Emirates A380: Business Class

(all images: emirates.com)

This post is one in a series about the Emirates A380.

The unusual thing about the Emirates A380 business class configuration is every seat has personal aisle access in a 1-2-1 configuration. Most airlines operate a 2-2-2 business class configuration where those seated by the window must step over or around the passenger seated along the aisle.

Every seat extends to a flat bed up up to 79" long and includes a built-in mini bar. Depending on the seat position along the window, some seats are situated closer to the window and other closer to the aisle (see photo above).

Like first class, business class also has its own onboard lounge but located in the rear of the upper deck. The airlines advertises that a lounge attendant is available at all times to assist with food and drink requests. Depending on the configuration, there are either 76 or 80 business class seats all located on the upper deck.

Although unlikely, if a U.S. airline picks up a A380 and includes just the Emirates business class amenities as a first class section, it will be a game changer for flying domestic.

Emirates A380: Economy Class

(credit for above images: emirates.com)

(image credit: telstar logistics)

This is one post in a series about the Emirates A380.

Can you imagine the largest jumbo jet in the world with only economy seats? The lower deck of the Emirates A380 comes half way. The entire lower deck is devoted to passengers flying economy. The seats are 18" wide with a pretty standard pitch of 32" with a 6" recline. The airlines flies two versions of the jet with economy seating for 399 to 419 passengers. Each row is comprised of ten seats. Three seats along each window and four center seats. Each seat has its own entertainment screen with 500 channels and a remote. On this screen all passengers are afforded a tail camera view of the jet. The tray table also contains a gyroscopic cup holder.

For comparison purposes, see the related posts about the airlines first and business class deck.

(image credit: wired.com)

(image credit: emirates.com)

(image credit: moaksey; below images: airliners.net)

Emirates A380: The Plane

(emirate jet images: emirates.com)

This is one of a series of posts about the Emirates A380.

I've become slightly obsessed with learning more about the Emirates A380 after recently posting about the airline's shower spa. I've always had a fascination with passenger airplanes. Whenever at Honolulu International Airport for a flight or to greet family or friends I used love watching all the planes arriving, departing or waiting at the gates. This was before only ticketed passengers were allowed in the terminal. It's unlikely I'll be visiting Dubai or flying on an A380 in the near future but its nice to dream.

The Airbus A380 is the largest passenger jet ever. It has a capacity to seat over 800 passengers in a full economy configuration on its wide-body double-decks. But most airlines are opting for a three-class configuration with about 500 seats. Singapore Airlines was the first to fly the jumbo jet in commercial service in October 2007. Other airlines to fly the A380 commercially are: Emirates (August 2008), Qantas (October 2008), Air France (November 2009) and Lufthansa (June 2010).  Other carriers with jets on order are British Airways, Korean Air, Air Austral and Skymark Airlines. No carrier from the United States flies the A380. Over 31 of these jets were in service in 2010. The jet's 2010 approximate cost is $375 million which varies based on the customized interiors. The two decks are reach via one of two stairways.

Airports and airlines also had to adapt to the large jet with jetways to reach both decks and to find ways to efficiently board and deplane passengers.

But it is Emirates which is largest operator with 15 A380s in its fleet out a total of 90 on order that is setting the benchmark for the jet. The airline flies all its A380s from Dubai to destinations around the world and back. With the inclusion of an on board shower for its first class passengers, the airline is setting a new luxury standard for the industry. The business class seats are also seated on the upper deck. All economy seats are on the lower deck.

The photos below of jetways leading to the A380 show airports also had to accommodate the mammoth jet. For efficiency purposes separate jetways lead to the upper and lower decks.

(images credit: singaporeair.com, lufthansa.com, qantas.com.au, airfrance.com;

jetway photos from flyertalk.com)

The Ultimate Wallet: Secured and Indestructible

How's this for ad copy from the dunhill website for this wallet that will stay secured at home and abroad:

Virtually indestructible, the dunhill Biometric Wallet will open only with the touch of your fingerprint. It can be linked via Bluetooth to the owner's mobile phone sounding an alarm if the two are separated by more than 5 meters (15 feet). This provides a brilliant warning if either the phone or wallet is stolen or misplaced. 

The exterior of the wallet is constructed from highly durable carbon fiber that will resist all but the most concerted effort to open it, while the interior features a luxurious leather credit card holder and a strong stainless steel money clip.

