I am a big fan of airline products and each year publish a list listing the best first-class products, best lounges, and best business class seats. First, let me briefly discuss my method for ranking first-class airlines. Then I'll go into my rankings with explanations of each.
OMAAT Flight Reviews: Why you should trust them
This is not something I have to tell OMAAT regular readers. However, it is something I feel I should mention for those who aren't regular OMAAT readers.
Mainstream media outlets rank different first-class airlines all the time, but almost always they are relying on stock media images and how airlines describe first class products.
OMAAT flight reviews: Why should you trust them?
All of my flights are paid for by me, with either cash or miles
Except for a few rare exceptions, I don't tell airlines that I review flights. I try to keep my identity as private as possible.
I've flown all the first-class airlines I can rank and almost every first-class product in the world. Kuwait Airways is my only exception.
I don't have any financial relationship with any airline.
This is my passion. I have been reviewing airlines for over 15 years. I've written hundreds upon hundreds of flight reviews and logged millions of miles.
It is rare that a site can provide all the information. In the case of Skytrax, I would like to see more transparency about the financial relationship between them and the airlines they rank.
My Methodology For Ranking First Class Airlines
Please note that all reviews are subjective. This is intentional.
Others might argue that you should be objective and use a scorecard for ranking them. However, that doesn't do justice to some of the unique touches offered by airlines and the variation in flight experience from one airline to another.
It is not something you can score on a scorecard that makes first class great. But it is the intangible feeling that you get when you fly with an airline.
Another problem is that all of the best first-class products are truly exceptional. All of these airlines are likely to score a 90+ on a 100 point scale.
For example, I value inflight Wi Fi, but not every airline offers it in first-class. This is the problem with the scorecard approach. Wi-Fi is something many people don't care about, so if I were to rate it at 10 points on a 100-point scale, it would automatically place any airline without it last.
My rankings are subjective. What I rank #1 for you may be number 10 for you and vice versa. That's fine, I don't think anyone is wrong.
I have flown on all of the airlines in the list.
Why Rankings Aren't Fully Updated This Year
It has been difficult to keep up my list of world's top first-class products since the outbreak of the pandemic.
Some airlines have temporarily suspended first class and grounded planes.
Some airlines have decided to retire their most long-haul aircraft. This list includes the first class product I ranked.
Many airlines have made adjustments to their inflight service in response to the pandemic. As you would expect, I haven't been able fly all these first-class products over the past 18 months.
However, I believe it is important to keep this list up-to-date. So here's what I will do:
My rankings will not change from early 2020, the last time I published them.
Each product will have a note indicating any changes in availability or comments from the airline about the future of the product.
Even if certain airlines have indicated they will retire certain planes from their fleets, I won't take them off the top of the best first-class products list just yet. All of this could change. Weve seen so many airlines backtrack, that it is too early to be certain.
Hopefully, the above is clear. In 2022, I will be able to update rankings so that they reflect the long-term changes in airlines' operations.
The 12 World's Best First Class Airlines
After all that, here are my top 12 first-class airlines.
Please note that this post is only for the onboard experience. I also rank first-class lounges separately.
Emirates' new first class was introduced on selected Boeing 777-300ERs many years ago. The product is amazing. Emirates was the first airline to offer fully enclosed first-class suites.
Suites don't just have doors to add privacy but are also enclosed floor-to ceiling (Air France has curtains which go floor-to floor, but I find that to be a different thing). This is something I love as a person who values privacy.
Emirates first class seat Boeing 777-300ER
Emirates first class suite Boeing 777-3000ER
It is thoughtfully designed with great attention to detail. You can adjust the temperature and lighting in the suite.
Emirates first class bed Boeing 777-300ER
It's also a great soft product, with everything from the free-flowing Dom Perignon to their dine-on-demand menu that offers a wide range of delicious options (including caviar).
Catering for Emirates First Class Seats
Although Emirates A380s do not have impressive seats, they offer the luxury of onboard bars and showers, which is a great perk.
This is due to the fact that only nine Emirates 777s have these suites. These first-class suites are only available on nine Emirates 777s. There is no plan to retrofit any existing aircraft with these suites. These seats will be available on the upcoming Boeing 777Xs, but they won't join Emirates fleet until 2024.
First class products are excellent, but then there's Air France first class. Air France's 777-300ER first cabin is composed of one row of seats in a 1-2-1 configuration. This cabin is so elegant that the airline offers curtains to wrap around your suite instead of offering doors.
