When flying first class, the quality of the seats can make a big difference in comfort during the flight. Factors like privacy, spaciousness, recline, and amenities can vary greatly depending on the airline. For ultimate luxury, many frequent flyers look for airlines with the best first class seats.
What should you look for in a great first class seat?
Some key features to look for when evaluating first class airline seats include:
- Fully lie-flat seats for sleeping – Many top carriers now offer seats that recline to a 180 degree flat position. This allows you to sleep very comfortably on long haul flights.
- Ample personal space – The seat itself, and the space around it, should provide enough room to stretch out without feeling cramped.
- Aisle access – Direct aisle access from every seat is ideal so you aren’t climbing over other passengers.
- Privacy – Suites with doors or high divider walls provide seclusion from other passengers.
- Entertainment/amenities – Large personal TV screens, power ports, adjustable lighting, and other amenities make for an enhanced experience.
How did we evaluate the airlines?
To compare first class seats across major carriers, we looked at factors like:
- Seat width – Wider seats provide more space and comfort in the air.
- Seat recline – The degree to which seats recline horizontally for sleeping.
- Bed length – For lie-flat seats, the total length with seat fully flat.
- Aisle access – Whether each seat has direct aisle access.
- Privacy – The amount of privacy from neighboring seats.
- Amenities – Entertainment screens, power ports, and other features that enhance the in-flight experience.
We compared these metrics across the top long-haul international airlines to see who offers the top first class experience.
10 Airlines with the Best First Class Seats
Based on seat comfort, amenities, and overall luxury, here are 10 airlines that stand out for first class:
1. Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines is renowned for its over-the-top first class suites, available on Airbus A380 and select Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The truly sumptuous suites feature sliding doors, swiveling chairs, and separate beds. At 82 inches pitch and 35 inches width, the seats provide exceptional space and comfort.
2. Emirates
Emirates offers private first class suites with industry-leading amenities. The suites feature retractable mini-bars, vanity tables, and seats that recline to fully-flat beds. At 40 square feet, they provide ample personal space. Extensive in-flight entertainment and fine dining make for a world-class experience.
3. Etihad Airways
Etihad’s 3-room “Residence” onboard its A380s is the ultimate in lavish air travel, with a living room, bedroom, and private bathroom. Even Etihad’s standard first class cabin stands out with private suites, an onboard lounge, and luxurious amenities. The seats are 28 inches wide and have an 83 inch pitch.
4. Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific offers an exceptionally comfortable first class product on its Boeing 777-300ER fleet. The well-designed seats recline to a fully flat length of 82 inches. Thoughtful details like separate air vents, massage functions, and ample storage make these seats a favorite among frequent flyers.
5. Lufthansa
Lufthansa’s first class seats onboard the 747-8 and A380 are instant classics. They provide outstanding comfort and space with industry-leading bed length and width. The fixed shell structure grants a high degree of privacy. With direct aisle access and plenty of storage, the seats are optimally designed.
6. ANA
ANA operates some of the most private first class suites among Japanese carriers. The well-constructed seats have lots of separation, with sliding doors and shields between neighboring suites. The seats are lie-flat with 80 inches of bed space. Plus, there’s ample dining on demand and entertainment options.
7. Swiss
Swiss aims to emulate a private jet experience with its first class cabin on select 777-300ER planes. The throne-like seating includes tons of privacy and space. When reclined to a bed, they provide an ample 82 inches in length. The ammenities, including Michelin-star dining, are top-notch.
8. British Airways
British Airways offers an exclusive first class experience on its refitted 777s and select 747s. The well-designed suites include closing doors, ambient lighting, and lie-flat beds up to 82 inches long. High-end amenities help make the journey a refined experience.
9. Air France
Air France’s “La Première” cabin lives up to its name with outstanding service and amenities. The seating includes curved shells for privacy, spacious lie-flat beds, and intuitive seat controls. From Champagne to loungewear, Air France does first class right.
10. Japan Airlines
Japan Airlines’ first class cabin on select 777-300ERs features Skysuite seating from B/E Aerospace. These well-designed suites include lie-flat beds up to 82 inches long. With just 8 seats, the cabin feels exclusive and intimate. The service is gracious, befitting Japanese hospitality.
Key Takeaways
When reviewing the top first class cabins around the world, a few key themes emerge:
- Fully lie-flat beds and direct aisle access have become standard for international first class.
