Top 10 Best Airlines for Flying First Class (2026)

April 6, 2026 31

Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.

Today: Top 10 world’s best airlines for longhaul First Class

Flying First Class is the ultimate luxury travel experience — think private suites, fine dining with caviar and champagne, and fully flat beds high above the clouds. But with many airlines phasing out First Class in favor of upgraded Business Class cabins, only a select few still offer truly world-class experiences. So which airlines still deliver the best First Class flights in the world? Each year, I rank the top 10 best airlines for First Class, based on seat comfort, privacy, onboard service, dining, and overall exclusivity. These premium cabins are typically found on high-demand long-haul routes like New York to London or Singapore to Paris, where travelers are willing to pay for the very best First Class product.

What is your favorite airline to fly First Class? Leave a comment.

10. Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways offers an elegant and spacious First Class product exclusively on its Airbus A380 fleet, where wide, well-padded seats upholstered in premium fabrics transform into fully flat beds. The suites feature adjustable privacy dividers that can be lowered for couples traveling together or raised for a more private experience, creating a flexible and comfortable environment. Complemented by luxurious amenities, high-end dining with on-demand service, and the airline’s renowned hospitality, the experience feels both refined and relaxed, even though Qatar Airways is more widely known for its award-winning Business Class Qsuite product. While the limited number of aircraft offering First Class reduces availability, those who do experience it can expect a high level of comfort, space, and personalized attention throughout the journey.

  • Official website: Qatar Airways
  • Review: read my review of Qatar Airways’ First Class in an Airbus A380 here.

QATAR AIRWAYS FIRST CLASS

9. Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific’s First Class is widely regarded as one of the most comfortable and consistently excellent products in the industry, featuring large, open suites, with wide seats that convert into exceptionally spacious fully flat beds with high-quality bedding. Passengers enjoy generous personal space and well-curated dining options. Cathay is gradually reducing the number of First Class seats across its fleet in favor of its highly regarded Business Class Aria Suites, which I reviewed here. Looking ahead, the Hong Kong based airline plans to introduce a completely new First Class cabin on its Boeing 777-9 aircraft, known as Halo Suites. These developments should ensure that Cathay remains at the forefront of luxury air travel, balancing exclusivity with modern, innovative design and consistently excellent service.

  • Official website: Cathay Pacific
  • Review: read my review of Cathay Pacific’s First Class in a Boeing 777 here.

cathay pacific first class review

8. Lufthansa

Lufthansa’s First Class remains one of the most sought-after premium experiences in aviation thanks to its consistently excellent service, spacious seating, and exceptional ground offering, including access to its exclusive First Class Terminal in Frankfurt where passengers enjoy private security, fine dining, and limousine transfers directly to the aircraft. The completely redesigned First Class cabin on Lufthansa’s A350 aircraft features spacious suites with nearly ceiling-high walls that provide complete privacy and a luxurious, apartment-like feel. Each seat converts into a fully flat bed positioned in the direction of flight, and includes a large personal wardrobe along with ample storage, while passengers can comfortably prepare for sleep and change into Lufthansa First Class pajamas within the suite itself. The new design also enhances dining, allowing guests to sit across from one another at a large table for a shared experience, complemented by gourmet menus and the airline’s signature caviar service. In-flight entertainment spans the full width of the suite with Bluetooth connectivity for wireless headphones, ensuring a modern and immersive experience.

  • Official website: Lufthansa
  • Review: read my review of Lufthansa’s First Class in an Airbus A380 here.
  • Review: read my review of Lufthansa’s First Class in a Boeing 747 here.

LUFTHANSA FIRST CLASS

7. Swiss International Air Lines

Swiss International Air Lines is redefining luxury with its brand-new “SWISS Senses” First Class on the Airbus A350, focusing on extreme exclusivity, space, and privacy with just three oversized suites arranged in a unique 1-1-1 layout at the very front of the aircraft. Unlike traditional First Class cabins, the center suite is designed for two passengers, effectively creating one of the world’s first true double First Class suites, while the two window suites offer exceptional width and fully enclosed privacy thanks to floor-to-ceiling sliding doors. Inside, each suite features a large armchair that converts into a long fully flat bed, generous storage including a personal wardrobe, advanced technology such as large 4K screens, wireless controls, Bluetooth connectivity, and even individual temperature settings, all wrapped in a sophisticated design of deep tones, wood accents, and ambient lighting. This next-generation product sis ignificantly more spacious, private, and luxurious than the First Class cabins on Swiss’ Boeing 777 and A330 planes, positioning it among the most exclusive and cutting-edge experiences in the sky.

best airlines for flying first class

6. Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines combines cutting-edge innovation with traditional Japanese hospitality in its First Class cabins, particularly on its newer Airbus A350 aircraft, which feature just six spacious suites. Each First Class suite is equipped with privacy doors, generous storage space, and unique technology such as built-in headrest speakers that allow passengers to enjoy inflight entertainment without headphones, creating a more immersive and comfortable experience. Paired with meticulous, detail-oriented service that reflects Japan’s renowned culture of hospitality and some of the finest onboard dining available  offering beautifully presented Japanese kaiseki meals alongside high-quality Western options  this First Class product stands out as one of the most refined, culturally distinctive, and consistently high-quality experiences available in long-haul air travel.

