United Airlines posted pictures of its new amenity kits on Facebook yesterday. The Global First version looks quite nice and an upgrade from the current version, though the case might not be as reusable. Sadly, the BusinessFirst version doesn’t appear to be much of an upgrade from the current United Business Class model – and a significant downgrade from the Continental BusinessFirst version. I’ll be sure to get my hands on both soon for my Amenity Kit Review series. I’m flying BusinessFirst internationally next week, so I’m hoping they’ll be boarded.

What’s your take based on the pictures below?

Courtesy: United Airlines

Courtesy: United Airlines

Courtesy: United Airlines

Not too long ago, Delta Air Lines introduced a new amenity kit for Business Elite passengers and I’ve selected the new version for this installment of Amenity Kit Reviews. I also reviewed the previous red cylindrical offering. For a better description of each category and the 7-point scale for scoring, please refer to my introductory post.

Bag/Container: This beige canvas zipper bag is a major upgrade from their previous version. It’s very well manufactured, the zipper operates smoothly and I love the detachable “snap on” handle. Leather (or leather-like) trim surrounds opposing sides and a small patch with the Delta – and SkyTeam – logo is sewn into one edge. Reusability is high in my opinion as its size and flexibility are ideal for a travel case. For a hybrid Business-First bag, this one is pretty darn good. Score: 6

Skin Care: Delta again chose Greek company Korres as their partner to supply skin care products in the kit, as well as the lavatories. The full retail-sized lip balm is effective and has a subtle Shea butter flavor. I’ve been a fan of pomegranate scented skin care products since United introduced Murad-branded items in their premium cabin lavatories, but the moisturizing cream from Korres sort of lacks a similarly appealing scent. It does, however, apply smoothly and absorbs fairly quickly. An antiseptic wet wipe infused with Aloe Vera and a lemony-citrus scent is also included. Score: 4

Oral Care: A medium-bristled mini toothbrush is enclosed in plastic along with a small tube of Colgate toothpaste and a DenTek fresh mint floss pick. If you’ve been reading my amenity kit reviews, you know that I wish more airlines would include mint-flavored toothpaste, but I’m slowly getting over it. I’d be less picky about it if mints or mouthwash were included and whereas the previous Delta kit included mints, this one does not. Ah well, Delta still gets an adequate rating here. Score: 4

Comfort Items: It’s hard to really come up with an “exceptional” sock, but I have to give Delta some props for theirs. The bottoms have little foam gripper thingies that I think are pretty cool. The eyeshades are an upgrade from the last kit and feature a Velcro strap to adjust the tightness to your liking. Also upgraded are the earplugs, which are larger than the last ones and very soft. A shoehorn and Delta-branded shoe polisher are also included. Score: 5

Intangibles: The kit is well stocked and provides just a little extra bit of luxury you expect when flying internationally in a premium cabin. Delta’s branding is subtle, yet welcoming and airlines that add a full-size pen get an extra hat tip in my book. For a hybrid Business-First product, Delta did very well. Oh, and there’s a “romance card” included from Korres offering a 20% discount on their in-store and online products. Score: 6

Total score & comments:

The last kit scored 3.95 and while 4.75 might not seem like much of an upgrade, it really does rank exceptionally better. Some of the items I was critical of in the last review – the earplugs, toothpaste tube size and moisturizing cream – were all improved. The pen, too, is better, if you can believe it. Nicely done, Delta, and manufacturer Wessco.

Fellow blogger and very, very frequent flyer The Mr. Pickles generously gave me two Air Tahiti Nui kits he picked up on his recent trip with the airline and I offer my review of the Poerava Business Class offering below for this installment of Amenity Kit Reviews. For a better description of each category and the 7-point scale for scoring, please review my introductory post.

