Flying in first class is the ultimate dream experience for many people. To get to experience the luxurious way of traveling – the exemplary service, gourmet dining experiences, and the complete relaxation by flying in first class – it can truly make you feel like you are on top of the world. From when you leave your house, arriving at the airport, in the air, and until you arrive at your destination – with first class travel you will feel tended to at every step of the way. In this article we will take you through the top 5 most luxurious first class cabins in the world, what airlines they belong to, what makes them so special, and why they have made it on the list. Get ready to dream yourself away into the most luxurious first class cabins in the world.
1. Singapore Airlines First Class
The first class cabin of Singapore Airlines is said to be the créme de la crème of luxury airline experiences. The hub of Singapore Airlines is located at the Singapore Changi Airport in Singapore, and the airline is renowned for their excellent ground services and their exquisite hard and soft products on board. If you are flying from or through the Singapore Changi Airport, you will first of all get access to their amazing first class lounge, called The Private Room. There you will experience a luxurious atmosphere with world class dining from an à la carte menu, as well as delicious beverages and top-shelf alcohol. If you are flying from another airport, as a Singapore Airlines first class passenger you will also get access to all SilverKris lounges or Star Alliance partner lounges, so you can be certain that you will always have access to a lounge.
On board the aircraft, you get access to luxurious extra wide seats. Even though the seating does not have complete walls, the extended curved partitions will provide you with a bit of privacy. The wonderful hand-stitched leather seats ensure that you can sit or lay comfortably throughout the whole flight. For food, you can book your main course up to 24 hours before your flight, so make sure you do it so you get exactly the food experience you want. On board, you will get a full on dining experience with full table service and wines that match the food.
Singapore Airlines also have a first class suite option, where you can book a whole suite for yourself, or to share with your spouse. If you book a suite for yourself, you get access to a super comfortable reclinable seat where you can lay back, relax, and enjoy your flight in first class. When it is time for you to sleep, the suite also includes a separate bed, so you are almost guaranteed to get a good night’s rest. In case you are travelling with a loved one, you should definitely book a double suite – the centre divider between the suites can be removed, and opens up for a luxurious double bed. In the suite you have complete privacy with doors you can close. You also get access to a spacious and very modern lavatory in which you can find high-end toiletries – it is the perfect place to refresh yourself before leaving the aircraft. The Singapore Airlines luxurious first class experience truly deserves to be at the top of this list.
Read more about the Singapore Airlines First Class and the Suites on their website.
2. Emirates First Class
Emirates is one of the two flag carriers of the UAE, and it is based in Dubai. Emirates describe their first class experience as “As close as it comes to your own private jet”. In the Emirates A380 First Class, you can find a completely private suite where you can close the doors, turn down the lights and be fully in your own private space. When it is time to get some rest, the seat can be laid completely flat and you will get comfortable sheets for sleeping, so you can be sure you have everything you need to get full relaxation and a good night’s rest. Another amazing part of flying in the Emirates first class is the luxurious dining options – you can enjoy a complete culinary adventure, from a selection of carefully crafted amuse-bouche to exemplary main courses. Your meal can of course be complemented by the finest wines or specialty cocktails.
In the Emirates Boeing 777 First Class you can also have complete privacy in your own suite, as well as the same level of exquisite dining as in the A380. The seats have a special zero gravity setting which will allow your body to find its natural resting position. In both of these suites you will have access to a HD screen where you can choose from a wide selection of movies and series, as well as exquisite amenity kits from the Le Gemme collection of Bvlgari, which include hand mirrors, lip balm, facial cream and shaving foam. Emirates first class is also well known for their luxurious onboard shower spas, in which you can completely refresh yourself before you arrive at your destination. If that is not a luxurious first class cabin, we don’t know what is.
Read more about the Emirates A380 First Class or the Emirates Boeing 777 First Class experience.
3. Swiss International Air Lines First Class
Swiss International Air Lines, also known as SWISS, is the flag carrier of Switzerland. They are also a part of the Lufthansa Group, as well as a member of Star Alliance. SWISS offer a truly luxurious first class experience, starting with their stylish first class lounge in Zürich. SWISS is well known for their impeccable service – with specially trained flight attendants who will ensure that your wishes will be tended to. The first class seats are in their own compartments which can be completely adapted depending on what you prefer. The seat can be adjusted while sitting up or be completely reclined into a comfortable bed where you can enjoy full relaxation.
As a guest of the SWISS first class you can choose your own menu from a selection of gourmet dishes – starters, main courses and desserts, all of which can be paired with exclusive wines and champagne. You also decide when the meals should be served, so you have a lot of freedom when it comes to your dining experience. Another awesome part of flying in SWISS first class is the amenity kit you get access to. SWISS has collaborated with the luxury brand Bally to create a special toiletry bag just for the first class passengers. The bag includes toothpaste and a toothbrush, tissues, socks and earplugs, as well as Soeder cosmetics. Women will also find a vanity kit and a brush, while men can find a shoehorn and a comb.
