10 super-rare amenities on airlines, from prayer rooms and bars to showers and bidets

Taylor Rains,Bianca GiacoboneJun 4, 2023, 18:26 IST

The first class cabin on an Emirates A380.Christian Charisius/picture alliance via Getty Images.

Airlines worldwide have invested billion into upgrading their cabins and adding unique perks.
Carriers like Air New Zealand, France's Air Austral, and Azul Brazilian Airlines have lie-flat beds in economy.

Since commercial aviation was deregulated in the 1970s, more and more airlines have entered the market, setting off the fierce competition that allows so many people to fly affordably today.

Many airlines try to get a competitive advantage by offering cheap tickets. But, some airlines have bet on high-end services rather than prices, introducing innovative cabin ideas that offer customers more comfort and convenience — and many are willing to upgrade for the experience.

However, airlines haven't forgotten about their price-sensitive passengers, coming up with revolutionary concepts like Air New Zealand's Skycouch, which offers economy passengers a realistic alternative to premium cabins.

Take a look at 10 cabin designs that make global airlines stand out, including onboard bars, showers, and prayer rooms.

1. Lie-flat beds in economy: Air New Zealand, Azul Brazilian Airlines, Air Austral, Vietnam Airlines, Lufthansa, All Nippon Airways, and Air Astana.

Azul Brazilian Airlines Skycouch.Azul Brazilian Airlines

7 airlines around the world offer lie-flat beds in economy — see what makes this seating arrangement so rare and unique

In 2011, Air New Zealand pioneered the world's first "Skycouch" — a row of three economy seats that converts into a five-foot-long lie-flat bed.

The "Skycouches" can be cheaper than airline premium economy seating, which typically offers more legroom and better food, but doesn't lie flat.Air New Zealand

I flew on the world's 4th longest flight in a 'Skycouch' — an economy seat that converts into a bed — and it was a lifesaver on the 16-hour journey

The seats rely on leg rests that flip up to create the flat surface.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Take a look at 4 airline cabin concepts aiming to revolutionize air travel including a bunk-style bed in economy and a minibar in business class

Passengers are given linens and special "cuddle" belts to strap themselves in during turbulence.

Taylor Rains/Insider

ANZ has since patented the design and licensed it out to other carriers, like Azul Brazilian Airlines, France's Air Austral, and Lufthansa, which call their versions the "Skysofa," the "Extra Couchette," and the "Sleeper Row," respectively.

Lufthansa's "Sleeper's Row 2.0."Lufthansa

Source: Insider

ANZ has since patented the design and licensed it out to other carriers, like Azul Brazilian Airlines, France's Air Austral, and Lufthansa, which call their versions the "Skysofa," the "Extra Couchette," and the "Sleeper Row," respectively.

Source: Insider

2. Multi-room suites: Etihad Airways and Singapore Airlines.

Etihad

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways introduced its three-room "Residence" suite for the first time in 2014 on its A380s. The space comes with a bedroom...

Etihad

THE RESIDENCE: Airline Reveals Mindblowingly Luxurious Flying Apartment With Bathroom, Bedroom, Chef, And Butler

…a living room with a large flatscreen TV...

Etihad

Source: Insider

…and a private bathroom with heated floors and a shower.

Etihad

Source: Insider

Passengers are treated to myriad luxuries, including a butler and specially-made meals.

Etihad Airways/YouTube

Source: Insider

Some of Singapore Airlines' first class suites on its A380s are also capable of combining into a double room by dropping the middle barrier.

First-class seating on a Singapore Airlines Airbus A380, which can be combined with the neighboring suite to create a huge room with a double bed and two loungers.ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images.

Singapore Airlines' Airbus A380 and its famous first-class suite are leaving NYC — see inside the luxurious cabin

Once combined, the pair of travelers will have access to a full-sized bed, two armchairs, two TVs, and two desks.

Singapore Airlines

3. All-business class: La Compagnie.

A La Compagnie Airbus A321neo.Thomas Pallini/Insider

French boutique carrier La Compagnie is the only airline in the world to operate aircraft with an all-business class configuration.