This wallet will set you back $825. The impracticality is the shell may limit the number cards and cash. But on the other hand, it prevents the owner from overstuffing the wallet. The clamshell may feel unusual in a back pocket but then again no one will deny the "cool" factor once you pull out the wallet at a store or restaurant.

(images credit: dunhill)

Blanket Pack (or Comfort Kit) on American Airlines

American Airlines was one of the first airlines to charge for a pillow and blanket. One year later, the charge remains and can be considered permanent.

On an American flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Honolulu I decided to purchase a blanket pack to see what you get for eight dollars. The pack includes a fleece blanket made of 100% polyester and an inflatable neck pillow in a clear zipper case. The case could be used for toiletries as noted on the pack's tag which calls the combo a comfort kit. With careful folding of each item, it's possible to repack the two items back into the case. A coupon for $10 off a $30 purchase at Bed Bath & Beyond is included.

The blanket is surprisingly soft and unfolds to the the standard size of blankets that were once free in the coach cabin. As for the pillow I much prefer to have a regular pillow for my back rather than the one for my neck. So now I have both for future flights but they are also two more things to pack.

The comfort kits are sold in the coach cabin of domestic flights over two hours and on some international flights. The latter includes flights to and from Canada, Mexico, Hawaii, the Caribbean and Central America. The blankets and pillows remain complimentary in premium-class cabins and all cabins for other international flights. Remember the cabins are cashless so keep a credit card handy. The flight attendants can print a receipt if you need one.

JetBlue and US airways also charge for a blanket-and-pillow set. They both charge $7 but US Airways includes eye shades and earplugs.

The Villa at Vignamaggio: A Setting for William Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" on Film

(images credit: Villa Vignamaggio)

The previous post presented a "movie to travel by" in the Kenneth Branagh film adaptation of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing. The motion picture was filmed at the Villa at Vignamaggio in the Chianti countryside of Tuscany. The villa is open for agritourism (agricultural tourism) which offers visitors the opportunity to experience traditional Italian country life and immerse themselves in the Italian countryside.

These photos from the villa's website shows the production designers had to do very little to turn the Italian countryside and villa into a beautiful setting for the Branagh film.

More info at vignamaggio.com. The website offers all the details about the Vignamaggio oil, wine, accomodations and spa. There is also a history of the villa which dates back to the 14th century. The website can be read in English, Italian or French.

Movies to Travel by: Much Ado About Nothing (1993)

left to right: Michael Keaton (Dogberry), Robert Sean Leonard (Claudio),  Kate
Beckinsale (Hero), Keanu Reeves (Don John), Emma Thompson (Beatrice),
Kenneth Branagh (Benedick) and Denzel Washington (Don Pedro)

Thompson and Branagh

Thompson and Beckinsale lead the cast in the film's opening.
(all images: MGM)

Combining the Tuscan countryside and an Italian villa as the setting for a film adaptation of William Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing," actor & director Kenneth Branagh brings a lively and lusty film to the big screen.

This 1993 film resets the story from Sicily and exclusively uses the Villa of Vignamaggio and its surroundings as the backdrop. The Italian garden is put to good use in several scenes including the single-shot music-filled ending that finishes with a panoramic shot of the property and mountains. Adding to the scenery is a string of stars that includes Denzel Washington, Emma Thompson, Keanu Reeves, Robert Sean Leonard, Michael Keaton and Kate Beckinsale.

The beginning moments of the movie puts the entire countryside on display starting with a painting that dissolves into a view of the actual villa and hills to the actors lazily enjoying a picnic in the vineyards leading to the men galloping along the open fields all ending with the entire cast meeting in the courtyard of the villa. The score by Patrick Doyle bookmarks the film with a rousing opening and a finale ending in song.

In between sun-kissed scenes in the gardens is the drama that is Shakespeare's play. Roger Ebert says in his three-star film review: "The story involves two sets of lovers, the first Claudio (Leonard) and Hero (Beckinsale), are destined to be almost torn apart by the treachery of others. The second, Benedick (Branagh) and Beatrice (Thompson), are almost kept apart by the treachery of their own hearts. The plot is driven by the kinds of misunderstandings, deceptions and cruel jokes that work only in a stage comedy."

See it and you'll lust after the Tuscan countryside especially through the cheerful lens of Branagh's direction. The film is available on DVD and Blu-ray editions.

The Villa of Vignamaggio is open as an agritourism attraction and known for its wines and olive oils. See the next post for more photos and info about the villa.