Top 10 Best High-End Luxury First Class Airline Cabins

FIRST CLASS is a travel class on some passenger airliners intended to be more luxurious than business class, premium economy, and economy class. On a passenger jetliner, first class usually refers to a limited number (rarely more than 20) of seats or cabins toward the front of the aircraft which have more space, comfort, service, and privacy. In general, first class is the highest class offered, although some airlines have branded their new products as above first class. Propeller airliners often had first class in the rear, away from the noise of the rotating propeller.

With business class seating moving upmarket, some airlines are modelling their first-class section as SUITES. Singapore Airlines now markets its highest class on its A380s as "suites", with the tagline "A class above first." The 2 m (78 inches) bed is separate from the seat and folds out from the back wall, with several other components of the suite lowering to accommodate the mattress. Windows are built into the doors and blinds offer privacy. Suites located in the center can form a double bed after the privacy blinds between them are retracted into the ceiling. Other A380 operators like Emirates also have a suite-like first class with similar amenities but the bed and chair are integrated where a button is pushed to turn the seat into a bed in seconds and vice versa. Etihad Airways introduced a three-room suite called "The Residence" in December 2014 when it added the Airbus A380 to its fleet.

First Class Airline Cabins News, Reviews & Resources

• 3 Best Sleep Masks of 2024 - "24-hour light exposure is a fairly new concept in human evolution. Television screens, phones, laptops, street lamps, and blaring overhead lights around the clock can disrupt your circadian rhythm—the 24-hour cycle that’s governed by your body’s internal clock—and make it harder to fall and stay asleep. If your bedroom isn’t as dark as it should be, or you need to sleep during the day, a sleep mask can help."
• 6 Private Jet Interiors That Are Like Penthouses in the Sky - "These six private jet interiors are like penthouses in the sky, showing how diverse tastes can be in the world's largest business aircraft. The bespoke bizliner concepts include fireplaces, 'smart fabrics,' and rain showers. The two real cabins also have flashes, but without the bling."
• 7 Little-Known Perks of Flying Business Class - "Flying in business class differs greatly from the standard economy class travel experience. The most attractive benefits include a more spacious and comfortable seat, not being pressed against strangers, and the ability to recline your seat much more than a few inches. But a business class ticket includes other valuable benefits that can improve your travel experience."
• 10 Best First Class Airline Suites of 2022 - Best of Travel.
• 2024: best business class, first class & premium economy cabins - "Ever wondered how the other half fly? We’ve tried and tested the most expensive aircraft cabins in the sky - Dom Pérignon, caviar and showers at 39,000ft included. Best of all: Etihad the Residence. Etihad’s the Residence is comprised of three rooms."
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• A double-bed in first-class? Airline reveals slick new cabin interiors - "Japan Airlines unveils high-tech interiors of new A350-1000 aircraft."
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• Air France Now Has The World’s Best Business Class Seat - "Air France’s new business class cabin consists of Safran Versa reverse herringbone seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, which are very good."
• Air France’s new business class cabin - "Sliding doors and lie-flat beds in Air France's new biz class."
• Airbus’ New Jet Concept Features Swappable Spas & Cafes - "Airbus has a modular plan to put glamor and flexibility back into the sky."
• Airplane business class doors offer new levels of privacy. Not everyone thinks they're a good idea - "Business class is becoming increasingly more luxurious, spacious and private. Whether it's custom-designed seat and bed cushions, bespoke fittings and fixtures, or co-branding with some of the biggest names in luxury, business really is the new first class aboard many planes."
• Amazing first-class air cabins - "There’s no doubt about it, first class makes travel better. As airlines stave off bankruptcy by cutting amenities and services to their economy classes, there seems to be a shield around the almighty first class. According to the International Air Transport Association, this is because upper-class passengers, although a small minority among international air travelers, account for almost a third of airline revenues."
• best airlines for 1st class, biz class & economy cabins - "Etihad Airways, Virgin Australia, Air New Zealand, and Singapore Airlines have scooped the top prizes in an annual survey of the world's best airline cabins."
• British Airways B747: Club World business-class review - "This is a review of a daytime British Airways London Heathrow to New York JFK flight, one of the first to receive these upgrades to the in-flight experience."
• British Airways’s new first-class suites: £800 an hour for most private seat - "We review the British Airways ‘hotel in the sky’, due for launch in 2026, which will offer its wealthiest clientele the only top-tier flight across the Atlantic."
