According to experts and seasoned travellers, the best first class airlines are not just plush seats, it includes entire journey, the exclusive lounges, the seamless ground transfers, the design and comfort of the cabin, the quality of food and beverages, the array of amenities, and, perhaps most importantly, the attentive and personalized service from the cabin crew.
Year after year, Singapore Airlines consistently appears at the top of best-of lists, and 2025 is no exception. They have once again earned the title of World’s Best First Class Airline at the Skytrax World Airline Awards, widely known as the “Oscars of the aviation industry.”
List of Airlines with the Best First Class
Here is a closer look at the nicest first-class airlines that offer an outstanding first-class experience:
- Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines offers one of the most luxurious first-class options, especially on its Airbus A380 “Suites Class.” Each passenger gets a private room with a separate bed and seat, delicious meals, and top-quality service.
What Makes it Stand Out:
- Private suits with sliding doors
- Double bed option
- Designer amenities from Lalique
- Dine-on-demand menus curated by top chefs
The airline is ideal for long-haul flights between Asia, Europe, and the U.S., offering maximum privacy and comfort.
- Emirates Airlines
Emirates, the best airline in first class, is known for luxury and always takes in-flight comfort to the next level. Their First Class, especially on the A380 and the newer Boeing 777 “Game Changer” suites, offers a truly rich and comfortable travel experience.
Features:
- Private suits
- Onboard shower spa
- Onboard lounge
- Fine dining and unlimited caviar
- Premium beverages
- Bulgari amenity kits
Emirates, one of the best first-class airlines, also offers a chauffeur service for first-class passengers in many cities.
- Air France
Air France’s Boeing 777-300ER La Première cabin is known for its elegance, privacy, and refined experience from ground to sky. Just four seats per cabin make it one of the airlines with the best first class.
Features:
- Private suite
- Refined meals from Michelin-starred chefs
- Exclusive lounges with spa access
- Luxury skincare kits from Guerlain
Ground service offered by Air France in Paris includes private check-in and limousine transfer directly to the aircraft.
- Cathay Pacific Airways
While some airlines offer luxury, Cathay Pacific’s Boeing 777 provide a quiet and elegant experience, making it the best airline to fly first class.
Features:
- Top-quality meals, including premium meats and authentic Asian dishes
- Turndown service includes soft pillows, cozy duvets, and mattress toppers for better sleep
It proves that real luxury comes from doing everything right and making passengers feel truly comfortable.
- Lufthansa
Lufthansa’s First Class, particularly with their new “Allegris” product, offers comfort, privacy, and the renowned efficiency of German service. Known for excellent German service, its First Class Terminal in Frankfurt is often rated among the best ground experiences in the world.
What makes it the best first-class airline?
- Spacious recliner seats that convert into full beds
- Dedicated ground services
- Premium food and beverages
- Private lounges and valet service
The airlines’ Frankfurt terminal offers limousine rides straight to the plane.
- ANA All Nippon Airways
ANA’s First Class on the Boeing 777-300ER, called “The Suites,” offers a high level of Japanese hospitality. All Nippon Airways is also known for its excellent airport service and attention to detail.
Features:
- Fully enclosed suites with wide screens
- High-end Japanese and Western meals
- Luxury sleepwear and Shiseido skincare
- Peaceful, quiet cabin atmosphere
ANA’s service is especially praised on flights between Tokyo and North America or Europe.
- Swiss International Air Lines
The airline offers a refined and relaxing First Class experience that focuses on privacy, comfort, and personalized service. Their First Class cabin on the Boeing 777-300ER features spacious suites, fine dining, and a peaceful atmosphere perfect for travellers who value subtle luxury over flashiness.
Features:
- 1-2-1 seating layout with plenty of space and privacy
- Comfortable seats that turn into fully flat beds with soft bedding
- Large 32-inch high-resolution screen for entertainment
- Thoughtful amenities, including Zimmerli pajamas and La Prairie skincare products
- Authentic Swiss and international cuisine, with cheese and chocolates to finish
- Professional, warm, and genuinely caring cabin crew
Passengers can expect a quiet and elegant experience with attention to detail at every step.
- Qatar Airways
The airline is well known for its Qsuite Business Class, but it also has a quiet and classy First Class on select A380 planes. Passengers can enjoy a calm, elegant atmosphere and excellent service with Qatar Airways.
