Above And Beyond: The Best First-Class Airlines Redefine Sky-High Opulence

While many airlines have done away with first-class seats altogether, others have gone the extra mile to redefine luxury in the sky.  

From double-bed suites to full-length showers, it’s easy to forget that you’re traveling above the clouds. Only to be reminded by designer amenity kits and sumptuous sleep sets that you won’t find anywhere else. That being said, impossibly high thread count sheets and pillow menus make it difficult to stay awake. Although you won’t want to sleep through Michelin-star meals and vintage champagnes. 

Ever chosen the longer flight option for no good reason?

Well, you might after exploring the unparalleled decadence of the best first-class airlines. 

Singapore Airlines First Class is where unlimited luxury takes flight, especially with its highly exclusive double suite aboard the Airbus A380-800. Dreamt up by French luxury yacht maestro Jean-Jacques Coste, the double suite feels like you’re checking into a rose petal-adorned hotel, equipped with sliding doors for extra privacy.

“Book the Cook” up to 24 hours before your flight and feast on anything you wish—from Michelin-star lobster Thermidor to filet mignon at 30,000 feet. And for those wellness warriors? A partnership with Golden Door Spa brings you wellness-focused menus that epitomize relaxation in the clouds. 

Emirates

Picture stepping directly from the exclusive airport lounge to your Emirates First Class private suite, where zero-gravity seats, a personal minibar, mood lighting, and individual climate controls await. 

Equipped with an onboard shower spa, a la carte dining and a Moët & Chandon Champagne bar, you won’t want to touch down. While thoughtful touches such as BVLGARI amenity kits, Byredo wellness products, and sumptuous sleepwear further elevate the restful experience. 

Air France

Air France’s First Class, or La Première, offers an exquisite blend of French elegance and modern comforts, making it one of the best first-class airlines in the skies. From the moment you’re whisked away by a private Sedan from the airline’s premium lounge to your seat, the journey promises unmatched luxury. 

Inside, thick, floor-to-ceiling curtains provide all the privacy you need. While linens of impossibly high thread counts are usually only found in five star hotels. The only problem with this, is that the sumptuous bedding poses the risk of sleeping through the entire flight and missing out on culinary delights conceived by the renowned three Michelin-starred chef, Régis Marcon.

Clearly, the French airline doesn’t take the term bon voyage lightly. 

Qatar Airways

And so the VIP treatment begins. From chauffeur-driven limousines to gastronomic delicacies (think caviar paired with Krug 2004 champagne), Qatar Airways doesn’t hold back when it comes to pampering its First Class passengers. 

Entertainment options are vast and varied, featuring widescreen TVs, cinema-quality headsets and complimentary wifi. While the airline further surprises its elite guests with exclusive amenity kits and extravagant gift boxes, filled with designer fragrances, skin care products and high-end pajamas.  

Etihad Airways

In 2014, Etihad Airways introduced a class of their own—The Residence. Distinguished by a private three-room suit, the family-friendly flight experience takes the airline’s approach to First Class one step further. 

The living room is equipped with a 32-inch screen and various dining options. The bedrooms are characterized by decadent Duxiana bedding. While the private bathroom has a full-height shower.

The Residence also comes with a dedicated butler and private chef. 

ANA All Nippon Airways

All Nippon Airways (ANA) First Class, particularly “The Suite” on its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, offers an unparalleled flying experience on routes like Tokyo to New York and London. 

The Suite boasts privacy doors, the latest lie-flat seats, and a colossal 42-inch entertainment screen, paired with noise-reducing Sony headsets. 

The airline’s inflight service is equally impressive, with its dine-on-demand menu crafted by ANA “connoisseur” chefs, presenting restaurant-style Japanese and Western cuisine, complemented by an extensive list of beverages including Krug Grande Cuvée or Champagne Billecart Salmon. 

Oman Air

Oman Air’s First Class experience, based out of the striking Muscat International Airport, sets the gold standard for travel with its select routes to global destinations like London, Frankfurt, and Bangkok. 

Onboard, the Boeing 787-9’s First Class cabin boasts eight exquisite sliding door suites. These suites feature generous lie-flat seats with positional memory and massage functionality, and a large ottoman for companion dining. 

The culinary experience is a highlight, with an on-demand à la carte menu showcasing a fusion of Omani, Arabic, and international flavors (including exclusive beluga caviar), all paired with an exceptional champagne selection, as well as the finest teas.

Exclusive amenities include quilted duvets, silk-trimmed pillows and cotton sleep sets with slippers, plus gorgeous Amouage amenity kits. 

Lufthansa

Monumentally transformed in 2004, Lufthansa elevated its First Class experience with the debut of the Suite Plus—the pinnacle of exclusivity and privacy onboard.

This “private room above the clouds” on select Airbus A350-900 features a double bed, fully closable door, and ceiling-high walls. 

Integrated with a state-of-the-art entertainment system that syncs with your smartphone, and a dining service that allows for a gourmet meal served at your preferred time on a large dining table, this is the literal interpretation of landing on cloud 9.

Swiss Airlines

Aboard the SWISS First Class cabin, eight lie-flat seats are arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, ensuring direct aisle access and enhanced privacy with doors.

Dine-on-demand haute cuisine is presented on white pressed linens with elegant chinaware, best served alongside a glass of Champagne Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle. And entertainment is provided through large IFE screens with crisp picture quality, paired with noise-canceling headphones, and complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi.

The first-class opulence extends to specially designed pajamas, slippers, and an upscale amenity kit from Bally, filled with La Prairie-branded products. 

Cathay Pacific 

Cathay Pacific’s First Class experience sets the benchmark for privacy, luxury—and most significantly, for creating the softest bed in the sky. 

Through its partnership with high end British brand Bamford, the airline’s sustainable 600-thread-count linens and bespoke pillow menu speak to Cathay’s meticulous attention to detail and unparalleled comfort. 

The First Class suite on Cathay’s Boeing 777-300ERs features ultra-exclusive private suites with convertible seats that transform into spacious fully flat beds. While its thoughtful touches further extend to ethical organic toiletries, BOSE noise-canceling headsets, and Bamford amenity kits.

The Cathay ‘Taste of Asia’ menu is equally decadent, innovative and sustainable, with a range of gourmet plates, such as Braised abalone and Grilled beef tenderloin, paired with top vintage champagnes. 

Qantas

If you’re starting your journey with complimentary spa treatments in the Qantas lounge, you know it’s going to be good. But you still may not be prepared for the airline’s exceptional First Class service. 

With onboard sommeliers and a focus on sustainability, this experience is difficult to beat. Effortlessly transforming from lounger to dining for two to a sumptuous memory foam bed, the First Class seats are perfectly complemented by designer amenity kits and soft-cotton sleepwear. While ethically curated plant-based menus are consciously designed by celebrity chef, Neil Perry. 

Frequently asked questions about the best first-class airlines