March 12, 2025 | Andrew Matthesson

The Best Airlines To Fly First Class—And What You Get On Them


Sky Level Luxury

First-class travel offers an unparalleled experience of luxury and comfort, turning long journeys into an indulgence. Whether you're looking for ultimate privacy or top-tier service, each airline offers unique perks to elevate your flight. In this article, we'll explore the best airlines to fly first class and what makes their premium cabins truly exceptional.

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Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines offers luxurious suites with fully enclosed cabins, a separate bed, and a leather armchair, ensuring maximum privacy and comfort. The spacious layout provides room to relax, work, or sleep, creating a home-like environment.

9V-SHJ - Airbus A350-941 - Singapore AirlinesMd Shaifuzzaman Ayon, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Singapore Airlines

Passengers enjoy premium toiletries, designer pajamas by Lalique, and personalized service tailored to their preferences. Each suite is equipped with a high-definition entertainment system and noise-canceling headphones for an immersive experience.

Singapore Airlines luxurious cabinViaggio Routard, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Singapore Airlines

The airline provides a world-class dining experience with gourmet meals crafted by renowned chefs and fine wine selections. Passengers can enjoy restaurant-quality dishes served on bone China, enhancing the culinary journey.

Singapore Airlines inflight mealjetalone, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Singapore Airlines

Travelers can pre-select meals through the "Book the Cook" service, ensuring a tailored culinary experience. Additionally, exclusive access to the Private Room lounge offers a serene environment before takeoff.

Inside Singapore Airlines cabinEdwin Leong, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Emirates

Emirates provides fully enclosed suites with privacy doors, ambient lighting, and a personal minibar for added convenience. The seats convert into fully flat beds with luxurious bedding, ensuring restful sleep during long flights.

Emirates Airbus A380-861Julian Herzog, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Emirates

Passengers can freshen up with a rejuvenating shower spa, complete with luxury toiletries by Bulgari. This unique feature enhances comfort and helps travelers arrive at their destination feeling refreshed.

Inside the Emirates Airline cabineKgbo, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Emirates

The à la carte menu features gourmet dishes paired with premium wines and champagne, served on fine China. Meals are prepared on demand, offering flexibility and a personalized dining experience.

Emirates Meal - Economy ClassProtoplasmaKid, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Emirates

First-class travelers enjoy exclusive lounge access with fine dining, spa services, and private sleeping pods. The luxurious environment provides a relaxing escape before boarding.

Emirates Airbus A380-861Konstantin Von Wedelstaedt, Wikimedia Commons

Air France

Air France provides elegant suites with adjustable seats that transform into fully flat beds. The refined design and high-quality bedding create a serene atmosphere for a restful journey.

Air France A380 flying lowJoe Ravi, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Air France

Meals are crafted by Michelin-starred chefs, served on fine China with premium wines. The multi-course menu highlights French culinary excellence, offering a memorable dining experience.

Inside the Air France cabinAndy Mitchell, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Air France

Plush pillows, designer sleepwear, and premium skincare products ensure a relaxing journey. The spacious suite design provides privacy and personalized comfort throughout the flight.

Air France Liveries on planesMathieu Marquer, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Air France

Travelers receive access to the exclusive La Première lounge, featuring spa services and gourmet dining. The elegant ambiance and attentive staff provide a luxurious pre-flight experience.

Inside the Air France cabinGuards Guards, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Lufthansa

Lufthansa’s spacious seats convert into comfortable beds with plush bedding for restful sleep. The ergonomic design and adjustable lighting enhance comfort during long-haul flights.

 Lufthansa Airbus A320-211Julian Herzog, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Lufthansa

The airline offers a fine dining experience with meals prepared by renowned chefs and a curated wine list. Passengers can enjoy multi-course meals served on elegant tableware.

Lufthansa Airline Meal Matti Blume, CC BY-SA, Wikimedia Commons

Lufthansa

Attentive staff provide personalized care, including mattress toppers and tailored amenities. The high staff-to-passenger ratio ensures exceptional service throughout the journey.

 Boeing 747-8 LufthansaJakub Pietrasiak, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Lufthansa

First-class passengers enjoy access to luxurious lounges with private car transfers to the aircraft. The exclusive environment features gourmet dining, relaxation areas, and spa facilities.

Airbus A340-211, LufthansaKonstantin von Wedelstaedt, GFDL 1.2, Wikimedia Commons

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Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines features private suites with wide seats that transform into fully flat beds. The spacious design provides ample storage and a tranquil environment for relaxation.

Japan Airlines, JA843J, Boeing 787-8 DreamlinerAnna Zvereva, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Japan Airlines

Passengers enjoy a blend of Japanese and Western gourmet dishes crafted by top chefs. Meals are served with fine wines and sake, enhancing the cultural dining experience.

JAL Meal DomesticWiki0001, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Japan Airlines

Premium bedding and luxurious amenities, including Shiseido skincare, enhance the experience. The attention to detail ensures a comfortable and rejuvenating journey.

