The first class proposition is more complex than it seems. For a while, it seemed that first class would be phased out in favour of more luxurious business classes, but now people want one-of-a-kind travel experiences and there are some really knockout suites in the sky, spaces in which you can actually relax and luxuriate – if you know where to find them. And they just keep getting more impressive. An airline’s first class offering is not even completely consistent, in that it varies from plane to plane, as and when they upgrade their fleet. That said, there are a handful of airlines that just know what they’re doing in this department, and they are the ones we are calling the best first class airlines in the sky.

First, though, a quick Q&A:

Which airline is the most luxurious?

All of the best first class airlines lean deeply into luxury, but they all do it in their own inimitable way – whether it’s their entertainment system, champagne service, leather upholstery, personal minibar, amenity kit or shower spa. All of the airlines below do gourmet dining with aplomb. 

Which airline has the most expensive first class?

The Residence suite on Etihad’s A380 when taken from New York JFK to Abu Dhabi is the most expensive scheduled flight in the world. But Air France’s La Première often works out expensive, too – often charging double its closest competition on the equivalent route.

Which is the best airline for business class?

Business travelers love Qatar’s Qsuite configurations, which are at their roomiest and most modern on their Airbus A350s and Boeing 777s. Regular travelers love the Diptyque amenity kit and the privacy doors that turn seats into suites. The business class seats on Air France’s most recently updated Airbus A350s and Boeing 777s are arranged in a reverse herringbone configuration, making it another roomy but cozy option. 

Related reading: The airlines with the most luxurious first class bathrooms have been revealed

And the million dollar question: how to get upgraded to first class?

This is a blog in itself, but the best way to begin is to join a frequent flyer program and achieve elite status. Plus, it’s always worth asking when you check in. 

World’s best first class airlines in 2025

Singapore Airlines

On Boeing 777s, the first class seats are extra wide and made of luxurious diamond-stitched leather, all the way to the footrest. But it’s inside the suites on their A380s where Singapore Airlines really shines. These are completely private spaces with plump, inviting single or double beds and beautiful leather swivel chairs, plus touchscreen monitors with an enhanced KrisWorld entertainment system and Bang & Olufsen noise-canceling headphones. On all first class flights, Singapore Airlines customers can ‘Book the Cook’, which means choosing your own menu in advance from dishes like lobster thermidor, wagyu steak and the airline’s signature laksa (and then eating it at a dining table with crisp linen and Wedgwood china, of course). 

Related reading: Sky-High Cuisine: Ranking the Best Airlines for Food

Emirates

We love the first class seats on Emirates for pure glamor: the cream leather, the gold control panels, the glossy faux walnut burl paneling, not to mention the flowing Dom Perignon and caviar. First class flights on Emirates always begin with their signature welcome dates with Arabic coffee (in a gold pot) while you look through your super-luxe Bulgari amenity kits and a member of staff books your 30-minute slot in the shower spa. If you’re on one of the nine aircraft featuring the supreme, best-in-class Emirates Game Changer suite, you will dine like royalty, altering your own temperature and lighting as you like, before your zero gravity seat (inspired by NASA) is turned into a ravishing bed. 

Image credit: www.etihad.com

Etihad

The best first class airlines offer a stand-out product, and for Etihad that is The Residence on their A380s, a multi-room suite for one or two people, with a squishy brown leather sofa area, a separate cozy sleeping space and an ensuite bathroom with a shower. The regular Etihad suites are impeccable, too – they are latte-colored cocoons with fully flat beds, personal minibars and Armani slippers. To continue the luxury, an Etihad First Class ticket includes complimentary chauffeur service to and from the airport. 

Related reading: Airplane Etiquette: Your Ultimate Guide

Japan Airlines

Potentially the sleekest suites in the sky, Japan Airlines’ first class offering is all clean lines, woodgrain and burgundy leather, in a gorgeously serene capsule-like space. When bedtime comes, guests can choose between firm and soft airweave mattresses for their completely flat bed. Exquisite new first class suites on the A350-1000 have enormous TV screens, speakers built into the headrests and room on all the upholstery for another passenger to join you for dinner. The chef-designed first class washoku (Japanese cuisine) menu is an experience in itself, beginning with “five colourful delicacies” and proceeding through dishes like caviar with wagyu beef and white leeks, sake-steamed black rockfish with sesame tofu and kamo eggplant, miso soup, pickles and dessert. 

