Top 20 First Class Airlines in the World in 2025

dailyblitz.de 2 hours ago

Skytrax has released its list of the top 20 first-class airlines in the world in 2025. The recipients of the prestigious award were selected for their comprehensive experience, which ranged from ground perks for premium travellers, such as separate queues for check-ins and lounges, to the on-board hard product and the service delivered by the cabin crew of each nominated airline.

Here is a look at the 20 best-ranked carriers in the world for their first-class experience.

Top 20 First Class Airlines in the World in 2025

1. Singapore Airlines (SQ/SIA)

Singapore Airlines offers first-class on its Airbus A380s and Boeing 777-300ERs. The product on the double-decker is far superior, although the service on the 777s is just as hospitable.

Flying on routes like London, Sydney, and New York via Frankfurt, their A380 first-class delivers what feels like an airborne hotel room. Each suite includes sliding doors, a standalone bed, and a leather armchair, which provides unmatched privacy.

Dining is curated by top chefs from each destination where the product is available, paired with vintage alcohol, and every detail boasts precision. Passengers are offered pyjamas, Lalique amenity kits, and Book the Cook service.

On the ground, there’s a private check-in and one of the best lounges in the world at Changi. The staff at SQ need no introduction and do their level best to ensure a fantastic experience.

2. Emirates (EK/UAE)

Emirates has a fairly consistent first-class product on its Airbus A380s and Boeing 777-300ERs, although newer twin-engine variant planes have the Game Changer model of the suite.

Available on practically every route Emirates operates, these enclosed suites, soft leather, vanity mirrors, minibars, and zero-gravity seating are the perfect hard product. On the A380, passengers can shower mid-flight.

Dining is on demand with caviar service, expensive champagnes, and Arabic hospitality at its finest. Their chauffeur service picks you up and drops you off in most cities, and in Dubai, first-class passengers enjoy a lounge the size of a terminal, with direct boarding access.

For those looking to experience first class in a glamorous and loud manner, Emirates has to be the obvious choice.

3. Air France (AF/AFR)

Air France’s selected Boeing 777-300ERs offer their first class product, known as La Première. While already a leading option, it is also undergoing a revamp, and a newer version will soon be in the skies.

Flying routes like New York, Los Angeles, and Sao Paulo, it epitomises French luxury. The suite isn’t fully enclosed, but elegant curtains and thoughtful design offer privacy nonetheless. The cabin only has four seats, meaning exclusivity is at its finest.

Ground service is unrivalled as you’re chauffeured from lounge to aircraft in a BMW, and the La Première lounge at CDG features private dining and spa treatments. Onboard, one can expect caviar, champagne, and menus crafted by Michelin-starred chefs.

The crew is discreet but always doing their best to refine the customer experience, thus providing a great, quiet luxury experience.

4. Cathay Pacific Airways (CX/CPA)

Cathay Pacific Airways offers first-class only on a few Boeing 777-300ERs, but that is also soon going to be phased out, with the new Aria Suite business class expected to take over in a few years, and the airline entirely shifting its top-of-the-line product to the Boeing 777X.

Cathay’s first class is still available on flights to London, New York, and Tokyo, and is a sanctuary of peace and space. With just six open suites, each offering wide leather seats that become some of the longest beds in the sky, the experience is synonymous with minimalism and calm.

Soft lighting, premium bedding by Bamford, and rich wooden accents create a spa-like environment. The crew offers flawless service, balancing efficiency with genuine warmth. Guests enjoy Cantonese and international dishes, champagne, and a well-curated wine list.

While ground services are quieter than some rivals, The Pier First Class Lounge in Hong Kong remains one of the most serene airport experiences around, with varied dining and a spa.

5. Lufthansa (LH/DLH)

Lufthansa has a more widespread offering of its first-class product than some of its rivals, and the new Allegris suite is one of the industry’s latest offerings.