Air France First Class Seat Boeing 777-300ER
Air France's first-class soft product is what really makes it stand out. Air France has the best food I have ever had, the service is impeccable and so French, and each aspect of the experience is well thought out.
Air France first-class catering
Air France offers the most comfortable bed in the sky. I love the ability to drape a curtain around my seat to keep it private when it's time to go to sleep.
Air France first class bed Boeing 777-3000ER
Air France first is, in my opinion, the best-rounded first product. Although Emirates is my favorite in terms of onboard experience, I think Air France has the best first-class experience. Air France also offers the best first-class lounge experience at Paris Charles de Gaulle.
Air France's first class could be improved in several areas, including Wi-Fi. However, that feature is currently being developed. Although currently only the 777-300ERs are first class, it is possible that future deliveries of A350s will include first class.
This product is my personal favorite first-class product. ANA introduced amazing new products in mid-2019. They are now available on selected 777-300ERs.
I used to prefer Japan Airlines first class to All Nippon Airways, but this is no longer true. ANA has made its seats more comfortable and spacious.
All Nippon Airways First Class Cabin Boeing 777-300ER
All Nippon Airways first-class bed Boeing 777 -300ER
ANA's new 777s also have complimentary, improved high-speed Wi Fi. This is a lot better than the old system.
This product is truly world-class when you add in ANA's outstanding service, food (including Krug champagne), and amenities.
All Nippon Airways first-class catering
All Nippon Airways first-class catering
Garuda Indonesia is another airline which offers a consistent experience and personalizes your travel experience, from the moment you arrive at the airport until the time you depart. Eight suites are available in the first class of Garuda Indonesia. Although the hard product is excellent, it is not as good as some other products.
Garuda Indonesia first class cabin Boeing 777-300ER
The soft product is perfect in every way. Garuda Indonesia has the best flight attendants, and even a chef onboard in first class.
Five great, excellent wine pairings are available, as well as exceptional presentation and free Wi-Fi for first-class passengers. You can also make any special requests before you fly if you wish.
Garuda Indonesia first class catering
It is the crew that makes the experience. Many people agree that Garuda Indonesia has the best cabin crew. On both my first and second class flights, the warmth I felt from Garuda Indonesia flight attendants was unparalleled.
Garuda Indonesia crew
Garuda Indonesia's bedding is the only thing that can be improved. It is not as luxurious as other airlines', but it is still good.
Garuda Indonesia's first-class product might soon be gone. Only two Garuda Indonesia plans currently offer first class. The airline is currently undergoing a restructuring that will see it retire its 777s. This would mean the end of first-class. We'll see how it develops.
Singapore Airlines is a well-known airline. In late 2017, the airline launched its new suites. You might be surprised to see this not in the top few places on my list.
These suites are stunning. They are in a 1-to-1 layout with six suites on the A380's upper deck. Singapore has allocated more space to first-class passengers than any other airline.
Singapore Airlines Suites cabin Airbus A380
The suites have a seat as well as a separate bed. This is a very nice feature.
Singapore Airlines Suites Airbus A380
Singapore Suites may be the best first-class soft product in the world on a good day. The food on a Singapore flight is usually excellent. There's often caviar, satay and other goodies. You can book your cook ahead of time and choose from a large menu that is not available elsewhere onboard.
Singapore Airlines Suites Catering
Singapore is the only airline that offers Krug and Dom Perignon onboard. This is an amazing choice.
Singapore Airlines Suites Champagne
Singapore Airlines offers excellent service.
How can I not rank this product higher based on these facts? This is a very sad statement. Singapore Airlines didn't really think about the suites. Although the cabin is beautiful and the seats are impressive, the components of the cabin are not great.
The seat is a bit wobbly and offers limited recline. The aisle is the only way to eat, as you are looking at another passenger. It is not as big as on other airlines and it is extremely difficult to get into the bed. Air flow is restricted because there are no individual airnozzles.
All things considered, this product is still of high quality. Despite the investment Singapore Airlines made in the Suites, it was disappointing that they weren't used more creatively to create the most comfortable bed on an airplane. It was certainly possible with the available space.
At the moment, however, that's not a realistic option as Singapore Airlines' entire A380 fleet has been grounded. We hope that this will change in the next months.
Cathay Pacific has the only first class on Boeing 777-3000ERs. Six seats are available in first class, and they come in a 1-1/1 configuration. Although the seats aren't completely enclosed, they are angled away from each other and enough space so that they don't need to be. This makes the product less claustrophobic and I like it.
