Airlines Offer Tiny Luxuries to Enlarge Service, Lure Fliers

Oct. 8, 2013— -- It has long been said that the best things come in small packages. And airlines are no strangers to applying that sentiment to in-flight amenities for luring passengers to pay for premium seating.

From toiletry kits to superior snacks, the latest miniature indulgences appeal to all tastes.

As part of JetBlue's forthcoming Mint seating options -- a business-class cabin that will debut in the summer at $599 one way -- passengers will not only enjoy roomier, lie-flat bed seating but also in-flight amenity kits curated by cosmetic subscription service Birchbox. The boxes will include different products for men and women, and the selection will change on a seasonal basis.

"We are longtime fans of JetBlue and its innovative approach to air travel," Birchbox co-founder and co-CEO Katia Beauchamp said. "We are thrilled to partner with JetBlue to bring our unique discovery experience to Mint customers.

"We are confident this first-of-its-kind in-flight amenity experience will surprise and delight customers, leaving them relaxed and recharged."

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To stave off hunger pangs, Mint travelers will also enjoy a series of tiny tapas-style treats crafted by restaurant Saxon + Parole as part of the meal service.

Meanwhile, US Airways is taking consumer comfort up a notch by including takeaways such as premium puffed corn made by Cosmos Creations. Offered in flavors like salted caramel and cinnamon crunch, the bags are available to first-class passengers instead of the ubiquitous pretzels offered elsewhere, an airline representative said.

Premium-class passengers traveling on Singapore Airlines might also be pleased to find that they won't have to suffer an inferior cup of coffee during long flights, as the airline became the first this summer to officially serve Illy's single-origin Monoarabica beans.

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And in a nod to that most desirable of in-flight amenities -- wi-fi service! -- Turkish Airlines designed a toiletry kit that doubles as an iPad case earlier this year.

Which brands and services would you like to see in premium cabins, readers? Tell us in the comments section.