"Across a lot of Asia there is still a genuine service culture"

It seems the prison metaphor is popular on this site recently ( Under House Arrest?). Here's taking it to the skies as "Not one North American or European airline made the Skytrax list of the world's 10 best airlines":

Stepping on an airplane today -- especially those run by the U.S. airlines -- can seem more like a prison sentence than the start of a great journey. But hop on board an Asian or Middle Eastern airline and you are treated like royalty. Seats are larger, the food actually tastes good and the service is attentive.

Move up to first class and flight attendants are making passengers' beds, behind the doors of their private suites, with the finest linens. Pajamas are handed out along with skin care products from luxury brands like Bvlgari. And when passengers wake on one Middle East airline they can actually take a shower at 40,000 feet, ensuring they'll arrive fresh.

This stark difference in travel is highlighted in an annual ranking of the top airlines by Skytrax, a British airline consulting and research firm. Not one North American or European airline made the Skytrax list of the world's 10 best airlines.