These are the best aeroplane bars in the world right now

FLYING long-haul has limited perks – you get a complimentary pair of socks and a good movie selection, and of course the free booze trolley.

But it turns out the passengers at the front of the plane have it so much better – in some First Class cabins they even have their own bar.

Carriers like Virgin Atlantic, Etihad and Emirates have swanky booths where passengers can order cocktails and canapés from experienced bartenders.

All of the airlines have extensive drinks lists, on some planes there are seasonal cocktail menus and at others passengers can order everything from a martini to a chilled bottle of Champagne.

Some planes even host wine tastings in the sky, paired with canapés.

So which aeroplanes serve the best mile-high mojitos and Manhattans? Read on to find out…

Qatar Airways

Qatar is a Muslim country with strict drinking laws, but the country’s national airline still has one of the best aeroplane bars in the world.

Business and First Class ticket holders are both allowed access to the bar, which is surrounded by long sofas that can hold up to ten drinkers at a time.

Guests can order a range of top shelf spirits, as well as glasses of Krug Champagne.

They can also nibble on bar snacks and get dishes from the Business Class menu delivered to the sofas.

Emirates bar

Emirates has long had one of the best aeroplane bars, but their new offering launching this summer is head and shoulders above the rest.

Emirates is in the process of upgrading its onboard lounges and they will be launched in June, with the new style taking its inspiration from private yacht cabins.

Overall, the new  lounge will be able to accommodate up to 26 passengers at a time, who can watch the 55 inch LCD TV while enjoying canapes and bespoke cocktails.

First Class passengers can even order their own bottle of Champagne on ice.

Etihad

Etihad has more of a relaxed lobby for its Business and First Class passengers.

Guests can help themselves to drinks from the well-stocked trolley, with high end spirits and bottles of Champagne all available.

Guests can also order bar snacks from cabin crew if they get peckish.

Virgin Atlantic

Upper Class passengers on Virgin Atlantic flights all have access to the on-board bar, which is the most modern of all the aeroplane lounges.

The UV-lit futuristic-looking island and the cocktail menu changes seasonally.

The seating area is less spacious than on the other airlines though, with just a handful of bar stools and otherwise standing room for drinkers.