I recently had the opportunity to experience Abercrombie & Kent's
private jet on a flight from Boston to Reykjavik, Iceland. A&K invited a group of travel consultants and travel writers to experience their premium luxury product, and I can safely report that this flight surpassed any experience I have previously enjoyed in the air (including British Airways First and an actual private jet owned by an individual).
From the moment we were invited onboard this specially configured Boeing 757-200 jet, I was impressed with the spaciousness afforded the passengers. In my view,
space is the ultimate luxury—whether in the air or on the ground, and our cabin was configured for just 52 passengers (not the 200 typically accommodated aboard this type of aircraft). The seats reclined into a very comfortable cradle position — but not into a completely horizontal bed because A&K typically plans its itineraries with 4 hour legs flown in daylight. (This makes perfect sense because their guests get to sleep in comfortable beds in the world's most outstanding five star luxury hotels.)
And then there was the food. Sixteen of us enjoyed a five course meal seated at tables in the jet's lounge area. The pièce de résistance was the Caviar Service
(pictured above) featuring red and black Icelandic caviar accompanied with sour cream, red onion, egg white, egg yolk and served with both Laurent-Perrier champagne and Vodka. For the main course, we had the choice of a roasted fillet of lamb, grilled striped bass, or risotto with chanterelle mushrooms. I chose the bass, and it was wonderful — moist and perfectly prepared. I inquired afterwards and learned that the fish had been brought aboard uncooked and was prepared during flight. Also impressive was the choice of alcoholic beverages provided onboard which included three different single malt scotches and a selection of premium brands for each beverage type.
However, the ultimate luxury of A&K's private jet journeys is not the flight itself; it is the opportunity to see the world with a degree of privilege and comfort not readily available to the typical luxury traveler. Private jet travel permits a select group of upscale clients to enjoy itineraries that would be difficult, tiring, and sometimes impossible to experience using regular commercial flights. A&K can pull off these trips with ease, and all you need do is sit back and enjoy the world's natural and cultural attractions as you are whisked from destination to destination with unsurpassed comfort, convenience, and luxury. Future A&K itineraries include a round-the-world trip, an exploration of the continent of Africa, and many other opportunities that will excite your passion for world travel. Contact your luxury travel consultant for complete information about upcoming A&K Private jet Journeys.
private jet (search here on Google)copyright (c) 2008 by David J. Ourisman. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website..
