Why absolutely everyone should pay to fly First Class at least once

Time was when the idea of having a shower on an aeroplane was pie in the sky. Now it’s something that an increasing number of airlines are offering to passengers paying full whack for the privilege of freshening up onboard. Both Etihad and Emirates feature onboard showers, with top-notch toiletries to boot. So you can land smelling fresher than you did when you took off. [Photo: Emirates]

There are pyjamas and then there are…moisturising pyjamas. Emirates have just launched the world’s first hydrating sleepwear for an airline, which is offered to passengers flying First Class overnight. The grey loungewear is said to release naturally-moisturising sea kelp as you move around, and “locks in the moisture” for up to ten washes – so you can reuse them once you’ve landed. [Photo: Emirates]

Forget the Tube – if you’re going to be travelling in style, you might as well turn up to the airport in style, too. Qantas offers its First Class passengers a complimentary chauffeur drive for selected flights. You get picked up from your home or work and are whisked to the airport, where you’re then greeted by a First Host. Emirates offers a similar chauffeur service. [Photo: Getty]

Try to play it cool and hide the excitement of discovering one of these beautiful wash bags, packed full of goodies such as perfume and skincare essentials, on your seat during boarding. Emirates has partnered up with Bulgari to create these exclusive First Class kit bags, made from fine leather and available in eight designs. [Photo: Emirates]

Fly First Class with Qantas and your fully flat, extra-wide bed will feature a super sumptuous sheepskin mattress, as well plenty of pillows and cosy blankets. Just what you need after making the most of the fine wine, recommended by one of the Sommeliers in the Sky. [Photo: Qantas]

Clearly the First Class airport lounges are something to behold – designed with serious attention to detail and offering a range of luxuries from spa treatments to fine dining menus. But the lounges on board are where the luxury experience comes into its own. Qatar Airways has a champagne bar on board its A380 decorated with fresh flowers and chandeliers featuring real gold. Etihad has also introduced The Lobby, an onboard area with seats, tables and a large-screen TV showing live sport. [Photo: Etihad]

It’s not enough for your chair simply to convert into a flat bed these days – now the best of them come with in-built massage functions. Air Canada have Executive Pods in their International Business Class (First Class equivalent), with pneumatic headrests and massage functions for the head, neck and back. Oman Air also has a unique eight point massage system built into its First Class seats. It brings a new meaning to the phrase “sit back, relax and enjoy the flight.” [Photo: Air Canada]

Turn left on an Etihad flight, and you’ll feel more like you’re in a boutique hotel than on a plane. There’s space galore inside its First Apartments, which are totally private living spaces, complete with a large leather armchair, separate bed, full-length wardrobe and vanity unit. Some are interconnecting, ideal if you’re travelling with a companion, and there’s also enough room to walk about after shutting the privacy doors. [Photo: Etihad]

Wave goodbye to the cheap, static blankets of economy class that literally leave your hair standing on end. Instead, snuggle down beneath a faux sheepskin blanket. Emirates offers these plush comforters to First Class passengers – and they are so popular that they now also sell them online for £48 a pop. [Photo: Emirates]

It’s not any old sparkling wine in First – most airlines will offer their most pampered passengers only the finest brands of fizz. On BA, sip Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle, while Etihad offers Billecart-Salmon. Singapore Airlines is the only airline to offer both Krug Grand Cuvée and Dom Perignon 2004 – with caviar. And all this before you even take off. [Photo: Flickr / fast1fred]

Forget the cheap plastic cups of Economy. In First, you’re served your tipples in only the finest glassware. On British Airways, that means Dartington Crystal tumblers, brandy glasses, wine glasses, champagne flutes and deep crimson water glasses. Cheers! [Photo: British Airways]

Flying doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your precious skincare routine. Made from organic seaweed from Ireland, these products from award-winning brand VOYA have been exclusively created for First Class passengers flying with Emirates. The soaps and creams come in fragrances including lavender and rosemary, and lime and mandarin. [Photo: Emirates]

Reduce the chances of ever being seen with the same bag as someone else, by getting one that’s only available only to your fellow First Class passengers. British Airways has teamed up with British brand Liberty London to createhese exclusive, elegant wash bags. The designs – which come in either black or oriental t-inspired floral print – are crammed with Aromatherapy Associates products, so you can rest easy knowing your skin’s being well cared for. [Photo: British Airways]