Bag/Container: The navy blue, pre-molded sturdy zipper case features the carrier’s gardenia logo on one side of the exterior, as well as on the silver zipper pull following Air Tahiti Nui. The container opens smoothly to reveal two felt-lined side mesh compartments with all of the amenities. It’s a great case, well made and would be perfect to reuse for items you definitely don’t want being squeezed or crushed in either your carryon or checked bag. It’s not luxurious by any sense, but definitely a notch above some other business class offerings out there. Score: 5

Skin Care: Air Tahiti Nui partnered with L’Occitane to provide cooling hand cream with organic verbena extract, shea butter lip balm and a cleansing refreshment cloth. The hand cream is gel-like and while effective and non-greasy, it’s far too overpowering in scent for my taste. The lip balm is quite nice, as is the alcohol-free moist towelette. Score: 4

Oral Care: This kit includes a medium-bristled toothbrush, a tube of “Sunstar” toothpaste (the first time I’ve encountered this brand manufactured in Japan) and a packet of Smints. The toothbrush didn’t have a cover (no biggie), the toothpaste tasted like any standard non-mint U.S. brand and I always appreciate mints or mouthwash in these kits. Score: 4

Comfort Items: The standard eyeshades, socks and slippers are included along with a flip comb – an amenity not normally seen in business class kits – featuring the Air Tahiti Nui logo. The socks are fine for single use and the X-Treme brand earplugs are very soft. A gardenia logo appears on the brightly colored elastic eyeshades, which fit snugly. Stickers were also included that affix to your seat letting the flight attendants know if you prefer to be woken for duty free sales or wish not to be disturbed. Score: 5

Intangibles: There isn’t anything exceptional or luxurious about this kit, but I’m impressed with the case and the volume of amenities. The branding is subtle and while I’m unsure as to the need for the lanyard, it’s a nice added touch, as is the pen. As such, it impresses and deserves a slight nudge up in score for this category. Score: 5

Total score & comments:

Essentially, this amenity kit contained everything I expect from a business class offering and it received an appropriate total score of 4.50.

I previously reviewed the Cathay Pacific amenity kit provided to male First Class passengers and here now is the female offering for this installment of Amenity Kit Reviews. I received both on my flight from San Francisco to Hong Kong in September last year. For a better description of each category and the 7-point scale for scoring, please review my introductory post.

Bag/Container: Cathay Pacific partnered with Ipa-Nima for the women’s version and the bag is described as “chic, playful, glamorous and not afraid to be different” according to the attached tag – which it is! It’s delivered to passengers in a peach-colored drawstring mesh sack and impresses from the start. The case itself is padded gabardine with machine embroidered colorful leaves covering half the exterior and features waterproof synthetic damask on the interior. I’m truly surprised they got as many amenities inside as they did given its overall small size. That said, it’s likely ideal to reuse as a makeup case and features a magnetic closure. Simply gorgeous. Score: 7

Skin Care: The women are treated to Aesop skin care products, an Australian based company. Included in the kit are Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm, Rosehip Seed Lip Cream, Mandarin Facial Hydrating Cream and Bitter Orange Astringent Toner. I was totally comfortable trying out all the products as I myself use “female” Clinique skin care items (they’re the same as the men’s, just cheaper). Here’s a summary:

• Hand balm: Incredibly hydrating, very minor greasy after feel and deliciously scented with mandarin rind, rosemary leaf and cedar atlas.
• Lip cream: Effective, as most are, and the tube mentions it contains rosehip seed and ylang ylang, though I couldn’t detect any distinct “flavor.”
• Facial cream: Fast absorbing and also deliciously scented with mandarin, lemon & tangerine rind.
• Toner: Pleasantly orange scented and easily applied with one of the four cotton pads included.

Facial mist by Temple Spa was also available in the lavatory. Absolutely nothing was missing in this category and I’m now a huge Aesop fan. Well done, Cathay! Score: 7

Oral Care: The usual toothbrush, toothpaste and mouthwash are contained in this kit and enclosed in a Ziplock-type plastic pouch. The toothbrush, while not full-sized, is longer than those found in most of the U.S. carriers’ kits and is soft-bristled. The toothpaste was just the standard Colgate flavor and I generally prefer mint. This was the first time I’ve seen mouthwash in a one-use un-resealable half & half-style container. I would have preferred a mini-bottle. Nothing stellar in this category, so I feel comfortable with an adequate rating. Score: 4

