It’s no secret that the Covid-19 pandemic caused a tectonic shift in the airline industry. When international travel dropped 98.9% by April 2020—and subsequently came back—it forced all the major players to rethink their strategy.
Some decided that it was time to ax long-haul first class, the cabin above even business that only some airlines in the world have. American Airlines will begin retiring its long-haul first class in 2024, while international juggernaut Qatar Airways announced that it will not include long-haul first in its future fleet. Riyadh Air—a new Saudi Arabian airline launching in 2025—says it won’t have first class at all.
But others have doubled down. In fact, there seems to be a fresh arms race to offer the best premium flying experience on earth. Seats are getting wider, thread counts are getting higher and, in some cases, sommeliers have joined the flight crew.
Best of all, you may be able to use credit card rewards to book one of these coveted seats. Without further ado, here are the world’s best first-class airlines for 2024.
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The World’s Best First-Class Airlines
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 in the sky.
Source: Emirates A380 First Class via emirates.com
When you fly first class with Emirates on the Airbus A380, 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 a 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
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 Abu Dhabi 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-plus 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 Qantas’ 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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How Credit Cards Can Help You Book First-Class Seats
First-class seats can be ultra-expensive. But thanks to airline frequent flyer programs you may be able to use miles to book a first-class seat or upgrade to one from a lower cabin. And with the help of the right credit card, you could earn enough frequent flyer miles through card spending alone to book one of these luxury seats.
Those who are loyal to a particular airline may want to look for co-branded credit cards. Many of the international airlines listed above do offer co-branded cards including Emirates, Cathay Pacific and Lufthansa.
Those who value flexibility may be better off getting a rewards credit card that earns transferable points. American Express Membership Rewards points, for example, can be transferred to all of the top first class airlines on this list other than Lufthansa. Other popular flexible rewards programs that offer a variety of transfer partners include Chase Ultimate Rewards®, Capital One Rewards and Citi ThankYou Rewards.
Which U.S.-Based Airline Is the Most Luxurious?
In recent years, U.S. domestic airlines have made great strides catching up to their lavish foreign counterparts. Delta, United, JetBlue and American all offer lie-flat seats, gourmet food and privacy doors on select long-haul flights, giving you a compelling incentive to save up your frequent flyer miles.
As for which airline stands out above the rest, it may be a tie between Delta and United.
Delta’s premier business-class experience, Delta One, offers full-height doors and a dedicated flight attendant and is even available on select domestic U.S. flights. For privacy and availability alone, it may take the cake.
That said, United’s international business-class experience Polaris features Therabody products, Saks Fifth Avenue sleep sets and made-to-order ice cream sundaes. It also features exclusive access to United Polaris lounges on the ground, which offer spa-like showers, sitdown dining and unlimited cocktails.
Bottom Line
From double beds to gourmet dining, privacy screens to pillow menus, there’s no question that you’re in for a treat if you fly first class on one of the above airlines.
That said, if you happen to have a choice, you might want to consider which carrier’s first-class offering provides for both your wants and your needs. Some first-class “suites” offer more privacy than others and only a tiny handful will allow you to enjoy a meal with your travel companion.
To learn more about luxury travel and spending your miles in style, check out our guide to understanding first versus business class.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the difference between first class and business class?
In most cases, first class is a step above business class for international long-haul flights. It’ll include more space and amenities and therefore cost more to boot. Domestically, however, one airline’s first class may be inferior to another airline’s business class. So be sure to check the seat and amenities before making any assumptions.
Which airline has the best first class in the world?
If you don’t count private, multi-room suites as “first class,” Emirates might offer the most luxurious first class in the world with full-height privacy doors, Bvlgari amenity kits, lotion-infused pajamas and shower access. If you do count special onboard suites as first class, The Residence on Etihad may narrowly take the prize from Singapore Airlines since it offers a private shower.
Is it worth upgrading to first class on international long-haul flights?
Very broadly speaking, the cost to fly economy overseas starts around $1,000 while a first-class fare on the same flight might cost $10,000 or more. For the vast majority of travelers, a $9,000+ difference won’t be worth it for 14 hours of additional luxury. That said, if you can reduce your cost using points or miles, find an amazing deal, or you simply want to spoil your significant other with the trip of a lifetime, flying first class overseas could well be worth it for the unforgettable experience.