• Business Class Vs. First Class: What Are The Main Differences? - "The most pronounced differences between the two classes are the in-flight seating and service. The seating in business class is more spacious than in economy class and offers reclining chairs that can lie flat. But is first class even worth it? There has been a rise in business-class cabins, originally designed to provide the utmost comfort and privacy to business travelers."
• Business Plus seats are the ‘next big thing’ in premium travel ... but how good are they? - "The next trend in premium cabin airline interiors is an exclusive new sub-class: so called 'Business Plus' seats. Unlike most cabin trends, this is one that has taken a leaf from economy cabins and low-cost carriers, bridging the gap between economy (31" legroom) and premium economy (38" legroom)."
• Cabin concepts: Say goodbye to the middle airplane seat - "The 2023 contenders include a cabin concept that eradicates the middle seat and a chic design that takes single-aisle aircraft business class to a new level. Award finalists are set to be announced next month. Winners are to be announced in June."
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• DEREK ROSE OF SAVILE ROW - since 1926. "Whether it be snoozing on the sofa, at night in bed, or on a long-haul flight, sleep well with our range of luxury men's eye masks. Crafted from fine Italian silks or pure cashmeres, they'll ensure luxurious 'shut-eye' wherever you are. Each mask comes with a drawstring pouch, making them an excellent gift for a loved one or a feel-good treat for yourself."
• Expert shares clever method to get upgrade to first class for free - "'I've never paid for a first class ticket on flight - here's how I get upgraded for free'. Sitting in a luxurious business class seat, the plane passenger revealed his top tip that works every time."
• Finnair: This Underrated Airline Has a Sauna in Its Lounge - Plus Especially Comfortable Business-class Seats - "Finnair may not be the first choice for US travelers headed abroad. However, the Helsinki-based carrier should certainly be in the conversation. It makes for a great alternative connecting to Eastern Europe and Asia."
• First class (aviation) - Wikipedia.
• First Class and Business Class Awards to Europe with Frequent Flyer Miles - TravelSort.
• Game of Thrones - "How airlines woo the one per cent."
• Going Once, Going Twice: How to Bid on a First-Class Seat - "Fliers on some airlines can upgrade at a discounted rate to avoid what could be a cramped flight. With some cruise ships and even Amtrak getting in on the act, is bidding up worth it? The following is what I learned, and explains why you might find upgrade auctions on your next flight, train ride or cruise. How auctions work."
• 'I flew 40+ hours on the world's best business class, and it definitely lived up to its title' - "'I spent 40+ hours flying business class to Qatar, Kenya, and Tanzania on Qatar Airways. The culinary options, luxury amenities, and service from the staff were top-notch.'"
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• Le Noeud Papillon - since 2007. Silk eye shades.
• Luxury VIP jets: How the super-rich fly - "Luxury jets whisk VIPs to their destinations in flying palaces."
• Most Expensive Luxury Airline Suites - The Most Expensive Journal.
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• Mulberry Silk Eye Masks - "Our Silk Eye Masks are made from pure Mulberry 22 Momme Silk, they are kind to your delicate eye area and can aid a peaceful sleep by eliminating harsh light."
• Naomi Campbell's amazing airplane ritual - "'Clean anything that you could possibly touch,' she says, before wiping down every inch of her seat, seat belt, tray table, TV screen, remote control and window. Even the overhead controls get a thorough clean."
• New airplane business class seat design has huge 45-inch TV screen - "Even if you’ve opted for the priciest seats on the airplane, your inbuilt cabin screen is likely going to be poorer quality than the screen on your iPhone. MAYA, which stands for 'Most Advanced Yet Achievable,' is an ergonomic business class seat that comes equipped with an Astrova Curve 45-inch ultra-wide, ultra-high-definition OLED display."
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• Ritz Paris Essentials - "Cashmere travel sets." Lovingly enclosed within a Ritz Paris zip-up case, this beige eye mask and throw set will provide you with comfort and warmth on your travels. Grey cashmere travel set consisting of a plaid, a sleep mask and a zipped matching case.
• Singapore Airlines - "New Business Class." When you’re travelling for business, everything must go as planned. Like the meal you reserved with Book the Cook, and the uninterrupted sleep you’re looking forward to on your fully-flat bed. So you’re wide awake, refreshed and ready for business as soon as you land.
• Singapore Airlines just unveiled new suites for its Airbus A380 - CNBC.
• Singapore Airlines Suites - "How close is too close? You’ll never have to know."
