In this installment of Amenity Kit Reviews, I take a critical look at the business class offering of Star Alliance member Air China. A very special thanks goes out to Very Good Points for sending it my way. For a better description of each category and the 7-point scale for scoring, please review my introductory post.

Air China Amenity Kit

Bag/Container: The off-white, rectangular nylon zipper bag has a touch of pleather to it, particularly along the height of the case. It sports the L’Occitane logo on top, with the only identifiable Air China logo on the zippers themselves. Opening the case reveals a single compartment with four differently sized plastic pouches on the flap. Reusability is medium-to-high in my opinion, and while not overly luxurious, it is slightly higher quality than some other business class kits. Score: 5 out of 7

Interior of Air China's Amenity Kit

Skin Care: Air China partnered with L’Occitane to supply skin care items for this kit, which consist of Citrus Verbena Body Lotion and a Shea Butter Lip Balm Stick. The lip balm is your standard fare and sufficient, but the lotion in this kit is a step up from the L’Occitane ones found in the Asiana and Virgin Australia kits, for example. A nearly scentless disinfectant wet tissue rounds out the skin care items. Score: 5 out of 7

Oral Care: A tube of standard flavored Colgate toothpaste and a soft bristled toothbrush are the sole oral care items in the kit. I always appreciate it when airlines decide on a toothbrush that snaps back onto its casing to form a nearly full size apparatus. Plus, the casing helps keep the brush head clean for reuse. Score: 4 out of 7

Comfort Items: Here’s where Air China scores big. Inside the case are found your typical comfort items, including a folding brush, earplugs in their own plastic container (nice!) and one-size-fits-all eyeshades. But Air China also provides pajamas (plus slippers) to its business class passengers, a rarity for the middle cabin on most all other airlines. They’re cotton and come in a red fabric bag. Well done! Score: 7 out of 7

Air China PJs - Image Courtesy 'Very Good Points'

Intangibles: I believe Air China missed the mark in not incorporating more of its own branding to the kit, but it still comes off as an exclusive amenity filled with useful items.  Score: 5 out of 7

Total score & comments:

This kit was on track to be an average business class offering with a slightly above adequate final score. But the addition of PJs really sets Air China apart from many of its competitors, and the score of 5.25 is well deserved.

Related posts:

Amenity Kit Reviews

Amenity Kit Review Introduction

My Top-Ranked Amenity Kits

World’s Top Amenity Kits of 2012 – TravelPlus Awards

A special thanks goes out to reader Jason for donating a current-generation Austrian Airlines Business Class kit 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.

Austrian Airlines Business Class Amenity Kit

Bag/Container: The charcoal gray case appears to be made out of hemp (or is it simply felt?) and is accented by red sides and a felt closure ribbon. Manufactured by popular amenity provider FORMIA, it includes a tag bearing the Austrian logo on one edge and opens to reveal a single compartment along with one of eight motifs evoking early 20^th Century Austrian moments (click here for the others). It’s a nifty collectible and adds a unique element to otherwise mundane kits, though reusability is low, in my opinion. Score: 5

Austrian Airlines Business Class Amenity Case

Skin Care: Austrian appropriately partnered with home country skin care provider Alpienne. But what’s a bit disappointing is that this kit only offers a single tube of body lotion. It’s quality stuff, however, and has an ever so light, fresh scent. Score: 3

Oral Care: Are you a soft-, medium- or hard-bristle kind of person? Well, here finally is the very first truly soft-bristled toothbrush I’ve ever come across in an amenity kit (thank you!). And it’s a full-size toothbrush to boot. I struggled like hell to get the security seal off the top of the Forhans toothpaste tube, but eventually did to discover another plus… mint-flavored paste. And the kit includes a packet of Smints for extra refreshment. Score: 5

Comfort Items: Your standard airline-issue socks and dual elastic band (one size fits all) eyemask are included, along with a red plastic shoehorn and pair of 3M earplugs. Standard fare, but perfectly adequate. Score: 4

Intangibles: The kit and contents are light as a feather and you almost wonder if there’s anything inside when picking it up. The amenities are all fine, but do little to emit a sense of exclusivity. Saving this category from falling below adequate is the collectible aspect of the case. Oh, as did the little piece of Milka chocolate. Score: 4

Total score & comments:

Many European airlines aren’t known for super-luxe amenity kits and this kit is no exception. As such, a score of 4.15 seems perfectly appropriate.