Image credit: wwws.airfrance.co.uk

Air France

The Air France website describes its first class offering La Premiere as “the highest expression of travel”. The airline launched new first class seats in 2025 and people have likened the experience to flying in a private jet. For the princely sum of around $14,000, the suites are chic and understated with pillarbox red blankets and menus, like a Parisian red lip, and they’re long (five windows long) with floor-to-ceiling curtains. Each one has a recliner seat and chaise (which turns into a bed). The menu is absolutely epic, compiled by Arnaud Lallement, a chef with a three Michelin star restaurant in Reims. Regular first class travelers also adore the lounge at Charles de Gaulle – who doesn’t want to find themselves in a first class lounge in Paris, of all places? 

In the mid 2010s, premium economy was the class cabin of concern – these were the seats that airlines were pouring their investment into. It looked as though first class might face extinction, making business class seats the most sought-after seats on the plane. But then, something switched, as elite travelers went in search of one-of-a-kind, ever more luxurious experiences, and consequently many airlines have had a first class glow-up in recent years, with the gap between business and first class appearing to widen. We’re exploring the upper echelons of air travel below, just in case you’ve ever wondered: first class vs business class – what exactly is the difference?

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1. What is the highest class in a plane?

First class is the highest category of ticket you can buy. But between airlines, first class varies enormously and numerous airlines have added even more premium and unique options to the repertoire, such as Etihad’s The Residence. One airline’s business or first class offering can also vary massively between routes.

2. Which seat is better: first class or business class?

Business class seats tend to be the most luxurious version of what you get in economy and premium economy cabins, in that they are still actual seats, whereas first class seats tend to be within larger suite-like spaces, with full beds and privacy curtains or doors. Business class seats still have privacy, usually as a result of clever seat configuration, and they always have plenty of space, usually enough for lie flat seats.

3. Which food and drink is better: first class or business class?

There is a clear shift in the dinner service between these classes. In business class, you will usually enjoy restaurant-style plating with cloth napkins, ceramics, glassware and cutlery and you may be able to pre-select your meals or dine on demand, depending on your airline. In first class, things go up a notch; airlines are aiming to give you an actual gourmet experience, with elevated fine dining presentation, rare vintage wines, more choice and exclusive menus designed by Michelin star chefs.

4. What are the other key differences in amenities?

Essentially, first class is looking to provide a luxury hotel experience in the air, whereas business class is looking to make your flight as smooth and comfortable as possible. So, in business class, you’ll have more control over your personal space than in economy or premium economy (temperature, lighting), and you’ll have bedding to transform your seat into a bed. Business travelers will have easy access to plug sockets and WiFi and everything they need to get on with their work or take a break from it.

In first class you’ll have this, plus perhaps a personal minibar, access to a shower, a flat screen TV and space for another passenger to come and dine with you. There are luxurious amenities in both classes – Emirates works with Bulgari on their amenity kits, and Turkish Airlines works with Ferragamo, for instance. As a first class vs business class case study, Air France’s La Premiere passengers get embossed boxes in Air France red or pearl grey, with hand cream, eye contour balm, serum and moisturizer by Sisley, whereas the equivalent business class bag includes two Clarins moisturizers.

5. What’s the difference on the ground?

Like everything in the world of luxury travel, no two airport lounges are created equal. Generally, business class and first class passengers will have access to airport lounges, with extra special first class lounges available in some circumstances, for the most elite first class fliers. For instance, at Singapore Changi airport, Singapore Airlines has gold and silver lounges, as well as The Private Room, with a maximum capacity of just 78. As well as lounge access, first class passengers often receive additional perks like chauffeur-driven cars to and from the airport and dedicated jet bridges so they don’t have to board the plane with everyone else.

6. Is there an industry standard for airline classes?

Broadly speaking, business class is an enhanced experience, designed for your comfort, with wider seats and more amenities than economy or premium economy and first class is the highest level of luxury and service. But the reality is more complex; airlines have different priorities and different seat configurations on different routes, and they’re making updates to their fleets all the time.

7. Is it worth upgrading from business to first class?

You are never going to be uncomfortable on a business class flight, so this question comes down to what you are prepared to pay for. In the battle of first class vs business class, there is much to consider. How long is the flight you’re taking? For domestic flights, the difference in service will feel small, and you won’t have much time to make use of the amenities. Will you feel the benefit? Have you checked specifically which seats are available on your route and your airline? Not to mention, it’s often quadruple the price to travel in first class. We found an Emirates business class ticket from NYC to Dubai for $5,537 while the equivalent first class ticket cost $21,967.

