7 Airlines with the Coolest First Class Experiences in the World Shannon Durso July 7, 2017 Air Travel, Travel Tips Remember when flying first-class was just the luxury of a larger seat with extra legroom and a glass of champagne? Well, today’s first class experiences are so much more. From exquisite meals and designer amenity kits to seats that fold back into beds and suites with showers, it’s now possible to fly in undeniable opulence. And to show you just how exquisite it can be here’s a look at some of the top international airlines with the poshest first-class experiences on long-haul flights. A quick note: Flying first class may seem impossible to afford. Thankfully, some select airlines have begun to allow customers to use frequent flier miles and reward points to upgrade. Check with your airline for possible perks. British Airways Image via British Airways Experience your own space while flying first class aboard British Airways from London to San Diego for about $10,000. You’ll be able to catch some sleep in your private suite, which has a bed, a duvet, pillows, and pajamas. The airline also provides amenity kits by Liberty London with aromatherapy products so you can freshen up before landing. Meals featured on the à la carte menu include breakfast, lunch, an afternoon tea, and dinner. And of course, wine and spirits are available throughout the flight. For entertainment, each suite comes with a 15-inch TV along with an array of movies, shows, games, music, and audiobooks. Cathay Pacific A warm welcome aboard Cathay Pacific with a complimentary drink, leather seats, and an amenity kit with Aesop products is just the beginning to this airline’s first class experience. Flying one-way from Vancouver to Hong Kong costs around CAD 10,000 per ticket. While aboard use the touch-screen controller to adjust your seat or sit back on your own massage chair. When you’re ready to hit the sheets, a flight attendant will arrive to transform your seat into a bed. Available to order at any time is fine wine, Chinese or other traditional dishes, and desserts. Passengers can enjoy tons of content via the suite’s 17-inch TV and Bose headphones. Ready to get away? Find where you can go on round trip flights! Emirates Airlines Image via Emirates Airlines Flying first class on Emirates Airlines from New York to Dubai can cost about $30,000 round-trip. Here you’ll find first-class suites equipped with privacy doors and adjustable seats that convert to beds. Since there are only 14 first class seats on each Airbus A380, flight attendants are there for your every need. Wine, champagne, and full course meals are served with Robert Welch cutlery and Royalton Doulton bone china. While on board you’ll have access to the shower spa, and receive a complimentary amenity kit with Bvlgari and VOYA skincare products. If you get bored, check out the on-board lounge and bar or simply skim through thousands of entertainment options on the TV in your suite. Etihad Airways Image via Etihad Airways Known as “First Apartment” or “First Suite,” these first-class accommodations on a popular route, like from London to Abu Dhabi, can run a fare of about $4,000 each way. Etihad Airways provides a considerably large space and almost 7-foot long beds with renowned service. Before you indulge in your first of numerous meals, flight attendants will set a table in your suite prior. All meals are served on fine china. While aboard you can relax with champagne, as well as an in-flight shower and spa. The airline also gifts first class passengers with an amenity kit including Le Labo fragrances along with multiple skincare products. If you’re feeling sleepy, a flight attendant will arrive to set up your bed to ensure you have a comfortable rest. Korean Air If you’re flying one-way from New York to Seoul on Korean Air, expect a fare of about $10,000, depending on which of the 5 first class options you choose. The seats, which are 79 inches long and 24 inches wide, include privacy features with the raised partitions. If you want doors, you need to book the “Kosmo Suite 2.0” option.) You can adjust your seat to a flatbed and use the complimentary mattress pad, pillow, and blanket to get some shut eye during your flight. Passengers also receive a pair of pajamas and an amenity kit that includes Davi cosmetics and other hygiene products. If you can’t sleep, you can take in today’s latest movies via your own personal entertainment screen. For food, the kitchen features a traditional Korean menu, providing appetizers and a dinner that might include rib-eye steak, beef ribs, or chicken dishes paired with elegant wines and champagnes. Oh, plus desserts! Qantas Airways A post shared by Qantas (@qantas) on Jun 27, 2017 at 11:24pm PDT For approximately AUD $10,000, you can take flight from Sydney to Los Angeles on this first class experience. With an extra-wide bed, plush pillows, blankets, a duvet, and sheepskin mattress toppers, you’re sure to fall into a deep, in-flight sleep. Passengers on Qantas Airways receive a full beverage and an à la carte menu, with light snacks available at any time throughout the flight. Designer Martin Grant created an amenity kit for all first class flyers that includes designer socks, Aurora spa products, and sleepwear. The suites also have entertainment consoles with on-demand controls to choose among music, movies, TV-shows, games, and a live map of the mile high journey. Singapore Airlines Image via Singapore Airlines A popular route for Singapore Airline first class passengers is from New York to Singapore and costs about $14,000 for a one-way ticket. If you’re traveling with a companion think about booking a middle suite, which allows passengers to merge both seats into a double bed (Singapore Airlines was the first airline to introduce double beds on an aircraft.) And passengers throughout first class can pre-order their gourmet meals up to 24-hours in advance through the airline’s “Book the Cook” option. While aboard, you’ll be provided with a set of Bose headphones, a Salvatore Ferragamo amenity kit, and a blanket, pillow, and sleepwear. For privacy, you can designate your suite on “Do Not Disturb” — just like you were in a hotel. Did we miss your favorite first class experience? Tell us about it in our comment section below!
