rooms, a visit to the lounge is worth booking a luxury seat alone. On board, Thai’s first class and business class sections offer wide seats that convert to flat beds, an excellent in-flight entertainment system and an exquisite menu selection that is fast making Thai Airways known as ‘Restaurant in the Sky’.

Other perks on offer: First class passengers are able to pre-book their six-course meal prior to the flight. Complimentary Dom Perignon Champagne is available, as is a limo service.

4. British Airways

Image: Howard

One of the granddaddies of luxury flying, British Airways has been around since just after World War I in one guise or another but their luxury offerings are far from old hat. Their cabins hold an understated luxury that’s synonymous with the British way of life and varies from plane to plane. On the Boeing 747 and 777 aircrafts there are ‘demi-cabins’ boasting seats that extend to an impressive feet and six inches in length. Passengers can enjoy dining at a time that suits them, and if you’re flying from London you can order a ‘Catch of the Day’ freshly caught that morning in Loch Fyne, Scotland.

Other perks on offer: Dine on the ground in one of BA’s elegant land lounges prior to boarding a night flight to maximise your sleep time in the air.

5. Singapore Airlines

Image: Richard Moross

There was much fanfare a few years ago when Singapore Airlines revealed their new first class suites on the A380. Replete with recliner seat and separate bed area, the cabins are, without doubt, the ultimate luxury in air travel. Although, their first class and business class seating areas are none too shabby, either. First class beds are made up with your own down-filled mattress, duvet, and pillow by air cabin staff, and in business class 30 inch-wide seats, which convert to a flat-bed, are in a 1-2-1 configuration so offer ample space ensuring you’ve got your own slice of luxury.

Other perks on offer: Snacks and drinks are available at a passenger area throughout the flight. Medium-haul business class seats offer all-in-one business panels. All seats have widescreen TV with extensive in-flight entertainment system.

6. Qantas

Image: David Lytle

Nicknamed ‘The Flying Kangaroo’, Australia’s main airline is also the world’s second oldest, founded in 1920. Since then, their services have just got better and better, offering first, business and premium economy seats. Fully flat beds in first class are available on the Boeing 747–400 and Airbus A380 only, so if you’re going to book them you’d better be quick. Each pod has a 17 inch wide screen HD TV with a whopping 1,000 programs to choose from, so there’s no chance of being bored during the flight, either. And in business class on demand controls allow you to watch what you want, when you want. First class passengers are also treated to a unique dining experience, where all meals are freshly prepared on board and canapés are served before an appetising eight-course tasting menu. How indulgent!

Other perks on offer: As Qantas is part of the oneworld ® alliance, passengers are invited into any other participating oneworld ® airline lounge worldwide where a Qantas lounge is not available.

7. Cathay Pacific

Image: Richard Moross

Operating out of Hong Kong Airport, one of the busiest hubs in South East Asia, Cathy has been servicing the luxury flier for many years. It’s not only their attentiveness to passengers that makes people fly with them time and time again, but the level of comfort offered on board, on both their first and business class cabins. With just six to nine seats in first class you’re sure to be pampered throughout the trip. Each seat has a massage function, personal closet and ottoman. The business class seats are laid out in a herringbone configuration, which offers the ultimate in privacy, but a lonely flight if you’re traveling with a friend or partner.

Other perks on offer: Get your very own sleep suit or pyjamas in first class, and Agnes b, Murad and Dermalogica products in business for the ultimate in in-flight pampering.

Linda is a writer and editor, for Credit Card Compare where she writes about the best frequent flyer credit cards, balance transfer cards and other personal finance issues.

The plan had to be implemented in early 2008 but because of the global economy decrease the sale of so called “premium” first and business class cabins fell down, that is why British Airways decided to give up on the idea.

In spite of the fact that BA are suffering a reduction in first class travelers the flight is departing on Tuesday. The A318 aircraft enables only 32 seats which are turned into flat beds. The service was designed to make every flight very comfortable for customers.

That is why passengers are provided with the Internet access. They can use OnAir communications technology, i.e. they are allowed to utilize mobiles and laptops in order to send and receive text messages and e-mails, also they can surf the Internet. The OnAir communications technology is provided by Mobile OnAir, a Geneva-headquartered company that was owned by Airbus and SITA.

As the company has to lessen the amount of fuel, it was decided to make a stop at Shannon airport in Ireland to refuel. Thus, passenger can go through the U.S immigration in Ireland and enter the U.S as a domestic passenger.

Mr. Walsh hopes that such type of service will help to return the first class passengers as they are considered to be more profitable. Mr. Walsh expects that the service will be in a great demand.

Lynne Embleton, British Airways general manager of network planning, added that the company is trying to provide passengers with more choice and they are planning to make business-only flights from London next year.

British Airways and Iberia Lineas Aereas de Espana had the negotiations, but all the issues of the conversation are kept confidential. (via WSJ)