5. All Nippon Airways (ANA)

All Nippon Airways (ANA) offers one of the most innovative First Class experiences in the sky with its latest “The Suite” product on select Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, featuring spacious, fully enclosed suites with floor-to-ceiling doors that provide exceptional privacy and a modern, residential feel. Each suite is designed with clean Japanese aesthetics, wide seating that converts into a generous fully flat bed, and a large high-definition screen for immersive entertainment, while thoughtful touches such as ample storage, intuitive controls, and refined materials enhance overall comfort. Combined with ANA’s renowned Japanese hospitality, meticulous attention to detail, and outstanding onboard dining, this First Class product delivers a highly polished luxury experience that ranks among the very best in the world.

best airlines for flying first class

 4. Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways redefined luxury air travel with its groundbreaking “First Apartment” concept on the Airbus A380, offering passengers a unique setup that includes a separate leather armchair and a full-length bed within a large, fully enclosed private space that allows for unprecedented freedom of movement compared to traditional First Class seats. Additional features such as onboard shower facilities, premium dining served on demand, and the option to connect adjacent suites for shared travel experiences elevate the concept even further. Although this exceptional product is limited to a small number of aircraft, it remains one of the most innovative and spacious First Class offerings ever created, delivering a truly distinctive experience that feels closer to a private jet than a commercial flight.

  • Official website: Etihad Airways
  • Review: read my review of Etihad Airways’ First Class in an Airbus A380 here.

 3. Air France

Air France’s all-new La Première First Class suite features a unique layout with a separate seat and chaise lounge that seamlessly transforms into a full-flat bed, allowing passengers to lounge, dine, and sleep in complete comfort. Each suite offers around 25% more space than before and is enclosed by a floor-to-ceiling curtain. Side suites boast an exclusive five-window design that floods the cabin with natural light, while center suites can be opened or closed via a full-height sliding partition for shared travel. Crafted in France with premium materials such as full-grain leather and plush wool, the cabin exudes a refined, haute couture aesthetic enhanced by subtle lighting, champagne-toned accents, and cutting-edge technology including dual 32-inch 4K screens, wireless controls, and extensive connectivity, making this new La Première one of the most sophisticated and luxurious First Class experiences in the world.

AIR FRANCE NEW LA PREMIERE FIRST CLASS

2. Emirates

Emirates offers one of the most technologically advanced and visually striking First Class experiences in the world, particularly on its newest Boeing 777 aircraft, where fully enclosed suites with floor-to-ceiling sliding doors provide complete privacy. Innovative features include virtual windows for middle seats and “zero-gravity” seating positions inspired by NASA technology, while the design itself draws inspiration from luxury automotive interiors to create a sleek and modern aesthetic. Complemented by premium dining, exceptional onboard service, and additional amenities such as onboard showers and lounges on its Airbus A380 fleet, Emirates continues to push the boundaries of luxury air travel and deliver an experience that feels both futuristic and indulgent.

  • Official website: Emirates
  • Review: read my review of Emirates’ First Class in an Airbus A380 here.
  • Review: read my review of Emirates’ First Class in a Boeing 777 here.

1. Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines takes the top spot with its ultra-luxurious First Class suites on the Airbus A380, where each passenger enjoys a private cabin featuring a separate full-flat bed and a plush leather armchair, allowing travelers to relax and sleep without needing to convert their seat. The spacious design also enables couples traveling together to combine adjacent suites into a double bed, creating a truly unique inflight experience. Combined with the airline’s legendary service, which is consistently ranked among the best in the world, as well as exceptional dining options and attention to detail throughout the journey, this product represents the ultimate expression of comfort, privacy, and exclusivity in modern First Class travel.

  • Official website: Singapore Airlines
  • Review: read my review of Singapore Airlines’ First Class in an Airbus A380 here.

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31 Comments

  1. Reagading Lufthansa, I was surprized to note that the excellent First class lounge at Munich airport was not mentoned in your remarks that spoke of Frankfurt…

  2. Apparently your ranking is not accurate…notice that you didd’nt flew Qatar in First for minimun one year as they change in 2017 the amenities from Armani for a less renowned italian brand but Still good by the way.