The product houses enclosed first-class suites with 43-inch screens, lie-flat double beds, and personal wardrobes. The design feels modern and functional. On the ground, the First Class Terminal in Frankfurt is unique. It has its passport control, private rooms, fine dining, and chauffeur service to the aircraft in a Porsche or Mercedes.

Onboard, passengers can expect global cuisines, caviar, and a selection of aged wines. The service is crisp and efficient, with cabin crew not going above and beyond like they do at Asian carriers, but doing enough to make sure the customers walk away happy.

6. All Nippon Airways (NH/ANA)

All Nippon Airways’ suite in first class has been widely viewed as one of the most influential premium hard products in the sky, which was subsequently used by other airlines as an inspiration for their own.

Flying on routes like Tokyo to London and New York, ANA’s suites deliver one of the most private and luxurious first-class experiences in the sky. Each private suite offers soft leather, a large 4K entertainment screen, and plenty of storage compartments.

But it’s the soft product that shines as cabin crew provide a fine dining experience, thoughtful hospitality, and attentive care. ANA’s first class lounges in Tokyo, though not flashy, are peaceful, with noodle bars and elegant minimalism. Sleep comes easily thanks to the thick mattress toppers and bedding.

Ground service is smooth, but it’s onboard where ANA really stands out as everything feels well-organised and inspired by Japanese hospitality and perfectionism.

7. Japan Airlines (JL/JAL)

Japan Airlines has a fantastic first-class product on its Airbus A350-1000, while its offering onboard the Boeing 777-300ER is also robust and industry-leading, as far as the hard product is concerned.

It is flown on routes like Tokyo to New York and Dallas, and provides fully enclosed suites with sliding doors, an ultra-wide seat, and private wardrobes. It blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern design. Ambient lighting, wood finishes, and an elegant colour palette create a calm, luxurious environment.

Dining is a multi-course offering, led by Japanese chefs and accompanied by rare sake and fine champagne. The crew is also very attentive and warm. Passengers are gifted with custom pyjamas and Maison Kitsune amenity kits.

On the ground, lounges in Tokyo Haneda and Narita provide a refined pre-flight atmosphere with curated cuisine and whisky bars to help passengers feel at ease before even getting onto the plane.

8. Swiss Air (LX/SWR)

Swiss Air has one of the best European first-class products and has long led the way in the continent, providing exceptional service and hospitality aboard its Airbus A330s, Airbus A340s, Boeing 777-300ERs, as well as brand new Airbus A350-900s.

The cabin includes eight wide seats that convert into long flat beds, with privacy dividers and calming lighting. Each suite features a 32-inch screen, a personal wardrobe, and fine linens.

The ground experience is equally polished. Zurich’s First Lounge has an a la carte restaurant, hotel-type day rooms, and also a private security lane. Meals on board are inspired by Switzerland’s regional cuisine, and the service is warm without being extravagant.

9. Qatar Airways (QR/QTR)

Qatar Airways exclusively offers first class on its Airbus A380-800, whereas on routes within the Middle East and close quarters of Doha, it brands its business class offering on other aircraft as first class.

Flying from Doha to London, Paris, and Bangkok, the suite is not fully enclosed, but it’s elegant, wide, and comfortable. The service is impeccable, and flyers can expect fine dining on demand, including caviar and Arabic mezze, paired with popular champagnes and award-winning wine.

There’s a separate onboard lounge exclusively for first and business class, where passengers can enjoy cocktails or stretch mid-flight. Ground perks include fast-track immigration and access to the Al Safwa First Lounge in Doha, which is a stunning space featuring museum-quality design, a la carte dining, quiet rooms, and a spa.

It’s the ideal product for travellers who want to enjoy privacy and personalised service.

10. British Airways (BA/BAW)

British Airways’ first class is available on its Airbus A380s as well as some of its Boeing 777s and Boeing 787s, and has been nicely refined over the years, with the product on the twin-engine jets featuring a modern-looking suite.