La Compagnie is the world's only all-business class airline.Taylor Rains/Insider

I flew on the world's only all-business class airline and it felt more like flying on a private jet across the Atlantic

The company flies Airbus A321neos across the Atlantic between Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey and Paris, Nice, and Milan.

A La Compagnie Airbus A321neo.Thomas Pallini/Insider

Source: Insider

The jets have 78 lie-flat seats in a 2x2 layout, meaning every traveler with have space to sleep and dine, but window seat passengers do not have direct-aisle access.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Source: Insider

Considering fares typically start around $2,500 roundtrip, the inconvenience may be worth the lower ticket price.

A La Compagnie Airbus A321neo.Thomas Pallini/Insider

Source: Insider

4. Lavatory bidets: All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines.

Robert Alexander/Getty Images

The Japanese carriers first announced the washlets in 2007, with ANA saying at the time that they will "refresh the parts other airlines cannot reach."

ANA business class lavatory.Taylor Rains/Insider

Source: Reuters, Business Traveller

Bidets are common in Japanese homes, and the ones on ANA and JAL are similar with buttons for the desired cleaning — and there are little pictures for non-Japanese speakers.

The bidet settings.Taylor Rains/Insider

Source: Reuters

Bidets are common in Japanese homes, and the ones on ANA and JAL are similar with buttons for the desired cleaning — and there are little pictures for non-Japanese speakers.

Source: Reuters

The fancy toilets are available on ANA's Boeing 777-300ERs and Boeing 787, while JAL has them on 787s.

Japan Airlines planes on the tarmac at Tokyo International Airport at Haneda in October 2022.RICHARD A. BROOKS/AFP via Getty Images

Source: Reuters

5. Onboard bar and lounge: Korean Air, Etihad Airways, Emirates, Virgin Atlantic Airways, and Qatar Airways.

Virgin Atlantic Airways

A handful of global carriers offer an onboard bar and lounge, meaning deep-pocket premium travelers can enjoy a social atmosphere and on-demand drinks outside their private suites.

Emirates A380 lounge.Emirates

A handful of global carriers offer an onboard bar and lounge, meaning deep-pocket premium travelers can enjoy a social atmosphere and on-demand drinks outside their private suites.

Probably the most well-known is Emirates, which has a bar and couches on the upper floor of its mammoth Airbus A380 aircraft.

The first class cabin on an Emirates A380.Christian Charisius/picture alliance via Getty Images.

The best part of my 14-hour, $5,400 Emirates business-class flight was a perk I originally thought was a gimmick

Qatar Airways' A380 second level bar is just as elegant, with purple tones to match the cabin's interior finish.

Qatar Airways

Source: Qatar Airways

Also offering an onboard bar is Virgin Atlantic Airways, which is available in the carrier's A330 and Boeing 787 Upper Class. The "Loft" lounge can be found on its A330s and select A350s.

Virgin Atlantic Airways

Source: Virgin Atlantic Airways

Also offering an onboard bar is Virgin Atlantic Airways, which is available in the carrier's A330 and Boeing 787 Upper Class. The "Loft" lounge can be found on its A330s and select A350s.

Source: Virgin Atlantic Airways

Meanwhile, Korean Air has the A380 "Celestial Bar" that offers aviation-themed cocktails in partnership with Absolut Vodka...

Korean Air

Source: Korean Air

…and Etihad Airways has a boutique bar and lounge area called "The Lobby" on its A380s.

Etihad

Source: Etihad Airways

6. Prayer rooms: SAUDIA and Etihad Airways.

Jose Luis Celada Euba/Flickr

The two Middle Eastern airlines have given up seats to create a dedicated prayer area for observant Muslim passengers.

Jose Luis Celada Eubo

SAUDIA has set up a prayer space in the rear cabin of its Boeing 777, Boeing 787 Dreamliner, and Airbus A330 aircraft.

Jose Luis Celada Euba

Meanwhile, Etihad has prayer areas on most of its aircraft, as well as electronic devices that find the Qibla — the fixed direction towards which Muslims face when praying.

