For first class I don't know, but for business it's Olympic: an economy class service and meal...And old seats and IFE of course...

American's got that beat. I flew from Tucson to DFW leaving at 1:20 PM, arriving 2 hours 10 minutes later. I think we may have gotten those little bags of "snack mix" along with drink service. It almost made me regret redeeming the upgrade certs.

The thought of using plastic cups and plasticware (obv exclusive of right after 9/11) in first/business class is incomprehensible to me. But I guess when everyones trying to save a buck or two, anything can happen.

For the best I think NH, SQ, and CX.
For the worst I would say United :rolleyes:

Thank God they've finally realized this and are doing something about it. Too bad it will be a year or more before they retire all the ridiculous excuses for an F seat in their 767's.

Swiss First has been the best I've flown. I was so let down by Singapore Business that I can't imagine their First is that much better. :(

The worst First I've flown has been Thai. (Well, there was Indian airlines, but I count the flight as essentially a domestic flight, so it's not fair to compare).

For some reason, my usual airline (OK) serves business class pre-departure drinks in plastic cups. I've enquired and they said it has to do with some sort of safety law. I still can't understand what it's about, as they do collect the cups before take-off (and it's not cost cutting because in-flight they use proper glass ones including china mugs for tea). Guess it's a rule dreamt up by some stupid bureaucrat at the Czech Civil Aviation Authority or whatever it's called.

The most restrictions occur on the ground as that is where you might have to evacuate with no notice.

Therefore, they need plastic cups while taxiing because they don't want to worry about broken glass hindering an evacuation.

At 30,000 feet, glass is fine, because either:

a) you'll have time to stow things in preparation for an emergency landing.
or
b) Ummm, in the case of b, let's just say that it really doesn't so much matter about the broken glass.

I should've included somewhat of a disclaimer on regular beverage service/food service and not service pre-departure. I've flown NW long enough and in F long enough to know that pre-departure beverages are served in plastic cups.

The best is CX on its JFK-HKG route and EK on its JFK-DXB run. Honorary mention BA for the JFK-LHR route.

Over SQ Suites on SIN-SYD route? :D
I think it's the closest thing to private jet on commercial airliner.
And it looks like CX new C isn't well received by a lot of frequent flyers. CX's New F, however, looks better than SQ's new F (on 77W).

I absolutely agree! I was so let down with the Thai products in First and Business that I will avoid that airline by any means possible.

I just had the opportunity to fly Swiss First thanks to voucher upgrade and was amazed. This was so nice, expect for the fact the you have the same (small) monitor then in C. But with that special "mattress", the nice linen and pillow I was able to sleep very comfortable and arrived relaxed. Food, Service, pre board treatment etc just great. Any time again.....
W

South African Airways, perhaps? ;)

On a good day I might agree. But, sadly, we will never be able to put their product to the test again: as of this month they will stop flying the 747 and hence will no longer offer F. :(