In-flight luxuries filter down to plebs

Singapore Airlines has contracted Gordon Ramsay to be on its panel of chef advisers. Photo / Supplied

The travel perks of the business classes are slowly filtering down to the cheap seats as an in-flight revolution takes place in cattle class.

Double beds, shower spas and other innovations are spreading to the back of the plane, a survey by the Flight Centre reveals.

While some carriers are opting for a "no-frills" offering for budget passengers, others - including several which fly to New Zealand - are spicing up their catering and providing extra space for carry-on luggage.

Executive manager Mike Friend said Gordon Ramsay was on Singapore Airlines' panel of chef advisers, and Australian cook Neil Perry had designed Qantas menus.

Air New Zealand was the first commercial airline to introduce induction ovens in all cabins, allowing customers to have their steak cooked how they liked it.

Korean Air is introducing women-only cubicles and a German company may be developing in-flight urinals.