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Unwind

World’s Best First Class Airlines in 2025

August 15, 2025 by Laura Goodman No Comments
view from airplane window

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. 

 

first class airplane cabin

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. 

 

qatar airways airplane

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. 

 

etihad first class cabin

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. 

 

air france la premiere cabin

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? 

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Concierge Tips, Luxury Journeys

Flying First Class: The Luxury Gold First-Timer’s Guide

June 14, 2024 by Jess Williamson No Comments
Sunset view from airplane window

If you’re looking at flying First Class for the first time, then congratulations. Flying First Class is certainly the best way to begin your trip, bookending your journey with the ultimate luxury travel experience. Read on to discover whether First Class travel is for you, all you need to know before boarding, and the various First Class offerings from different airlines. 

Flying First Class will transform your travel experience, no matter how many times you’ve flown before. Prepare to relax in a whole new level of comfort and convenience, though to really make the most of this luxury mode of travel, it can help to understand the nuances of First Class. From booking to landing, every step of the journey is designed to enhance your experience.  

Read more: 10 Best Airlines For Business Class

Flying First Class vs Business Class 

When it comes to luxury air travel, flying First Class is as good as it gets – on most airlines, First Class is the step above Business Class. Whereas in Business Class passengers can enjoy pre-flight lounges as well as lie-flat beds, spacious legroom, and multi-course meals in-flight, each aspect of flying is even more opulent in First Class (but more on that later).

Sunset light on airplane seats

Whether you’re flying Business or First Class, know that both are a significant step up from economy class – both offer superior comfort and service, though First Class offers more luxuries and privacy, whereas Business Class balances between indulgence and practicality.  

Benefits of Flying First Class 

There are a whole range of benefits to First Class travel, and they begin long before you board the plane. As a First Class traveler, you’ll have access to priority check-in, security screening, boarding, and baggage handling, as well as free checked baggage and increased baggage allowances. Once you arrive at the airport, queuing will become a distant memory – minimize your wait time with expedited check-in, security, and boarding, along with exclusive airline lounge access. 

You might also like: Take a Glimpse Into Luxury Air Travel of the Future With These Stunning Designs

On-board, relax into plush seats (with some airlines offering private suites), recline to a lie flat bed, and, with some airlines, tuck into gourmet food from renowned chefs. Throughout your flight you’ll be able make the most of the amenity kit provided, containing comforts from noise-canceling headphones to designer toiletry kits. Wherever you’re flying to, you can rest easy knowing that the flight attendants will be giving you their full attention for the full First Class experience. 

What to Wear When Flying First Class 

While most airlines don’t have a dress code for First Class cabins, many passengers opt to wear business-casual attire rather than the usual sweats and flip-flops – if you are looking to dress on the more formal side then slacks, skirts, or chinos will suffice, paired with shirts or blouses. However, what you choose to wear completely depends on the length of your flight and, at the end of the day, your comfort is what matters. Many airlines give First Class passengers pajamas to wear during long-haul flights, so if you’ll be changing into those then don’t worry too much about what you’re already wearing. 

first class airplane cabin

First Class on International Flights 

To get the most out of flying First Class, it’s best to book your First Class ticket on a long haul international flight. These longer journeys offer a heightened level of comfort compared to a domestic First Class ticket, the latter of which is less likely to have all the luxury amenities mentioned above. If lie-flat beds, luxury food and drinks, and top-tier amenities are important to you, then choose First Class on an international flight. Not only that, but you’ll also be able to enjoy all those luxuries for longer! 

Read more: The airlines with the most luxurious First Class bathrooms have been revealed

Flying First Class on American Airlines 

If you’re flying within the U.S. with American Airlines, First Class marks the highest flight level. However, on some long-distance flights (both domestic and international), you have the option to book seats in Flagship First or Flagship Business classes, which are the most luxurious options on offer from American Airlines – passengers will enjoy lie-flat seats, access to the Flagship Lounge, luxury bedding, and exclusive toiletry kits.  

airplane in sky

Flying First Class on Delta Air Lines 

If you’re traveling First Class with Delta Air Lines, you can choose from either Delta One, availably predominantly on long haul and international routes, and Delta First, available domestically. Delta One is the airline’s most premium cabin, offering lie flat beds, premium meal service, access to Delta Sky Clubs, and more – if you’re lucky enough to fly on Airbus A330-900neo or A350 aircraft, you’ll get to experience the new Delta One suite with full-height doors that slide closed for maximum privacy and 18-inch entertainment screens. For domestic flights, Delta First offers accelerated check-in, security, boarding, and baggage handling, with slightly larger seats and more legroom than economy.  