Comfort Items: The pajamas (provided separately) are unisex, designed by Shanghai Tang – a very well known and elite retailer in China. Both the top & bottom are incredibly soft and comfortable. Slippers were also included as well as soft eyeshades with an adjustable Velcro strap. Inside the kit are found soft and standard-sized earplugs that were sealed in plastic and a small wooden comb. Truth be told, I’ve been using these pajamas consistently during the cooler weather here in Southern California and they wash very well. Score: 6

Intangibles: This kit impressed from the beginning. From the stylish bag to the premier skin care products, it definitely provides a feel of luxury and exclusivity any First Class passenger would appreciate. Also, there is an offer from Ipa-Nima included where if you logged onto their website with a unique URL and provided feedback about the bag (along with a scanned copy of your boarding pass), they’d send you a keychain convertible handbag holder. Score: 7

Total score & comments:

Airlines that offer different kits for men and women get extra marks in my opinion. While the men’s amenity kit was very nice and scored 5.50, the women’s version is a notch above and deservingly scores better. The week after my trip, Cathay introduced new male and female offerings, so I’m very happy to have this one in my collection. I look forward to my next First Class trip and anticipate I will be equally impressed.

Related posts:

Amenity Kit Review: Cathay Pacific First Class men’s kit (Summer 2011)

Trip Report: Cathay Pacific First Class from San Francisco to Hong Kong

If you follow my blog, you know I horde collect airline amenity kits and review them in my Amenity Kit Review series. As such, I generally don’t use the products in the kits with the exception of sampling each item at the time I post a review.

When I travel, whether it is a single day mileage run or a long international trip, I always have my own makeshift kit that fits perfectly into my laptop case. I’ve been using United’s current First Class amenity bag for the past couple of years as the carrying case for all of my items, as its size is perfect for what I bring along.

My essentials as pictured are:

• Antibacterial wet wipes – perfect for wiping down tray tables, hotel room remotes and back in the day when I’ve slept overnight at an airport, they’re a perfect way to freshen up.
• Quart-sized plastic bag – the TSA has significantly lightened up on the 3-1-1 rule when traveling with liquids, but in case a rogue agent really gets picky and requires I have them in a baggie, I have one on hand.
• Deodorant.
• Q-tips – I use a little case United used to provide in their Royal Pacific amenity kit from the 1970s and early 1980s.
• Shampoo – in a refillable container.
• Hand and body lotion – plucked from a recent hotel stay.
• Mouthwash – in a refillable container.
• Moisturizing face lotion – you can see I’m a Clinique guy and also use a refillable container.
• Antibacterial lotion – perfect for when the lavatory water is inoperative, which can be the case sometimes when parked at the gate before departure.
• Lip balm.
• Perfume oil – I generally only use it before landing on a long-haul international flight to freshen up.
• Toothpaste & toothbrush
• Eyeshades & earplugs
• Disposable razor – not pictured as I need to restock
• Miniature shaving cream – not pictured as well

I need to go back and rescore the bag on my United First Class Amenity Kit Review as I feel it ends up being ideal to store a lot of items and expands perfectly when adding in additional hotel amenities. Sorry, United… I was a bit too harsh in my review.

Do you travel with your own version? What are your essential items on the road?

I’m partnering up with Brad again over at Upgrd.com for this installment of Amenity Kit Reviews. Last year he flew with Virgin Australia on a vacation to Australia and New Zealand, and I previously reviewed the Business Class amenity kit he received here. Up for review today is the carrier’s “Comfort Pack” provided to him on his Premium Economy trip from Melbourne to Auckland, about a three-hour flight.

I normally apply a 7-point scale to my amenity kit reviews, but given it is designed to compare different categories most unique to Business and First class, the result here would be undeservingly brutal.

First, I think it’s incredibly generous of Virgin Australia to even offer more than a blanket for such a short flight in Premium Economy, as I’ve received less substantial amenities flying United Airlines in First Class from Hong Kong to Singapore. As such, while this kit can’t compare to what you’d receive in “true” premium cabins, I’m impressed off the bat.

