Mile High Bars

On-board airline bars are a luxury found on few aircraft. Neha Gupta Kapoor lists six carriers that have this feature

Floor space in aircraft is precious. Affixing anything to the vessel other than seats, galleys and lavatories is a luxury. Perhaps this is why airlines have been taking their time to introduce mile high bars or lounges, in the real sense. In fact, Air France and Japan Airlines once boasted of “on-board bars”, but these were nothing to write home about, especially when compared to the existing six open bars we have today. They’re manned by a crew member at all times, are exclusive to high-paying passengers flying upwards of business class, and make for interesting spaces to network or work in solitude. Each one has its own charm when compared with layout, alcohol lists, service, seating and the capaciousness of standing space. Here is a look at what they offer.

EMIRATES

Swanky is the first word that comes to mind when we talk about Emirates’ bar aboard its A380. Located at the back of the upper deck, it is accessible to business and first class passengers.

The bar is shaped as a horseshoe, and the lights above it, arranged in a similar pattern, remind me of nails hammered into the horseshoe. The yellow backlit counter is crowded with nuts, cheese and bread sticks, cut fruit and small bites. Opposite it is another buffet with more finger food. Hot snacks can be ordered from an a la carte menu. Bottles packed on two shelves are an indication of the alcohol served here. A 55-inch flat screen displays live updates of our flight.