Etihad Airways

Source: Etihad Airways

Meanwhile, Etihad has prayer areas on most of its aircraft, as well as electronic devices that find the Qibla — the fixed direction towards which Muslims face when praying.

7. Onboard shower: Emirates and Etihad Airways.

An Emirates Airbus A380.Arnold Aaron/Shutterstock.com

Emirates became the first commercial airline to have showers onboard its planes back in 2008, offering a full "shower spa" to first class passengers on its Airbus A380s.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Source: Reuters

Emirates became the first commercial airline to have showers onboard its planes back in 2008, offering a full "shower spa" to first class passengers on its Airbus A380s.

Etihad's showers, also located on its Airbus A380s, are reserved for first class passengers in the aforementioned "Residence" suite.

Sam Huang/Insider

Source: Insider

Showers are rare on aircraft because of the added weight from the water, which increases the cost to operate the flight.

Emirates

8. Flying Chef: Turkish Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Gulf Air, and SAUDIA.

Turkish Airlines

Source: Insider

Only a handful of airlines worldwide employ "flying chefs," who are part of a flight's crew and make sure the food served to premium passengers is top-notch.

Austrian Airlines

Source: Austrian Airlines

Given the space constraints, the chefs don't have a dedicated kitchen to cook meals from scratch, but they focus on presentation, garnishing, and minor modifications via makeshift planting stations in the galleys.

Suchanun R/Shutterstock

This is what airline chefs actually do to prepare passenger meals onboard

Given the space constraints, the chefs don't have a dedicated kitchen to cook meals from scratch, but they focus on presentation, garnishing, and minor modifications via makeshift planting stations in the galleys.

This is what airline chefs actually do to prepare passenger meals onboard

9. Business class double beds: Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways.

Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines introduced a business class seat that converts into a double bed back in 2017. Passengers seated in the center pairs can drop down the divider and combine the two seats into a 78-inch-long double bed.

Singapore Airlines

Source: CNN

Singapore Airlines introduced a business class seat that converts into a double bed back in 2017. Passengers seated in the center pairs can drop down the divider and combine the two seats into a 78-inch-long double bed.

The option is on Singapore Airlines' Airbus A380s, which also has double beds in its first-class suites.

Singapore Airlines/Mike Fuchslocher/Shutterstock

Singapore Airlines' Airbus A380 and its famous first-class suite are leaving NYC — see inside the luxurious cabin

Doha-based Qatar Airways has also adopted the perk in its Q-Suite business class on long-haul and ultra-long-haul flights.

Qatar Airways

Source: Qatar Airways

10. Virtual windows: Emirates.

Emirates

Emirates' Boeing 777s have fully enclosed first-class suites, which include virtual windows.

Emirates

Source: The Points Guy

The "fake" windows are screens mounted on the wall in the middle suites — meaning those not next to the fuselage. They display to passengers the real-time view outside the plane.

Rachel Hosie/Insider

The "fake" windows are screens mounted on the wall in the middle suites — meaning those not next to the fuselage. They display to passengers the real-time view outside the plane.

I toured Emirates' luxurious Airbus A380 first class suite and was thoroughly impressed with the unique perks, including a bar and shower

Cookies on the Business Insider India website

10 super-rare amenities on airlines, from prayer rooms and bars to showers and bidets

1. Lie-flat beds in economy: Air New Zealand, Azul Brazilian Airlines, Air Austral, Vietnam Airlines, Lufthansa, All Nippon Airways, and Air Astana.

In 2011, Air New Zealand pioneered the world's first "Skycouch" — a row of three economy seats that converts into a five-foot-long lie-flat bed.

The seats rely on leg rests that flip up to create the flat surface.

Passengers are given linens and special "cuddle" belts to strap themselves in during turbulence.

ANZ has since patented the design and licensed it out to other carriers, like Azul Brazilian Airlines, France's Air Austral, and Lufthansa, which call their versions the "Skysofa," the "Extra Couchette," and the "Sleeper Row," respectively.

2. Multi-room suites: Etihad Airways and Singapore Airlines.

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways introduced its three-room "Residence" suite for the first time in 2014 on its A380s. The space comes with a bedroom...

…a living room with a large flatscreen TV...

