As airlines continue to compete for the attention of the high spending premium traveller, it isn’t just cabin lay-outs and seats they’re improving. In-flight amenity kits (handed out to first and business class passengers) have also undergone a serious upgrade! Gone are the zip-up nylon pouches, containing plastic throw away toothbrushes and ‘one size fits all’ tube socks, replaced by sophisticated washbags crammed full of luxury products, from some of the most distinguished fashion houses in the world.

Qatar Airways have partnered with Giorgio Armani to offer their premier passengers amenities such as Acqua di Gio perfume, Armani pour homme aftershave and Crema Nera Extrema supreme reviving cream. You can even take an on-board nap in style, courtesy of the Missoni sleeper suits they provide. Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker said: "These brands are distinguished by their sophistication, superior quality, luxury and eminence – attributes that also define Qatar Airways' signature service for our passengers."

Turkish Airlines have partnered with a selection of luxury brands including Cerruti, Chopard, Institut Karite and Furla, along with Bentley and Jaguar – for its new range of amenity kits.

Last summer United began filling their stylish Tumi designed washbags with Cowshed skincare products from private members club Soho House. United's senior vice-president and chief marketing officer said: "This is another step in enhancing our customers' experience in flight and on the ground." A couple of months before, Delta Air Lines refreshed its Tumi packs with Malin + Goetz products.

Etihad & Emirates are fast emerging as the airlines leading the way when it comes to the luxury travel experience, so it comes as no surprise that they also offer high-end amenity kits to their most discerning passengers. Etihad unveiled a range of limited edition business class packs – each one includes a Luxe City Guide, as well as toiletries by Scaramouche + Fandango. Etihad Airways’ vice-president of guest experience (Calum Laming) said: “Etihad Airways continues to reimagine the flying experience, setting a new benchmark for innovation and luxury. The introduction of these kits is part of a much bigger journey, which was started with the introduction of our flagship Airbus A380 and Boeing 787s, and the new service concepts introduced fleet-wide.”

Emirates announced a refresh of its Bulgari sets for business and first travellers. Available in 16 variants depending on the sector, first class pouches are made of leather, while those for business class have a satin finish. Goodies include Bulgari body lotion, post-shave balm, body spray, face cream. Terry Daly, Emirates' divisional senior vice president of service delivery, said: "Bulgari and our team worked very closely on the designs to develop bags that were stylish without compromising on functionality."

Airlines have a history of partnering with the world of fashion. In the past we’ve seen Alitalia team up with Salvatore Ferragamo, and Finnair brought Marimekko on board.

For those lucky travellers who get to experience business or first class travel, we invite you to sit back, relax and enjoy a revival of the golden age of travel, a time of opulence and glamour. To book your next business, or first class flight, call our premier flight experts on 0113 245 7745 or 0131 718 4000.