Read more about the SWISS First Class experience.
4. Air France First Class
Air France is the flag carrier of France. Their La Première experience is a luxurious and exclusive way of flying, starting even before you have left the house. If you are departing from France (Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, or Nice), they offer a chauffeur service where a personal driver picks you up and brings you to the airport. Once you have checked in at the airport, you can find your way to the wonderful La Première lounge, where you can enjoy a fine dining experience, or simply a delicious cocktail. In the lounge you can also find a spa where you can enjoy facials or a massage that will help you get rid of any tension before entering your flight. If you are just looking for a place to sit and relax before your flight, you can also simply read a magazine or a book.
In the La Première cabin you will find your own personal suite where you can enjoy your complete privacy. Your seat can be transformed into a bed and you will get a duvet and a pillow for sleeping, so you can be sure everything will be in place in order for you to have a good night’s rest. The seat has a memory foam mattress which is there to ensure your ultimate comfort. Whenever you are feeling hungry, in the La Première cabin you can enjoy a tasteful Michelin-starred culinary experience. Select your meal from a gourmet menu, which comes paired with one of the finest wine and champagne lists in the air.
As if the luxurious suite and the gourmet dining was not enough, you will also be given a travel kit which has been rated as the “Best comfort accessories in first class”. In the kit you can find face and body care products from Sisley, as well as ear plugs, an eye mask, a comb, earphone protectors, and a pen which is engraved with the Air France mark. Additionally, you can find a high-quality cotton bathrobe, socks and slippers, providing you with the ultimate feeling of relaxation. Air France’s La Première experience is nothing short of perfection.
Read more about Air France La Première here.
5. ANA All Nippon Airways First Class
All Nippon Airways is an airline in Japan, and it is known for its luxury first and business class cabins. They are a certified 5-star airline for their staff service, onboard product, and the quality of the airport. If you are travelling from or through Narita International Airport in Tokyo, after checking in you can find your way to the wonderful ANA Suite Lounge. There, you can find a range of delicious dining options to order from the menu, as well as a noodle bar and a buffet counter. You will also get access to private work spaces in case you need to get some work done, or if you are looking to unwind before your flight you can find your way to the relaxation zone where you can lay back into the massage chairs. The lounge also includes shower rooms where you can freshen up before your next flight.
When you have boarded the aircraft, you will find your way to the luxurious first class seats. The seats are fully reclinable and they have doors so you can enjoy your privacy while watching a movie on the large LCD wide-screen monitor. Their first class dining options is also a wonderful experience – choose between a selection of Japanese flavours paired with an excellent wine or champagne selection, or traditional Japanese drink-options. On board, you will also have full access to Wi-Fi, so you will never get bored. You also get access to an amenity kit which is created especially for you to be able to enjoy ultimate relaxation while on board. You can find soft loungewear made from organic cotton, as well as face and body creams from Ginza, a sewing kit, tooth brush set, eye mask and ear plugs. You will also find headphones, slippers and a shoe horn, and you might find a pen, knit wear, post card and a foot roller.
Click here to see if you have access to one of the lounges on your next flight.
Ready for your Next First Class Experience?
Flying in first class can truly be a dream experience, especially with these five luxurious first class airlines. In this article, we have presented you with the top 5 most luxurious first class cabins in the world. From the Singapore Airlines amazing service, the Emirates exquisite on board suites, SWISS’s amazing lounge, Air France’s exquisite Michelin-starred dining experience, and ANA’s wonderful 5-star on-board experience, you will never go wrong by flying in first class with one of these airlines.
First Class is Too Expensive – How Can I buy a Ticket?
Yes, first class tickets can be very expensive. However, because of all the benefits you get when you are flying in first class, it can be totally worth the price if you want a super luxurious premium experience for your next adventure. By signing up as a member of the World Traveler Club, you can be sure that you get access to the best deals on first class tickets to destinations all over the world. Sign up as a Platinum member right now and get access to the ultimate business- and first class deals – this can save you not only lots of money on your next first class trip – when you sign up as a Platinum member, you will also get access to the World Traveler Club’s own Travel AI. This will assist you in planning your trip, saving you lots of time and hassle.
Make sure to read our guide about the top 7 perks of first class travel and how you can get the best deals here. You can also check out our guide to finding the best business class deals and our best tips and strategies for how to get a business class upgrade! And don’t forget to check out our handpicked deals for business- and first-class flights.
About the Author
Maja Lie is a Norwegian travel lover and digital marketing specialist. She just moved to Germany and is exploring the world while sharing her experiences through words and images. When she’s not travelling, she enjoys hiking, trying new foods, and planning her next adventure.
