Pyjamas aboard Qantas, Cathay Pacific

Pyjamas are the latest weapon in long-distance airlines' challenge to ensure that passengers at the front end of the plane arrive at their destinations well rested after an overnight journey.

With sleeping compartments already in some jets, Cathay Pacific and Qantas have introduced "sleep suits" in first class on long-haul flights.

For customers paying up to three times the economy fare, the airlines want to provide value for all that money, be it through comfortable reclining seats or beds making sleep come easily, extra-attentive service, gourmet meals, unlimited champagne and fine wines plus a wide range of video entertainment and satellite telephones.