The exterior of the VA-branded sturdy foil bag includes a brief description of each item, along with country of manufacture information. Also appearing are washing instructions for the blanket, socks and eye mask, something I wouldn’t normally consider for single-use amenity kit items, but I suppose it’s nice to have. As with most pieces it seems these days, all the contents are made in China. No Australian-made pride here.

Inside are found a thin 100% polyester blanket, blended poly/cotton socks, a standard airline eyeshade, earplugs, a mini medium-bristled toothbrush and a tiny tube of security-sealed Colegate toothpaste. All nice things to have for such a short flight, but I actually doubt I’d use any of them with the exception of the blanket.

Virgin Australia impresses here and I’d definitely take it along with me for my next long-haul flight in standard economy that didn’t provide amenities. It’s a nice gesture and could even act as a booking incentive for passengers to consider VA for future long-haul travels knowing what they received on such a short hop.

I believe Virgin Atlantic (among other airlines) also provides its Premium Economy customers with amenities, so I’ll have to get my hands on their version for a future comparison.

Would you have been pleased receiving this amenity kit?

Fellow blogger Daraius over at Million Mile Secrets very generously donated several amenity kits to me from his and Emily’s recent Star Alliance trip, and this is one of them. I previously reviewed Thai Airways’ First Class kit and here now is my review of their Royal Silk Business Class offering. For a better description of each category, and the 7-point scale for scoring, please review my introduction post here.

Bag/Container: My first impression of the bag was “Wow!” From the metallic copper color to the sturdy textured vinyl, this zipper bag is stunning, in my opinion. It’s well manufactured, includes a leather finger handle and holds its shape empty very well. The Thai Airways brand is well represented with a logo on the exterior, interior and zipper pull. Above the interior logo of the single compartment bag reads, “With Compliments From…” There is also a very small fabric tag sewn into the side opposite the handle with Erb’s logo. Reusability is medium to high, so Thai did well in this category. Score: 6

Skin Care: Thai partnered with Erb to provide the skin care items in this kit. Not having heard of them before, I discovered on their website that the company was founded in 2000 and was so named from an old Thai expression ‘erb-im’ that referred to the radiant glow of Thai women. The kit includes “Beelove” lip balm with beeswax and peppermint, and “Eastern Treat” hand crème with jasmine and mint. The lip balm is delicious and effective (no, I didn’t eat it) and the hand crème is incredibly hydrating, but does leave a slightly greasy touch. A note on Thai’s website also reports Royal Silk Class lavatories are supplied “with leading brands of toiletries, such as eau de Cologne, eau de toilette and moisturizing hand cream.” Greasiness aside, I’m bumping Thai up one notch from adequate in this category for the pleasant scents and incredible hydration of the lotion. Score: 5

Oral Care: A full-sized, medium-bristled toothbrush and generous tube of toothpaste are included in the kit, along with alcohol-free mouthwash. All are Fluocaril brand, common in Thailand. The paste is of the “standard” variety (no minty freshness here), but I was incredibly happy they included mouthwash for Business Class passengers. I nearly gave them a ‘6’ in this category, but decided it’s just a notch above adequate. Minty toothpaste and a softer bristle would’ve nailed a higher score. Score: 5

Comfort Items: This kit includes very soft single-use cotton socks and standard elastic eyeshades with the Thai Airways logo. The socks had some fraying, but are totally fine for one-off use and the eyeshades fit snugly and do their job. Also included is a comb/brush combo, something not always seen in Business Class kits. Where are the earplugs? Daraius and Emily confirmed none were handed out inflight and he even sent me a link showing a reviewer noting they aren’t even available upon request. Aren’t earplugs a standard staple? As such, I’m knocking the score down here. Score: 3

Intangibles: From the banded wrapping on the exterior of the unused bag to the snazzy coloring and design, this kit leaves me with an incredible impression of luxury and style. Even more impressive is the small gift of a porcelain frog key chain I found inside (did you two do that, Daraius & Emily?). In any case, job well done, Thai Airways. Score: 7

Total score & comments:

My highlighted takeaways from this amenity kit are the bag and the fact they included mouthwash. I collect amenity kits and generally don’t reuse them, but I’ll be hard pressed to not fill this bag up with my essentials for my next trip. My weighted formula knocked this kit below a strong 5.0 score, which I happily (and unofficially) give it in consolation.

