There are plenty of airlines serving outrageously expensive champagne in first class. The airline offering the single most expensive champagne in first class is Japan Airlines, as they serve Salon Champagne. Over the years they've switched between vintages (given that Salon doesn't produce that many bottles). When I flew them in 2016 they were serving…
Continue reading: Japan Airlines Is Downgrading Their First Class Champagne… To Cristal
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I've always wondered about the economics of Champagne served in First and Business. Its difficult for me to believe that the airlines are paying more than a fraction of regular retail (or even regular wholesale). Given the much smaller costs which are being cut, it seems to fly in the face of airline economics that these costs are nearly what we would assume them to be. Its very advantageous and prestigious from a marketing perspective for a Maison to have their brand carried by a prestigious airline, and I wouldn't be surprised to learn that very special concessions are made for airlines in countries with very brand conscious consumers (i.e., Japan) to showcase the brand and give it the aura of being "the F brand" for JAL or ANA). It also would not surprise me if the bottling was not quite the same as the bottlings sold in stores and restaurants, but were special unofficial cuvees just for the airlines. I don't know that any of this is the case, but it wouldn't surprise e.
I am flying JAL first in February and don't mind the change whatsoever. Then again this will be my first time flying anything other than coach. Glad to be aware of the change though.
Cristal 2009 is a splendid Champagne. I think you'll like it Ben. Similar to Krug Grande Cuvée, it has a high portion of Pinot Noir which is what gives it richness.
Pretty sad. First time flying JAL first class in January and I was looking forward to the salon 🙁
"I've only had Cristal once"
Haha. Peasant.
You probably referred to champagne as "FRENCH champagne" at some point.
Lol SO middle class.
I'm surprised that the 2018 wine lineup doesn't include many more Australian red wines, which are superior to Spanish and American reds.
Got NRT-ORD booked for Jan 3. Just in time to sample some Salon before the switch 🙂
@ Mak, if you can read french or find someone to translate it for you, here's a very good article on the subject : http://www.larvf.com/champagne-avion-buisness-affaires,4563002.asp
David will need banned to a "Elite Snobs Only Blog", he jus cant hang with any common folk.... or so he says..
A lot worse than no manners, it relates to a lack of humanity to fellow readers
@Falco Very interesting. Thanks. So 10%-30% from normal wholesale, which is actually less of a discount than I would have thought.
yes, I know I am late to the party. Churchill blows away Cristal. I'd be happy to drink all on board while people fawn over Cristal