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Sweet dreams: More airlines introducing beds

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The perks of airborne beds go beyond peaceful sleep. Singapore Airlines' new Airbus A380 has suites with double beds, sliding doors, wardrobes and window blinds. Virgin Atlantic offers its Upper Class, or business class, passengers ground transportation, in-flight massages, and a clubhouse at the airport where they can shower, dine and check email.

"The private suites we seeing from airlines like Singapore are essentially condos in the clouds," said Robert Buckman, director of airline distribution strategies for Amadeus North America. "The sleeping arrangements and other amenities go well beyond the lie-flat seating option, but so does the price. These private suites are designed to attract a certain type of luxury or very VIP traveler looking for a very exclusive travel experience."

Fueling the demand for lie-flat beds is competition between the airlines for premium passengers, more valuable to an airline than coach passengers. First class/business class international tickets can cost thousands of dollars more.

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Over the years, sitting up front became a place for a person with lots of miles who wanted more leg room and free alcohol, said George Hoffer, economics professor at Virginia Commonwealth University. So it became hard for passengers and companies to spend thousands of dollars without feeling like they were getting a lot more for their money.

"I liken the sleeper compartments to in essence trying to recreate what used to be called Pullman class service, ultra-first class service," he said. "'Give them more space and hopefully charge them a premium price such that it more than covers the extra space we have given them.'"

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A good night's sleep on an overnight flight can make the difference in how well business executives function the next day, said Buckman. But he said vacationers are taking advantage of the beds as well. While there is no hanky-panky allowed, even with double-bed suites, "that honeymoon to Hong Kong is definitely more enjoyable and less stressful — for the happy couple if they can get there and back a little easier and more comfortably," Buckman said.

For coach passengers who may complain of fitful sleep, German airline Lufthansa is considering an all sleeper-seat economy cabin with triple bunk beds.

Abramson said airplane beds have made his life much easier.

"You don't have to worry about the person next to you chatting your ear off," he said. "You don't have to worry about being crushed in the seat. It's not a hotel bed, but considering where you are and what you are doing, it's a very comfortable way to fly if you can afford to fly that way."

Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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