Blog >> The Best First Class Airlines In The World

The Best First Class Airlines In The World

By Kevin Zanes / October 3, 2024
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For many travelers, flying First Class is the pinnacle of luxury — a chance to experience the ultimate comfort and service at 30,000 feet. Imagine slipping into a private suite, where gourmet meals are served on fine china, and personalized service ensures every detail is taken care of. Whether it is relaxing in fully enclosed suites, enjoying a glass of vintage champagne, or taking a refreshing shower mid-flight, First Class offers a world of indulgence that begins the moment you step on board.

Some airlines take this experience to the next level, redefining the standards of in-flight luxury with innovative features, spacious cabins, and impeccable service. These carriers are renowned for turning long-haul flights into extraordinary journeys, where even the smallest touches make all the difference.

Let us take a look at the ones that soar above the rest…

Which Airlines Have The Best First Class

Not all First Class experiences are created equal — some airlines truly go above and beyond in offering unmatched luxury and comfort. From cutting-edge cabin design to impeccable service, here are the airlines that consistently deliver the best First Class in the skies.

Related: The 10 Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways A380-800 First Class

Credit. Qatar Airways. Qatar Airways A380-800 First Class.

Qatar Airways First Class offers an exquisite onboard experience designed for ultimate comfort and privacy. Spacious seats transform into fully lie-flat beds with luxurious bedding, perfect for a restful sleep. The elegant cabin features soft mood lighting, ample storage, and top-tier amenities like noise-canceling headphones and designer pajamas. Dining is a highlight, with a gourmet à la carte menu crafted by world-class chefs, served at your convenience on fine china. Pair your meal with premium wines or champagne for a five-star restaurant experience at 35,000 feet. On the A380-800, you can even enjoy an onboard bar, where top-shelf cocktails and socializing await. Every detail, from impeccable service to thoughtful touches, ensures a flight that feels indulgent and refined.

  • Home Country: Qatar
  • Hub Airport(s): Doha – DOH
  • Frequent Flyer Program: Privilege Club (Avios)
  • Best Aircraft: A380-800
  • Best Award Booking Program(s): Qatar Airways Privilege Club (Avios) & JetBlue TrueBlue

Qantas

Qantas A350-900 First Class (Project Sunrise)

Credit. Qantas. Qantas A350-900 First Class (Project Sunrise).

Qantas First Class is the epitome of Australian luxury, offering an intimate and serene onboard experience. Each seat transforms into a spacious, fully lie-flat bed with plush bedding by Sheridan, ensuring you arrive well-rested. The cabin exudes understated elegance with soft lighting, ample privacy, and personal storage. Dining is a true highlight, with an à la carte menu designed by celebrity chef Neil Perry, featuring seasonal dishes and premium Australian wines. Meals are served at your leisure, allowing you to dine when and how you prefer. To enhance the experience, Qantas also offers luxury amenities like SK-II skincare kits and soft, tailored pajamas. Whether you are flying long-haul or taking a short trip, Qantas First Class promises a journey of comfort, sophistication, and top-tier service.

  • Home Country: Australia
  • Hub Airport(s): Sydney – SYD
  • Frequent Flyer Program: Frequent Flyer
  • Best Aircraft: A380-800 (“First Suite”) & A350-900 (Project Sunrise First Class)
  • Best Award Booking Program(s): Qantas Frequent Flyer

Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines A350-1000 First Class

Credit. Japan Airlines. Japan Airlines A350-1000 First Class.

Japan Airlines First Class offers an unparalleled blend of Japanese elegance and modern luxury. The spacious suites feature fully lie-flat beds with luxurious bedding by airweave, designed for maximum comfort and restful sleep. Each suite provides ample privacy with sliding doors, as well as a large entertainment screen and personal storage for a serene in-flight experience. Dining is a true gastronomic adventure, with both Japanese kaiseki and Western options, crafted by renowned chefs. Savor the finest seasonal ingredients paired with premium sake, champagne, or wine, all served at your convenience. Guests also enjoy indulgent amenities, including Shiseido skincare kits and soft, high-quality pajamas. Every detail of Japan Airlines First Class is designed to provide a refined, peaceful journey that reflects the airline’s impeccable hospitality.

  • Home Country: Japan
  • Hub Airport(s): Tokyo – HND & Tokyo – NRT
  • Frequent Flyer Program: Mileage Bank
  • Best Aircraft: A350-1000
  • Best Award Booking Program(s): American Airlines AAdvantage & British Airways Executive Club (Avios)

Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways A380-800 First Class

Credit. Etihad Airways. Etihad Airways A380-800 First Class.

