For most of us, the thought of flying conjures images of long lines, cramped seats and questionable food choices &#151; if we are lucky enough to get some food. But for those who can afford it, airlines are going out of their way to add amenities in their first-class and business-class cabins. New seats, new entertainment systems and a bevy of additional services unheard of just a few years ago are popping up as airlines battle each other for these lucrative customers. <p> <a href="http://www.emirates.com/" target="external">Emirates Airlines</a> offers first class passengers their "own sanctuary" in private suites equipped with a sliding door, mini-bar and its own vanity table, mirror and wardrobe. With a 23-inch television and meals on demand, you might forget you are on an airplane.

If passengers feel the need to stretch their legs, a lounge at the front of the upper deck of the Emirates A380 offers first class fliers a nice escape and a chance to socialize with fellow passengers. The aft of the upper deck also offers a lounge for business class passengers.

For the first time in aviation history passengers can indulge in an invigorating shower at 43,000 feet. Located on the upper deck of the Emirates A380 are two showers for first class customers. Yes, showers. And they look nothing like the airplane bathrooms of the past.

Look cozy? This is Singapore Airlines' business-class cabin. The airline flies the longest routes &#151; both in distance and time &#151; in the world and strives to make its customers as comfortable as possible.

Air France's new first class seats, called La Premiere, are angled so everybody has access to the aisle -- so there's no need to step over your neighbor anymore. But more important, each seat turns into a bed complete with a mattress and a duvet. And forget fighting for overhead bin space. The seats have their own extra storage right at your feet. Finally, there is a bench facing your seat to invite people to sit and chat during the flight. Other features include: a 10.4-inch TV, auto-massage, hi-fi speakers with noise-distortion protection and video on demand.

No matter how comfortable your seat is, there are still other factors that can make or break a flight. While most airline flight attendants undergo six weeks of training, Singapore Airlines has a five-month program. It is so rigorous that only 10 percent of those who apply graduate from the training.

Singapore Airlines studied how people sleep before it designed its latest seats. Some people sleep on their front. Others on their back and others on their side. Then there are those who switch from one position to another throughout the night. The airline designed its bed to fit all of those people, hoping to give them a full night's sleep.

But for the ultimate in privacy&#151; consider a private suite. Yes that's right. First-class passengers on Jet Airways &#151; an airline that just started flying between the United States and India &#151; can close the door, turn on the "do not disturb" light and truly relax.

With the doors closed, you can escape in your own private space and watch a movie, get some work done or get some sleep. When you wake up you might even forget that this is an airplane. Maybe.

And for those who can't sleep at 40,000 feet, there is plenty to watch on your own personal wide-screen TV.

Yes that is a fully stocked bar with stools and yes it is on board an aircraft. Virgin Atlantic knows that it's upper-class passengers don't necessarily want to spend the entire flight in their seats. So they have created this swank bar on its 747s, giving passengers a place to mingle.

Virgin Atlantic's upper-class service &#151; something it calls a first-class product at a business-class price &#151; is not just about being comfortable but about being hip as can be seen here with the choice of nighttime lighting.

American carriers have been slow to adopt to the changes, but in recent months have unveiled new seats for several of their routes. United and American Airlines have most recently announced such seats. Here is American's latest attempt to woo business travelers.

British Airways' first-class cabin features champagne, large seats and more than 200 entertainment choices. Passengers are also served afternoon tea. How British.

Delta's new business class seats.

Business class on British Airways is not quite as posh, but there are plenty of large seats and the high dividers give passengers a bit of privacy to work or sleep.

Emirates Airlines introduced the world's first seat-back screens in 1992. The technology has come a long way. Its latest system features a 23-inch screen in first class, 17 inches in business class and 10.6 inches in economy class.

The systems on Emirates also include a UBS port, allowing passengers to view their vacation photos on the flight home, and a music player that allows them to compile a unique playlist from nearly 10,000 tracks.