There’s first class and then there’s first class. Some airlines will hand you pyjamas and a lie flat seat and call it a day. Others will pick you up in a Porsche, drive you across the tarmac to your plane, and serve you caviar while you shower at 40,000 feet. The difference between a good first class cabin and a great one is enormous.
I’ve tested over 10 first class products in the last few years and tracked every new suite launch, route change, and cabin refresh. This is my ranking of the 10 best first class airlines for 2026, based on the seats, the service, the food, the lounges, and how easy each one is to book with points.
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1. 🇸🇬 Singapore Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
- ✈️ Best For: The gold standard in first class with unmatched consistency
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First, Suites
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: KrisFlyer, part of Star Alliance
- 💡 Pro Tip: Delhi and Mumbai routes consistently have the best Suites award availability
Singapore Airlines A380 Suites is the cabin that other airlines measure themselves against, and for good reason. There are only six suites on the entire upper deck, which means three flight attendants looking after six passengers. The suite itself has a separate bed and a leather armchair that swivels to face a 32 inch screen, so you never have to wait for turndown service. The bed is already made and waiting for you whenever you want it.
If you’re traveling with someone, I recommend suites 1A and 2A or 1F and 2F. The crew can drop the partition between them and turn the space into a double bed setup that feels like a small hotel room at 40,000 feet. I’d skip the middle suites if you’re solo because the window seats feel more private and have better natural light.
Singapore Airlines takes dining seriously. Book the Cook lets you pre order your main course up to six weeks ahead, with options ranging from lobster thermidor to local favorites like laksa. Departing from Singapore means access to The Private Room, a lounge so exclusive that even regular first class passengers on other airlines can’t get in. Singapore Airlines flies the A380 Suites from Singapore to London, Sydney, Mumbai, Delhi, Auckland, and Frankfurt, with Dubai joining in March 2026.
- Read next: 12 Best Airlines to Fly to Singapore in 2026
2. 🇯🇵 Japan Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND)
- ✈️ Best For: The newest and most spacious first class suites in the sky
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: JAL Mileage Bank, part of oneworld alliance
- 💡 Pro Tip: Book with American Airlines AAdvantage miles for just 80,000 miles one way
Japan Airlines has quietly launched what many travelers are calling the best first class product in the world right now. Their new A350-1000 debuted in 2024 and features just six suites, meaning the cabin feels incredibly private and exclusive. Each suite takes up roughly the same footprint as nine economy seats, which gives you an idea of just how much space you’re working with.
The suites feel more like a small apartment than an airplane seat. You get a wide leather chair, a separate ottoman that fits another person for dining, and walls over five feet high for privacy. The 43 inch 4K screen is one of the largest in commercial aviation, and built in headrest speakers let you watch without headphones.
The food is what I love most about Japan Airlines first class. Menus are designed by chefs with multiple Michelin stars, and the Japanese kaiseki option is a multi course experience that rivals restaurants on the ground. They also pour Salon Champagne, which retails around $1,400 a bottle.
Japan Airlines flies the A350-1000 from Tokyo Haneda to New York JFK twice daily. Los Angeles, Dallas, London, and Paris. Chicago and San Francisco should get the new plane as more aircraft arrive through 2028. If you end up on the older 777-300ER, the first class is still excellent, though the new suites are worth seeking out if you can find availability.
- You’ll also enjoy this: Flying JAL Business Class: Inside Japan’s A350 Suites to Tokyo
3. 🇦🇪 Emirates
- 🏠 Hub: Dubai International Airport (DXB)
- ✈️ Best For: The iconic onboard shower and fully enclosed private suites
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Emirates Skywards
- 💡 Pro Tip: Try their fifth freedom routes like Newark to Athens for a shorter first class experience
Emirates is probably the first airline that comes to mind when people picture luxury flying, and for good reason. Their A380 first class lets you shower at 40,000 feet, enjoy unlimited caviar, and visit the onboard bar whenever you feel like stretching your legs. It feels theatrical, and that’s part of the fun.
The real gem is their “Game Changer” first class on select Boeing 777-300ERs. These suites are fully enclosed from floor to ceiling with real doors, climate control for your individual space, and a design that feels closer to a boutique hotel room than an aircraft cabin. The catch is that only nine planes have this product, so availability can be tricky and you’ll want to check the aircraft type before booking.
Emirates keeps the experience consistent on the ground too. The first class lounge in Dubai is massive, with private dining rooms, spa treatments, and enough space that it never feels crowded even when the airport is busy. Chauffeur service comes standard with your ticket in most cities.
Looking ahead, Emirates has 270 Boeing 777X aircraft on order with delivery expected to start in 2027. They’ve confirmed the new planes will feature updated first class suites and an onboard lounge. If you’ve been waiting to try Emirates first class, the current product is still fantastic, but the next generation is shaping up to be even more impressive.
