The Best Airlines To Fly First Class

Flying first class isn’t just about a bigger seat (though, that part is amazing). It’s about the whole experience. Imagine champagne before takeoff, private suites in the sky, and meals that rival five-star restaurants on the ground. 

If you’re planning on splurging, you might as well do it right. We’ve rounded up the ten best airlines that know how to treat you like royalty at 35,000 feet in the air. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, ticking something off your bucket list, or just need a break from the back of the plane, these are the airlines that take luxury travel to another level.

Emirates

If you’re dreaming of flying in a private suite with sliding doors, mood lighting, and a vanity mirror, Emirates should be at the top of your list. Their first-class accommodations on the A380 and Boeing 777 are practically a flying hotel room. Add to that a shower spa at 40,000 feet and you’ve got one of the most talked-about luxury experiences in the sky.

What really sets Emirates apart, though, is the little details. You’re handed pajamas and skincare by luxury brand Byredo; your meals are served on Royal Doulton fine bone china; and the wine list includes bottles you’d struggle to find even in top-tier restaurants. 

If you’re flying from Dubai, the first-class lounges are just as impressive, with fine dining, cigar lounges, and even a spa. Come see where Emirates lands on our list of the top 10 airlines to skip and the top 10 airlines to choose instead. 

Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines is known for its impeccable service, no matter where you’re seated but, in first class, they go all out. On certain planes, you get what they call a “Suite,” an actual room in the sky with a separate bed and armchair. You can even combine two suites to create a double bed if you’re traveling with someone.

Their attention to detail is next level. Image Dom Pérignon or Krug champagne on demand, meals designed by a panel of international celebrity chefs, and silk-covered bedding. The crew anticipates your every need without hovering, and the calm, minimalist design of the cabin creates a real sense of peace. It’s first class for people who appreciate elegance over flash. If Asia is on your mind, then here are the best airlines in that region, ranked from best to worst. 

Qatar Airways

Qatar’s Qsuite in business class gets a lot of praise (and rightly so), but their first class offering, especially on the Airbus A380, is also worth an accolade or two. With ultra-wide seats, luxe lounges onboard, and dining that feels like you’re in a high-end restaurant, Qatar makes long-haul travel feel indulgent from start to finish.

The Al Safwa First Lounge in Doha is a destination in and of itself. We’re talking fine art displays, private rooms to nap in, a full spa, and a restaurant that’s genuinely top-shelf. Onboard, you can dine whenever you like, sleep in cozy PJs from The White Company, and sip rare vintages in peace and quiet.

ANA (All Nippon Airways)

Japan is known for detail-oriented hospitality, and ANA’s “The Suite” on select routes (especially between Tokyo and New York, or Tokyo and London) is a masterclass in comfort. The suites are spacious and private, with closing doors, large entertainment screens, and noise-canceling tech built into the design.

What makes ANA shine is its blend of Japanese tradition and modern luxury. Expect multicourse kaiseki meals, top-shelf sake and whiskey, and a crew that’s both professional and incredibly warm. The bedding feels like it belongs in a five-star hotel, and the storage space in your suite is surprisingly generous.

Lufthansa

If you’re looking for an old-school, understated kind of luxury, Lufthansa is your airline. Their first class might not have the flashy gold finishes of certain Middle Eastern airlines, but it delivers where it counts with top-notch service, serene cabins, and a focus on privacy and comfort.

One of the biggest perks is the Lufthansa First Class Terminal in Frankfurt. It’s an entirely separate terminal just for first-class passengers. You can sip champagne in peace, take a bubble bath, and then get driven to your plane in a Porsche or Mercedes. Onboard, it’s all about calm design, stellar German wines, and an excellent menu curated by Michelin-starred chefs.

Etihad Airways

Etihad’s “First Apartment” on the A380 is one of the most extravagant experiences you can have in the sky. You don’t just get a seat; you get a seat, a separate bed, and a little hallway to move between the two. It’s like having your own little hotel room at 35,000 feet. Add a personal vanity, minibar, and space to entertain a guest mid-flight, and it’s next-level luxe.

Their first-class lounge in Abu Dhabi includes everything from à la carte dining to massages, and the staff make you feel like royalty. If you want to go all-out, you can even book “The Residence,” which includes a three-room suite and your own private butler. Sure, it costs more than most vacations, but it’s an unforgettable experience.

Japan Airlines (JAL)

JAL’s first class is all about refined comfort. The suites are wide and cocoon-like, with high walls for privacy and plush bedding made in collaboration with top Japanese brands. The seating is incredibly spacious, with plenty of room to stretch out, store your belongings, and relax in your own little bubble.

Where JAL really excels is in its food and drink. You’ll receive a beautifully curated menu of Japanese and Western options, with seasonal dishes and beautifully presented plates. They also serve top-tier sake, champagne (often Salon or Cristal), and Japanese whiskEy. The crew is famously attentive, striking the perfect balance between service and space.

Air France

If you’re the kind of traveler who appreciates French flair and elegance, Air France’s La Première is one of the most chic experiences in the sky. From the crisp white and red color palette, to the haute-cuisine-style meals, it’s clear you’re not flying just any airline.

La Première suites are private and serene, with extra-wide seats that convert into full beds with thick memory-foam mattresses. The dining is overseen by Michelin-starred chefs; the wine list is curated by French sommeliers; and the amenity kits feature luxury brands like Sisley. At Charles de Gaulle, La Première guests are whisked through the airport with personal escorts and relax in a lounge that feels more like a five-star Parisian apartment than an airport.

Swiss International Air Lines

Swiss doesn’t always get the same buzz as the Gulf carriers, but their first-class offering is a quiet winner. Their cabin design is understated and beautiful, with neutral tones, soft lighting, and lots of wood textures that make the space feel more like a luxury ski chalet than a jet.

In true Swiss fashion, everything runs like clockwork. The suites are spacious, with ultra-comfortable bedding and a large screen for in-flight entertainment. Their first-class dining menu is a true highlight, with meals focused on fresh, seasonal ingredients that are paired with excellent European wines. It’s luxury done with precision, without any unnecessary flash.

Cathay Pacific

Last but definitely not least, Cathay Pacific is here to offer you a first-class experience that feels calm, refined, and incredibly well-executed. The seats are huge (more like a personal couch than an airplane seat) and convert into one of the most comfortable beds in the sky, complete with a thick mattress, pillows, and duvet.

Cathay’s service style is quiet but deeply attentive. They offer some of the best teas onboard, as well as expertly prepared dim sum and western options that rival high-end restaurants. The first-class lounges in Hong Kong are also fantastic, with everything from noodle bars to full-service sit-down dining. It’s the perfect choice if you want luxury without any of the noise.

An Airline or a Five-Star Hotel?

Flying first class is one of those bucket list experiences that’s totally worth the hype, especially on airlines that go above and beyond to make your flight feel like a stay at a five-star hotel. Whether you’re chasing comfort, privacy, gourmet food, or all of the above, these ten airlines have truly set the bar. 

Before you head off in luxury and style, come check out our extensive library of destination guides. We’re here to help you craft your itinerary to perfection, whether you’re headed all the way across the world or just jaunting off for a pleasant weekend getaway. Either way, we wish you smooth travels in the most serene settings, so you can arrive completely refreshed and ready to take on the world.