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Though there are dozens of airlines still offering a premium first-class experience, these half-dozen stood out to us by going a step further in the pursuit of comfort and luxury. From en suite showers to pillow menus, you’re near-guaranteed to have a sublime first-class experience on one of these carriers.
Emirates’ Private Suite with Moisturizing Pajamas
Seasoned travelers won’t be surprised to see Emirates top our list. As showcased by its unrivaled 26-person onboard bar, the Dubai-based airline clearly aims to be the last word in luxury at 10,000 feet.
Source: Emirates A380 First Class via emirates.com
When you fly first class with Emirates, you’ll be treated to a private suite with electronically-sliding doors, Bowers & Wilkins noise-canceling headphones and pajamas infused with vitamins and olive oil to moisturize you as you sleep. You can eat and drink on your own schedule, and when it’s time for a shower, you’ll grab your Bvlgari amenity kit and hit the onboard spa.
Lufthansa’s Big Screen With Double Bed
Starting in spring 2024, German airline Lufthansa is fully refreshing all four of its cabin classes (First, Business, Premium and Economy) to follow a concept called Allegris.
The all-new Allegris First Class comes in two flavors. Your first option is the First Class Suite equipped with a privacy door, a 32” 4K monitor and ample storage for carry-ons and a change of clothes.
Your second option—First Class Suite Plus—is essentially an extra-wide First Class Suite. Designed for couples (or solo travelers who like to spread out), First Class Suite Plus features a wider TV, wireless charging and two separately-controllable seats that can fold into a double bed.
Both options feature a large table “similar to a restaurant,” says Lufthansa, so you can enjoy your complimentary caviar without having to stow your laptop.
Source: Lufthansa Allegris via Lufthansagroup.com
Etihad’s Chauffeur Ride to The Residence
Like its UAE-based rival Emirates, Etihad is known for providing high luxury for its guests. Your first class experience with Etihad includes a chauffeured ride to the airport, lounge access and a private suite onboard with a long list of wine-and-dine options. And if the Dubai heat has left you parched, you can simply reach over your shoulder and grab a chilled bottle from your private refreshments cabinet.
Source: Etihad First Class via Etihad.com
Unfortunately, Etihad’s first-class suites are neither fully enclosed nor soundproof, so you may want to bring ear plugs. But if you value privacy at any cost, you can always book The Residence instead.
Source: Etihad “The Residence”, via Etihad Airways on Facebook
Exclusive to the A380, The Residence is Etihad’s 100% private three-room suite, featuring a living room with leather seats, a bathroom with ensuite shower and a double bed draped in luxury sheets. Oh, and your dedicated team will happily bring you breakfast in bed.
Singapore Airlines’ Condo in the Sky
Similar to Etihad, Singapore Airlines offers a compelling first-class experience with the option to go a step above.
Source: First Class, via Singaporeair.com
For starters, its “standard” first-class experience includes extra-wide, diamond-stitched leather seats, a 24” LCD with 1,800+ entertainment options and Bang and Olufsen noise-canceling headphones. You can also “Book the Cook” and reserve your preferred main course up to 24 hours before you fly.
But if loose partitions don’t provide the privacy you need, you can always book a Single or Double Suite.
Source: Suites, via Singaporeair.com
Featuring single or double beds, Poltrona Frau recliners, private bathrooms and dining tables adorned with bone china, the Suites aboard Singapore Air are like tiny condos in the sky. They even feature a sit-down vanity counter for touching up, although you won’t have access to a private shower.
Cathay Pacific’s Sustainable Linens and Pillow Menu
As suggested by the serene and dreamy marketing image below, Cathay Pacific looks to compete with other first-class airlines by offering “the softest bed in the sky.”
Source: Cathay Pacific’s First class is back, via Cathaypacific.com
In 2019, the Hong Kong-based airline partnered with British lifestyle brand Bamford to bring 600-thread-count, sustainably-sourced linens to each of its first-class beds. You’ll also get cotton pajamas, lavender-scented Bamford Pillow Mist and an eye mask from Hong Kong brand PYE.
Before you put your head down you’ll have your choice of pillow from Cathay Pacific’s “pillow menu,” with options ranging in firmness.
Naturally, first class also includes a generous array of gourmet food and drink, served by graduates of Cathay Pacific’s Premium Ambassador program. If you enjoy libations of the foamy variety, be sure to try a complimentary can of the airline’s own craft beer designed by Hong Kong brewery Gweilo Beer.
Qantas’ Sommeliers in the Sky
Last but not least, Australian airline Qantas certainly deserves a spot on any “best of first class” list for its compelling ground-to-air experience.
For starters, you’ll be granted access to the First Lounge at your departing airport (where available) which features complimentary food and wine pairings guided by one of Quantas’ Sommeliers in the Lounge, as well as a selection of spa treatments.
Source: First, via Qantas.com
In the air, you’ll find a versatile first-class seat that can convert into a lounger, dining room for two or a memory foam bed. Your ticket also includes a male or female amenities kit made with sustainable materials, soft-cotton sleepwear and an eye mask.
Once you’re feeling peckish, you can order from the menu designed by celebrity chef Neil Perry which includes a selection of plant-based options. And if you can’t recall what the sommelier on the ground recommended, you can always hail one of Qantas’ Sommeliers in the Sky for their guidance.
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