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4. 🇦🇪 Etihad
- 🏠 Hub: Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
- ✈️ Best For: The most over the top luxury experience in commercial aviation
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Business, First, The Residence
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Etihad Guest
- 💡 Pro Tip: Book First Class with American Airlines miles, then upgrade to The Residence at seat selection
If you want the most extravagant flying experience money can buy, Etihad’s The Residence is it. We’re talking about a three room private suite on an airplane with a living room, separate bedroom with a double bed, and your own shower bathroom. It’s only available on their A380 aircraft, and there are just two Residences per plane. It’s one of the rarest experiences in aviation.
For most travelers, the First Apartment is the more realistic option, and it’s still incredibly impressive. You get a leather armchair and a separate bed (rather than a seat that converts), plus your own shower access shared among only nine first class passengers. There’s a personal minibar, a vanity mirror, and enough space to move around without feeling cramped.
The ground experience in Abu Dhabi sets a high bar. The first class lounge features a full service restaurant, relaxation rooms with beds, and a Six Senses spa where you can get treatments before your flight. Chauffeur service is included with your ticket.
Etihad currently flies their A380 to London, Paris, Singapore, and Toronto. Tokyo Narita is launching in June 2026. The Residence is now offered as an upgrade when you book First Class directly through Etihad, typically around $4,000 on top of your ticket depending on the route.
5. 🇶🇦 Qatar Airways
- 🏠 Hub: Hamad International Airport, Doha (DOH)
- ✈️ Best For: Understated elegance with world class service on every flight
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Business (Qsuite), First
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Privilege Club, part of oneworld alliance
- 💡 Pro Tip: Use Cathay Pacific Asia Miles to book with lower fees than most programs
I’ll be honest with you here. Qatar’s first class is excellent, but their Qsuite business class is so good that many travelers question whether the upgrade is worth it. The first class cabin has eight suites in a 1-2-1 layout with 26 inch screens and fully flat beds, though the seats don’t have enclosed doors like Singapore or Emirates. If privacy is your priority, you’ll notice the difference.
So why fly Qatar first class at all? Two words: Al Safwa. The first class lounge in Doha is one of the best airport experiences I can recommend. You get private bedrooms for sleeping during layovers, a full restaurant with à la carte dining, and a spa with treatment rooms. For long connections, it transforms what could be a frustrating wait into something you look forward to.
Qatar operates eight A380s with first class to London, Paris, Bangkok, Sydney, Perth, and now Singapore as of January 2026. Bangkok gets three daily A380 flights while London has been reduced to one. Qatar hasn’t announced first class plans for their newer aircraft. Since the A380 is no longer in production, this product has an expiration date. If experiencing Qatar first class matters to you, I wouldn’t wait too long to book it.
- Planning a trip to Doha? Read: Most Beautiful Places in Qatar (Gulf’s Best Secret)
6. 🇫🇷 Air France
- 🏠 Hub: Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
- ✈️ Best For: The closest thing to private jet travel on a commercial airline
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, La Première
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Flying Blue (SkyTeam alliance)
- 💡 Pro Tip: Watch for upgrade offers from business class since award seats are nearly impossible to find
If I had to pick one first class experience that comes closest to flying private, it would be Air France La Première. The ground experience in Paris is unlike anything else in commercial aviation. A Porsche picks you up and drives you to a private check-in area where staff handle everything while you sit down. You then get escorted through a dedicated security checkpoint to the La Première lounge, which has a restaurant by Alain Ducasse and a Sisley spa. When boarding time comes, another Porsche drives you directly across the tarmac to the aircraft.
The new suites that launched in 2025 are stunning. Each one has a leather seat and a separate chaise longue that converts into a two meter bed, giving you distinct spaces for sitting, lounging, and sleeping. With five windows per suite and no overhead bins, the cabin feels open and residential. There are only four suites per plane.
By summer 2026, La Première will fly to 14 destinations from Paris including eight US cities: New York, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco, Washington DC, Atlanta, Boston, and Houston. You’ll also find it on routes to Dubai, São Paulo, Singapore, Tokyo Haneda, and a few others. The catch is that booking La Première with miles is difficult. Award space is limited almost exclusively to Flying Blue’s highest status members. Your best bet is booking business class and watching for paid upgrade offers, which Air France does release from time to time.
7. 🇯🇵 ANA (All Nippon Airways)
- 🏠 Hub: Tokyo Haneda (HND) and Tokyo Narita (NRT)
- ✈️ Best For: The finest Japanese cuisine you’ll find at 35,000 feet
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business (The Room), First (The Suite)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: ANA Mileage Club (Star Alliance)
- 💡 Pro Tip: Book through Virgin Atlantic Flying Club for 72,500 miles one way, the best deal available
If you love Japanese food, ANA first class should be at the top of your bucket list. The kaiseki menu is stunning, with seasonal dishes presented in courses that rival what you’d experience at a high end restaurant in Tokyo. Pair that with Krug Grande Cuvée champagne and Hibiki 21 whisky on select routes, plus a proper caviar service, and you have one of the most memorable meals in the sky.
