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.

It’s no secret that I horde amenity kits and a fellow blogger that knows my unique passion for them reached out to me a couple of days ago looking to spread the word that he’s giving away an extra Air New Zealand Business Premier kit he received recently.

I already have one in my collection, so if you don’t and would like a chance to win this one (actually a new, still sealed version), visit his Miles To Go blog and follow the directions below to enter and win it.

[Note: To enter, be sure to go to the linked blog above to leave your comment... not my comment section here on Frequently Flying. Then send your email per the third bullet point below.]

Entries close at midnight this coming Monday March 26^th. Remember… this is not my giveaway, so be sure to leave a comment on his post for your chance to win.

United Airlines today announced the rebranding of international cabin classes and the upgrade of food, entertainment and amenities on those flights. United First will be named United Global First on three-cabin aircraft and Continental’s BusinessFirst name will replace United Business beginning March 3, 2012. The enhanced amenities will include:

• Additional in-flight food choices, including a fourth entrée selection in BusinessFirst.
• An ice cream sundae dessert option with a choice of six toppings.
• Expanded wine selections chosen by Doug Frost, Sommelier and Master of Wine.
• New amenity kits featuring Philosophy-brand skin care products.
• Duvet-style blankets and higher-quality pillows and hot towels.
• Improved in-flight entertainment including noise-reduction headsets.

Domestically and on some limited international flights, United will keep the monikers United First and United Business and offer enhanced amenities, most of which are seen today and include:

• Warmed, all-natural scones and cookies, made from scratch exclusively for United.
• Warmed cinnamon rolls on breakfast flights.
• Pasta salads as a light snack.
• Premium snacks including all-natural pop chips, Emerald nuts, Cliff organic energy bars, Toblerone Swiss milk chocolate and fresh fruit.
• Warmed nuts offered in a small china bowl on all lunch and dinner services.
• Ice cream sundaes on many transcontinental lunch and dinner services.
• Complimentary snackboxes on United Express flights longer than two hours.

Later this year, additional improvements will be seen including larger overhead bins on Airbus A319s & A320s, satellite-enabled inflight internet service and an overhaul of the premium service 757 p.s. fleet that will include flat-bed seats in BusinessFirst.

I’ll be certain to review the new amenity kit as soon as I acquire one for my Amenity Kit Review series. Here are my reviews of the current First Class and Business Class offering on United, and I hope United greatly enhances the Business Class kit, which scored terribly and is currently one of the worst in the industry. Perhaps they’ll simplify things and offer just one amenity kit for all premium cabins as American Airlines has done.

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

Asiana Airlines Trip Report: Introduction & Itinerary

Asiana Airlines Trip Report: Check-in & Star Alliance First Class Lounge LAX

Asiana Airlines Trip Report: OZ 201 Los Angeles to Seoul-Incheon

Asiana Airlines Trip Report: OZ 723 Seoul-Incheon to Hong Kong

Asiana Airlines Trip Report: Check-in & CNAC Lounge Hong Kong

Asiana Airlines Trip Report: Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge Hong Kong

Asiana Airlines Trip Report: OZ 724 Hong Kong to Seoul-Incheon

Asiana Airlines Trip Report: Seoul-Incheon Airport Transit Hotel

Asiana Airlines Trip Report: Asiana Business Class Lounge Seoul-Incheon

Asiana Airlines Trip Report: OZ202 Seoul-Incheon to Los Angeles

I left Asiana’s lounge about an hour and a half before boarding to check out the shops and ensure I’d see the inbound aircraft arrive. Incheon Airport is really quite beautiful – it’s absolutely spotless and architecturally pleasing to the eye. After Singapore’s Changi, Incheon is now my second favorite airport in Asia of those I’ve visited.

After some window shopping, I made my way to gate 41 and scouted out a good window seat in a far corner to watch my 747 arrive.

My video trip report – eventually appearing below – includes shots of the arrival and here are a couple of pics directly after brakes were set and cholks were positioned. Notice all the aircraft type markers on the tarmac. I don’t think they see too many DC-10s or 747SPs anymore.

Boarding was highly organized as expected and again, the agents I interacted with spoke excellent English.