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Amenity Kit Reviews

Amenity Kit Review Intro and Scoring System

Ranking the Top Amenity Kits Reviewed

I mentioned in my last review that I’m running a bit light on current-generation amenity kits – donations are accepted – so I dug deep into my bins and found this Iberia business class offering from 2007. For a better description of each Amenity Kit Review category and the 7-point scale for scoring, please review my introductory post.

Iberia Business Plus amenity kit

Bag/Container: The colorful (I’ll call it Fiesta orange) and textured zipper bag holds its shape well due to sturdy cardboard padding on the top and base of the kit. A metal tag bearing the Iberia and Business Plus logos is affixed to the lower-right quadrant of the top flap, and it opens to reveal a roomy single compartment. There’s a plastic sleeve on the underside of the opening, though it’s only big enough to hold the relatively flat facial cleansing cloth and product information card. Reusability is high unless you’re put-off by the color.  Score: 5

Skin Care: Iberia partnered with iblue, a company I’ve never heard of nor can I find on Google, to supply the kit’s skin care items. Perhaps Apple bought them out for an upcoming iBlue launch. Anyway, I’m impressed with elaborateness of a pump bottle for the aloe vera moisturizer and spritz bottle of eau de toilette, each pleasantly fragranced in a unisex kind of way. And the lip balm glides on smoothly, though I couldn’t detect a flavor. A facial cleansing cloth is also included in the kit and it was surprisingly still moist and citrusy-refreshing these six years later.  Score: 6

Oral Care: The medium-bristled toothbrush folds out of its holding case, which doubles a handle extension, and the kit includes a small tube of deliciously minty Foramen toothpaste. Or maybe it went super minty since the toothpaste “expired” in 2011. I haven’t gotten sick, anyway, as of the time this post went live. But since there aren’t any mints or mouthwash, this category is simply adequate. Score: 4

Iberia shoe bag amenity

Comfort Items: Your standard airline-issue socks and eyemasks are included, but cleverly wrapped with an elastic hair cord, perfect for use to pull back my long, flowing locks into a pony tail. And Iberia included a folding brush/comb combo to assist with my effort. Also included are a plastic shoehorn and soft earplugs, which I don’t believe were meant to be white and yellow. I guess that’s what happens to them sitting in my bin for years. Finally, Iberia added a drawstring shoe bag to round out this rather impressive category. Score: 5.5

Intangibles: For a business class kit, I think it’s a pretty substantial offering and a notch above some of the other international carriers. If you read my reviews, you know I’m a fan of branding, and I’m pleased Iberia spent the extra pennies-per-unit to include their logo on the shoehorn, toothbrush and shoe bag. Overall, it’s an impressive, semi-luxurious kit. Score: 5

Total score & comments:

Iberia Business Plus Amenity Kit Score

Iberia earns a well-deserved score of 5.13 for this solid business class offering. I’m not a fan of the orange, though I suppose it matches their livery. Are their seats orange?

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Ranking the 19 Amenity Kits I’ve Reviewed

Amenity Kit Review Introduction and Scoring System

I’ve had this Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Business Class kit in my collection for a little more than a year and bring you a critique 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: Philippine Airlines partnered with Bally to provide this black nylon, rectangular dual-compartment zipper bag (the current version, also by Bally, doubles as an iPad pouch). It’s very well manufactured and includes the Bally logo on the exterior, as well as a “with compliments of” Philippine Airlines tag inside one of the compartments. Three pouches housing the skin care amenities grace one of the interior sections, while the other sports a single lengthwise pocket. It’s a bit small for my taste to reuse when traveling, but would be something ideal for markers and pens around the house. Score: 5

Skin Care: Clarins of Paris skin care products in this kit include hand and nail cream, lip balm and “Eau Dynamisante” fragrance. The thick hand cream absorbs well with minimal greasiness and has a pleasant, light scent. I couldn’t detect a flavor for the lip balm and it does the job well. The fragrance, really cologne as it’s fairly masculine, is fine if you’re into that sort of thing (I generally don’t wear any). Additional cologne and lotion can be found in the lavatories, according to the back of the Clarins product information card. And razor kits are available upon request. All are great amenities for business class. Score: 6

Oral Care: A full-size, medium-bristled toothbrush with head cover and a small tube of standard-flavored Colgate toothpaste come in a plastic sleeve inside the kit. And mouthwash is provided in the lavs, so I’m giving this category a bump up from adequate. Score: 5

Comfort Items: The kit contains your standard non-premium socks along with eyeshades that have a soft interior lining as well as adjustable elastic straps. No earplugs, but the kit does include a nifty brush with a mirror in the handle. Score: 4.5

Intangibles: For a business class kit, I think it’s a pretty substantial offering and a notch above some of the other international carriers. I particularly like when airlines partner with a bag manufacturer giving it a bit more exclusivity. And as always, I do like the branding elements to remind me of where it came from. Score: 5

Total score & comments:

Philippine Airlines earns a well-deserved score of 5.13 for this solid business class offering. Now I just need to get my hands on the version sporting the new case.

