CHECK-IN The gate was already open for my 2325 flight (AY0131) once I connected from Heathrow. I went straight through to the priority boarding area and we started to board at 2300. As soon as I was at my seat I was offered a drink and my jacket was taken, then my main course order was taken. The plane pushed back a few minutes late at 2342 and, after de-icing, was airborne at midnight.
THE SEAT The Airlounge seat is unique in that it does not recline but still turns into a bed. It has a fixed back so, with the exception of the footrests, your sitting position is fixed. The seat converts into a bed when you raise the footrest on the seat and leg rest at the footrest. This fills in the gap between the footrest and seat. As the seat does not recline you have to slide down the bed/seat to sleep. The bed is spacious and I had no trouble sleeping on my back or turning onto my side. When sleeping there is a seat belt that goes around the waist. Unlike others I have tried, this was tensioned like a car seat belt so is tighter against the body. I thought this might restrict me as I moved, so decided to keep it off and hoped for no turbulence. For take-off and landing there is a waist belt with shoulder strap.
Esta historia es de la edición Business Traveller UK March 2023 issue de Business Traveller UK.
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Esta historia es de la edición Business Traveller UK March 2023 issue de Business Traveller UK.
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Pan Pacific Orchard, Singapore
BACKGROUND This biophilic property opened in June 2023 and is the second Pan Pacific hotel in the city, the other being the Pan Pacific Singapore. The hotel is a member of the Green Collection within the GHA Discovery loyalty programme. It is BCA Green Mark Platinum-certified for its sustainability credentials.
The Hoxton, Lloyd Amsterdam
BACKGROUND The Hoxton brand debuted in London's Shoreditch in 2006 and is part of Ennismore, in which Accor holds a majority stake. The brand has 16 properties across Europe and North America, including two in Amsterdam - the first opened in 2015 in the city centre, followed by this property in the Eastern Docklands in August 2023.
Ruby Zoe, London
BACKGROUND Germany's Ruby Hotels launched in 2013, and operates 17 properties in locations including Amsterdam, Dublin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Zurich.
London Hilton on Park Lane
BACKGROUND The London Hilton on Park Lane opened in 1963 - the first Hilton property in the UK. To celebrate its 60th anniversary last year, the hotel embarked on an extensive multi-million pound refurbishment led by the GA Group.
Philippine Airlines A321 business class SINGAPORE-MANILA
BACKGROUND Philippine Airlines operates flights from Singapore Changi Airport to Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport, using A321ceo aircraft, which stands for 'current engine option, indicating an older aircraft than the A321neo. My flight (PR502) was a morning departure at 1035, arriving 1425 local time in Manila.
Lima
Peru's coastal capital boasts colourful public parks, striking street art and generous plates of ceviche
The inside scoop
We chat to the president of luxury hotel and restaurant association Relais & Châteaux, which marks its 70th anniversary this month
Why business isn't better
Our 'columnist' this month explains why they believe economy class reigns supreme over business class
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Provincial Provence
As Terre Blanche marks its 20th anniversary, we experience the resort's golfing and spa facilities as well as Michelin-starred food and blush rosé