…and a private bathroom with heated floors and a shower.

Passengers are treated to myriad luxuries, including a butler and specially-made meals.

Some of Singapore Airlines' first class suites on its A380s are also capable of combining into a double room by dropping the middle barrier.

Once combined, the pair of travelers will have access to a full-sized bed, two armchairs, two TVs, and two desks.

3. All-business class: La Compagnie.

French boutique carrier La Compagnie is the only airline in the world to operate aircraft with an all-business class configuration.

The company flies Airbus A321neos across the Atlantic between Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey and Paris, Nice, and Milan.

The jets have 78 lie-flat seats in a 2x2 layout, meaning every traveler with have space to sleep and dine, but window seat passengers do not have direct-aisle access.

Considering fares typically start around $2,500 roundtrip, the inconvenience may be worth the lower ticket price.

4. Lavatory bidets: All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines.

The Japanese carriers first announced the washlets in 2007, with ANA saying at the time that they will "refresh the parts other airlines cannot reach."

Bidets are common in Japanese homes, and the ones on ANA and JAL are similar with buttons for the desired cleaning — and there are little pictures for non-Japanese speakers.

The fancy toilets are available on ANA's Boeing 777-300ERs and Boeing 787, while JAL has them on 787s.

5. Onboard bar and lounge: Korean Air, Etihad Airways, Emirates, Virgin Atlantic Airways, and Qatar Airways.

A handful of global carriers offer an onboard bar and lounge, meaning deep-pocket premium travelers can enjoy a social atmosphere and on-demand drinks outside their private suites.

Probably the most well-known is Emirates, which has a bar and couches on the upper floor of its mammoth Airbus A380 aircraft.

Qatar Airways' A380 second level bar is just as elegant, with purple tones to match the cabin's interior finish.

Also offering an onboard bar is Virgin Atlantic Airways, which is available in the carrier's A330 and Boeing 787 Upper Class. The "Loft" lounge can be found on its A330s and select A350s.

Meanwhile, Korean Air has the A380 "Celestial Bar" that offers aviation-themed cocktails in partnership with Absolut Vodka...

…and Etihad Airways has a boutique bar and lounge area called "The Lobby" on its A380s.

6. Prayer rooms: SAUDIA and Etihad Airways.

The two Middle Eastern airlines have given up seats to create a dedicated prayer area for observant Muslim passengers.

SAUDIA has set up a prayer space in the rear cabin of its Boeing 777, Boeing 787 Dreamliner, and Airbus A330 aircraft.

Meanwhile, Etihad has prayer areas on most of its aircraft, as well as electronic devices that find the Qibla — the fixed direction towards which Muslims face when praying.

7. Onboard shower: Emirates and Etihad Airways.

Emirates became the first commercial airline to have showers onboard its planes back in 2008, offering a full "shower spa" to first class passengers on its Airbus A380s.

Etihad's showers, also located on its Airbus A380s, are reserved for first class passengers in the aforementioned "Residence" suite.

Showers are rare on aircraft because of the added weight from the water, which increases the cost to operate the flight.

8. Flying Chef: Turkish Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Gulf Air, and SAUDIA.

Only a handful of airlines worldwide employ "flying chefs," who are part of a flight's crew and make sure the food served to premium passengers is top-notch.

Given the space constraints, the chefs don't have a dedicated kitchen to cook meals from scratch, but they focus on presentation, garnishing, and minor modifications via makeshift planting stations in the galleys.

9. Business class double beds: Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways.

Singapore Airlines introduced a business class seat that converts into a double bed back in 2017. Passengers seated in the center pairs can drop down the divider and combine the two seats into a 78-inch-long double bed.

The option is on Singapore Airlines' Airbus A380s, which also has double beds in its first-class suites.

Doha-based Qatar Airways has also adopted the perk in its Q-Suite business class on long-haul and ultra-long-haul flights.

10. Virtual windows: Emirates.

Emirates' Boeing 777s have fully enclosed first-class suites, which include virtual windows.

The "fake" windows are screens mounted on the wall in the middle suites — meaning those not next to the fuselage. They display to passengers the real-time view outside the plane.