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Amenity Kit Review Introduction

Ranking the 19 Amenity Kits I’ve Reviewed

United Airlines recently refreshed their amenity kit offerings now that the merger with Continental is solidly complete. I previously reviewed the new BusinessFirst kit and now bring you the Global First kit 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 deep navy blue rectangular case is made of some type of high-quality canvas-like synthetic fabric and has a magnetic snap closure. A small silvery-gold metal plate featuring the United logo and Global First brand is affixed to the lower right-hand front side. It opens to reveal two large zippered mesh compartments divided by a penholder elastic band. Handily, it has a fabric loop sewn into the top allowing it to hang on the lavatory door. As you can see below, the “United Global First” brand is heavily promoted on the interior of the case. While I generally prefer an actual bag, I do very much like this design and reusability would be high. Score: 6

Skin Care: United went with the philosophy brand of skin care items this time around and the kit includes “hope in a stick” lip balm, “hands of hope” hand cream, “hope in a jar” oil-free moisturizer, “hope springs eternal” facial spritz, and a “purity made simple” facial cleansing cloth. The scentless, gel-like hand cream absorbs rapidly and was surprisingly un-greasy. The lip balm, too, lacked any scent or flavor, but the moist facial cloth had a slight aroma of sandalwood and sage. Separate facial moisturizer was ideal to apply after using the cloth and I absolutely love the mist/spritz on flights for instant refreshment. And my germ-phobic self was very happy to find a small bottle of Purell hand sanitizer in the kit. The enclosed product information card for philosophy offers 20% off any purchase of $50 or more on their website using an offer code. Score: 6

Oral Care: I’m thrilled United changed out the toothbrush that’s been making the cut the last several iterations of their kits. This one is medium-bristled and one of those where you pop the brush into the case. A tube of standard flavored Colgate toothpaste was also included along with Scope original mint mouthwash and two packages of peppermints containing two each. And I’m impressed by the Crest Glide dental floss – when you tear the pouch open, the floss stays internally adhered to each end of the pouch making it easy to avoid dropping it. And all the items come in a quart-sized plastic bag perfect for use for the 3 oz. TSA rule. It, too, is emblazoned with the United globe and Global First brand. Score: 6

Comfort Items: Eyeshades, socks and a plastic shoehorn are ribbon wrapped with yet another item featuring the United globe logo. The eyeshades are “one size fits all” with elastic straps and the socks have been slightly upgraded with little round rubber grippers on the bottom – a nice touch. Also included are a wooden comb (with the United Global First brand logo), soft-ish earplugs, a package of three tissues and a soft cleansing cloth perfect for cleaning eyeglasses or mobile device screens. I’m a bit torn between scoring this category a 5 or 6, so it’s getting my first-ever half point bump. Score: 5.5

Intangibles: This is by far the most substantive kit United has offered international first class passengers since I’ve been a collector. It contains a huge amount of useful items and it is indeed an exclusive amenity. I’m a branding dork and while the logo is virtually everywhere, I dig it. The full-sized pen is an added plus. Score: 6

Total score & comments:

I can’t fault anything in this kit and the score of 5.88 strongly reflects a solid offering. Now only if United would supply pajamas in Global First…

Related posts:

United Airlines BusinessFirst Amenity Kit Review – 2012

United Airlines First Class Amenity Kit Review (old version)

Ranking the 19 Amenity Kits I’ve Reviewed To Date

Amenity Kit Review Introduction

SkyTeam just welcomed Aerolineas Argentinas as their 18^th member airline late last month, so I bring you the carrier’s Club Condor (business class) amenity kit for this installment of Amenity Kit Reviews. I’ve actually had this one in my possession for about a year now, so I’m not exactly sure if it’s the current offering. For a better description of each category and the 7-point scale for scoring, please review my introductory post.