Etihad Airways First Class, known as “The Apartment” on the A380, offers an experience of unparalleled luxury and space. Each suite features a private apartment with a separate reclining leather seat and a fully flat bed, providing a level of comfort that feels more like a boutique hotel than an airplane. The suite also includes a personal vanity, wardrobe, and even space to walk around. Gourmet dining is à la carte, offering dishes prepared by an onboard chef, served on fine china with premium wines and champagne. For an extra indulgence, Etihad offers an onboard shower, allowing you to refresh mid-flight. With elegant amenities, tailored pajamas, and attentive service, First Class on Etihad promises a flying experience that redefines luxury in the sky.

  • Home Country: United Arab Emirates
  • Hub Airport(s): Abu Dhabi – AUH
  • Frequent Flyer Program: Guest
  • Best Aircraft: Airbus A380-800 (“The Apartment”)
  • Best Award Booking Program(s): American Airlines AAdvantage & Etihad Guest

Lufthansa

Lufthansa A350-900 First Class

Credit. Lufthansa. Lufthansa A350-900 First Class.

Lufthansa First Class is a refined blend of German precision and luxury. The spacious seats convert into fully flat beds, complete with high-quality bedding to ensure a peaceful sleep. The cabin is designed for privacy and tranquility, with personal partitions and soft ambient lighting. Dining is a gourmet affair, with an à la carte menu featuring international and seasonal dishes, served on elegant tableware. Pair your meal with premium champagne or a selection of fine wines, curated by expert sommeliers. The attentive Lufthansa crew offers impeccable service, ensuring that every detail is personalized to your preferences. Guests also enjoy exclusive amenity kits, luxurious pajamas, and access to a dedicated onboard washroom for added comfort. Lufthansa First Class delivers an experience of understated elegance and world-class service.

  • Home Country: Germany
  • Hub Airport(s): Frankfurt – FRA & Munich – MUC
  • Frequent Flyer Program: Miles & More
  • Best Aircraft: Boeing 747-8 & Airbus A350-900 (Allegris)
  • Best Award Booking Program(s): Air Canada Aeroplan & Avianca LifeMiles

All Nippon Airways (ANA)

ANA 777-300ER First Class

Credit. ANA. ANA 777-300ER First Class.

All Nippon Airways (ANA) First Class offers a serene and luxurious experience rooted in Japanese hospitality. The spacious suites provide ample privacy with sliding doors and a comfortable seat that transforms into a fully flat bed with plush bedding by Nishikawa. Each suite features a large entertainment screen, personal storage, and thoughtful design details for a relaxing atmosphere. Dining is an exceptional highlight, with both Japanese and Western gourmet menus crafted by renowned chefs. Enjoy delicacies like kaiseki meals or premium steak, paired with fine wines, sake, or champagne. The experience is elevated by the elegant ANA amenity kits, soft loungewear, and attentive service, ensuring a journey that is as restful as it is refined. ANA First Class delivers the perfect balance of comfort, privacy, and luxury.

  • Home Country: Japan
  • Hub Airport(s): Tokyo – HND
  • Frequent Flyer Program: Mileage Club
  • Best Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER (“The Suite”) & Airbus A380-800 (“The Suite”)
  • Best Award Booking Program(s): Virgin Atlantic Flying Club & ANA Mileage Club

Related: First Class On ANA: A Complete Review Of “The Suite”

Swiss Air

Swiss Air 777-300ER First Class

Credit. Swiss Air. Swiss Air 777-300ER First Class.

Swiss Air First Class offers a sophisticated and elegant experience, combining Swiss precision with luxury. The spacious seats convert into fully flat beds with plush mattresses and cozy duvets, ensuring a restful sleep. Each suite is designed for privacy and comfort, featuring adjustable partitions, ample storage, and large entertainment screens. The dining experience is exceptional, with a gourmet à la carte menu showcasing seasonal Swiss and international cuisine, paired with fine wines and champagne. Meals are served at your convenience, allowing you to dine whenever you wish. Guests also enjoy luxurious amenity kits, high-quality pajamas, and attentive service that ensures every need is met. Swiss Air First Class offers a refined and comfortable journey, perfect for travelers seeking understated luxury.

