The Pinnacle of Luxury: My Top 5 Best First Class Airlines

I recently published my first ranking of top airlines in Business class which was good fun! This follow on reveals my Top 5 best First Class airlines around the world.

I have decided to focus on a top 5 in this case rather than top 10 as there is simply far fewer airlines offering international First Class these days. Many of the world’s biggest airlines like American, Asiana, United have eradicated First Class altogether,  with others following that direction, soon a First Class experience may be ever more rare.

So what differentiates First Class from Business Class you wonder? Fundamentally, the seats are still bigger with a more intimate cabin. Expect more attentive and personalised service, top shelf champagne with Caviar, more private airport and lounge experience means there is still demand for such level of luxury. All together it’s a far more refined experience.

The Ranking Process

To keep things as consistent as possible I will largely use the criteria’s I applied for Business Class ranking with one specific addition. In essence, even on the same benchmark, what we are looking in the scoring is something that is of a higher quality, delivery more polished.

Ground Service –  As in Business this considers check-in experience, a more intimate lounge experience with complimentary spa treatments, fast track security, escorts to /from the plane etc

Staff – Here I would consider such things as communication, general manners and friendliness, ability to deliver above and beyond. 

Service standards – This is one would factors in crew availability, ratio of crew to passenger/responsiveness, wider airline communication, true dine-on-demand,  personalised welcome and turn-down, ability to control own cabin temperature and ambience

Physical Product – This includes the seats, layout of the cabin, privacy, noise levels, cabin ambience and lighting, storage etc

Food & Beverage – Including quality, range of choice, ability to order in advance. Here we are looking for availability of top shelf champagnes, cuisine designed by world renounced chefs, served in the finest China and with finer attention to detail with presentation

Entertainment – Range and quality of offering from movies, documentaries/Sports, Music, Interactive Games, Connectivity etc. The main differentiator here from Business would be much larger and higher definition IFE screens and 

Bed & Amenities – The length and width of the bed,  it’s a given that First Class beds do not have any restrictions in feet area, bedding and choice of pillows provided, some airlines provide separate beds entirely to the main seat

Customer Service – Everything before & after flying. Some airlines have dedicated support lines for First Class passengers where any requests can be expedited

Wow Factor – This is a new one here that is specifically relevant for a First Class experience. By very definition, a First Class experience should not be anything ordinary.

Airlines can achieve this wow factor in various ways, whether that is through a spectacular hard product bordering on private jet level of space, bars, shower spas, private escorts and chauffeur service. What is the airline doing to provide an experience above and beyond the ordinary?

As before each criteria will have a score out of 10, so the total will be out of 90. But to make things easier, I will convert them as a percentage! Now, enough of the criteria’s, lets see which airlines make it to the top 5!

Top 5 Best First Class Airlines

5. Japan Airlines ( Score 83% )

4. All Nippon Airways ( Score 84% )

3. Cathay Pacific ( Score 86% )

2. Singapore Airlines ( Score 91 % )

1. Emirates ( Score 93% )

Overall Thoughts

I would consider flying First Class on any of these airlines an absolute treat. Some of these airlines can provide a very different experience across different aircrafts, for example an Emirates newer 777 features the spectacular Game Changer product but does not feature the bar or shower Spas of it’s A380.

Similarly, Singapore Airlines 777 features a more standard First Class product whereas it’s A380 Suites is entirely another league. For simplicity, I have scored the airlines on each criteria across the board. I could have easily done a top 10 where both Emirates & Singapore Airlines would feature twice!

I also ranked Lufthansa First Class (80%) & British Airways First Class  (76%) coming in each 6th and 7th position respectively. I recently flew Oman Air First Class but did not rank them as they only have 2 aircrafts with First Class mostly flying to London only.

Notable airlines and product missing here would be Air France, I have no plans to fly them until 2025 after they launch a new First product.

Etihad’s A380 apartment, is a big contender that I have yet to fly due to many cancellations, but that will change end of 2024! So this may well feature in my next First Class roundup. For now here is a review of what Etihad A380 Apartments where like!

What do you think of these rankings?