Bag/Container: The padded, rectangular canvas zipper bag with a woven twill texture features the Aerolineas Argentinas logo on one side and an exterior pocket on the other. Besides the obvious gray, the bag is adorned with a bright blue, almost “grandma blue,” leather handle along with the pinstripe as shown. The interior isn’t expansive, but offers a decent amount of space along with three pouches on one side, each holding a single item. Not a bad offering for business class. Score: 5

Skin Care: Aerolineas Argentinas partnered with L’Occitane to provide the two simple items found inside the kit. One is cooling hand gel with organic verbena extract, which has an incredibly refreshing and clean scent. I’m normally not a fan of gel lotions, but this one absorbed immediately and left my hands oil free after just a moment. The other item is a shea extract refreshing cloth and a nice alternative to a separate lotion.  Score: 5

Oral Care: Maybe it’s my big man hands (thanks, Seinfeld), but I hate teeny tiny tubes of toothpaste. That said, the standard flavor tube of Colgate toothpaste serves its purpose just fine. The full-size, soft-bristled toothbrush is impressive, so it basically brings this category back to adequate. Score: 4

Comfort Items: The one-size-fits-all elastic eyeshades are standard amenity kit fare; though do feature a soft interior lining. And the socks are equivalently standard and not anything of ultra-high quality. A pair of soft earplugs is also included. When I think of South America, one of the things that comes to mind is people with beautiful hair. And the airline must know this by offering a comb/brush combo. You gotta stay gorgeous, South America.  Score: 5

Intangibles: This kit doesn’t scream exclusivity, but it’s a solid offering for business class. And I have to give credit for originality in offering a unique amenity I have yet to come across – a polyester laundry bag perfect for wet swimwear if they hadn’t dried fully. It’s just too big to be a shoe bag, but I suppose it could be used as such.   Score: 5

Total score & comments:

Like I said, it’s a solid business class kit and I couldn’t really fault anything and there were enough items to push it above adequate. A score of 4.75 is well deserved.

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Amenity Kit Review Introduction

Ranking the 19 Amenity Kits I’ve Reviewed To Date

I previously reviewed Thai Airways’ Royal First Class Rimowa amenity kit – the highest ranking kit to date – and now bring you their current Tumi First Class Men’s offering courtesy of Brad at upgrd.com 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: Tumi is a well-respected manufacturer of luxury business, travel and lifestyle accessories and this bag doesn’t disappoint. The exterior fabric is a dimpled, rubber-like canvas of extremely high quality. The zipper operates effortlessly to reveal a cotton-lined interior with one side pocket. Its size is ideal for reuse and my only complaint is that the Thai logo doesn’t appear anywhere. That said, it’s still deserving of a top rating. Score: 7

Skin Care: Thai partnered with Hermes of Paris to provide the kit’s body lotion and cologne, and Neutrogena for the lip moisturizer. I’m incredibly critical of amenity kit lotions and this is probably the first that truly absorbs immediately allowing one to go back to typing on a laptop (as I’m doing now) without worry of excess moisture – it’s absolutely “grease-less.” I’m not a cologne fan, however, but if you’re into that kind of thing, it’s potent and manly in an “Old Spice” way. The lip balm is ideal and this kit also includes my favorite amenity when flying – facial mist. It has a light and pleasant citrus scent and I find a quick spritz incredibly refreshing on dry airplanes. Even though I’m not a cologne fan, this category also gets a top rating. Score: 7

Oral Care: Thai offers Fluocaril oral care products, including a full-size, medium-bristled toothbrush with a plastic cover and standard toothpaste. I absolutely love the mint-flavored breath spray included with the kit. It, in my opinion, does more to truly feel refreshed than any mouthwash. Score: 6

Comfort Items: The kit includes a “one size fits all” elastic eyeshade with the Thai Airways logo, a brush/comb combo and a pair of soft earplugs (as pictured). The eyeshades are rather basic and not as extravagant (read: Velcro strap with ultra-soft lining) as those found in other kits I’ve reviewed. Royal First Class passengers are also provided with slippers and pajamas, which I don’t have available for this review. In the lavatories, as noted on their website, soft linen towels are an option over paper towels – a nice luxury. Score: 6

Intangibles: Thai impresses again with a top-rated amenity kit – it’ll definitely hold a spot in the top five for quite a while. One thing I would have liked to see is the Thai logo on the bag somewhere. I realize Tumi probably forbade it, but as the previously reviewed Rimowa kit featured Thai’s logo, it would have been a nice branding element reminding the traveler of the airline it came from.  Score: 6

Total score & comments:

Perhaps the only thing missing is a pen. I have a feeling flight attendants provide one, though, when distributing any arrival document cards as Cathay Pacific and Asiana do separately. The kit does emit true luxury and exclusivity and for that, a score of 6.40 is well deserved.

