US Airways this month introduced its new Envoy amenity kit for business class passengers, likely to become a collector’s item as the last version of a US Airways kit before the merger with American Airlines. I bring you my analysis of the kit for this installment of Amenity Kit Reviews. For a better description of each category and the 7-point scale for scoring, please review my introductory post.
A very special thanks goes out to Jake Redman at modhop.com who donated this kit to my collection long before it became available. Check out his video unBOX of the kit by clicking here.
Bag/Container: US Airways definitely went eco-friendly, as it’s a very lightweight jute-linen case that sports a mostly white exterior with red accents along the zipper track. The single-compartment navy blue interior provides the overall weaved/textured appearance. I do like the Envoy logo on the zipper, but otherwise find this bag – dare I say – “cheap,†and it likely wouldn’t hold up long if reused. While adequate for a single flight, I’m knocking the score down a bit. Score: 3.5 out of 7
Skin Care: In keeping with an environmentally conscious theme (I’m rethinking my “cheap†remark about the bag), US Airways partnered with Red Flower to provide skin care items for this kit. Included are delicious smelling and fast-absorbing eucalyptus moisturizing lotion, Italian blood orange lip balm and a citrus-scented moist towelette. They all impress and I’m now a fan of Red Flower’s locally sourced and organic items and philosophy. Score: 5.5 out of 7
Oral Care: A medium-bristled plastic toothbrush with cover sports the US Airways logo etched into the handle and comes with a teeny tiny tube of standard flavor Colgate toothpaste. Both are adequate and get the job done, though US Airways shines by providing business class passengers with Scope mouthwash – a rarity by a U.S. airline for the “middle†cabin. Score: 5 out of 7
Comfort Items: The same quality of single use airline socks as found in many of my reviews are included with this kit. One-size-fits-all eyeshades sporting the US Airways logo are also provided, along with soft earplugs and a packet of facial tissues. The red and blue US Airways color scheme dominates the socks and eyeshades. Nothing too special here, though I’ve edged the score up a bit given the branding awareness. Score: 4.5 out of 7
Intangibles: Luxury doesn’t come to mind with this kit, but here’s where I’ll sort-of make an adjustment for my “cheap†statement above, as US Airways is thinking eco-environment and sustainability. Score: 5 out of 7
Total score & comments:
The skin care items surprised me with their quality, and even though I don’t care for the case, the overall score of 4.78 out of 7.00 reflects a solid business class offering. A pen is also included (always handy), along with a 15% off code for any online Red Flower purchase. This case won’t last long, likely, with the merger expected to close later this year. Personally, I’d rather see the American Eames case survive.
– Follow Darren Booth on Twitter, @FrequentlyFlyin, for more airline, hotel and travel industry news, reviews and opinions.
Related:
American Airlines First Class Eames Tablet Case Amenity Kit
American Airlines Business Class Eames Case Amenity Kit
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