Best first-class flights
Read on to discover what makes an airline first-class. We'll cover its services and facilities. We'll also list the best airlines for first-class flights.
The Best Airlines for First-Class
Where from?
Where to?
Dates
Passengers & Class
Emirates First Class
Emirates First Class offers a truly luxurious flying experience. Expect private suites and high-quality services onboard the plane. It's no wonder they're a leader in premium air travel.
Seats
- Fully enclosed suites with floor-to-ceiling doors
- Plenty of space and comfortable seating
- Large TV, minibar and dining table
- Adjustable lighting, temperature control and massage functions
Amenities
- Gourmet dining with on-demand meals as well as premium wines and spirits
- Some A380s offer the luxury of in-flight showers
- Digital windows and innovative seating designs in newer suites
- Exceptional attention to detail from Emirates' dedicated cabin crew
Air France First Class
Air France's La Première cabin offers an unmatched first-class experience for you to enjoy. Expect only the best with:
- Luxurious suites
- Delicious French cuisine
- Impeccable in-flight service.
Seats
- Private suites with seats that convert to fully flat beds
- Storage space for your smaller belongings
Amenities
- Airport lounge access with a complimentary massage before your flight
- Gourmet French cuisine prepared by world-famous chefs
- A selection of carefully curated fine wines
- A private bathroom where you can refresh yourself with premium, luxury amenities
- Personal in-flight entertainment with access to the latest movies, TV shows and music
Singapore Airlines First Class
Singapore Airlines' A380 First Class suites offer a private and personalised space for you to enjoy. The suites are spacious and will provide an experience that's second to none. Be prepared for:
- An attentive service throughout your flight
- Exclusive in-flight services on the plane, such as comfortable beds.
- An unforgettable personalised journey.
Seats
- Spacious and private suites
- Plush bedding and comfortable armchairs
- Personal iPad for in-flight entertainment
- Vanity with a seat and a spacious bathroom
Amenities
- Gourmet dining with off-menu options
- Personalised service from dedicated cabin crew
- Comfortable bed for rest and relaxation
- Slippers, pyjamas and a high-quality, designer amenity kit
Cathay Pacific First Class
Put simply, Cathay Pacific's first class has it all. Expect everything from:
- Spacious seats
- Gourmet food
- Excellent service
Cathay Pacific offers unmatched comfort and sophistication. As soon as you enter the cabin, you will be welcomed by refined elegance and personal attention.
Seats
- Widest first-class seats in the world, measuring 36 inches wide!
- Adjustable lighting, temperature control and massage functions
- Option to dine with a companion on the spacious ottoman in front of your seat
Amenities
- Western and Chinese gourmet dining options available
- Personalised care and service with Cathay Pacific's dedicated cabin crew
- Bose noise-cancelling headphones, Aēsop skincare products and Pye-branded pyjamas
- Wide selection of in-flight entertainment options
Etihad Airways First Class
Etihad's A380 First Class offers an unrivalled luxury experience.
Enjoy a private suite with a:
- Bedroom
- Living room
- Shower room
Don't forget the luxury in-flight service. Expect a double bed, a personal butler, and inflight chef! This flight is designed to provide a truly luxurious and memorable journey.
Seats
- Spacious, comfortable and private suites with a separate seat and bed
- The suite includes a vanity, closet and minibar
Amenities
- Personalised butler service who can assist you throughout your flight
- A variety of meal options available, including a la carte dining, and a lounge and grill menu
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks offered
- E-BOX in-flight entertainment system
- Complimentary Wi-Fi available for all passengers
- The best bit - a private shower!
- An amenity kit containing pyjamas, slippers and toiletries
Japan Airlines First Class
Japan Airlines' A350-1000 first class is perfect for those looking for a luxurious and intimate journey.
Think spacious suites featuring comfortable beds, a personalised onboard service, and a range of in-flight services, including free drinks and a motorised privacy curtain!
