There are some moments in life where you’ve just got to pinch yourself to believe things are real. There are other moments in life where you need someone else to pinch you, to make sure you can still feel anything- after countless bottles of champagne. We’re not encouraging over drinking, but if you wind up on a plane serving any of these five stunning bottles- we wouldn’t hold it against you. Here are the five best champagnes served on planes, according to price…

#5 Dom Perignon 2006 – $169 A Bottle…

Tasting Notes: A graceful, minerally version, featuring rich notes of smoke, mandarin orange peel and chalk that lead to subtle accents of crème de cassis, toasted almond, espresso and star anise on the fine, creamy mousse. Seamlessly knit, with citrusy acidity leaving a mouthwatering impression on the finish. Drink now through 2031. – Wine Spectator

Airlines: Emirates, Thai, Singapore.

#4 Krug Grand Cuvee NV – $179 A Bottle…

Tasting Notes: This mouthwatering Champagne shows a lovely sense of finesse, with firm acidity deftly married to a rich profile of crème de cassis, toasted brioche and lime blossom, accented by hints of café au lait, singed orange peel and exotic spice. Long and plush on the finish. Disgorged 2014. Drink now through 2024. – Wine Spectator

Airlines: Singapore, ANA, Cathay Pacific, Qatar, Air France.

#3 Pol Roger Cuvee Winston Churchill 2004 – $189 A Bottle…

Tasting Notes: This has trademark richness, power and complexity with a layer of spiced grilled hazelnuts and brown-mushroom aromas set across lemon, grapefruit and dried-red fruits. The palate has a full, pastry-like texture showing bold flavors and an assertively fleshy cherry and peach core. The tannins are smooth and ripe, carrying the finish long. – James Suckling

Airlines: Qantas, Asiana.

#2 Dom Perignon “Plentitude” P2 1998 – $410 A Bottle…

Tasting Notes: This vibrant Champagne is tightly knit up front, with a dense core of smoky minerality and ripe dried apricot and white cherry flavors. Expands on the satiny palate, revealing accents of pastry cream, toast, singed orange peel and toasted coconut that echo on the persistent finish. Drink now through 2028. – Wine Spectator

Airlines: Select Emirates Flights.

#1 Salon “Cuvee S” 2002 – $420+ A Bottle…

Tasting Notes: Vibrancy and a sense of finesse to this rich and creamy Champagne, which is defined by racy acidity and a streak of chalky minerality. An expansive palate of glazed apricot, oyster shell, toasted almond and spun honey flavors, accented by hints of ground ginger, dried lemon peel and marzipan. The finish is racy and persistent. – Wine Spectator

Airlines: Select Japan Airlines (JAL) Flights.

 

 

Gilbert Ott

Gilbert Ott is an ever curious traveler and one of the world's leading travel experts. His adventures take him all over the globe, often spanning over 200,000 miles a year and his travel exploits are regularly...

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8 Comments

  1. So at the risk of sounding ignorant, are these all “free” with the cost of your business or first class ticket? Or are the prices listed what you would be charged should you order any of them?

    1. lease do not ever worry about sounding ignorant or newbie on here. Unlike many blogs I have no tolerance for people who frown upon these questions. I welcome them- so thanks for asking. To clarify: whether you used miles or cash – once you have a business class or first class ticket everything is free. The meal, the champagne, red wine, white win, booze, etc. It’s awesome. Some people (not naming any names ; ) really do go through multiple bottles, because hey, if you used miles. It really is free!

  2. We’ve had Salon in JL First and Krug in CX F and both of us far prefer Krug to the Salon. We were lucky and had the entire First cabin to ourselves on JL so we each had a bed seat and a dinner seat. I’ve always wanted to try Dom ’06 or ’04.

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