The Suite has eight seats with sliding doors, a 43 inch 4K screen, and Sony noise canceling headphones waiting at your seat. ANA provides 100% organic cotton pajamas, a Globe-Trotter amenity kit with high end Shiseido skincare, and Nishikawa bedding featuring Hungarian duck down. You also get complimentary WiFi for the entire flight and two dedicated lavatories with bidets for just eight passengers.
About 77% of ANA’s 777 fleet now has The Suite, and you’ll find it on all flights to London and New York JFK. Chicago and San Francisco are less consistent, with some days featuring the new cabin and others running the older product, so always verify the seat map before booking. The lounges in Tokyo are nothing special compared to what you’ll experience onboard, so save your appetite for the plane.
8. 🇩🇪 Lufthansa
- 🏠 Hub: Munich (MUC) and Frankfurt (FRA)
- ✈️ Best For: The most private first class suites in Europe with incredible ground experience
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First (Allegris)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Miles & More (Star Alliance)
- 💡 Pro Tip: Book through Aeroplan for consistent award availability without dynamic pricing
The main reason to fly Lufthansa first class is the First Class Terminal in Frankfurt, which operates as a completely separate building from the main airport. You get your own private security screening, a personal assistant, a restaurant with à la carte dining, a cigar lounge, bathrooms with full bathtubs, and when boarding time comes, a Porsche or Mercedes drives you directly across the tarmac to your plane. This alone makes routing through Frankfurt worthwhile.
The new Allegris first class cabin launched in January 2025 on their A350s and has just three suites with floor to ceiling walls and closing doors. Each suite has a bed over two meters long, heated and cooled seats, and a 43 inch 4K screen. The middle “Suite Plus” converts into one of the widest beds in commercial aviation at 1.2 meters, which is fantastic if you’re traveling solo and want to spread out. Onboard you’ll find Augustine Bader skincare, Porsche Design amenity kits, and the crew rotates through menus from Michelin starred guest chefs.
Allegris currently flies from Munich to New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and several Asian destinations, with the 747-8 retrofit and new A350-1000s arriving throughout 2026. Always confirm your flight shows “Allegris: New seat concept” when booking, because Lufthansa still operates plenty of older configurations on other routes. The product difference between old and new is significant.
9. 🇰🇷 Korean Air
- 🏠 Hub: Seoul Incheon (ICN)
- ✈️ Best For: The Boeing 747-8 nose experience and generous award availability
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Prestige (Business), First
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: SKYPASS (SkyTeam)
- 💡 Pro Tip: SKYPASS offers first class to the US at 80,000 miles during off-peak dates
If you’re an aviation geek like me, there’s something magical about sitting in the nose of a Boeing 747. Korean Air is one of the last carriers still flying the 747-8 in passenger service, and their Kosmo Suites 2.0 first class puts you right at the front of that iconic hump. The cabin has just six seats in a 1-1 configuration with sliding privacy doors, 34 inch monitors, and beds stretching to 80 inches. It feels like your own private cockpit up there, and that alone makes it worth seeking out.
The food is a highlight on Korean Air. There’s a choice of both Western dishes and traditional Korean cuisine, and I’d recommend going for the bibimbap every time. The crew brings it to your seat with all the ingredients in separate bowls and helps you mix it together tableside. The caviar course is elegant and the champagne list features bottles like Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque.
First class flies from Seoul to New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta, London, Paris, and Frankfurt. The 777-300ER also has Kosmo Suites 2.0 in a 1-2-1 layout if you’re traveling with someone. Fair warning though: WiFi is still missing on many long haul flights, which drives me crazy in 2026. Award availability through SKYPASS is surprisingly good, especially to the West Coast.
- You may also like: Airlines With the Fastest Wi-Fi (Ranked by a Pro Digital Nomad)
10. 🇨🇭 SWISS
- 🏠 Hub Zurich (ZRH) ✈️
- Best For Understated Swiss luxury and first class on every long haul flight
- 💺 Cabin Options Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First
- 🎯 Loyalty Program Miles & More (Star Alliance)
- 💡 Pro Tip Check in upgrades from business are often available for reasonable prices
SWISS is the only airline that puts a first class cabin on every single long haul aircraft. It doesn’t matter if you’re flying to New York, Tokyo, or Johannesburg because you’ll never get hit with an equipment swap that bumps you down to business. If you’ve been burned by last minute aircraft changes on other carriers, that kind of reliability is hard to ignore.
The brand new SWISS Senses first class launched in late 2025 on their A350s and it’s a serious upgrade. The suites have floor to ceiling walls with closing doors, and the front row offers something called the Grand Suite. Here, three seats can combine into one massive space for couples or families. Right now SWISS Senses is flying to Boston and Montreal, with the A330 fleet getting retrofitted through 2026 and the 777s following after.
If you end up on the older 777 or A330 product, aim for the 777. Those suites have sliding privacy screens and 32 inch displays, while the A330 seats feel more exposed. Food focuses on Swiss regional cooking with excellent cheese courses, and La Prairie skincare fills the lavatories. The first class lounge in Zurich has its own security checkpoint and à la carte dining, which is worth arriving early for.
Global Viewpoint is a personal blog. All content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional financial, medical, or legal advice.