The hard product features sliding privacy doors, a large IFE screen, and improved bedding by The White Company. Amenity kits are from Temperley London, and menus have improved with seasonal and organic foods, fine wines, and an expanded champagne list.

On the ground, passengers can enjoy The First Wing at Heathrow T5, featuring private check-in, fast-track security, and access to the Concorde Room lounge with its restaurant-style service and pre-flight cocktails.

Crew service is personable, with a very British blend of charm and precision. It may not dazzle like some Middle Eastern rivals, but it delivers comfort, space, and a well-rounded experience.

11. Qantas Airways (QF/QFA)

Qantas provides first class on its Airbus A380s, offering connections to passengers flying to Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Singapore, London, and Los Angeles. Soon, it will also launch a new product for Airbus A350-1000s for Project Sunrise.

While not enclosed, the spacious leather recliners turn into fully flat beds with luxurious Sheridan bedding. Service is delivered with warmth and genuineness, and helps create a relaxed atmosphere. Dining features modern Australian cuisine such as grilled barramundi, paired with local wines and top champagne.

The First Lounge in Sydney is a big highlight, offering a la carte dining, spa treatments, and panoramic views. Amenity kits are stylish, and the entertainment is extensive, making it a functional experience from start to finish.

12. Etihad Airways (EY/ETD)

Etihad Airways offers first class on its Boeing 777s and Boeing 787s, while its Airbus A380 offers a truly outstanding experience, especially in The Residence, which houses a separate room.

Each apartment includes a reclining chair, a separate bed, a full-length wardrobe, and a vanity unit. The space is vast, private, and incredibly well-designed. There’s even an onboard shower and a shared lounge called The Lobby.

On the ground in Abu Dhabi, passengers enjoy private lounges with a la carte dining and chauffeur service. Dining in the air is curated with destination preferences in mind, with Arabic and Western dishes served on demand.

The service is quiet, personal, and discreet. Etihad’s aesthetic blends soft tones, leather, and luxury without going overboard, therefore ensuring a tranquil and luxurious setting onboard.

13. Saudia (SV/SVA)

Saudia is the fourth Middle Eastern airline to feature in the list and shows every airline’s exceptional commitment from the region to provide a luxurious experience onboard.

Saudia’s first class, available on their Boeing 777-300ERs on routes like Riyadh to London and Jeddah to Kuala Lumpur, offers a product rooted in Arabian luxury and restraint. The new enclosed suites have wide leather seating, large entertainment screens and elegant finishes.

There’s no alcohol onboard, but the non-alcoholic drinks and mocktails are thoughtfully crafted. The menu includes regional specialities like lamb kabsa and lentil soup, alongside international favourites.

Ground services include dedicated check-in and lounge access in major hubs, with spaces offering date platters, Arabic coffee, and prayer areas. The service onboard is respectful and increasingly polished, whereas amenity kits and pyjamas feel premium, and privacy is prioritised.

14. Korean Air (KE/KAL)

Korean Air’s first class is featured on Boeing 777-300ERs and a few Boeing 747-8s, with its Kosmos Suites 2.0 product also rapidly getting introduced onto its fleet.

The aircraft operates routes to New York, London, and Los Angeles, and the cabin is refined and calm, with soft lighting and a colour palette that soothes. Suites are semi-enclosed with wide leather seats that convert to generous flat beds.

Dining is elegantly curated—traditional Korean dishes sit alongside Western classics, and the champagne list includes rich offerings. The cabin crew are polite, warm and attentive, offering graceful service with a smile. Amenity kits include luxury skincare items, and sleepwear is high-quality.

Lounges in Seoul are stylish, though not over the top, focusing more on calm than glitz.

15. Thai Airways (TG/THA)

Thai Airways’ first class flies on 777-300ERs from Bangkok to cities like London, Tokyo, and Frankfurt.