I was greeted pleasantly and shown the way to seat 21K across the aisle on the lower deck. There are only three rows in Business downstairs on Asiana’s 747s with fewer seats than upstairs, so figured it was a good spot with more personalized service. My best views came from windows five and six when you count from the beginning of Business Class.

Boarding continued, my jacket was hung and I was offered my choice of water, orange juice or champagne. The amenity kit and slippers were already placed in the seatback pocket. I’ll fully review the amenity kit for a future installment of Amenity Kit Reviews.

Asiana presently offers angled lie-flat seats in Business Class and while not as good as true lie-flat, I found the seat very comfortable and was able to sleep just fine. Here’s the seat control unit, entertainment remote and right-armrest adjustment button.

What I was amazed by was the amount of space between the window and seat. There was as much room here as what the upper deck normally affords – large enough for my bulky computer back during the flight to keep my underseat space free for full legrest recline.

We pushed back ontime and again I noticed how Asiana’s attendants take great care in ensuring all overheads are latched securely as well as bow at the beginning of the safety video. Ground crews at all locations also wave to the passengers as the plane begins to taxi… another nice touch.

After takeoff, the wine list and menu were distributed with orders taken shortly afterwards.

I went with the Western option for dinner and selected the grilled chicken breast with vegetables and basil pesto. To begin was prosciutto with tomato on an iceberg leaf with a Parmesan bread stick. (Sorry about the bad lighting).

Next up was avocado rolled salmon with horseradish sour cream.

Cream of cauliflower soup was served next and while I’m not a fan of whole cauliflower, this was pretty tasty (with added salt & pepper).

My main course of grilled chicken with veggies arrived and the chicken was surprisingly moist. I usually find airline chicken to be dry and mostly tasteless without any sauce.

Then it was on to fruit & cheese, followed by a delicious cheese mouse cake and a petit four, or as I call it, a nice piece of chocolate.

Coffee and tea were offered with dessert, but I was fully looking forward to a nice sleep, so asked for a bottle of water. Before reclining back I took a trip to the lav and found the now common to me amenities of combs, toothbrush & paste sets, lotion, facial spritz and eau de toilette.

I woke up about 3.5 hours out of Los Angeles, so missed the mid-flight snack options that included sandwiches, fruit, ramen, warm noodles, a Korean laver rice roll and chips. After freshening up a bit in the lav, I returned and watched some of Asiana’s excellent on-demand entertainment.

Breakfast time approached and I have to say, this is the most unique breakfast menu I’ve encountered so far flying.

To begin was yogurt and fresh fruit with a choice of bread.

I ended up going with the risotto that came with a spear of asparagus and sundried tomatoes. It was good, but my Western taste would have preferred eggs of some kind.

We approached Los Angeles a touch early and landed to the West. As we turned the corner into the gate complex, I snapped a shot of a Korean Air A380.

It was a fantastic flight and service was top-notch. Every single time a flight attendant came through the curtain from First Class, they had a smile on their face. My interactions with them at my seat were also incredibly pleasant and always with a smile and little bow. It’s such a joy to fly non-U.S. carriers internationally.

When disembarking I noticed only one passenger coming from First Class, making me cringe that they didn’t open up an award seat. Oh well, Business Class was very enjoyable and I look forward to flying Asiana again.

Here the video trip report related to this flight. I was able to get some incredible shots of Incheon Airport after takeoff and gorgeous views of Los Angeles on arrival.

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.

I wish U.S. airlines invested in upgrading their amenity kits to compete with many of the foreign carrier ones I’ve scored in my Amenity Kit Reviews series. Here’s another great one featuring Thai Airways’ Royal 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: One word: Rimowa. Score: 7. If you’re unfamiliar, Rimowa is a leading manufacturer of luggage and this kit’s unique design matches the aestheticism of their full-sized luggage with a hard plastic wide-ribbed zipper case. As pictured above, it extends when opened and contains two mesh side pockets. A descriptive product information card about the company and its unique polycarbonate luggage was included. Nothing can compare to this bag, in my opinion, so again… Score: 7

