If you’ve ever hesitated to upgrade from business to first class, hesitate no longer. Comfortable bedding, luxurious amenities and caviar served in handcrafted Italian crystal transform the in-flight experience from mediocre to heavenly. Now is the time to relish this encounter.
Discover what the most luxe airlines in the world are doing differently in 2023.
Swiss International Air lines
Standout feature:
On long-haul flights, convert your comfortable armchair-style seat into a flat bed for the ultimate rest.
Emirates
Whether you choose to travel first class on the Emirates A380 or Boeing 777, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in an award-winning experience, according to customers who voted Emirates as the World’s Best First Class 2020 in the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards. If you’ve ever dreamed of having total privacy and comfort, the A380’s private suite is the way to go. Simply slide your doors shut, adjust the ambient lighting and call upon staff when you’re ready to turn your private entertainment space into a slumber chamber.
Standout feature:
On the A380 flight, enjoy an allergy-free luxury Byredo skincare set that includes sleep oil and pillow mist for a blissful sleep experience – plus take advantage of the shower spa to fully wake yourself up after a blissful night’s sleep.
All Nippon Airways (ANA)
From fluffy light pillows that boast Hungarian white duck down to the Tenerita blanket and lounge wear made from 100 percent organic cotton, a flight on ANA has all the makings of a comfortable night’s sleep. The airline is also renowned for its industry-leading cuisine that’s prepared by a group of celebrity chefs and liquor professionals. On the menu, you’ll find snow crab salad served with smoked Japanese scallops and a hint of caviar or deep-fried Japanese icefish dusted with salt-pickled cherry blossoms.
Standout feature:
On the A380, relax and enjoy your favorite film on the 32-inch LCD widescreen monitor within your private cabin.
Air France
First class passengers with Air France will enjoy the La Première suite, which emanates sophistication with its leather and suede textiles and metallic finishes. With its classic look and feel, these cabins include curtains that can be drawn, a bedside lamp and an ottoman to rest your feet on. And, as you’d imagine, the dining experience showcases the best of French vineyards and a gourmet menu that is tailored to the destination. Expect a beautifully curated dining experience featuring the masters of French tableware.
Standout feature:
The feeling of exclusivity begins long before stepping into the aircraft as the airline provides a personal Hertz DriveU ride in select French cities. Once on board, enjoy entertainment in 12 different languages on the intuitive touchscreen interface and Denon over-the-ear headphones.
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways is already renowned for its legendary Business Class experience and First Class Lounge – Al Safwa First Class Lounge – for those transiting through Doha, but its first class offering has some distinct features. As you ascend Qatar Airways’ A380 staircase, you’ll notice the spaciousness of its First Class suites. For additional privacy, the partitions can be raised or lowered at the push of a button and the ultra-wide seats recline into a flat bed. To make the most of this experience, be sure to try the designer loungewear by The White Company and Diptyque’s amenity kits.
Standout feature:
The on-demand a la carte menu allows passengers to indulge in mouth-watering meals whenever they choose. One of the airline’s finest features is its signature caviar service that’s accompanied with warmed buttermilk blinis and toasted bread.
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