Luxury in the skies: When the journey becomes the destination you cannot forget

After years of flying and 32 flights in the past 24 months or so, I’ve developed a few strategies to turn the drudgery of international travel into something closer to pleasure. Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or simply looking to make your next flight a bit more bearable, there are ways to inject a touch of luxury into your journey. Here’s how to do it right.

The Right Airline

Choose the right airline. When it comes to long-haul flights, not all airlines are created equal. I typically fly out of Mumbai, but regardless of where I’m headed, there are only three I actively seek out: Singapore Airlines, Emirates, and Qatar Airways.

Why these three? First, their hubs—Singapore, Dubai, and Doha respectively—aren’t just well-connected, they’re efficient. These airports are designed to make transits a breeze, with well-organised terminals, minimal waiting times, and lounges that genuinely feel luxurious. And when it comes to service, all three excel. Their cabin crews truly understand hospitality, consistently going above and beyond to transform your experience. Second, the aircraft themselves: you’re likely to end up on a newer, well-maintained plane. Expect wide, spacious cabins, quieter engines, and, in some cases, a dedicated bar and lounge area where you can stretch your legs.

And finally, there’s that little something extra that makes each airline stand out. Take Emirates, for instance. If you’re travelling on a full-fare Business or First Class ticket, they’ll throw in complimentary chauffeur transfers at both ends. This perk really helps in cities like Tokyo, where a taxi from Narita Airport to the city can set you back around $300 each way. Singapore Airlines offers “Book the Cook” and lets you pre-book your meal in advance when flying in premium classes. While there are numerous options, I always go for their signature Chicken Satay, followed by the Lobster Thermidor. Then there’s Qatar Airways; their Dine-on-Demand service is a game changer. You’re no longer at the mercy of set meal times. Instead, you’re offered an à la carte experience, choosing what you want and when you want it.

At Your Service

The real benefits start at the airport. Unlike in Economy, you don’t have to deal with the stress of online check-ins or worry about a few extra kilos in your luggage. Chances are, if you’ve got frequent flyer status, they’ll let most things slide. But the real luxury? Skipping the endless security and immigration lines that can make airports like New Delhi or Mumbai feel like an endurance test.

Once onboard, you’re greeted by name, escorted to your oversized seat, and within minutes, a glass of Champagne appears, along with a set of soft pyjamas, of course. The cabins are spacious, designed to give you privacy, though products such as Qatar’s ‘QSuites’ even have privacy doors that slide shut. And the privileges don’t stop there. Last year, I flew 10,644 miles on what’s dubbed ‘the world’s longest flight’—Singapore to Newark direct. My 18-hour journey flew by, as Singapore Airlines’ free in-flight Wi-Fi worked flawlessly, even allowing me to stream YouTube and Netflix, making time fly almost as fast as the plane.

Then there’s the food. Many airlines partner with celebrity chefs: Qatar Airways has Chef Ton from Le Du, Bangkok, while Air France has Julien Royer from Odette, Singapore, curating their menus. Singapore Airlines takes it a step further with an entire culinary panel featuring famous names like Georges Blanc and Yoshihiro Murata, as well as our very own Sanjeev Kapoor. While this all sounds great in theory, be warned that the quality of airplane food largely depends on where your flight takes off from and which catering company the airline works with.

Airport Royalty

If you’re flying First Class, you’re airport royalty, and everyone around you seems determined to make your journey as seamless and luxurious as possible. Take Mumbai, for instance. Once you’re handed that precious boarding pass for 1A or 1F, an attentive staff member will escort you to the Adani lounge, engaging in polite conversation as you glide through the formalities. Inside the lounge, you’ll be ushered into a private, roped-off section where Chef Anirudh Limaye, who previously led kitchens at several Marriott hotels, is on standby. And when you land back in Mumbai? A buggy will be waiting to whisk you straight to immigration—all complimentary, of course.

But the real decadence happens at First Class lounges abroad. Dubai is a wine lover’s dream. The selection is so exquisite, with bottles like Château Margaux or Château Mouton Rothschild offered in the lounge, that it’s quite easy to drink your ticket’s worth (but please don’t!). In Singapore, First Class passengers are invited to the ‘Private Room,’ a lounge so exclusive it makes the regular First Class lounge feel pedestrian. Here, you’ll find private bedrooms and showers, perfect for those long layovers. And in Doha, Qatar Airways’ sprawling lounge boasts the Qspa, a wellness retreat, complete with a jacuzzi and massage rooms.

And once you step onboard, it becomes clear almost instantly—this isn’t just a seat. It’s a luxurious throne, designed to cocoon you in comfort and transform into a bed so soft, you’ll wonder if you’ve ever slept this well before. Every detail is customisable, every corner of your space tailored to your liking—whether you’re planning to catch up on work, relax with a movie, or simply drift into a deep, restorative sleep. But what truly sets the experience apart is the service. The cabin crew doesn’t just cater to your needs; they anticipate them. Nothing is too much to ask, and while it may feel a bit over the top, that’s the point of First Class.

And what is First Class without caviar? Most top-tier airlines offer it, but Emirates is the most generous, where second helpings are encouraged. Pair your caviar with Krug Grande Cuvée if you’re flying Singapore Airlines, or with Dom Pérignon on Emirates, the world’s biggest buyer of the iconic champagne.

In the end, the art of flying is about more than just getting from one place to another. If you can afford it, whether by means or miles, treat yourself. Because in the world of luxury travel, sometimes the journey can be as rewarding as the destination.

@RaajSanghvi