"Turndown Service" Includes Such Items As Quilts, Slippers, And PJs

If you've been pining away for the "golden age" of air travel, American Airlines has introduced a new "Turndown Service" for first class passengers on some of its international routes. The airline says the product additions are designed with the customer's comfort and convenience in mind and will roll out on select international flights in First and Business Class cabins beginning Sept. 1.

"We believe this new suite of premium products is a wise investment because it enables us to provide an added level of comfort and style to the inflight environment – a sentiment applauded by customers on international test flights earlier this month," Rob Friedman, American's Vice President – Marketing, said in a news release. "This initiative to further complement our premium customers' travel experience is another example of our commitment to make American the airline of choice for global travelers."

Beginning Sept. 1, customers traveling onboard American's flights between the U.S. and London Heathrow (LHR) will be among the first to enjoy the new offerings. First Class customers traveling onboard Boeing 777s between the U.S. and Heathrow will receive a quilted bed topper custom-designed to fit American's popular Flagship Suite, pajamas and slippers as part of the airline's new turndown service. A lightweight day blanket, new premium duvet and pillow, and an amenity kit featuring a bag with an authentic Eames Office design pattern and containing Dermalogica skincare products and other travel necessities complete the new suite of amenities.

Also beginning Sept. 1, customers traveling in American's Business Class cabin onboard flights between the U.S. and LHR operated by Boeing 777s, 767-300s and international 757s can enjoy a new premium duvet and pillow, slippers, and amenity kit.

Beginning Oct. 1, the full suite of products, including the turndown service, will roll out in American's First Class cabins onboard all international flights served by Boeing 777s. Also on Oct. 1, American's Business Class cabins onboard all international flights operated by Boeing 777s and 767-300s, in addition to select flights to and from Europe operated by Boeing 757s, will begin offering the new premium duvet and pillow, slippers, and amenity kit.

USA Today reports that the new service will bring the airline in line with some non-U.S.-flagged carriers which have been offering such amenities for years. Similar business-class amenities are also already offered on some domestic carriers, such as Delta.

FMI: www.aa.com