Japan Airlines cabinGuardsman, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Japan Airlines

Travelers receive access to private lounges with refined dining and relaxation areas. The tranquil atmosphere provides an ideal space to unwind before boarding.

View of a JAL windowSimply Aviation, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific offers spacious, semi-enclosed suites with comfortable seats and ample storage. The minimalist design creates a serene and relaxing in-flight experience.

Cathay Pacific A330 take offVismay Bhadra, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Cathay Pacific

An à la carte menu with Chinese and international dishes is complemented by fine wines and champagne. Passengers can order on demand, allowing for flexible dining times.

Hindu Non-Vegetarian Meal N509FZ, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Cathay Pacific

Passengers enjoy premium bedding, pajamas, and luxury toiletries for a restful journey. The suite's ergonomic design ensures comfort whether sitting, lounging, or sleeping.

Cathay Pacific A350-900 seatsRaymondeuro, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Cathay Pacific

Exclusive lounge access includes private cabanas and gourmet dining options. The elegant setting offers privacy and a tranquil environment for pre-flight relaxation.

Inside the Cathay Pacific cabinMelv_L - MACASR, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways provides the Qsuite with privacy doors, lie-flat beds, and customizable seating arrangements. Couples can create double beds, while groups can form a private social area.

Qatar Airways A350Riik@mctr, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Qatar Airways

On-demand dining features a diverse à la carte menu and curated beverage selections. Passengers can enjoy restaurant-quality meals at their preferred time.

Qatar Airways cabinTravelarz, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Qatar Airways

Passengers receive designer pajamas, skincare products, and a dedicated turn-down service. The attentive staff ensures personalized comfort and relaxation.

Qatar Airways mealSucram Yef, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Qatar Airways

First-class travelers enjoy access to the Al Safwa Lounge, known for its luxury design and fine dining. The spacious lounge features private rooms, a spa, and a museum-like ambiance.

Qatar Airways airliner Alex Beltyukov, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

All Nippon Airways

All Nippon Airways’ spacious suites offer sliding doors, wide seats, and adjustable lighting for personalized comfort. The design balances privacy with open space for a tranquil experience.

ANA Boeing 787 Dreamliner BriYYZ, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

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All Nippon Airways

For food, passengers have the choice of Japanese kaiseki or international gourmet dishes, paired with premium sake and wines. The seasonal menu reflects the finest ingredients and culinary craftsmanship.

 Business Class Meal ANAMatt Weibo, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

All Nippon Airways

High-quality bedding, loungewear, and luxury amenities ensure a relaxing experience. The thoughtful touches provide a home-like comfort during long-haul flights.

 ANA First class flightSuit Travel, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

All Nippon Airways

First-class passengers enjoy access to exclusive lounges with shower suites and fine dining. The serene ambiance and attentive service enhance the pre-flight experience.

Ana Business Class - The Room (Seat Monitor)Yo12525, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Garuda Indonesia

Garuda Indonesia's first-class cabin is an oddity with only one plane carrying this prestige. This single plane can be caught flying between Amsterdam and Jakarta.

Boeing 737 Garuda Indonesia aeroprints.com, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Garuda Indonesia

Each suite provides ample storage space for personal belongings. The spacious design and high-end finishes create a luxurious and comfortable environment for long-haul travel.

Interior Of Garuda Indonesia Boeing 737-800Tappyoca, CC0, Wikimedia Commons

Garuda Indonesia

Passengers are treated to top-notch service, with a crew known for its friendliness. These thoughtful touches enhance the overall comfort and relaxation of the journey.

Garuda Indonesia seat monitorBryan 395, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Garuda Indonesia

Dining in Garuda Indonesia's first class is a culinary delight, featuring a multi-course menu with Indonesian and international dishes created by an onboard chef—along with a premium selection of wines and beverages.

Garuda Indonesia Breakfast Nongnong123, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Etihad

Etihad’s spacious “apartments” feature a separate seat and bed, creating a private living space with ample room to move around. The Residence offers a three-room suite, including a living room, bedroom, and shower.

Etihad 787-9 DreamlinerKambui, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Etihad

A dedicated butler and onboard chef cater to every need, providing a truly bespoke experience. Passengers receive highly attentive service, ensuring a seamless and luxurious journey.

Etihad Airways Airbus A340-541Konstantin von Wedelstaedt, Wikimedia Commons

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Etihad

The in-flight menu is customizable, allowing passengers to order on demand with restaurant-quality options. Meals are paired with premium wines, ensuring a sophisticated dining experience.

 Etihad Airways mealOleg Yunakov, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Etihad

Chauffeur service and private lounge access enhance the luxury from the ground up. The exclusive lounge features fine dining, relaxation areas, and spa treatments for ultimate comfort.

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Etihad Airways cabinTravelarz, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Sources: 1


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