What does first class really buy you? By Top Koaysomboon,
photography by Kristin Lannge

There are certain guarantees when you travel first class: more legroom, free flow booze and, of course, a big ticket price. But what about the goodies? Yes, we mean the travel kit that everyone doles out to their high class passengers while the rest of us fight over the peanuts in cattle class.

British Airways

www.ba.com
The toiletries are predominantly from Penhaligon’s, a traditional perfume house founded in 1870 and include body lotion, face cream, eye cream and lip balm. You also get a toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, sleeping mask, socks and earplugs. Everything comes in a midnight-blue velvet bag designed by Anya Hindmarch (who created the famed “I’m Not A Plastic Bag” bags).
(S)Mile High: The class, the history—it’s all so quintessentially British you can’t help feel like royalty.
Crash and burn: There’s no partition in the bag and there’s nothing scented—a little too traditional!
The upsell: First Class is 630% more than Economy rates.

Etihad Airways

www.etihad.com
Male travelers get a stylish dark-grey petite messenger bag. Inside you find a sleeping mask, a pair of socks, Norwegian mineral water, a toothbrush (and toothpaste) and a small silver bag by Aigner, featuring lip balm, body lotion and refresher mist.
(S)mile high: The bag it all comes in is so stylish you can wear it on the street.
Crash and burn: Aside from the bag, there’s not a lot in here.
The upsell: First is 898% more than Economy rates.  

THAI Airways

www.thaiairways.com
Lift the Velcro of both men’s and women’s bags and you’ll find Evian mineral water spray, a pair of socks, a sleeping mask, toothpaste and tooth brush, a comb, lip balm and a mouth spray.
(S)mile high: To be fair, the bag is simple but extremely practical with a nice hook you can hang it up in the bathroom.
Crash and burn: We expect more than a bunch of items you could buy at Watsons.
The upsell: First is 302% more than Economy rates.  

Emirates

www.emirates.com/th
The women’s bag has a full range of Bulgari products: face emulsion, refreshing towel, hand cream and Au Thé Rouge cologne, as well as a comb, toothbrush and Colgate toothpaste and a cute mirror. All the items fit snugly into separate slots within the brown velvet bag. 
(S)mile high: It feels like a travel kit, it’s well organized and, although each product is quite small, there’s everything you need for onboard life.
Crash and burn: Really, you couldn’t offer something better than Colgate?
The upsell: First is 759% more than Economy rates.

Singapore Airlines

www.singaporeair.com/th
Luxury brand Salvatore Ferragamo dominates this goodie bags. It’s grey for men and beige for women. Both include Tuscan Soul hand cream, lip balm and facial mist, while women also get a bottle of Incanto fragrance (Incanto pour Homme in the men’s bag). Men also get a shaving kit while everyone gets a Givenchy sleeping mask and socks.
(S)mile high: They really don’t skimp on the aftershave/perfume. Tip: even economy passengers get a cute Givenchy set if you ask.
Crash and burn: See the price hike, we want gold plated toothbrushes for that.
The upsell: First is 652% more than Economy rates.

Note: Percentages are based on a snapshot of rates posted on the airlines’ websites for Bangkok-London flights during Aug 24-27, 2009.