SUMMARY
- Singapore Airlines offers the ultimate first-class experience with their A380 Suites, complete with a recliner, separate bed, the option to create a double bed for partners, “Book the Cook” service, and a wide selection of entertainment choices.
- ANA’s first-class experience on the 777-300ER, known as “The Suite,” boasts a 43″ 4K screen for top-notch inflight entertainment, spacious seating, Japanese meals, and impeccable service. However, availability is limited to select routes.
- Air France’s La Premiere Class focuses on refinement and elegance rather than extravagant amenities. With only four seats in a 1-2-1 layout, floor-to-ceiling curtains for privacy, and a selection of fine wines and cheeses, it offers a truly sophisticated experience. Access to La Premiere is exclusive, primarily reserved for Platinum-level Flying Blue status holders.
While everyone strives to fly as far forward in the aircraft as possible, first class is reserved for the few who can purchase such an expensive ticket (or find a great redemption). While airlines might be moving away from new first class cabins, the current offerings on the market are nothing short of spectacular. Here’s a look at the top five first class cabins in the sky today.
Singapore Airlines First Class Suites on the A380
When it comes to luxury, few do it as effortlessly as Singapore Airlines. The flag carrier upgraded its Airbus A380s a few years ago with a new first class product, known as Suites. The Suites live up to their name, located on the upper deck, they feature a recliner and separate bed to sleep on long flights.
Add to this the airlines’ ‘Book the Cook’ service and an array of entertainment choices, and you arguably have an experience akin to a business jet. If you happen to be traveling with a partner, book two of the middle cabins, and the crew will lower the partition wall to create a double bed in the skies. As far as comfort and luxury go, it’s hard to top Singapore Airlines currently.
ANA ‘The Suite’ First Class on the 777-300ER
ANA announced its new premium cabins in 2019, known as ‘East Meets West,’ first class was upgraded in a big way, now featuring a 43″ 4K screen, making it the undisputed king of the inflight entertainment (IFE) quality debate. With a massive ottoman in front of you, ANA’s first class seat is roomy enough for any passenger (and you could probably fit two if you try hard enough).
Paired with ANA’s history of perfect service standards, it’s hard to argue against its new first class cabins. From Japanese meals to endless content to watch on the giant display, ANA provides an impressive first class offering. The only downside is that the cabin is only available on select routes, making it harder to access than several other seats on this list.
Air France’s 777-300ER La Premiere Class
Air France does first class a little differently. Rather than wow passengers with huge spaces or luxurious amenities, the carrier has worked on refining its cabin to the point of perfection. From the exclusive first class lounge in Paris to the chauffeur service to the aircraft, bypassing the jet bridge boarding, La Premiere has a French touch all along.
The cabin on the 777 features only four seats in a 1-2-1 layout. Instead of doors, the airline went with floor-to-ceiling curtains for privacy, giving you the impression that you aren’t even flying. With a fabric seat and leg rest in front, Air France’s cabin is certainly a classy affair.
Air France uses all the wares of its home country to keep passengers interested, with a fine selection of wines, cheeses, and main courses to pass the time. While the carrier might lack the bells and whistles of its competitors, one can hardly say the experience on La Premiere falls short.
Air France has also made accessing La Premiere on non-cash tickets harder, with only Platinum-level Flying Blue status holders even eligible to book the cabin. While pre-departure upgrades are popular, the cabin remains an exclusive affair.
Emirates Boeing 777-300ER First Class
When Emirates announced its ‘Gamechanger’ first class cabin, many questioned what the airline could add to its opulent cabins. While the bright yellow and gold touches stayed, Emirates upgraded every aspect of the seat, from the leather throne seat to a dizzying number of LED lights. To ensure you aren’t disturbed, they also threw in a floor-to-ceiling door, cutting you off from the world (even more than before).
In a 1-1-1 layout, the carrier sacrificed capacity to create a near-unbeatable cabin in a single-deck aircraft. Middle-seat passengers no longer have to fret about their lack of views, with three virtual windows added to show the sky outside. If this might seem like overkill, just wait until you see the amenities on offer, from snack baskets to slippers to endless food and drink.
While not taking away from first class on the Airbus A380, Emirates’ 777s offer a more modern first class seat experience. However, the superjumbo does have its own standouts, including access to a shower and the bar to kill some time on longer flights. Both share Emirates’ excellent lounge at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and the ground experience that goes along with it.
Etihad’s Airbus A380 ‘The Residence’
If you would have checked a week ago, this position could easily be occupied by a number of airlines, such as Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, or Korean Air. However, with Etihad bringing its Airbus A380s back into service, only on the London Heathrow to Abu Dhabi from 25th July, it also means the return of ‘The Residence.’
Redefining the limits of luxury onboard, the “seat” comes with a living room, bedroom, and bathroom (with a shower). The double bed was long enough to rival many budget hotels, and having a private bathroom in the skies is a privilege only private jet passengers can boast of. Feel free to call a guest, or four, to occupy the Residence on your next Etihad A380 flight. Oh, and there’s a personal butler to take care of anything you need onboard.
There is only one Residence per A380, followed by nine ‘Apartments,’ which are akin to first class on other airlines. The cabin also fits two passengers, allowing you to split the costs and share the experience. However, expect to pay far over the usual (well over $10-15,000) for the Residence, given the real estate it commands on the aircraft. But again, when will you have your own bathroom and living room on a plane?
