19 Unique In-Flight Experiences

Ever since Etihad Airways introduced "The Residence" four years ago-a three-room private suite on its Airbus 380 for long-haul flights-airlines have tried to one-up each other with unique flight experiences and luxurious amenities.

Naturally, these aren't for the faint of wallet.

At best, they are perks and amenities that come with the price of a first-class ticket. Beyond that, they are separate tickets altogether, like The Residence.

But, oh, the decadence is so worth it!

Here are some unique in-flight experiences, in no particular order.

Here's an aircraft you'll see mentioned a lot in this slideshow-the Airbus 380, or A380. And with good reason, since it allows airlines different configurations to offer customers great extravagance. First class service on the Thai Airways A380 starts before you even step on the plane, with transportation through the airport, hour-long massages, Dom Perignon champagne and amenity kits.

In addition to its carpet made from recycled flight attendant uniforms, KLM's World Business Class has a six-foot, nine-inch sleeper seat, one of the longest in the industry. When you're not sleeping, treat yourself to the three-course meal from a three-star Michelin chef on routes out of Amsterdam.

Etihad has distinguished itself with its nine 'Apartments' built into the A380 first class, but for decadent luxury the airline has The Residence. It's a private three room suite with butler service, a living room, bedroom and private bathroom with shower.

One of the best first-class experiences, flying to Australia includes swivel chairs, pajamas and what is generally considered to be one of the most comfortable-if not the most comfortable-bed of any global airline. In addition, Qantas also boasts a series of airport lounges that are considered among the world's best, including its lounge at Los Angeles International.

The Middle East airline has a first class experience like you wouldn't believe on its Boeing 777-300ER. In addition to its private suites, the carrier created virtual reality windows that show passing scenes as it flies. Need something from the crew? Use Emirates' FaceTime-like request system.

After you grab some champagne in the lounge pre-flight, use your onboard tablet to control just about everything in your private suite. That includes changing the color of the lights, ordering something from the crew and controlling the television-all from the comfort of your bed or swivel chair.

Having a meal on Finnair is like sitting down at a fine restaurant, right down to the Marimekko-designed tableware. There is a zone on the plane where you can adjust your own temperature, and a dedicated restroom just for women. Now that's an experience unheard of.

Cathay Pacific's first class lie-flat seats are big enough for two, so they're extraordinarily comfortable for one. No, they're not private like some airlines but you'll quickly notice the Cathay Pacific difference with things like the handwritten notes to each first class passenger. The lounges from home base in Hong Kong are also pretty spectacular.

Operating the Boeing 777, Garuda offers private suites with doors to shut the world off. But Indonesia's primary carrier also offers door to plane chauffeur service and some of the best food in the air.

Another airline using the A380. Lufthansa trades heavily on its German heritage for the first-class experience. German beers, terrific food, a cigar bar in the first-class lounge before you even get on the flight and a ride in a Porsche from airport to tarmac.

You don't have to worry too much about the proximity of your neighbor on ANA. The Japanese airline has a set-up in which every seat is an aisle seat. The food, the fine wine, the digital television offerings and the noise-canceling headphones are the icing on the cake.

You'll find these on the A380, and the suites were on the first to hit the market-and certainly one of the first, if not the first, to feature the in-flight shower. And trust us, when you're flying 10, 12, 14 hours, a shower in the air is a god-send. Your own mini-bar and caviar don't hurt either.

Air France is a different kind of airline when it comes to its in-flight amenities. It's less high-tech, more, well, Parisian. Sophisticated. Cosmopolitan. Its La Premiere cabin gives you four windows to look out, but they're covered by floor-to-ceiling drapes to give you more of a sense that you're sitting in a parlor rather than on an airplane. And the food and wine... do we even have to go there?

All first-class passengers on long-haul flights receive Bose noise-cancellation headphones. It's this kind of small touch that adds up big in the minds of its passengers, who also receive Shiseido amenity kits. The food, and presentation, is amazing.

This is all about the food. The airline is hoping to indoctrinate travelers into the Fijian culture as soon as they board the plane, and it all starts with the culinary experience. That includes everything from the meals to the cocktails.

Here's all we have to say, and if you don't think this is a major perk in this day and age of air travel, you better think again. Two. Free. Checked. Bags.

These are great if you fly at night. On Virgin Atlantic you can expect what they call a 'relax pack.' It's filled with fresh socks, toothbrush, toothpaste, earplugs and other amenities. Of course, that's in addition to the unbelievable first class cabin.

One of the interesting things about Air New Zealand is that in addition to its onboard amenities-6-foot, 7.5-inch sleeper bed, amazing gourmet food and more-is what happens pre-flight. If you're flying out of Auckland with children, be sure to use the lounge where there's a treehouse, interactive games, books, toys and more. Oh, and barista-brewed coffee for Mom and Dad.

There are more than 1,300 films, TV series, songs and games to choose from on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, not to mention seats that come armed with a lumbar massage system. But one of the great perks of LATAM's first class is a master sommelier who picks 30 great wines to be served on every flight. An oenophile's dream.