Lifestyle
Premium travel shifts toward time and space
Hindustan Times··27 Sept
On World Tourism Day coverage, Virgin Atlantic India country manager Shivani Singh Deo said modern luxury is about choice and confidence rather than show. Noida International Airport vice chairman Christoph Schnellmann said travellers pay more to save time and cut friction. He cited faster processing, clear information and comfortable waiting areas. Virgin Atlantic cited Upper Class flat beds as examples.
Prism
What It Means For You
- Airport operators are treating shorter queues and easier terminal movement as part of the paid upgrade.
- Schnellmann said space and privacy will matter more as passenger numbers rise.
- Virgin Atlantic's Heathrow Clubhouse refresh offers work, dining, film and wellness options before flights.
What's Happening
- Noida International Airport wants passengers to arrive earlier for lounges, retail and food spaces.
- Singh Deo framed premium service as giving customers more choice, comfort and control.
- Coverage said Indian travellers increasingly treat comfort, reliability, cleanliness and connectivity as essentials.
Who framed the premium pitch
- The remarks came in Hindustan Times World Tourism Day 2026 reporting on premium travel in India.
- Schnellmann is vice chairman of Noida International Airport; Singh Deo is Virgin Atlantic's India country manager.
- Cabin examples cited included Virgin Atlantic Upper Class privacy and flat beds plus Premium priority services.
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