First class travel represents the pinnacle of commercial aviation. It offers expansive private suites, gourmet cuisine, premium lounges, dedicated service, and amenities that rival luxury hotels. In 2025, several carriers stand out as the best first class airlines based on independent global rankings and industry awards.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 7 first class airlines in the world. We’ll focus on the aspects that matter most to travellers: comfort, service, exclusivity, and overall experience.
1. Singapore Airlines – Global Leader in First Class
Singapore Airlines consistently tops global rankings for first class travel. It was named the World’s Best First Class Airline by the Skytrax World Airline Awards, as well as the best for onboard catering and seat comfort.
The carrier’s first class onboard selected Airbus A380 aircraft features spacious private suites. These suites are more akin to small hotel rooms than traditional airline seats. They often include flat beds, premium bedding, ample storage, and personalized service. True to its reputation, Singapore Airlines combines elegant design with impeccable attention to detail.
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Singapore’s first class passengers also enjoy access to dedicated airport transfers, priority services, and exclusive lounges. These elements contribute to Singapore Airlines’ position as the best first class airline available today.
While Singapore Airlines was recently named World’s Best First Class Airline in the Skytrax awards, it ranked second in the Overall Airline in the world category behind Qatar Airways in the 2025 awards.
2. Emirates – Luxury and Innovation in the Skies
Emirates is one of the most recognised luxury carriers globally, especially for its first class service. In many industry reviews, Emirates ranks among the best first class airlines for overall experience, entertainment, and cabin comfort.
A signature feature of Emirates’ first class is the private suite experience on its Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft. These suites can include sliding doors, lie-flat beds, and exclusive amenities. Onboard showers and access to the legendary A380 shower spa elevate the Emirates first class cabin beyond standard premium service.
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Beyond the seat itself, Emirates offers an onboard bar and lounge for first class passengers, allowing social interaction and a relaxed atmosphere during long-haul flights.
Emirates also has one of the largest fleets of first class seats among commercial carriers, showcasing its commitment to elite travel.
3. Air France – La Première: Classic Elegance
Air France’s La Première cabin is often described as a “true first class experience.” Many sources highlight it as one of the most exclusive and refined first class products in the world.
La Première is offered on select long-haul routes, especially on Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. It limits its first class cabin to just four suites per flight, ensuring maximum privacy and comfort. Each suite combines a seat that converts to a full bed with luxury materials and world-class food service by Michelin-starred chefs.
Exclusive ground services further set La Première apart. These include private arrivals, dedicated lounges, and personalised assistance from arrival to boarding. Together, these features make Air France one of the best first class airlines for travellers seeking sophistication and quiet luxury at 35,000 feet.
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4. Cathay Pacific – Quiet Comfort and Refined Service
Cathay Pacific is another airline regularly cited among the world’s top carriers for first class travel. The airline’s first class product is available on select Boeing 777-300ER aircraft and features a limited number of suites in a 1-1-1 configuration.
Each seat converts into a fully flat bed. Cabins maintain a calm and private environment, and passengers enjoy personal storage, adjustable lighting, and large entertainment screens. Cathay Pacific also offers access to premium first class lounges at major hubs.
While the carrier’s first class cabins may be less flashy than some rivals, they excel in understated comfort, customer service, and overall passenger satisfaction. These qualities reinforce Cathay Pacific’s position among the best first class airlines in the world.
5. Lufthansa – German Precision Meets First Class Luxury
Lufthansa has a long history of excellence in premium travel. Its first class cabins combine traditional service with modern amenities. Industry sources frequently list Lufthansa within the top tier of best first class airlines.
Lufthansa’s first class passengers enjoy exclusive lounges, dedicated check-in and immigration services, and personalised assistance throughout the travel journey. The carrier also unveiled new ultra-first class suites featuring fully enclosed private cabins, large beds, personal closets, and upscale amenities, further improving the overall experience.
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From fine dining onboard to priority ground support, Lufthansa balances efficiency with indulgence. Its first class product remains a choice for travellers seeking excellence with German engineering and service.
6. ANA (All Nippon Airways) – Japanese Craftsmanship Aloft
ANA (All Nippon Airways) offers one of the more consistently praised first class experiences among Asian carriers. Industry lists of top first class airlines regularly include ANA thanks to its attention to detail and service quality.
ANA’s first class cabins provide spacious seats that lay fully flat, high-quality bedding, and personalized service rooted in traditional Japanese hospitality. The airline’s meals and amenity kits also reflect a blend of global and Japanese influences.
While ANA’s first class product may not span as many routes as some competitors, its flights on long-haul routes between North America and Asia remain highly sought after by elite travellers.
7. Japan Airlines – Exclusive Comfort and Hospitality
Rounding out the list of top first class airlines is Japan Airlines (JAL). JAL’s first class products combine large suites with attentive service rooted in Japanese hospitality traditions.
On newer aircraft such as the Airbus A350, JAL’s first class sleepers feature generous space, wide seats, and privacy doors. Reviews highlight culinary excellence and the elevated service culture onboard, making it a popular choice among discerning global travellers.
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Though flight availability on certain routes is limited, Japan Airlines continues to be recognised among the best first class airlines worldwide due to its comfort, service, and attention to detail.
What Makes These Airlines the Best First Class Airlines?
Across these carriers, several common features define what it means to be among the world’s best first class airlines:
1. Private and Spacious Suites
The best first class airlines offer seating that maximises privacy. Many use full suites with doors and personal space larger than business class seats.
2. Exceptional Dining
Gourmet meals crafted by renowned chefs are typical. First class dining often rivals fine restaurants, with meals served on premium dinnerware.
3. Dedicated Lounges and Ground Service
Separate first class lounges provide serene start and end to journeys. Ground services such as private check-in, immigration fast-track, and limo transfers are common.
4. Personalized Service
First class crew-to-passenger ratios are high, allowing personalised attention. Attendants often address passengers by name and anticipate needs.
5. Priority and Convenience
Priority boarding, baggage handling, and other VIP services make first class travel seamless and stress-free.
Conclusion
Choosing among the best first class airlines depends on what matters most to you: privacy, food, lounge access, onboard amenities, or ground services. Each of the top seven carriers listed here excels in several of these areas. They deliver luxurious experiences that transform long-haul travel into an indulgent journey.
Whether you prioritise classic elegance like Air France’s La Première, cutting-edge suites like those on Emirates, or the refined service of Cathay Pacific and Japan Airlines, these airlines represent the pinnacle of first class flying in 2025.
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