While one usually sticks to fantasising about the luxury that awaits at a specific travel destination, the opulence that can be found along the way, during the airborne journey itself, can be just as enticing.

With so many of the region’s airlines rapidly climbing their way up the aviation ladder, it should come as no surprise that the features they have to offer are some of the most opulent, innovative and refreshingly creative.

Although it’s difficult to simply hone in on one feature per affluent Arab airline, we’ve done our best to lock in on a singular luxurious aspect that just takes the regional mile-high cake.

Qatar Airways - The Q Suite

Celebrated as a global aviation affluence leader, Qatar Airways, which currently flies to over 150 destinations, offers travellers a wide selection of comforts to choose from but none quite as impressive as their famed ‘Q Suite’. With forward or rear-facing seats, which conform into reclining beds, the airline’s ‘QSuite’ can even be converted into private four-person family areas or secluded double beds for couples.

Additionally, travellers can expect amenity kits filled with Castello Monte Vibiano skin care products, Michelin-star culinary concoctions, an entertainment system, which boasts over 4,000 entertainment options, and my personal favourite, designer pyjamas.

Etihad Airways - The Residence

Dubbed the ‘penthouse in the sky’, Etihad’s The Residence is a lavish three-room suite, complete with living room, separate double bedroom and ensuite shower room. And for an extra dash of opulence, each ‘Residence’ comes with its own butler, trained at The University of West London and The Savoy Hotel and exclusively dedicated to you and your companion.

If that’s not enough, when you book ‘The Residence’ the luxury starts before you ever reach the airport, as the airline provides chauffeured cars to take you to and from the airport.

Emirates - The Spas

The winner of the Best In-Flight Entertainment Award of 2021, Emirates prides itself on offering unparalleled privacy. For first class fliers, there are floor to ceiling privacy doors that turn your seat into a secluded oasis in the clouds. And if that’s not enough, there’s even a mini bar in the private cabin, and the food is served on fine china.

But perhaps most alluring for long-haul flight travellers are the airline’s mile-high spas. Offering water temperature control, hairdryers and even heated floors, Emirates’s two upper deck spas also come fully stocked with luxury hair and body products, as well as Bulgari amenity kits.

Oman Air - The Companion’s Ottoman

With automatic baggage tracing systems, private chauffeurs, an award-winning staff and complimentary airport lounge massages, it’s difficult to settle on just one luxury favourite when it comes to this airline.

However, when we think of its most exciting feature, its companion-friendly ottoman is what comes to mind. Imagine this – you can slide your cabin doors closed for some privacy, and entertain a chosen companion, comfortably seated on a seatbelt-inclusive ottoman across from you, as you enjoy a gourmet meal for two above the clouds.

Gulf Air - The Falcon Gold Apex Suites

One of the oldest airlines in the region, Gulf Air might be renowned for quite a few impressive features, yet its highly-acclaimed ‘Falcon Gold Cabin’ exclusive Apex Suites are definitely its unrivalled crowning jewel.

Providing passengers with the longest Business Class seats in the business, the Apex Suites are spacious, private and all-around aisle-accessible.

Saudia Airlines - The First Suite

The flag carrier of Saudi Arabia and the third largest airline in the Middle East, Saudia Airlines embodies the same luxury-oriented approach of its home Kingdom. Offering endless HD entertainment options on 23-inch screens, Saudia’s ‘First Suites’ also provide passengers with elevated on-board culinary experiences.

Once travellers are done with their four-course meal, they can then change into Porsche Design pyjamas and unzip their complimentary Furla amenity bags, while the cabin service prepares their sleeping spaces for them.

Royal Jordanian Airlines - The Crown Class

Established in 1963 as the national airline of Jordan, Royal Jordanian is as regal as an airline gets.

Besides its lie-flat spacious seats and "Royal Dining" multiple-course menu, the Crown Class also features an exclusive on-board bar, where you can grab snacks and sip on champagne.

EGYPTAIR - The Dreamliner Business Class

The state-owned flag carrier of Egypt and the first carrier in the Middle East, EGYPTAIR is an airline that caters to comfort-seeking travellers, especially those flying tediously long routes. And if we had to choose one shining star from the airline’s offerings, it would be the spacious Business Class cabin on the airline's Dreamliner and its Collins Aerospace reverse herringbone seat.