• The aircraft interiors of the future - "Crystal Cabin Awards shortlist spotlights aircraft interiors of the future."
• The best airline first-class lounges - The Telegraph.
• The Future Of First Class? The Seats Could Be Next To Economy - "Up to now, cabin classes have always stayed very separate. Economy fliers rarely get to see the benefits of first or business class, and while that gives premium passengers plenty of privacy, it can be challenging for airlines in terms of making maximum use of the available space. A concept by South Korean student Sahngseok Lee in partnership with Adient Aerospace suggests that mixing classes together could be a more efficient solution."
• The most comfortable airplane cabin yet? - "AirGo Galaxy claimed as most space-efficient business class seat design yet."
• The Most Luxurious First Class Cabins - Condé Nast Traveler.
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• The walls are climbing for first class fliers - "The latest in luxurious first-class airplane suites: Building up. A new generation of high-wall supersuites are stretching up to the ceilings of the latest wide-body jets, eclipsing the suites that came before."
• The world's most spacious airplane seats revealed - "How to find the world's roomiest airplane seats. One of the greatest luxuries when we fly is space: the space to stretch out, relax, work and sleep while flying seven miles above the Earth at nearly the speed of sound. These days, that's international business class, with fully-flat beds longer than most people are tall. But some are roomier than others. So which airline will give you the biggest bang for your buck?"
• This could be the future of first class airplane travel - " First class is on its way out at many airlines, as business class seats and mini-suites become larger, more private and more luxurious - and fewer budgets stretch to adding on what might be an extra zero on the price tag for first class. But it's not going away completely."
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• This European airline will introduce double beds in the sky - "A private cocoon up in the sky, with even your own heating system that you can turn up and down at whim? That’s what’s on offer in the latest groundbreaking new first class suite unveiled by an airline. For once, though, it’s not a Middle Eastern airline laying on the glitz. Astonishingly, this new suite will be fitted in Lufthansa’s planes, in a bid to compete with the fancier offerings on the long-haul market."
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• TIFFANY & CO. - since 1837. "Inspired by a vintage Tiffany & Co. logo first used on silverware designs at the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago, the Tiffany Travel collection takes flight with modern accessories for the on-the-go adventurer. Plane, train or car, you'll never want to travel without this luxurious blanket and sleeping mask set." Set of three pieces includes a charcoal-colored silk pouch, cashmere blanket and silk sleeping mask.
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• Why superbusiness minisuites are the future of luxury flying - "After a long, golden sunset of being installed on fewer and fewer aircraft, the retirement of older aircraft caused by the Covid-19 pandemic means that when air travel resumes, international first class will be very nearly a thing of the past. Its replacement is a new generation of superbusiness minisuites, more spacious than regular business class, and with a privacy door to create your own space, but without the over-the-top luxury of first class."
• Why this will be the hottest airplane seat in 2021 - "Premium economy. The two words might seem a weird combination in airline terms, since it's a rare airline where economy seats feel premium these days. But these seats between coach and business class on international flights were heating up even before Covid-19, and as we all start to travel again in 2021, they're set to be a must-fly for many passengers. Why? It's a combination of factors."
• worlds best business class 2024, complete with double beds - "Skytrax has named Qatar Airways' QSuite as the world's best business class for over a decade. Travelers say Qatar Airways has the best business class, thanks to its QSuite with sliding doors and double beds. The bed is created by combining two lie-flat seats into one, and closing both privacy doors creates a small pod - making it perfect for families and couples."
• World’s Best First Class Airlines 2022 - "Singapore Airlines wins award for the World's Best First Class Airline, also scooping the awards for the Best First Class Airline Seat and the Best First Class Onboard Catering. Swiss International Air Lines Zurich lounge wins the award as the World's Best First Class Airline Lounge."
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• World’s Best First Class 2019 - "Whether you’re flying on the Emirates A380 or our game-changing Boeing 777, you’ll experience the World’s Best First Class 2019. Discover why our customers voted for us in the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards."
• 'Zero gravity' and private suites: Emirates' new Boeing 777 first-class cabin revealed - The Telegraph.

Top 10 High-End Luxury First Class Airline Cabins

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• Air France Now Has The World’s Best Business Class Seat - "Air France’s new business class cabin consists of Safran Versa reverse herringbone seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, which are very good."
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• Air France La PremiÈre Suite - "A personal space tailored to your needs."