  3. Have to agree with your number one spot. No other airline dares to offer that type or real estate on a commercial airline like Singapore Airlines. Their new first class is truly a benchmark. And the irony for those who voted for Etihad is that you can put TWO Etihad apartments into ONE Singapore Airlines Suites.

  5. Thank you for amending your report, to add Munich to your comments about the lounge in Munich!

  7. Problem is: You’re only regarding to SQ New Suites – what about the older Suites and most of all: The First in B777 which offer no Suite at all?
    Same goes for Etihad, since a really small amount of airplanes offer the Apartment.

  8. I also agree with above – you seem to only consider new Singapore suites and Emirates suites, and it skews your objectivity a little

  9. My husband and i have flown with all these airlines and never been given one of these suits. I expect you would have to pay even more if you want one.

  10. Except of course all the A380 reviews are useless as most of them will be gone soon

  12. In all seriousness, most of these First Class cabins look like Business class seats on other airlines. In fact SIng business class looks better (at least wider seats and larger TVs) than most of these First Class offerings. I have noticed that most of the European airlines have older planes and lesser quality offerings, whereas most of the Chinese airlines have bought newer planes and are streets ahead of the europeans.
    In fact the best service I have ever enjoyed was Hainan Airways business class. It matched SIngapore First Class, which is the bench mark in my extensive experience.
    Bottom line: why pay for a first class seat that is just an expensive looking business class seat on other airlines ???

  13. This is such a great post! I’ve actually flown QATAR airlines, but some of these others look amazing – especially Air France! There is nothing better than getting to actually lay down on a long flight.

  15. Like several other comments, I wonder what the Top 10 rankings would look like if you included as separate entries all the variants a given carrier might have of a F class cabin. For example, SQ new suites vs the “older” suites, or EK’s Game Changer suite vs it’s “older” suites. Not sure I am knowledgeable about variants attributable to aircraft type, but maybe add that into the mix as well. I think it makes much sense to know if flying a second-hand F cabin on a top 3 premium long-haul carrier is better than the only offering of a carrier ranked somewhere in 6-10 slot.

  16. I care about the amenities. I just paid 20k for a plane ticket. Of course they better be top notch. I love it when my money is appreciated. Emirates is my favorite; honestly, I have not flown Singapore’s new first class.

  17. I just wish I had experienced First Class on any of these airlines to be able to express an opinion. I have done Business Class many times over the last 30 years but never got bumped up, either on my money or the company’s.

  19. Of the airlines I have flown international first class on,
    1. Cathay pacific – great lounges, impeccable in flight service. Great wide seat
    2. Lufthansa – consistent personal and professional soft product on the ground and in the air.
    3. Qantas – great seat, ife, and food. Amazing service when transferring to domestic and handling irrops
    4. Etihad – nice enclosed suite, good service
    5. American – should be out of business, at least shouldn’t pretend to offer first class

  20. I personally like flying Delta Airlines but I wish they would go to many places I would like to visit. I always fly 1st class due mobility and for the most part the crew members are extremely friendly and helpful.after flying other airlines I will continue to fly Delta when ever possible even if it cost me an arm and leg sometimes

  21. The configuration of Lufthansa’s First Class seats and the quality of its First Class Lounge is no better really than Singapore Airline’s Business Class seat configuration and Business Class Lounge.

  22. No ANA? The new ANA “The Suite” is getting raves. Also many say ANA first class meals are the best they ever had on an aircraft.

  23. Just tried one out of the list provided here. And as per that experience, I can say that Singapore Airlines is one of the best in the world.

  25. Singapore is definitely number uno when it comes to luxury in the sky, such a shame that they do not offer pick up and drop off, as this service offered by Emirates is just next level and means a lot to me. I will be flying with Singapore probably in 2026,Melb-Sing-Sing- London return so will experience their first class then, In the mean time I will have two more yearly flights in late July same route with Emirates slumming it in their first class lol.

    Regards,

    Joey

  26. Seriously, Lufthansa’s First Class looks more like an example of a bad business class product. I don’t understand how you could put them in a top ten list.

  27. A well detailed article.

    Have only had the chance to travel in one of them and I agree that it’s #1. I can’t come to believe Singapore Airlines services can be topped.

    Thanks for sharing!

  29. While Singapore Airlines certainly provides top notch service throughout the journey, their seating design is inferior to the other carriers. On the 777-300, First seats, while spacious, have VERY limited recline. At that point, the only other option is a fully flat bed. These two extremes – upright and flat – are not suitable for long haul flights as they don’t allow for each passengers preferences for lounging, movie watching, etc… On the A380, the seat is not designed for taller passengers. Feet hang off the end of the footrest, recline is also limited and the only other option is the separate flat bed. Same limitations here.

  31. What about QANTAS?
    The last Airline with First Class but you didn’t mention them.
    What was the problem.

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