Emirates Flying to Los Angeles

The carrier begins non-stop flights from Dubai to LAX on Sept. 1, using B777-200LRs with a three-class configuration. The new flight, 8,339 miles, will take 16 hours 35 minutes westbound and just under 16 hours eastbound. Emirates’ B777-200LR is fitted with eight private suites in First Class, 42 of its latest lie-flat seats in Business Class, and 216 seats in economy. EK215 departs Dubai at 8:20am daily and arrives in LA at 1:55pm the same day. EK216 departs LA at 4:45pm daily and arrives in Dubai at 7:40pm the next day. More: www.emirates.com.

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Emirates’ First Class Suite[/caption]

My take: The service is good, but the fares are high. Good thing Amex’s Platinum 2-for-1 program offers a way to save 50% in both Business and First Class.

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For air travel to be truly First Class, shouldn’t it offer all the comforts of home? That goal seemed unattainable until the recent announcement from Emirates that beginning Oct. 1, their front-cabin clients on the Dubai-New York route will have the opportunity to shower in-flight. The aircraft, if you haven’t guessed already, will be the Airbus A380.

Emirates is equally well known for their opulent amenities and unabashedly high prices. A First Class fare on the Dubai-New York route is currently around $9,000 with the only clean-up option being a warm, moist towel. Add the chance to sing in the shower at cruising altitude, and you have a bargain in trans-Atlantic personal hygiene.

Presumably, it will be Emirates’ responsibility to get the shampoo bottles past security.

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Virgin Speeds Security Check

Flying Club members in Upper Class have a new perk at Heathrow: the Private Security Channel. Those arriving in one of the carrier’s chauffeur-driven cars can check in without leaving the car at the new Upper Class Wing. Flying Club Gold members can use the Private Security Channel even if they’re in Premium Economy or Economy. Just remember to enter your membership number at the time of booking. http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/us/whatsonboard/upperclass/newupperclasswing/index.jsp?WT.mc_id=us_AM031308PR

JetBlue Sells Legroom

The carrier has reconfigured its A320 and Embraer 190 fleet to provide 38 inches of pitch in rows two through five (34 inches in all other rows). But get this: It’s charging extra for those seats as well as exit rows 10 and 11. Price varies according to the length of flight, with a minimum fee of $10. Info: http://www.jetblue.com/about/ourcompany/150seats/index.html?intcmp=hpfooterEML20080324

AirTran A+ Rewards

A+ Rewards members can now purchase A+ Rewards credits for $39, extend the expiration of credits for $29, or give credits to another member for $19. There is no charge to transfer credits for elite members. Rewards seats are subject to availability and blackout dates, and expire one year after their posting date. Details: www.aplusrewards.com.