As I worked on the 2023 edition of Global Traveler’s annual Aviation Issue, I thought back to my very first first-class flight. My husband and I were flying from Portland to Honolulu for our honeymoon, and we were thrilled to learn we had been upgraded to the front of the plane. Some of the perks we enjoyed: a welcoming glass of Champagne; a warm towel before the meal service — which was served on china with a cloth napkin and silverware; a wide, comfortable seat with a footrest and extra legroom; a larger pillow and nicer blanket than the folks in economy got; and I think perhaps I was gifted with a lei, too. No entertainment screen, power sources or WiFi. Now, keep in mind this was more than 40 years ago!

Fast-forward to today, and that first-class experience more closely resembles the amenities and seats found in modern premium economy cabins. Read through Richard Newton’s survey of first and business class cabins beginning on page 34 for a review of the latest features of these luxurious retreats in the sky. All come with fully lie-flat beds, large entertainment screens, lots of personal storage space and fine-dining options. Some offer full privacy with sliding doors and even self-enclosed suites. And for those who seek more comfort on long-haul flights than economy can offer, Eugenia Lazaris examines the premium-economy options an expanding number of airlines are offering on page 42.

Beyond those enticing descriptions of comfort and pampering in the skies, in this issue we suggest destinations sure to enthrall and delight true aviation enthusiasts. Susan Barnes takes us to Dayton, Ohio, (page 50) and Ron Bernthal visits Toulouse, France, (page 52) two cities instrumental to the development of early flight and both still key to modern aeronautics. Consider the thrill of heli-touring in Alaska on page 54, attending an air show in Wisconsin (page 64), or visiting the museums and monuments dedicated to the pioneers of flight and the history of aircraft in North Carolina (page 56) and Arizona (page 60).

Wherever your travels take you this month, we wish you fair skies, and we’ll welcome you back next month with a host of new destinations to make your heart take flight.