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• American Airlines Flagship Suites - on Boeing 777-300ER. "The only true First class experience."
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• British Airways First Suite - "Haven of style and comfort." First is our most luxurious way to experience flight. From your own stylish suite, to exclusive access to spa treatments, fast-track security, and excellent service, it’s the finest way to travel.
• British Airways’s new first-class suites: £800 an hour for most private seat - "We review the British Airways ‘hotel in the sky’, due for launch in 2026, which will offer its wealthiest clientele the only top-tier flight across the Atlantic."
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• Emirates Airbus A380 - "From Private Suites and Shower Spas in First Class, to flat-bed seats in Business Class, to extra room and custom lighting in Economy Class and inflight Wi-Fi throughout the A380."
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• Emirates' Boeing 777 first-class cabin - "Emirates has unveiled completely refreshed interiors for its Boeing 777 aircraft, including its highly anticipated new First Class private suites. With floor to ceiling sliding doors and sleek design features inspired by the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Emirates’ new suites takes luxury and privacy to the next level. Offering up to 40 square feet of personal space each, these spacious, fully-enclosed private suites are laid out in a 1-1-1 configuration."
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• Etihad Airways "The Residence" - On board our A380, step into a luxurious three-room suite in the sky. Designed for up to two guests, The Residence features an ensuite shower room, private bedroom with a double bed and separate living area. "The world’s most luxurious living space in the air." Our pioneering spirit and traditions of hospitality, drawn from our home Abu Dhabi, have been harnessed to create contemporary living spaces in the air, and provide all guests with unparalleled comfort and service with your own living room, bathroom & bedroom. Designed for up to two guests travelling together, it has been created by leading interior designers and hospitality experts who understand the discernment and sophistication expected by the private traveller. The Residence is a haven of tranquility, reflecting an exclusive lifestyle that offers the ultimate in high-end luxury.
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• Finnair's fancy new airline seats don't recline - "Spacious, full of gadgets, and with infinite angles of recline as they sink down to a lie-flat bed: there's a reason why airplane business class seats are as pricey - and cushy - as they are. Finnair's new Airlounge seats, unveiled Thursday, are super spacious and ever so private, with their wide, 51-inch high backs curling round aisle-side, to provide a shallow barrier to passersby. The seats curl round to offer privacy in a 1-2-1 configuration."
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• Lufthansa First Class - "As individual as you could wish for." It’s often the details and the little things that can turn a moment into something really special. Being greeted by a personal assistant at your destination airport, culinary highlights above the clouds or the personal space on board: moments that linger in the memory. In Lufthansa First Class, we shape your travel experience with great attention to detail and with your personal wishes in mind. Enjoy excellent comfort and service and experience your very own special moments in Lufthansa First Class.
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• Qantas reveals new first & business class cabins for ultra long-haul ‘Project Sunrise’ flights - "The first class cabin seats, or First Suites, will feature an extra-wide fixed bed, a 22-inch wide recliner lounge chair, a full-length wardrobe, a folding dining table - large enough for two - and a 32-inch ultra-high definition TV. The airline says customers will 'feel like they are in a mini boutique hotel.'"
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• Qsuite | Qatar Airways - "First in Business." A class of its own. Our first-ever cabin to offer aft and forward-facing seats, takes cabin innovation to an entirely new level, thanks to its quad configuration. Cabin interiors are designed in our signature colours of burgundy and grey, enhanced with elegant and warm rose gold detailing. Our seats have been thoughtfully dressed in the latest and finest fabrics, to optimise your comfort. The media panel also comes with an all-access power port, with USB, HDMI and NFC capabilities for your convenience. Experience the world’s most memorable destinations with an unforgettable journey in the World’s Best Business Class, as recognised by 2019 Skytrax World Airline Awards and 2019 TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards.
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• Singapore Airlines New Suites - on board the A380 aircraft 2017.
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• Singapore Airlines Suites - "A world of your own." Exclusively on board the A380 aircraft, provide the distinguished few with their very own haven of tranquility.
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• Swiss First - "Your home above the clouds." As a First Class passenger, you will enjoy the highest possible level of comfort. Take off relaxed, travel in comfort and land feeling refreshed. And only when you feel completely satisfied will we have done our job.
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• Virgin Atlantic Upper Class Suite - "Je ne sais quoi. Defined." Experience the next level of luxurious travel. Whether you're with us for business or pleasure, travelling in Virgin Atlantic Upper Class makes your journey something to look forward to.