Related posts:

Amenity Kit Review: Thai Airways Royal First Class – Rimowa

Amenity Kit Review: Cathay Pacific First Class Women’s Version

Amenity Kit Review: Cathay Pacific First Class Men’s Version

Ranking the 19 Amenity Kits I’ve Reviewed To Date

An amenity kit on a domestic flight? Yep… Virgin Australia offers amenity kits to business class passengers flying its premium A330s on transcontinental runs from both Melbourne and Sydney to Perth. Here’s a review of the men’s version 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 rectangular zipper bag designed by Buzz Products sports a 100% nylon, battleship gray exterior with a leather patch sewn into the lower right corner embossed with the Virgin Australia logo. It zips open easily to reveal a 100% polyester interior vibrant in the Virgin Australia purple found on many inflight elements. Two small pockets are also found on one side of the interior. Reusability is high and while I wouldn’t call nylon and poly luxurious, it’s acceptable for business class. A handle of some sort or the ability to hang it on the lavatory door might have bumped this case up to 6. Score: 5

Skin Care: Virgin Australia partners with Australian organic alchemist Grown for its skin care products. The kit includes generous tubes of vanilla & orange peel hand cream and vanilla & watermelon lip balm housed in a nifty box. You need to puncture each tube with the reverse side of the cap and I had a devil of a time getting the lip balm to fully puncture. It, oddly, is gritty and not silky like its description (bad tube/batch?). I love the hand cream, however, as well as the additional Grown amenities of lotion and hand wash in the lavatories. Score: 5

Oral Care: A full-size toothbrush with very soft bristles (a welcome relief for dentists everywhere) and a tube of Colgate toothpaste are included with this kit. Standard fare and it gets the job done. Mints and/or mouthwash would have definitely bumped the score up. Score: 4

Comfort Items: The expected socks, eyeshades and earplugs are in the kit, but each are a caliber above standard. The socks are soft and made with a higher thread count than many other business class kits, and the Velcro-enabled eyeshades are oversized and equally soft. A comb and razor are included in the description of the men’s kit on Virgin Australia’s blog, though weren’t inside mine. Score: 5

Intangibles: The kit itself contains more than you could ask for on a simple transcontinental flight and for that simple reason, I’m giving it a top rating in this category. It’s definitely an exclusive amenity. I love the color matching to other brand elements, too. Score: 7

Total score & comments:

It’s a very good kit and also includes a pen and VIP invitation card from Grown for a complimentary facial serum valued at AU$59 with any purchase at Grown.com. Job well done, Virgin Australia, and an improvement from your last business class kit.

Related posts:

Amenity Kit Review: Virgin Australia Business Class (November 2011)

Flight Review: Virgin Australia Business Class Sydney to Perth

Amenity Kit Review: Virgin Australia Premium Economy (November 2011)

I’ve always wanted to add an Emirates amenity kit to my collection and I can’t thank Teja, who authors the Grab a Mile blog, enough for making it a reality. Here’s a review of what I believe is their current 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 introductory post.

Bag/Container: The padded, ultra soft brown suede bag is manufactured by Harmony Onboard and opens to reveal a cream colored, expandable interior with the Emirates logo appearing throughout in gold. There are a total of seven miniature pockets on the interior designed to hold the skin care products and other items described below. Also in gold is the Emirates logo appearing on the leather patch sewn into front exterior of the bag. Smartly, they added a rubber bottom to protect the case’s fabric. It’s a gorgeous case and would be ideal for reuse. Score: 7

Skin Care: A heavenly amount of skin care items are included. From Bulgari, the kit includes unscented hand cream and face emulsion, both of which absorb rapidly and feel incredibly oil-free. The box each came in is a bit unnecessary, but a nice touch of further branding. From Temple Spa, a tube each of “Take a Grip” (dry shower in a tube), “Peace Be Still” (calming face & body balm) and “AAAHHH!” (soothing balm for aching feet & limbs) are included. I can’t identify the scent of the “shower in a tube,” but it’s fresh and fragrant. The face & body balm is mostly lemon and citrus, while the feet & limb balm is primarily sandalwood, of which I’m a huge fan.  Score: 7

