10 AIRLINES THAT STILL OFFER A LONG-HAUL FIRST CLASS THAT’S MUCH SUPERIOR TO BUSINESS CLASS
As a first class traveler on a commercial flight, you can benefit from VIP service, including priority check-in, security, boarding, baggage handling, and free checked baggage with increased allowances. You'll also enjoy reduced wait times through expedited processes, and access to exclusive airline lounges is also a unique selling point.
We looked at 10 airlines still offering a premium first-class experience for long-haul flights.
Emirates
An experience close to owning a private jet
The airline's Boeing A380 and Boeing 777 first class cabins offer passengers the experience of true luxury.
The Emirates Boeing A380's first-class cabin has 14 seats, and the aircraft's larger, more spacious cabin allows for wider, more opulent suites. The first class cabin is on the upper deck. The suites are more spacious with sliding doors, offering more room to move around.
Emirates offers two shower suites on its A380 first class. There is also a bar at the back of the business class.
Passengers can transform their seats into fully flat beds and have the crew prepare the sheets for a pleasant night's sleep.
The airline also operates 132 Boeing 777s with seven different cabin configurations, not all of which include a first class cabin. The ones offering first class are in bold.
Boeing 777-300ER:
- 17 (type 73J) two class configured 42J 386M
- 31 (type 73M) three class ULR configured 8F 42J 304M
- 53 (type 73W) three class configured 8F 42J 310M
- 12 three-class ULR configured 8F 42J 306M. This aircraft features the Emirates "Game Changer" business class seat
- 9 three class ULR configured 6F 42J 306M, featuring the Emirates "Game Changer" First Private Suite and business class seat.
Boeing 380 - Upper deck:
- 14 refurbished suites configured 1-2-1
- Row pitch: 86"
- Seat width: 22" or 28" in bed mode
- Bed length: 75"
- Static 27" HD touchscreen display
Emirates Lounges are located in international airports across six continents, including Dubai. First and Business Class passengers, as well as Emirates Skywards Gold members flying in Economy, can take advantage of this service. Silver members can access lounges in Dubai. Business Class passengers flying with flydubai can use the Emirates Business Class Lounge at Terminal 3, and Skywards Gold and Platinum members traveling with flydubai can also access lounges from any class. Lounges are open 24 hours, and access requires a boarding pass.
Most of the airline's Boeing 777s feature its older first class product, with just eight seats in a 1-2-1 configuration.
Etihad Airways
Etihad First Apartments
The company offers a luxurious experience, starting with a chauffeur-driven ride to the airport. After Priority Check-in, passengers can wait in the First Lounge. Once onboard, customers can enjoy a drink from the chilled refreshments cabinet or loosen up in the Fitness Room and refresh with a shower.
Etihad’s first class cabin is located at the front of the upper deck, featuring nine first class apartments.
This product offers each passenger an 'apartment' with a spacious seat and a long bench that can serve as a buddy seat or a bed.
The suites include personal minibars, lighted vanities with Espa products, high-definition 24-inch touchscreens, and lavatories equipped with inflight showers.
Seat layout:
- Eight suites configured 1-2-1 based on the B/E Aerospace Oasis platform.
- The seat converts into an 80.5" long fully flat bed
- Seat width: 29.8"
Singapore Airlines
A 5-star Airline
Passengers can enjoy a private terminal annex with dedicated security and immigration. On the upper deck of the A380, in the suite, we can find a sliding door, spacious storage, and high walls for privacy.
The Boeing 777 also offers a first-class experience. The seat and footrest are covered in hand-stitched, luxurious leather, with diamond stitching that ensures comfort.
Seat layout:
- Four semi-enclosed leather seats, configured 1-2-1
- Each seat converts into an 82" long flat bed.
- Row pitch: 81"
- Seat width: 35"
Cathay Pacific
OneWorld Alliance member
Cathay Pacific's first class features luxurious bedding, amenities, and warm service.
When it's time to sleep, the seats are converted into one of the widest fully lie-flat beds available. The luxurious bedding includes a thick mattress, 600-thread-count linens, soft pillows, and a calming pillow mist.
The company is committed to offering a premium dining experience, whether it is a taste of classic dishes or international cuisine options.
Seat layout:
- Six suites are arranged 1-1-1 across two rows, comprising a 36" wide seat converted to an 81" long flat bed.
British Airways
British heritage and contemporary design
The UK's flagship carrier can offer a luxury travel experience beginning with spacious first-class suites.