Features:
- Spacious seats that convert to lie-flat beds
- Fine Arabic and international cuisine
- Designer amenity kits and loungewear
- First-class lounge access at Hamad International Airport
First class is available mostly on A380 routes between Doha and London, Paris, Bangkok, or Sydney.
- Etihad Airways
Etihad’s A380 offers The Apartment, one of the most luxurious cabins with the best first-class options in the sky. It comes with a separate seat, bed, and even a private shower. For the most exclusive experience, there’s The Residence a 3-room suite in the air with a private butler.
Features:
- Separate seating and sleeping areas
- Shower room onboard
- Private butler service in The Residence
- Luxury dining with à la carte options
Though availability is limited in 2025, it’s a must-experience if flying long haul between Abu Dhabi, London, or New York. One should book their tickets early to experience the luxury.
- El Al Airlines
El Al Airlines’ first class gives passengers a private and personalized flying experience on select Boeing 777 planes. It may not be as fancy as some Gulf or Asian airlines, but it offers friendly service, tasty Israeli food, and good privacy. The overall experience reflects El Al’s strong focus on safety, tradition, and quality.
Features:
- Spacious leather seats that convert into full-flat beds
- Personalized cabin service with a 1:1 crew-to-passenger ratio
- Kosher gourmet meals with top-tier Israeli wines
- Private check-in and priority baggage handling
El Al’s First Class is especially popular on routes between Tel Aviv and destinations like New York, London, and Paris.
Other Notable Airlines With First Class Services
Some of the other notable airlines with first-class services are:
- Spirit Airways: First-class Spirit Airlines is a low-cost carrier focused on budget travel, but its Big Front Seat offers more space and comfort than standard seats. It’s not First Class, but it’s a nice upgrade for a reasonable price.
- British Airways: Offers a refined First Class with elegant cabins, personalized service, and access to the Concorde Room lounge in London.
- Japan Airlines (JAL): Known for its calm atmosphere, excellent Japanese meals, and spacious suites with attentive service.
- Malaysia Airlines: Their A350 First Class, also called Business Suite, offers spacious seats, premium dining, and genuine Malaysian service.
- Thai Airways: Known for friendly service, comfortable lie-flat beds, and tasty Thai cuisine in First Class on long-haul routes.
Things to Consider While Choosing The Best First Class Airlines
Flying First Class is a big choice, especially with the extra cost for more comfort and service. Here are a few simple things travellers should think about when picking the right airline for their First Class journey:
- Look for airlines that offer private suites or enclosed seats if personal space is important.
- Check if the airline offers fine dining, on-demand meals, or special dishes like caviar or local cuisine.
- A large, high-quality screen with a wide selection of movies and shows can make a big difference.
- Check if the airline offers amenity kits, pyjamas, slippers, and skincare products.
- Some airlines offer extras like private check-in, airport lounges, limousine transfers, and fast-track immigration.
- If staying connected is important, check if the airline offers free or reliable internet service.
- Not all aircraft have the same First Class. It’s best to fly on routes with the newest or best-equipped planes.
- While First Class is a premium choice, some airlines offer better value or more extras than others.
Conclusion!
The best first-class airline depends on what each traveller cares about most—whether it’s privacy, food, airport service, or a unique cultural experience. If someone wants the latest tech and full privacy, Singapore Airlines and Emirates are top choices. For those who prefer a more personal touch and a cultural feel, El Al’s First Class is a great option.
FAQs About the Nicest First Class Airlines
Singapore Airlines is often considered the best for first class.
Swiss International Air Lines offers one of the best First Class experiences for domestic European routes.
The best time to buy first-class airline tickets is usually 2 to 4 months before departure to get better availability and pricing.
Key elements include private seating, gourmet food, excellent service, and exclusive ground experiences like lounges and priority check-in.
Emirates and Singapore Airlines offer some of the most luxurious and spacious first-class suites.
Emirates and Singapore Airlines lead in this area, with fully enclosed suites and sliding doors.
For long-haul international routes, many travellers find the experience, rest, and service worth the price, especially for special occasions or business trips.
Emirates and Etihad both offer onboard showers for first-class passengers on A380 aircraft.
Air France and Singapore Airlines often top the list for premium meals created by renowned chefs.
Usually 3–4 hours before departure. Many airlines offer separate counters or even personal check-in services.