I flew with Asiana Airlines this past November in First Class to Seoul (its amenity kit review here) and Business Class on the return. Below is my review of the Business Class offering for this installment of Amenity Kit Reviews. For a better description of each category, and the 7-point scale for scoring, please review my introduction post here.

Bag/Container: The gray zipper bag is sturdy canvas-like vinyl and lined with soft-padded nylon. Two small elastic pockets are available on each side of the interior along with a tag denoting LSG Sky Chefs supplied the bag. The Asiana logo graces one edge of the well-manufactured kit and while not luxurious in any sense, it meets the acceptable range in this category. A finger handle might have been nice on the opposing side of the logo.  Score: 4

Skin Care: Asiana partnered with L’Occitane for their Business Class amenities and this kit includes lip balm, hand cream and skin milk. Both the lip balm and hand cream are infused with shea butter and each are effective, though I find the hand cream to be a bit too greasy for my taste. Its scent, though, is light and pleasant and includes jasmine and ylang-ylang. The Orange Soft Skin Milk, on the other hand, applies smoothly and instantly absorbs without leaving a greasy feel. I was expecting a true orange/citrus scent, but it actually smells more like a feminine perfume. Additional items including lotion and facial spritz were available in the lavs, so this category gets a slight nudge up. Score: 5

Oral Care: A very, very mini tube of Colegate toothpaste is found in the kit and maybe it’s my “man” hands, but as soon as I take the cap off, it goes flying off onto the floor (or worse). Not a big deal, though, as it really is meant to be a single-use tube. Asiana does stock additional toothbrush/paste sets in their Business Class lavs. The kit’s toothbrush is a notch up from the norm. When the brush portion is inserted into the case, it’s full-sized and also has notches where your thumb is normally positioned when brushing to prevent slippage. This category gets a very slight bump up due to the extra supplies in the lavatory, but I’d still like to see mouthwash or mints standard in premium classes. Score: 5

Comfort Items: Earplugs and eyeshades are included inside the kit with slippers already awaiting you in your seatback pocket when you sit down. The earplugs are soft and the usual style found with most amenity kits. While definitely not nearly as soft as the First Class offering, the Business Class eyeshades are sufficient and also feature an adjustable Velcro strap. I’ll take slippers over socks any day as an amenity, and while my size 11.5 feet extend a bit further out back from the edge, they’re still a nicer option. Combs are also available in the lavatories. Score: 5

Intangibles: Both the kit and slippers are at your seat awaiting you and I couldn’t help but immediately be disappointed when picking up the bag as compared to the First Class offering. Still, though, this kit provides a slightly above adequate impression and the separate slippers seal the deal. Score: 5

Total score & comments:

Essentially, this amenity kit contained just about everything that I’d expect from a Business Class offering. There was nothing exceptional about it, but it did meet and slightly exceed average when compared to others. The branding was subtle and I was even happy to see it on the slippers.

I’m partnering up with Brad over at Upgrd.com for this installment of Amenity Kit Reviews. He recently flew V Australia, now Virgin Australia, from Los Angeles to Sydney in Business Class and posted an excellent review of the flight here. Knowing I’m a collector, he sent me a spare kit for my review. For a better description of each category, and the 7-point scale for scoring, please review my introductory post here.

Bag/Container: The 100% nylon gray zipper bag is designed by Buzz Products, the same outfit that supplies Qantas’ First Class kits. This one, however, is really quite plain, but serves the purpose. A Virgin Australia tag is sewn into the inside and just underneath, there’s a loose pocket to hold a minimal amount of items separate from the larger area. The exterior of the bag has a small finger handle that can be used when hanging the bag on the lavatory door. Reusability is medium- to- high, in my opinion, but given it feels pretty cheap, I probably wouldn’t. Score: 4