  • Home Country: Switzerland
  • Hub Airport(s): Zurich – ZRH
  • Frequent Flyer Program: Miles & More
  • Best Aircraft: Airbus A330-300 (“Swiss Senses”) & Airbus A350-900 (“Swiss Senses”)
  • Best Award Booking Program(s): Air Canada Aeroplan & Avianca LifeMiles

Air France

Air France 777-300ER First Class

Credit. Air France. Air France 777-300ER First Class.

Air France La Première offers an exquisite First Class experience, blending French elegance with unmatched comfort. Each suite provides an oversized seat that transforms into a fully flat bed with a plush mattress, duvet, and soft pillows for a truly restful sleep. The design of the cabin emphasizes privacy and sophistication, with thick curtains that enclose your suite for a serene atmosphere. Dining is a culinary masterpiece, featuring gourmet French cuisine curated by Michelin-starred chefs and paired with the finest wines and champagne. Each meal is served on demand, ensuring a personalized dining experience. Guests are pampered with luxury amenities from top French brands, including high-end skincare products and designer loungewear. From impeccable service to refined details, Air France La Première offers a First Class journey that exudes French luxury at every turn.

  • Home Country: France
  • Hub Airport(s): Paris – CDG
  • Frequent Flyer Program: Flying Blue
  • Best Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER (“La Premiere”)
  • Best Award Booking Program(s): Air France – KLM Flying Blue

Emirates

Emirates 777-300ER First Class

Credit. Emirates. Emirates 777-300ER First Class.

Emirates First Class is the pinnacle of in-flight luxury, offering an experience that feels more like a private retreat than an airplane cabin. The fully enclosed suites provide complete privacy, featuring a seat that converts into a fully flat bed with soft bedding for maximum comfort. Each suite is equipped with a personal minibar, a large entertainment screen, and ambient lighting that creates a soothing atmosphere. The dining experience is extraordinary, with a gourmet à la carte menu and an extensive selection of fine wines and champagne, served whenever you prefer. On the A380, guests can enjoy the indulgence of an onboard shower, allowing you to refresh mid-flight, and bar. With luxurious amenity kits, personalized service, and exclusive details, Emirates First Class transforms air travel into an unforgettable experience of opulence and comfort.

  • Home Country: United Arab Emirates
  • Hub Airport(s): Dubai – DXB
  • Frequent Flyer Program: Skywards
  • Best Aircraft: Airbus A380-800 & Boeing 777-300ER (“The Gamechanger”)
  • Best Award Booking Program(s): Emirates Skywards & Qantas Frequent Flyer

Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines A380-800 First Class

Credit. Singapore Airlines. Singapore Airlines A380-800 First Class.

Singapore Airlines First Class offers an exceptional blend of luxury, comfort, and privacy, making it one of the most coveted flying experiences in the world. The lavish suites feature fully enclosed spaces, with a wide seat that transforms into a spacious, lie-flat bed with fine bedding for ultimate relaxation. In some aircraft, couples can even enjoy double beds, adding to the exclusivity. Each suite includes a large entertainment screen, personal storage, and refined design details that exude elegance. The dining experience is world-class, with a gourmet menu created by international chefs, featuring both Western and Asian cuisine, paired with premium wines and Dom Pérignon champagne. Singapore Airlines’ signature service is flawless, with attentive staff ensuring your journey is seamless and personalized. Every detail, from the designer amenity kits to the luxurious cabin, reflects the commitment of the airline to delivering a first-class experience that sets the global standard.

  • Home Country: Singapore
  • Hub Airport(s): Singapore – SIN
  • Frequent Flyer Program: KrisFlyer
  • Best Aircraft: A380-800 (“Singapore Suites”)
  • Best Award Booking Program(s): Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer

Final Thoughts

Flying First Class is the ultimate way to experience luxury and comfort in the skies. From fully enclosed suites to world-class dining, each airline offers a unique approach to making your journey unforgettable. Whether it is the serene cabins on Qatar Airways, the unparalleled space of  “The Apartment” on Etihad, or the exquisite privacy of Singapore Airlines, these airlines set the standard for opulence in the air. With amenities like onboard showers, gourmet meals prepared by top chefs, and personalized service from attentive crew members, First Class turns air travel into an extraordinary experience.

No matter which airline you choose, these First Class cabins offer more than just a comfortable seat — they deliver an exceptional journey from takeoff to landing. Whether you are planning to use points or splurge for a once-in-a-lifetime trip, booking First Class on any of these airlines ensures you will arrive refreshed, relaxed, and pampered like never before. So, why not treat yourself to the ultimate flying experience and discover a new world of luxury in the skies?