Seats
- Spacious suites that can accommodate up to 3 passengers
- Seats are wide enough for 2 people with a separate ottoman for additional seating
- Adjustable seat controls including a comfortable bed mode
- The suite has high walls offering plenty of privacy
- Multiple storage compartments available for your personal belongings
Amenities
- 43-inch entertainment screen providing cinematic viewing
- Seven charging options, including USB-A, USB-C, AC power and wireless charging
- Choose from built-in speakers, Bluetooth headphones or Bang & Olufsen headphones
- Free Wi-Fi
- Japanese and Western meals available as well as a broad selection of drinks
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What makes an airline first class?
Tired of cramming into the back of the cabin and rubbing shoulders with others? Well you are in the right place! There are many ways to measure an airline's first-class service, including:
Ground Experience
A true first-class experience doesn't start in the skies. Some airlines provide first-class passengers with a truly remarkable range of ground services.
- Expect to be driven to your plane in a car or a limo
- Receive free spa and massages
- Dine at a top restaurant
- Relax in the airline's luxury airport lounges before and after your flight
There are great business-class lounges, like Qatar Airways' Al Mourjan Lounge in Doha and Virgin Atlantic's Clubhouse in London. But, with first-class, you also get a fully personalised ground experience.
First-Class comfort
On your First Class flight, the first thing you will notice is the comfort! Expect:
- Plenty of Legroom
- High-quality, comfy seats
- A 180-degree recline on your seat
- A bed (on some airlines)
You'll also taste exclusive, perfectly crafted meals and enjoy top-notch entertainment.
First-Class amenities
A good night's sleep isn't just about space. It's also about how the airline makes it comfortable. Many first-class products come with added extras. These include:
- Pyjamas
- Blankets
- Headphones
- Amenity kits
- Branded cosmetic and self-care products (offered by some airlines)
The sleep you get on a first-class flight is so good it can compete with the sleep you have at home!
Generous Amounts of Space
The most valuable item on a plane is space, and first-class provides more of it.
If you're flying on a long-haul flight or a red-eye flight, space and sleep are important. Airlines try to innovate their designs to offer more space. For example, Singapore Airlines' Suites Class has a double bed. Other features includes:
- Reclining seats
- Plenty of leg and standing room inside private pods
- More comfortable seat designs and materials, for example leather seats
- Draws and cupboards to store your things in-flight (on some airlines)
- An apartment sized pod
If you thought that was good, Etihad's First Class Apartment lets you walk around inside your apartment. Yes you read that right!
Executive Menus and Beverages
You may not think it but first-class meals are actually an experience!
Gourmet menus are crafted to perfection by top chefs, offering tastes from around the world including:
- Lobster tail
- Caviar
- Custom menus set by cultural tastes, like a master crafted Asian menu.
We get that this won't appeal to everyone. Some top airlines also have a great drink selection in first class, including:
- Hennessy Paradis Cognac
- Dom
- Krug Champagne
- Laurent Perrier Grand Siecle (Served on American Airlines first-class flights)
There’s so much variety to enjoy in first-class. It's even been rated that Qatar Airways business class has the best champagne!
Ready to book first-class flights?
Start searching for first-class flights today with Alternative Airlines. Fill out our search form at the top of the page, pick 'First Class' as your preferred cabin, and we'll show you all the available first-class routes to wherever you want to go!
FAQs
How to book first-class flights?
Booking first-class flights at Alternative Airlines is easy! In our search form, select 'First Class' as your preferred cabin class, enter the rest of your trip details and hit the 'Search Flights' button. We'll show you all available first-class flights to your destination.
You can take a look at what's included in your first-class flight by clicking on the 'Details' and 'Inflight experience' buttons, before proceeding to checkout.
Are Business and First Class the same?
No, First Class and Business Class are not the same services. Business Class is above Economy and Premium Economy. It has more legroom and more comfortable seats.
First Class has all the perks of Business Class and more. You'll have your own private 'room' on the plane, depending on the airline. You'll also enjoy fine dining.
Is it worth flying first-class?
