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Best First Class Amenities

FareCompare CEO Rick Seaney always says his idea of a perfect flight is a comfortable plane that departs/arrives on schedule and deposits both him and his luggage in the right place at the same time. But for those who want something more (a whole lot more!), and price is no object, take a look these dazzling first class experiences.

And start dreaming.

Best New Luxuries: American Airlines

Starting Sept. 1, 2011, first class passengers on aboard American Airlines flights between the U.S. and London Heathrow on Boeing 777′s will receive the following:  a quilted bed topper custom-designed to fit the airline’s Flagship Suite, pajamas and slippers, blanket, premium duvet and pillow, Dermalogica skincare products and more. Turndown service is included but it is not known if there will be a mint on your pillow.

• Sample American first class airfare: Chicago to London, $10,900*

Read the Airline Report Card: Best and Worst Airlines

Best Way to Freshen Up: Emirates

The luxurious Dubai-based Emirates has a lot going for it, including your own personal suite with your very own mini-bar, but the thing that really sets it apart is a shower. Yes, you can shower at 43,000 feet, if you’re in first class and if you’re flying a jumbo A380. Go ahead and reserve the shower, says the Emirates website, so that “our dedicated Shower assistants will prepare the Shower Spa prior to each appointment.”

• Sample Emirates first class airfare: Houston to Dubai, $19,600*

Best Bed: Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines always makes those “best” airline lists (and one reason is its first class cuisine) but when it comes to luxury in its first class suites, nothing beats the beds. These are not converted seats, but standalone beds with real mattresses, fine linens and a full size pillow. Plus a seat.

• Sample Singapore first class airfare: Los Angeles to Singapore, $12,500*

Best Freebies: Virgin Atlantic

You won’t care where you go on Virgin Atlantic, as long as you get to spend some time in their Heathrow “clubhouse”. This first class passenger play area provides complimentary haircuts from Bumble and bumble, plus numerous free spa treatments, food, a spectacular cocktail bar and so much more (though you will have to pay more for some services like the eyebrow waxing and shaping). Arrive and depart your airport in a chauffeur-driven car. Don’t like the idea of hanging out at the airport? No problem, says the Virgin website: “You can arrive as late as 40 minutes before departure and go straight through our Private Security Channel to the boarding gate.”

• Sample Virgin Atlantic first class airfare: New York to London, $9,300*

*Prices based on airfare prices in Aug. 2011 for travel Oct. 2011.