Skin Care: Virgin Australia partnered with L’Occitane for their skin care products, as many carriers do. I think Brad got shafted and had items pilfered from the one he received (see his review), but this one includes lip balm, hand crème and a cleansing cloth. The hand cream goes on thick & heavy, or balmlike according to the information card, but I find it too greasy. It does have a pleasant scent, however (jasmine and ylang-ylang). The lip balm is effective & smooth and I appreciate having a full-sized container. All products included shea butter and/or extract, including the refreshing moist towel. Lavatories also included lotion as Brad noted and facial mist. Even though I’m not a fan of L’Occitane’s lotion, the additional amenities in the lav bump this category up a notch. Score: 5

Oral Care: A medium bristled mini toothbrush and Colgate toothpaste are included with this kit. Finally, an airline is “brave” enough to include mint-flavored toothpaste versus the standard tasteless versions I seem to experience all the time. As Brad mentioned, mints would have been appreciated and/or mouthwash. Nothing stellar, nothing terrible in this category. Score: 4

Comfort Items: The socks from this kit actually impress me and are definitely a heavier thread count. I can’t quite tell if they’re cotton or high-quality spun wool. I’m actually considering washing and using them. The adjustable eyeshades are big and soft, and the 3M brand earplugs are nicely sized and also soft. Brad mentions the pajamas are a poly-cotton blend and noted they were very comfortable. The kit also includes a small packet of seven facial tissues and a comb, and the lavatories had cloth hand towels – a nice touch. The PJs are definitely a notch up from standard Business Class fare and the mattress pad and duvet for sleeping really helped Virgin Australia excel in this category. Score: 6

Intangibles: The branding is subtle and I wonder why more airlines don’t include their identity on the outside of the kits, especially if it’s not a brand name bag. It’s an okay kit, but the additional items in the lav plus the pajamas really make a welcoming impression. A purple, color-scheme appropriate pen was also included with the kit. While not incredibly luxurious, I think the kit and the bonuses bump this kit above adequate. Score: 5

Total score & comments:

I actually would have expected a nicer bag/container from Virgin Australia as my expectations of the Virgin brand are a bit higher than “regular” airlines. That said, though, it was acceptable. They definitely have an opportunity to improve oral care items and believe mouthwash or mints should be included for future versions. I think the total score of 4.85 is fair given my remarks above. Have you flown with Virgin Australia? What did you think of their amenity kit?

Having just finished the final installment of my Asiana Airlines trip report, here is the next edition of my series on Amenity Kit Reviews featuring Asiana’s First Class offering. For a better description of each category and the 7-point scale for scoring, please review my introductory post here.

Bag/Container: Asiana provides a cream-colored leather zipper bag of amenities to each First Class passenger, along with pajamas in a silk-like zipper bag and slippers in a drawstring nylon pouch. The inside of the kit is lined with similarly colored nylon with a small side elastic pouch. The bag isn’t brand named and has a leather tag sewn into the front with the Asiana Airlines name and logo. Reusability is high as the bag expands generously and will accommodate a decent supply of small items. Score: 6

Skin Care: This kit features Italian Bvlgari skin care products and includes nourishing hand cream, face lotion, body lotion, after shave emulsion, lip balm and eau de cologne. Both the face and hand lotions are totally scentless and cleanly & quickly absorb, while the after shave and body lotions have unnamed fragrances that are different, but clean and light. The lip balm is effective and I detected a slight taste of honey. I’m wary of colognes, but this one is incredibly light in scent – almost nonexistent. The enclosed product information card notes it is “characterized by the unique note of tea.” If these items weren’t already enough, the lavatories included even more lotions, creams and facial mist. More than you could need was available, so this category gets the highest mark. Score: 7

Oral Care: Inside the kit, a small tube of Colegate toothpaste was found along with a soft-bristled toothbrush that when attaching the casing to the brush, formed a full-sized toothbrush. The lavatories included full-sized toothbrush & generic ‘Asiana’ paste kits, as well. What was a bit shocking to me here was the lack of mouthwash (or even mints) in the kit and lavatory, something I’d expect in international First Class. As such, I’m dropping the score a notch from the middle ground of adequate. Score: 3