Absolutely! Flying in first class is a flight experience which is second to none. Flying first class is the best experience on a commercial flight. The service and amenities for first-class customers are the best of the best.
On long-haul routes, like from Europe to Australia, first class is a great option. The flight times are long, however, you're sure to have a relaxing, stress-free journey with spacious suites, seats that convert into beds and many luxurious amenities offered in a first-class cabin.
What are the best first-class airlines for couples?
When flying with your partner you want to make sure that you fly with an airline that provides excellent service.
Flying first class with your partner is the perfect date night idea, especially on long-haul international flights, as you can make the most out of the special in-flight services offered on board and spend quality time with your loved one.
On most First Class airlines, you'll be welcomed in with
- Fine champagne
- Gourmet cuisine
- A warm and personalised service
When flying on First Class flights you should expect comfortable bedding/seating, suite doors that ensure complete privacy and onboard entertainment.
Some of the best airlines with first-class cabins for travelling couples are
- Emirates
- Singapore Airlines
- Etihad Airways
- Japan Airlines
- Air France
Are couples sat together on first-class flights?
Sitting with your partner can significantly improve your in-flight experience. Pre-selecting seats ahead of time is the perfect way to ensure that you and your partner are sitting together during the flight.
If you can't pre-select your seat ahead of time we recommend that you check in as early as possible as you'll get a higher chance of sitting next to the passengers within your booking.
Can I book first-class flights to Australia?
If you're searching for first-class flights to Australia, you've come to the right place. At Alternative Airlines, we've got 600+ airlines for you to choose from when you book your flights through us, making booking first-class tickets to Australia super easy!
With over 40+ different ways to pay for your tickets, including flexible Buy Now Pay Later options, you can manage the cost of your first-class tickets and spread the payments over time, making First Class more affordable!
Below are some of the most popular First Class routes to Australia:
- Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) ✈ to Sydney (SYD)
- Hong Kong (HKG) ✈ to Sydney (SYD)
- Los Angeles (LAX) ✈ to Melbourne (MEL)
- Los Angeles (LAX) ✈ to Sydney (SYD)
Many airlines offer first-class fares to/from Australia, however, the most popular airlines that provide a great first-class experience and the most first-class routes from international/domestic cities to Australia are
- Qantas
- Singapore Airlines
Other airlines that offer first-class flights to Australia as a fare option include
- British Airways
- Air France
- Cathay Pacific and many more.
Can I book first-class flights to Dubai?
Yes! At Alternative Airlines, you can choose from over 600+ airlines some of which offer a first-class experience to Dubai!
We have over 40+ different ways to pay, including flexible Buy Now Pay Later plans that can help you manage the cost of your First Class tickets and spread payments over time.
Some of the most popular First Class routes to Dubai include:
- London ✈ to Dubai
- New York ✈ to Dubai
- Tokyo ✈ to Dubai
- New Delhi ✈ to Dubai
- Los Angeles ✈ to Dubai
- Bangkok ✈ to Dubai
Emirates currently offers the most first-class routes between Dubai and the rest of the world, making it an incredibly popular option for travellers who'd like to travel in style to Dubai.
Can I book first-class flights to New York?
Yes! At Alternative Airlines, you can pick from over 600+ airlines, making booking first-class tickets to New York super easy!
With over 40+ different ways to pay for your tickets, including flexible Buy Now Pay Later methods, you can manage the cost of your first-class tickets and spread the payments over time.
Below are some of the most popular First Class routes to New York:
- London ✈ to New York
- Dubai ✈ to New York
- Los Angeles ✈ to New York
- Vancouver ✈ to New York
The most popular airlines that provide an exceptional first-class service to New York are:
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
Can I buy first-class flights with cryptocurrency?
Yes! At Alternative Airlines, we give you the option to book first-class seats on any airline of your choice and complete your transaction using cryptocurrency.
Some of the popular cryptocurrency payment methods we offer include:
Check out our list of accepted cryptocurrencies for more!