We have a lot of love for Lisbon, and we know we’re not the only ones. It’s the perfect city to linger a while; not too big and not too small, with delicious treasures up and down its cobbled streets. And it wears its brilliance so lightly. If you’re embarking on a luxury tour to Portugalwith us, but want more Lisbon in your life, you might be wondering: what is the nicest hotel in Lisbon? If you choose to extend your stay, here – for your consideration – are the best hotels in Lisbon.

1. Pousada de Lisboa

You know this is one of our top hotels in Lisbon because it’s where guests stay on our Spain and Portugal in Style journey. It’s a palatial city landmark and we love it for its timeless grandeur: the marble halls, the Portuguese art-filled corridors and majestic, sunshine yellow facade. It’s a refined sanctuary on Praça do Comércio, in the heart of historical Lisbon.

2. Brown’s Avenue Hotel

The Brown’s Hotel Group runs four boutique hotels in Lisbon, and this one’s rooftop pool is the crown of them all. It’s not huge, but it’s supremely glamorous, set in angular, sun-bleached limestone and surrounded by potted cacti, green striped loungers and vintage style parasols. If you like your resting place to feel like an oasis, this is one of the best hotels in Lisbon for you.

3. Pestana Palace

If you want somewhere to stay that is unabashedly palatial from top to toe, Pestana is the place. On the palace hotel checklist it has: parquet floors, frescoed ceilings, stained glass windows, oil paintings, marble staircase and lush, green garden flourishing with subtropical trees. There is a spa with a Turkish bath, and the outdoor pool (converted from an original garden lake) will make you want to weep.

4. Convent Square Lisbon

Super-central and as sleek as you could possibly wish it to be, this 800-year-old Dominican convent is easily one of the best hotels in Lisbon. The heart of the place is the open-air cloister, complete with a central firepit and plush outdoor furniture – a place to rest after a morning of walking up and down hills. The rooms are also about peace and repose, with neutral tones, sumptuous sheets and bronze velvet cushions.

5. Palácio Príncipe Real

Another palácio for your address book, this one is in the Principe Real, which is the best neighborhood to stay in Lisbon if you like to swoosh down chic, quiet streets, but still be close to the action. Within this 28-room peachy mansion, you’ll find checkerboard marble floors, palm motifs, azulejo tiles, chandeliers and a glorious, bougainvillea-filled garden with an enormous heated pool and always-alluring hammocks.

6. Bairro Alto Hotel

This is a big old 87-room 18th century building that sits grandly on the borders of two bohemian neighborhoods: the Bairro Alto (an old quarter at the top of Lisbon) and Chiado (lively cultural hub). These are two neighborhoods people might name in answer to the question, which part of Lisbon is best to stay? The Bairro Alto Hotel was one of the first boutique hotels in the city in 2005. No two rooms are the same and each has its own dose of Portuguese flair, with glazed tiles, woven fabrics and ceramics by local makers. The terrace is a special place to soak up views of the city and the Rio Tejo.

7. ME Lisbon by Meliá

The best hotels in Lisbon offer a little respite from the city. On our Ultimate Portugal journey, we stop at this sparkling “luxury lifestyle hotel” to be soothed and energised in equal measure. At the magnificent rooftop pool, sunset is served with spicy watermelon margaritas and California rolls. Rooms are light, modern spaces, with plenty of personality and dreamy views whether you’re facing the street or the Palácio Sotto Mayor.’

8. Memmo Alfama

Many visitors city’s fans cite Alfama as the best place to stay in Lisbon, thanks to its winding, cobbled streets and the fado music that drifts through them as evening descends. Memmo Alfama sits in an immaculately restored 19th century building, beautifully blending the old and the new. The Memmo motto is “make yourself at home” and it’s easy to do so in the fresh, white rooms, with polished concrete floors and views over red roofs, towards the river.

9. Lumiares

An homage to Lisbon’s colours, patterns, and light, this luxury, apartment-style stay in Bairro Alto does not let you forget where you are. The rooftop bar and restaurant is all terracotta, linen, rattan and stone, with mesmerising city views and gorgeous gazpacho and roast octopus. Interiors feature monochrome tiles and gold detailing alongside natural materials – and even the studio rooms have kitchens and coffee machines.

10. Palacio Ludovice

One more palacio for the road (although this one is a mere five storeys, a palacete), this relatively recent luxury opening is named after the man who built it nearly 300 years ago, João Federico Ludovice, architect to King João V. The 18th-century tiles, frescoes and stucco ceilings have all been wonderfully restored. Good news for oenophiles, too: it considers itself a ‘wine experience hotel’, with wines from each Portuguese region represented, a five-course ‘wine dinner’ in the restaurant and wine-themed treatments in the Caudalie spa.