There has been a severe drop in the number of people flying premium, business or first, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), prompting some to ask whether the days of champagne and free toiletries are behind us.

For most travelers, reclining into a leather seat and sipping champagne at 35,000 ft is the epitome of frequent flyer sophistication.

From the introduction of “premium economy”, to the advent of the fully flat bed, to the new Emirates on board shower, it seems that there’s something we just can’t resist about luxury in the skies.

British Airways has invested £100 million in their new first class cabin being installed on a B777, which flies from London Heathrow to Chicago O’Hare

Simply named First, the new cabin based on “classic design and understated luxury”, influenced by premium British automotive brands.

Key new features include a personal wardrobe, a 15-inch in-flight entertainment screen, a leather-bound writing table and personal electronic blinds.

Australian carrier Qantas has the world’s best on-board wine selection, according to the Cellar in the Sky Awards presented February 9.

The airline took four awards, including Best First Class Red Wine, Best First Class Fortified / Sweet Wine, Best First Class Cellar, and Best Presented Wine List.

Its parent Oneworld Alliance also took the prize for Best Airline Alliance, beating Star Alliance in second place and Sky Team in third.

Etihad has redefined luxury air travel even further following the unveiling of its new Diamond First Class cabin.

The new cabin contains individual suites, which have been designed to provide customers with more privacy, greater comfort and increased storage.

You can begin enjoying the experience from August 2009, when the suite is fitted onto a brand new A340-600.

Sarting this spring, SWISS will gradually introduce a new First Class cabin in conjunction with its fleet renewal program.

The spacious surroundings and adjustable sidewalls provide extensive privacy, while sophisticated lighting and the contemporary-yet-warm SWISS design combine to create a pleasant sense of space.

In addition, the guest seat, complete with backrest and armrests, enables the First Class customer to dine or work with a fellow traveler at a generously-proportioned table.

Emirates Airline’s will launch its first A380 commercial service from Dubai to New York JFK on August 1st. The 14-hour non-stop flight will also be the first-ever commercial A380 service to the United States.

Emirates expects delivery of five A380s in its current financial year and from December 1, first class passengers will be able to enjoy a shower during a flight between Heathrow and Dubai for a price of $9,500.

The A380 airbuses will have to carry an extra 500kg of water,25 per cent more than currently, to ensure that all 14 First Class passengers can have a decent dousing.