First class can be found on Boeing 777-300s:
- The suite features eight individual spaces with sliding privacy doors, personal lockers, a vanity unit, and a mirror.
- The seat converts into a 79"-long, fully flat bed.
- The seat width is 22" (between armrests). It includes a 23" static HD touch screen for gate-to-gate content, two USB-A ports, and a universal 110V AC outlet providing up to 125 watts.
Seat layout:
- 14 First Suites. As British Airways' largest aircraft, the Airbus 380 offers the largest suite in terms of square footage, providing 30% more personal space and 60% more storage than equivalent Boeing 777 suites.
Japan Airlines
Luxury and comfort in Japanese style
Japan Airlines (JAL) is known for its sophisticated design and attention to detail.
JAL’s first-class cabin is equipped with private suites, each with a sliding door for added privacy and exclusivity. The seats recline into a bed with luxurious bedding and pillows for a restful sleep. Each suite has adjustable temperature, lighting, and seat position settings.
Prior to boarding, first-class passengers have access to JAL’s exclusive first-class lounge, which offers services such as gourmet meals, a quiet area for relaxation, and even private showers.
Seat layout:
- Twelve Tangerine-designed Jamco shell-enclosed recliner seats
- Pitch: 52.7"
- Seat width: 20.1"
Japan Airlines offers First Class on A350S, some 767s, 777, and 787s.
A350:
- Twelve Tangerine designed Jamco shell enclosed recliner seats
- Pitch: 52.7"
- Seat width: 20.1"
- Retractable 15.6" HD touchscreen display
- Adjustable divider screen
777:
- Eight individual spaces with a seat width of 22.8".
- The seat converts into a 33" wide, 78.3"-long flat bed. A retractable privacy screen separates suites D and G.
- The suite features a 23" HD touchscreen display with a wired remote control and includes universal AC and USB ports.
787:
- The seating configuration includes six shell-enclosed recliner seats with a pitch of 52.7" and a seat width of 20.1".
- Each seat features a retractable 15.6" HD touchscreen display and an adjustable divider screen for added privacy.
American Airlines
A premium product with customer's needs in mind
On long-haul international flights, American Airlines offers fully lie-flat seats in their first-class cabins. Adjustable headrests and ample legroom are also featured to ensure maximum comfort throughout the flight.
American Airlines only offers First Class on Boeing 777-300s.
First-class passengers can benefit from personalized concierge services that can help arrange ground transportation, hotel reservations, or other travel arrangements before or during the flight.
Seat layout:
- Safran (formerly Zodiac) Flagship Suites can function as a work desk, a lounger and a fully flat bed
- Seat width: 21.5”
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All Nippon Airlines
Japan's largest airline
Among many benefits, first-class customers can benefit from priority access through security and boarding lines, minimizing wait times.
In some airports, ANA offers a dedicated concierge or assistance through immigration and customs.
First-class passengers have access to the exclusive ANA Suite Lounge at select airports.
Seat layout:
- Eight Kengo Kuma and Acumen designed suites based on the JAMCO Serenity seat and branded "THE Suite"
- Each suite converts to an 81" long fully flat bed
- Seat width: 34"
Air France
A French touch at high altitude
Air France La Première is the airline's international first-class cabin. Customers can enjoy private suites with fully reclining seats that transform into beds and fine dining with gourmet French cuisine. Passengers can enjoy priority check-in and boarding, access to exclusive lounges, and a range of luxury products.
Seat layout:
- Four 32-square-foot La Première suites are constructed on a Collins Aerospace platform.
- Each suite features a 24" wide seat and an ottoman that converts into a 30" wide, 6'-7"-long flat bed
Qatar Airways
A multi-award winning airline
Their first-class cabins feature three windows, increased storage, and more space for feet and legs. The suites are spacious and offer a lie-flat bed, a large personal screen, and ample storage space for belongings.
On selected flights, first-class passengers can enjoy exclusive access to Qatar Airways’ luxurious Al Mourjan Business Lounge and partner lounges. These lounges offer a tranquil environment with gourmet dining, private spaces for relaxation, and premium amenities like showers and sleeping pods.
Seat layout:
- At the front of the upper deck
- Eight suites feature a leather-upholstered ottoman. The armrest has space for a water bottle, and there is a petite wardrobe behind the entertainment screen.
- All seats are equipped with an adjustable privacy screen on the aisle side.
- Seat width: 23"
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