Is First Class Worth It?  

Flying First Class is the epitome of luxury air travel, with every step of your journey made to make your travel experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Of course, only you can decide if flying First Class is worth it for you, but if supreme comfort and arriving at your destination well-rested and looked after are a priority for you, then flying First Class is the only way to go.

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Concierge Tips

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

March 9, 2023 by kjbirtles No Comments

When it comes to flying first class, we tend to focus on the big-ticket items to distinguish between airlines. Private cabins, fully-flat beds, gourmet dining, and exceptional service are important, of course. But what about the bathrooms? Some airlines are showing they should no longer be an after-thought. Expect walk-in showers, full-size sinks and mirrors, plush seating, luxury products, hidden urinals… even loos with a view. But who’s doing it the best? Here we revealing the airlines with the most luxurious first class bathrooms, for when you feel like pampering yourself at 30,000 feet. 

Read more: The A listers guide to in-flight skin care

Travel in style on our Luxury Scandinavia Tours

Emirates

Emirates first class bathroom

@emirates

The first class bathrooms on Emirates A380 are among the finest in the world. The aircraft has 14 first class suites and two glamorous shower suites on the upper deck, complete with walk-in showers, heated floors, and luxury Bulgari toiletries. As a first class passenger, you can schedule your shower at the beginning of your flight. The aircraft will also have shower spa attendants on board who ensure the shower spas are maintained throughout the flight. The elegant spas are fitted with high-quality laminate wood panelling, sink, vanity and mirrors, along with cushioned benches. High-altitude pampering has never looked so good. 

Read more: 5 ultra-modern tech gadgets to help make jet lag a thing of the past

Singapore Airlines

Singapore airlines first class bathroom

@thepointsguyuk

Singapore Airlines runs Emirates close with its A380 first class suite bathrooms. With only six seats in the first class cabin, you won’t have to wait to relax in these enormous bathrooms. Each luxurious bathroom has two roomy sections with a full-size sink, full-size vanity, plush seating, and a hidden urinal. You’ll feel like you’re at a day spa at the vanity, where you can unwind with a padded ottoman, full-length mirror, and an impressive stock of Lalique toiletries for sky-high indulgence. 

Read more: Expert selected: the 4 best hotel spas you can visit with Luxury Gold

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways first class bathroom

@josefpangrac

Looking at Qatar Airways’ opulent first class bathrooms, it’s hard to believe they belong on an aircraft. They have a full-length mirror and a full-size sink with a waterfall tap and LED light-up mirrors. The bathrooms also have gorgeous mood lighting, so you can pamper yourself in style with luxury brands of perfume and cologne, shaving kits, lotion, mouthwash, and toothpaste. The cherry on the cake is the hidden toilet upholstered in the same leather as the benches – which are almost as big as a chaise lounge.

Read more: The Luxury Gold guide to investing in luggage

Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways The Residence

@etihad

In summer 2023, Etihad Airways is bringing back its A380 aircraft with ultra-luxe first class bathrooms. The aircraft will include three of its extraordinary “Residences”. These are three-room suites, each with a separate bedroom, living room, and ensuite bathroom with shower. Widely considered the most luxurious flying experience, the relaunch of The Residences is garnering excitement in the luxury travel community. It’s also the only airline, aside from Emirates, offering a full shower in the bathroom suite. Guests will have a full five minutes of hot running water in the shower, a dream on long-haul flights. With an in-flight butler and premium features such as the same leather upholstery as Ferrari, this is as impressive as it gets in first class.

Read more: Experience the world’s finest retreats on your Luxury Gold tour

Ready to enjoy a first class flying experience on your next trip? Speak with our Luxury Travel Specialists or your Concierge to personalise your tour.

Banner image: Emirate’s first class shower spa

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