One of the things I love getting when I’m flying long haul is the vague and wonderful promise of an amenity kit.
The 2013/4 American Airlines Amenity Kit – Image, WESSCO.
United 2014 Amenity Kit tins – Image, WESSCO.
One of the people responsible for the development of the amenity kit as we know it today – Antia Gittelson of WESSCO announced her retirement last week.
Anita Gittelson, WESSCO EVP (retired) and Bob Bregman, WESSCO Founder and President
Anita was profiled in 2013 by the New York Times, earning the monkier of “Godmother” of the modern-day amenity kit,
Anita joined WESSCO in 1983, and developed the links between brands and cruise ships, hotels and aviation industries, working her magic on partnerships that could benefit passenger, airline/hotel/ship and brand.
Who has Anita designed kits for? Big names including American Airlines, United Airways, and Delta are three in the USA. Etihad, Air Canada, China Eastern and Icelandair are other customers of WESSCO.
Fairmont hotels and Viking Cruises also benefit from WESSCO helping them deliver products.
Which means when you and I get onboard a plane – there are actually nice products in an amenity kit, rather than generic stuff.
And the race for kits improving goes on as airlines attempt to one-up each other with newer amenity kits. Heck, even Economy Class passengers are seeing airlines reviving amenity kits in the cheap seats.
Anita was honoured by her peers in 2013 at the TravelPlus Airline Amenity Kit Awards in Hamburg, lifetime of contribution and leadership in passenger experience development.
Anita Gittelson pictured with Jo Austin, Editor of Onboard Hospitality Magazine, accepting the 2013 “Amenity Achievement” Award.
Perhaps her advice to those who are looking to improve the passenger comfort section can go a long way (and not just in amenities).
“Keep it personal! Customers are partners and friends. We are a family of professionals. When you care about the people your work may be more stressful, but ultimately more fulfilling. And always be a futurist. If you’re not creating something new, you’re falling behind.
Her skills and knowledge will be missed from the industry…. that when we board a plane and see a little bag of delights in it to make the passenger smile.
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