Mile-High Style

By Greg Lindsay

SINCE THE CONCORDE landed for the last time in 2003, globetrotting members of the smart set either fly their own jets or discreetly rent them by the hour. For the rest of us, flying commercial has become something to be endured rather than cherished.

If the only planes in the sky belonged to U.S. carriers, the NetJets snobs might have a point. Three of the largest American airlines began 2006 in bankruptcy. Meanwhile, overseas carriers like Virgin Atlantic and Emirates have added such amenities as in-flight massages and Four Seasons--style suites.

In their wake, a new generation of boutique airlines is taking flight, serving a minimum of cities with a maximum of style. Upping the ante on exclusivity, they offer business-class-only flights, concierge services and a members-only booking policy closer to Soho House's than Southwest's.

Business-jet provider Privatair began operating private-label flights for Lufthansa, Swiss and KLM four years ago, but the first full-fledged airline, Eos, took off last fall from New York City's J.F.K. to London's Stansted. Its customized Boeing 757s have just 48 "suites," including lie-flat bed seats. Eos partners with London-based concierge firm Quintessentially to offer services to passengers from boarding until 24 hours after returning home, and its frequent-flyer points have a fixed cash value. Eos will even book customers on other airlines, paying for tickets with points from their accounts--a first in the history of the business.

Joining Eos at J.F.K. and Stansted is MAXjet, which offers 767s outfitted with older, reclining business-class seats and real meals for a rock-bottom fare of $1,500.

But leave it to the Italians to reinvent the cabin as a clubhouse. This spring MiMa--an abbreviation of Milano-Manhattan--will begin service between those two cities. Partly owned by Alitalia, MiMa will screen passengers for chic quotient as well as weapons, enrolling those who pass as "members." The $4,000 fare will include sleek transport to and from Milan's Linate Airport and concierge service in both cities.