- The very best seats feature ample privacy through enclosed suites, shields, or fixed shells around each seat.
- Seat dimensions of at least 28 inches wide and 80 inches+ bed length enable true comfort.
- Amenities make a difference – entertainment, dining, lounge access, and luxury touches enhance the experience.
- With ultra-luxury offerings, Middle Eastern and Asian carriers lead the way in first class quality.
While any first class seat is an indulgence, the airlines listed here set the bar for outstanding comfort on long-haul flights. For a once-in-a-lifetime splurge or using miles for an introductory first class flight, these airlines offer the most exceptional experiences.
Detailed Comparison of the Top First Class Cabins
For an in-depth look at exactly how the top airline first class products differ, here is a detailed comparison table:
Airline | Seat Width | Seat Pitch | Bed Length | Aisle Access | Privacy | Entertainment Screen Size |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Singapore Airlines | 35 inches | 82 inches | 82 inches | Direct | Suites with doors | 18 inches |
Emirates | 39 inches | 89 inches | 79 inches | Direct | Suites with doors | 24 inches |
Etihad | 28 inches | 83 inches | 80 inches | Direct | Suites with doors | 24 inches |
Cathay Pacific | 36 inches | 84 inches | 82 inches | Direct | Shells for privacy | 17 inches |
Lufthansa | 31 inches | 94 inches | 87 inches | Direct | Fixed shells | 15 inches |
ANA | 28 inches | 80 inches | 80 inches | Direct | Suites with doors | 17 inches |
Swiss | 23 inches | 82 inches | 82 inches | Direct | Shells for privacy | 17 inches |
British Airways | 27 inches | 81 inches | 82 inches | Direct | Suites with doors | 18 inches |
Air France | 31 inches | 81 inches | 81 inches | Direct | Fixed shells | 15 inches |
Japan Airlines | 25 inches | 82 inches | 82 inches | Direct | Shells for privacy | 17 inches |
Key Differences
Based on the data, you can observe some key differences between the various first class products:
- Middle Eastern carriers Emirates and Etihad have the widest seats, with Emirates topping 39 inches.
- Lufthansa’s first class has the longest bed length at 87 inches when fully reclined.
- Singapore, Emirates, and Etihad offer the most personal space with fully enclosed suites.
- Swiss and Japan Airlines have relatively narrower seats than the rest, at 23-25 inches wide.
- Entertainment screen sizes range considerably from 15 to 24 inches across airlines.
- Lie-flat beds 80-82+ inches are standard, with Lufthansa a cut above.
- Direct aisle access is guaranteed with all these products.
While they all provide excellent first class seating, you can see where each airline emphasizes different elements. This lets you select the carrier that best aligns with your key priorities for comfort, amenities, and service.
Factors Beyond the Seats
When choosing the best first class experience, it’s worth looking at factors beyond just the hard product. The soft service elements also make a major impact on the overall feel of the cabin.
Service and Dining
First class is all about elevated, personalized service. From being addressed by name to proactive drink refills, the human touches make a difference. The quality and presentation of in-flight dining also enhances the experience. Many airlines partner with celebrity chefs for exclusive first class menus.
Ground Experience
The luxury treatment often starts before boarding, with exclusive check-in areas and lounges. Etihad’s First Class lounge in Abu Dhabi even has a Six Senses Spa. Lounge amenities like premium bars, restaurants, and relaxation areas prolong the first class mood.
Entertainment and Wi-Fi
Large personal screens with on-demand entertainment are a must. Airlines are also improving inflight connectivity, with more offering Wi-Fi to stay productive or connected.
Amenities and Comfort Items
It’s the little touches that make first class sublime, like luxury skincare products, pajamas, and custom bedding. Airlines try to anticipate needs with amenities like humidifiers, noise-canceling headphones, and turndown service.
While hard products provide the framework, these soft service touches bring first class to life.
Conclusion
When considering the cream of the crop for first class airline seats, Singapore, Emirates, and Etihad lead the way with ultra-luxurious suites and cabins. Lufthansa, ANA, and Cathay Pacific also rate highly for comfort and optimal design. However, you can’t go wrong with any of the airlines on this list, as they represent the pinnacle of premium air travel.
While first class fares are understandably expensive, you can sometimes snag special deals or use miles to experience these premium seats. For a once-in-a-lifetime splurge or special occasion, treating yourself to one of these leading international first class cabins could make for an unforgettable trip.