Though not fully enclosed, the wide, wood-accented suites with privacy partitions feel spacious and warm. Thai’s service is soft-spoken, gracious, and personal, and passengers enjoy authentic Thai meals like green curry and spicy tom yum, accompanied by champagne and tropical desserts.

The airline’s Royal Orchid Spa in Bangkok is a standout, offering complimentary massages to first-class guests. Amenities are elegant, and the cabin decor reflects traditional aesthetics. It’s not the newest product in the sky, but it retains a classical charm.

16. Oman Air (WY/OMA)

Oman Air is the flag carrier of Oman, based in Muscat, the capital of the country. Their first class product is available on selected Airbus A330 and Boeing 787 aircraft operating routes to Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and London.

Oman Air’s first class offers a truly intimate experience. With just six suites per cabin, passengers are cocooned in privacy. The suite itself is wide, with closing doors, a lie-flat bed, and rich materials like leather and dark wood panelling.

Dining includes both Arabic and Western dishes, which are elegantly presented, and service is proactive and respectful. On all first-class flights, champagne is offered, and the wine selection has some leading offerings.

Ground perks include a dedicated first-class check-in and the premium lounge in Muscat, which features a la carte dining and private spaces. For those seeking an alternative to bigger Gulf carriers, Oman Air offers elegance without the price tag of its competitors.

17. Garuda Inonesia (GA/GIA)

Garuda Indonesia offers one of the world’s most exclusive first-class hard products, operating from Jakarta, its primary hub, to Amsterdam, London, seasonally, and Tokyo.

There are just a handful of suites, each one semi-private, with generous recliners, large screens, and elegant design touches. But it’s the crew that truly elevates the experience, as their gentle service and warmth are unparalleled.

Dining features Indonesian classics like rendang and satay, as well as global fare, served course-First class check-in in Jakarta is smooth, and lounge access offers calm with a la carte meals and quiet zones. Garuda may not match rivals in hardware, but the hospitality is top of the class.

18. China Eastern Airlines (MU/CES)

China Eastern’s first class, seen mainly on their Boeing 777-300ERs flying long-haul routes like Shanghai to New York or Paris, is one of Asia’s lesser-known premium offerings. The suites are wide, private, and feature large entertainment screens, plush bedding, and tasteful gold accents.

While the hard product is solid, it’s the soft touches that stand out. One can expect multi-course Chinese meals as well as Western options. Champagne and high-end teas round off the meal service.

Lounges in Shanghai are elegant but not extravagant. Cabin crew vary in consistency, but when they’re good, they’re truly polished and hospitable. China Eastern is one of the world’s most rapidly improving airlines, and its first class is worth a shot.

19. China Airlines (CI/CAL)

Taiwan’s China Airlines offers a refined first class aboard its 777-300ERs on routes across the Pacific, such as Taipei to Los Angeles and San Francisco. The cabin is small, consisting of just six suites with wood-inspired textures, privacy screens, and wide lie-flat beds.

The vibe is quiet, elegant, and spacious. Dining is a highlight with Taiwanese delicacies like braised pork rice and premium seafood dishes, served alongside Western choices. Champagne and tea service are well curated, and the onboard service is discreet and friendly.

Lounges in Taipei offer a peaceful escape with decent food options and modern design. While China Airlines doesn’t have the most popular first class, it holds up well among Asian rivals.

20. Kuwait Airways (KU/KAC)

Kuwait Airways’ refreshed first class on its 777-300ERs and A330neos is a hidden gem and underrated offering when flying from Kuwait to cities like New York, London, and Bangkok. The suites come with closing doors, wide seats, ambient lighting, and plush bedding.

The cabin design leans on deep blues and silvers, which are stylish without being loud. Dining includes traditional Middle Eastern fare and international options, elegantly plated with a strong non-alcoholic beverage list.

Ground experience in Kuwait City includes dedicated first-class check-in, lounge access with live cooking stations, and quiet rooms. Alcohol isn’t served in-flight, but the hospitality is respectful and dignified, whereas the cabin crew offer personalised, courteous service.