Comfort Items: Asiana supplies eyeshades and earplugs separate from the actual kit and they’re delivered to you before pushback. The eyeshades are incredibly soft and feature a Velcro band to ensure a comfortable fit, and the earplugs are also very soft, similar to the Ear® brand, and fit perfectly. Keeping with the soft theme, the pajamas, although not brand named, are 100% cotton, without defect and very comfortable. The kit also includes a Bvlgari moist refreshing towel with the same light tea scent as the cologne. If I had hair, combs were available inside the lavs. The slippers were also comfortable and a step-up in design and fabric from what’s offered to Business Class. Exceptional items deserve the exceptional score. Score: 7

Intangibles: I was amazed at the amount of products, especially skin care, this kit provided, as well as what was found in the lavatories. The luxurious leather kit combined with incredibly soft pajamas in a silk-like (brushed cotton?) zipper bag really made an impression on me. Asiana’s branding on the bag and pajamas (“fly asiana”) is subtle and welcoming. Very well done. Score: 7

Total score & comments:

I was very impressed with everything except oral care and hope Asiana will take note of the mouthwash issue. Full-sized pens were distributed with the immigration and customs documents and even though I always carry multiple pens, I’m happy to have added another airline brand to my collection. Bvlgari is a well-respected and high-end brand deserving of such a partnership with this service-oriented airline. Job well done, Asiana. Overall Score: 5.85

American Airlines recently upgraded their onboard amenities for international Business and First Class passengers. In addition to updated blankets and duvets, First Class customers also now receive a quilted bed topper, slippers and pajamas. Both Business and First passengers receive the same amenity kit – newly redesigned featuring the legendary Eames Dot Pattern – which I will review below. For a better description of each category, and the 7-point scale for scoring, please review my introduction post here.

Bag/Container: It’s a black nylon zipper bag designed exclusively for American by Eames Office®. A small metal tag with the American Airlines eagle logo is centrally affixed on the front and a small fabric Eames logo is sewn into the bright orange single compartment bag also adorned with the Eames Dot Pattern. The kit is well made with absolutely no defects and reusability in my mind is high. Nicely done, American and Eames. Score: 6

Skin Care: American partnered with Dermalogica to provide skin care products for this kit including an active moist lotion and multivitamin hand and nail treatment. The lotion says it contains no artificial fragrance or color, but I did detect a very light and pleasant “clean” scent. The hand lotion is scentless and absorbs quickly, but does leave your fingertips a touch greasy. The brandless lip balm is effective and has a very subtle mint taste. Finally, a scentless moist towelette rounds out the skin care items inside the kit. Score: 6

Oral Care: American’s previous amenity kit scored well in this category, but I’m totally disappointed this time around. A small bristled mini toothbrush with a plastic cover and the smallest tube of Colegate toothpaste I’ve ever seen were the only items inside. I prefer full-sized toothbrushes and that tiny tube of toothpaste is difficult to work with and lacks sufficient quantity. Also, I feel mints and mouthwash should be standard items for a premium cabin amenity kit. Score: 2

Comfort Items: The standard eyeshade & sock combo are banded together with a paper strap and the eyeshades have an adjustable Velcro strap, so it’s easy to come up the most comfortable fit. For single-use, the socks are fine, but aren’t the most durably made. The earplugs are soft and effective and the package of facial tissues is always handy to have at your seat. Now that American offers pajamas and slippers in First Class, and slippers in Business Class, I’ve bumped the score up to 6. Had these new items not been available, the score would have been 4.  Score: 6

Intangibles: The unique design of the kit really makes a statement of luxury and elegance in my opinion. I like it when subtle branding is incorporated and the AA metal plate and the Eames label noting the bag was designed exclusively for American Airlines add to the appeal of this kit. Score: 6

Total score & comments:

Besides the oral care category, American definitely improved from their previous version. I love the bag and will likely rotate it in and use it as my amenity kit I always have with me when I fly. They included a pen, which is always handy. The product information card provided some background into Eames and included a 20% off discount offer for Dermalogica products purchased online. Nice improvement, American… your score of 5.00 is well earned.

Finally, many thanks to Daraius at Million Mile Secrets for donating this amenity kit to me for review on my blog.