Skin Care: Thai partnered with La Maxima of Paris to provide the kit’s skin care items. The body lotion is fantastic and absorbs immediately without leaving an oily after feel. I can’t determine the scent, but it’s light and pleasant. The flavorless lip balm is effective. I love facial mist for incredibly dehydrating airline cabins and this one carries the same unidentifiable scent as the lotion. Also included is a refreshing small bottle of eau de cologne. Additional skin care items are available in the lavatories. Score: 7

Oral Care: Partnering with another European manufacturer, Thai offers Fluocaril oral care products. A full-sized toothbrush with a cover is included and the toothpaste, while effective (is there an ineffective toothpaste?), was of the “regular” flavor. I would love to see some type of mint paste more often in these kits. No breath mints, but this is the first time I’ve seen a container of breath spray. Pretty nice and thankfully it is mint-flavored. Even with my dislike of the toothpaste, I’m giving a near perfect rating. Score: 6

Comfort Items: Truth be told, I didn’t actually fly with Thai and receive this amenity kit (eBay!) and the carrier offers Royal First passengers eyeshades, slippers and pajamas separately. I trust they are top notch and look forward to adding them to my collection soon. In the lavatories, as noted on their website, soft linen towels are an option over paper towels – a nice luxury. The kit does include a flip-comb/brush combo, which I’m sure works just fine if you have hair (I buzzcut what I have left… ha!). You can criticize me here given the fact I didn’t first-hand review most anything in this category, but feel comfortable with giving them a near perfect score with the option to adjust it when I actually travel Royal First. Score: 6

Intangibles: Had I actually flown and received this incredible kit and additional comfort items, I’m certain my impression would be nothing but top notch. I actually like it when the airline incorporates their logo on the kit and feel the Rimowa logo adds to its elite and exclusive feel given their position in the industry.  Score: 7

Total score & comments:

As I would have expected with a non-U.S. airline First Class amenity kit, this one far exceeds what you’d find on American, United or Delta. It definitely deserves the top score of any I’ve reviewed to-date. As Thai is in my alliance of choice – Star Alliance – I’m certain I’ll one day receive one as a passenger. In the meantime, well done Thai Airways, the final score of 6.50 is well deserved.

An article appeared in the San Jose Mercury News in May discussing the evolution of amenity kits since their introduction around the 1950s. As a collector of the kits myself, I’m keen to know what the future holds for them as some airlines are foregoing fully stocked bags/containers and simply handing out individual products upon request or featuring them in the lavatories. It was also mentioned that several airlines are looking to offer kits for sale, a likely new revenue stream for the now unbundled industry. Anita Gittelson, Executive Vice President of major amenity kit manufacturer Wessco said:

Although she’s working with several unnamed airlines for this to become a reality, none of them have yet to introduce kits for purchase as an option. Emirates was quoted in the article as saying they don’t view them as a revenue-generating product, but instead an exclusive premium customer amenity. That makes sense for the truly luxurious airlines with stellar premium cabins, but I absolutely could see our U.S. carriers offering some type of economy class amenity kit for sale on international flights.

While it would be easiest to sell the existing business & first class kits already in use, I don’t think airlines would go that route for coach passengers. What we probably would start to see is a new generation kit specifically designed for onboard purchase, leaving the designated premium cabin kits as an exclusive amenity. My guess is that they would likely contain your basic toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion, eyeshades, socks, and perhaps some mints. When I fly internationally in economy I already have my own amenity kit packed so wouldn’t be interested in the offering, but I could very well see the benefit for other passengers. As with everything for sale today on flights, finding the right price point would be an important consideration. What would you pay? I think it would have to be $10 or less.

Also not surprising from the article is mention of the kick-back airlines receive when co-branded products are purchased directly from the manufacturer when using the enclosed product information card (aka “romance card”) and related coupon code. Ms. Gittelson is credited with birthing the co-branding we see in amenity kits here in the U.S. when she persuaded Delta Air Lines to begin using Essentiel Elements products in their kits back in 2000.

Finally, for the Delta flyers out there, a “very special new kit” should be introduced next month in Business Elite, as Ms. Gittelson noted in a comment she left on my amenity kit review earlier this year. I’ll request a kit from her directly and will be sure to review it for a future installment of amenity kit reviews.