Oral Care: Here’s where the review steps down from the heights of perfection. I was surprised to only find a toothbrush (admittedly a nice, full-size one) and Colgate toothpaste in the kit. Perhaps the lavatories stocked mouthwash, something I would absolutely expect in a high-end first class kit. And maybe a flosser would be appropriate here. Maybe I’m being too picky. Score: 4

Comfort Items: Comfort items abound in this kit. The oversized eyeshades are the softest I’ve ever come across and feature a Velcro strap and Emirates tag. A combo brush/comb is always handy and this kit includes a mini-mirror (the rectangular suede leather thing you see in the main picture with a gold Emirates logo).

The socks are another story. They are the very cheap ones that barely hold together and defects are visible. A packet of seven tissues is present along with the coolest items yet – two sniff boxes: one labeled “Focus” containing bergamat, lemon & cinnamon and the other “Sleep” with lavender, camomile & neroli. Pajamas are also provided, though I don’t have a set to review. Even though the socks are cheap, I have to give this category a top score. The other items more than make up for them. Score: 7

Intangibles: Emirates’ First Class kit is better than I imagined and lives up to what I’d expect from a top-rated airline. It’s luxurious and I give huge props to airlines that offer gender-specific kits. Branding is prevalent, but not in your face. As Emirates equals “first class” in my mind, and this kit exemplifies sophistication and indulgence. Score: 7

Total score & comments:

Besides the rather pedestrian oral care category, this kit delivered in first class amenities. Now I’ll just have to fly them myself to get those PJs and take a shower onboard their A380. The score of 6.25 easily earns this kit the 2nd best kit I’ve ranked to date.

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Ranking the 19 Amenity Kits I’ve Reviewed To Date

Amenity Kit Review Introduction

Amenity Kit Review: Thai Airways Royal First Class

I recently went through my stash of amenity kits and discovered I have quite a few oldies but goodies I failed to review before their retirement. While not in active use, I still think it’s worthwhile to review them to compare against previous and future versions each airline rolls out. So, here’s my review of the Bally First Class kit from Swiss International Air Lines active in 2010 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: Manufactured by Bally (and logoed as such), the rectangular black nylon bag with leather trim around the zipper tracks is made exceptionally well. A tag with the SWISS logo is sewn into one side of the spacious interior next to four individual pockets holding the small skin care products described below. The opposite side has one pocket extending the length of the bag. Reusability is high given its flexibility and ample storage capacity. Score: 6

Skin Care: Rightfully selecting La Prairie, a Swiss skin care manufacturer, this kit includes tubes of cellular hand cream, time-release (face) moisturizer, eye contour cream and moisturizing lip balm. The lip gel is flavorless and glides on smoothly, and the eye cream also has no scent. Both the hand cream and facial moisturizer have what struck me as a feminine scent, almost “perfumey.”  They’re quality products, but I was expecting something a bit more unisex in aroma. Shaving kits are available upon request. Score: 5

Oral Care: SWISS gets some props from me for supplying a full sized toothbrush with a plastic case that has holes at one end so the brush can dry out properly. And it’s a quality brush that you’d buy retail. A small tube of Colgate “standard” flavor toothpaste is also included. No mints or mouthwash, however, and I don’t know if the latter is stocked in the lavatories. I hope so, as I consider it a standard international first class amenity. For now I’ll assume not and only give them an adequate rating. (Readers, if you know they have mouthwash in the lavs, please let me know). Score: 4

Comfort Items: The standard socks, earplugs and eyeshades are included with this kit, as well as a folding comb/brush, shoehorn and a package of seven Kleenex. A nail file and sewing kit are available upon request and SWISS does provide First Class passenger pajamas, though I don’t have those for this review. The eyeshades really stuck out at me since they have a very soft cotton inner lining and an adjustable Velcro strap. Score: 6

Intangibles: First Class kits should emit a bit more luxury than their Business Class counterparts and this one is significantly nicer than the (yet to be reviewed) business offering. Branding is subtle and partnering with a design house to manufacture an exclusive bag gets points in my book. Score: 6

Total score & comments:

I’d be a bit disappointed if mouthwash were not available in the lavatories, so unless I hear otherwise, the oral care category is the only real let down. And my detection of a perfumed scent in the lotions wasn’t that appealing, but that’s just my taste. Overall, it’s a very good kit and it received a deserving score of 5.25.