An unique look contained in the $160,000-a-seat non-public Boeing 757 constitution, with simply 48 first-class seats

As a part of the settlement, Icelandair offers the flight crew, handles all the upkeep, arranges the catering and offers with all of the flight-related logistics. Abercrombie & Kent tells Icelandair the place to go, and the Keflavik-based provider takes care of the remainder.

The common traveler may not even notice that Icelandair is concerned within the Abercrombie & Kent journey. You will not discover any of Icelandair’s Saga premium seats on board, nor will you see the airline’s new (or outdated) livery wherever.

From the massive Abercrombie & Kent emblem plastered on the entrance of the jet to the signature ampersand and on the tail, this jet is distinctly Abercrombie & Kent. Plus, with A&Ok-branded carpets, headrest covers and magazines, there is no query you are touring with the luxurious tour supplier.

However diving deeper reveals a unique story.

With simply 48 first-class seats, the cabin felt ethereal and spacious — not like another Boeing 757 I’ve flown earlier than. Dare I say it, however the spacious configuration felt considerably like flying on a wide-body.

When you will not discover a few of the conveniences of a twin-aisle jet, corresponding to massive overhead bins, tall ceilings and vast cabins, this Boeing 757 is well some of the luxurious within the skies, and it provides fairly a singular technique to fly all over the world.

That stated, you’ll discover there may be one huge disadvantage of flying on a single-aisle 757: The gasoline tanks aren’t massive sufficient to retailer sufficient gasoline for the longest journeys, so a few of the transoceanic legs require a gasoline cease or two. On the morning of TPG’s floor tour, the jet was making ready to fly from Seattle to Tokyo, however it wanted to cease in Anchorage to refuel.

Spacious lie-flat seats

Although the aircraft would not function non-public suites with sliding doorways, the 2-2 forward-facing configuration provides every passenger an unbelievable quantity of non-public house.

Every leather-padded recliner contains a whopping 78 inches of pitch — roughly in step with what you’d discover in most worldwide first-class merchandise.

Although Abercrombie & Kent markets these seats as top notch, they’d doubtless be branded as enterprise class by most airways as of late since they do not have privateness doorways or function direct aisle entry. That stated, the cabin is kind of intimate, and lots of the touches really feel unquestionably top notch.

The seats themselves measure 19 inches vast with a virtually 6-inch-wide armrest separating the seats. There’s additionally a privateness protect that you may increase from the armrest in case you’re trying to zone out.

The intuitive seat controls are constructed instantly into the armrest and have a number of customization choices and a therapeutic massage function.

You may discover an ottoman constructed into the ground in entrance of you, much like the one in Lufthansa top notch. There’s an uncovered storage space underneath every ottoman, which is the right place to retailer your footwear after turning into the offered slippers.

A literature pocket full of some Abercrombie & Kent magazines and different essential details about your journey separates every ottoman.

The sturdy wood-grain tray desk pops out of the armrest with the push of a button. It measures 23 inches lengthy and 16 inches vast — massive sufficient to get pleasure from all of your multicourse meals or compensate for some work whereas on board.

When it is time to relaxation, one of many 9 flight attendants will fortunately flip your seat right into a fully-flat mattress, which measures over 75 inches lengthy when totally reclined. The open configuration with none constricting footwells feels rather more spacious than what you’d discover in most worldwide business-class merchandise.

Throughout turndown service, the crew will place a thick mattress pad, plush quilt and down pillow in your mattress, making it even simpler to get comfy.

There are 4 bathrooms on board the plane — three close to the again and one on the entrance of the aircraft.

Although none of them are outsized, they do function some first-class touches, corresponding to recent flowers hanging from the mirrors, L’Occitane magnificence merchandise and terry hand towels to dry your palms.

No stone unturned

The primary-class expertise actually takes off with the vary of facilities provided together with the customized service.

Ready at your seat for every leg of the journey is a day pillow, Bose noise-canceling headphones, an amenity equipment and a loaner iPad.

As a result of provide chain points, Abercrombie & Kent’s signature amenity kits weren’t obtainable throughout our unique media preview, however we’re advised to anticipate an assortment of luxurious well being and sweetness merchandise inside.

Whereas there are not any inflight leisure screens at every seat, a offered iPad connects wirelessly to an onboard server to stream films and TV reveals. The jet can be geared up with satellite tv for pc Wi-Fi, which is accessible freed from cost all through the journey.

Every pair of seats options three common energy retailers and USB-A ports — two subsequent to the person studying lamps and one just below the literature shelf close to the ottoman.

Throughout boarding, the crew palms out a leather-bound menu etched with the Abercrombie & Kent emblem. Inside, you may discover the food and drinks menu, which is personalized for every leg of the journey.

Lunch on the Seattle-to-Japan sector began with Dungeness crab, adopted by both a grilled halibut or a lamb fillet as an entree, with a chocolate mousse for dessert.

A spread of top-shelf liquors, wines, beers and ports is accessible, as is an assortment of sentimental drinks and juices. The 757 even options an espresso machine for all of your caffeine wants.

You may discover the total drink menus within the gallery under.

These aren’t simply “common” first-class airplane meals, both. There’s an onboard chef who travels with the group and might customise any dishes to your preferences. Favor your steak cooked uncommon, or to eat simply earlier than touchdown? Simply ask.

Throughout boarding, you may obtain a lightweight chunk consisting of a freshly dipped chocolate-covered strawberry, a macaron and a glass of Dom Perignon 2012.

Regardless of the aircraft being 22 years outdated, the cabin was as recent as ever. I noticed the crew utilizing a mud buster within the aisles and within the crevices between every seat to select up any small speck of dust. It was clear that they have been very enthusiastic about delivering a once-in-a-lifetime expertise for the passengers.

Talking of the crew, there are 9 flight attendants and three pilots on these missions, for a 1:5 crew-to-guest ratio. Anticipate the flight attendants to get to know your title and your preferences all through the journey.

The cabin is completely first-class seating with one exception: the crew seating.

The crew travels together with the aircraft, and on longer sectors, they sit in common economic system seats which can be unfold all through the cabin. There are two recliner-style first-class seats situated simply behind the ahead galley, which is the place the pilots relaxation throughout their breaks.