Cathay Pacific first-class cabin Boeing 777-3000ER
Cathay Pacific's bed is one of the most comfortable in the sky. The bed is large and the bedding has been greatly improved over the years.
Cathay Pacific first-class bed Boeing 777-3000ER
It is a pleasure to be able to dine with someone I love. A date night at 37,000 feet with champagne and caviar is an amazing experience. Cathay Pacific also offers full-service dining, even on late night departures.
Cathay Pacific crews also are consistent and responsive. They are always available during meals and respond quickly to your requests during flight.
The airline has also installed Wi-Fi throughout its fleet. First class Cathay Pacific passengers get free Gogo 2Ku Wi-Fi. This is a great deal.
Cathay Pacific first-class catering
Japan is the country with the highest level of pride in its service industry. This is evident when you fly Japan Airlines first class. It's like visiting Japan without ever leaving your home. Japan Airlines offers fully flat first-class seats with direct aisle access. However, the seats don't stand out as much.
Japan Airlines first class cabin Boeing 777-300ER
The outstanding food (caviars, sushi, wagyu beef etc.) is what really stands out. Champagne, fast Wi-Fi access, champagne and the option to adjust the firmness of your mattress pads are just a few of the highlights.
Japan Airlines first class catering
Japan Airlines first class champagne
As far as I'm concerned, the Japan Airlines first-class soft product is very close to perfect.
Etihad was first airline to offer a single-aisle first class configuration on its A380s.
Etihad Airways first class cabin Airbus A380
The First Class Apartments, or as they are known, will blow your mind. The first time I boarded an Etihad Airliner, I was speechless.
Etihad Airways first class suite Airbus A380
Etihad offers a menu on-demand with a variety of customization options and an onboard shower. The second largest area dedicated to first class passengers is also available.
Etihad Airways first class catering
There are areas where Etihad favors style over substance. Although the suite is large, the design is not very practical. The seat is too far back and the bed isn't as big. This is also the problem I have with Singapore's new Suites.
This is probably a product that will not be available again. Etihad intends to retire its entire Airbus A380 fleet. This means that five Boeing 787-9s will be the only planes with first class. These planes offer a much inferior first class product. Let's see what happens.
Korean Air has a consistent first-class product. The 747-8 has six seats at the nose, which is my favorite first-class cabin.
Korean Air first class cabin Boeing 747-8
The seats are large, the amenities are top-notch, and the food is excellent.
Korean Air first class bed Boeing 747-8
Korean Air champagne in first class
Korean Air's entertainment selection and insufficient Wi-Fi are the only things I don't love.
Good news: This product will still be available for some time as Korean Air plans on keeping 747-8s in service into the 2030s.
Maybe I'm biased because of my German heritage, but I love Lufthansa's first class for its consistency and elegance. Although Lufthansa does not have the most luxurious first-class seats, the cabins are beautiful (in a German manner), and the service is excellent. The airline is also consistent in its offerings.
Lufthansa first-class cabin Boeing 747-8
I feel at home in Lufthansa's first class because of the pre-flight champagne, nuts and roses.
Lufthansa champagne in first class
Lufthansa first-class catering
Lufthansa offers great first-class bedding and free Wi-Fi for first-class passengers.
It's a toss up between Lufthansa and SWISS first classes, so I could just as easily have ranked SWISS higher than Lufthansa. The first class cabins of the SWISS 777-30ER have eight seats in a 1-2-1 configuration.
SWISS first class cabin Boeing 777-300ER
Lufthansa's food presentation and quality is definitely better than Lufthansa's, even though they don't always have caviar.
SWISS first-class catering
SWISS first class has been great, but I have also experienced some poor service.
SWISS first-class bedding is soft and comfortable. It is the perfect place to get a good night's sleep.
SWISS first class bed Boeing 777-300ER
Oman Air launched a first class product a few years back. It is only available on its 787-9s that fly between Muscat (Muscat) and London (London). The cabin has eight seats and is configured in a 1-2-1 format. They are not the largest seats but they are very comfortable and feature a clean design.
Oman Air first class cabin Boeing 787-9
Oman Air first class bed Boeing 787-9
Oman Air's soft product Cristal champagne is what makes it so special. It offers a customized menu you can order ahead and beautiful Omani touches.
Oman Air first-class catering
It is not technically a first-class product but it is one of the most amazing experiences you can have in commercial air travel. It is also very expensive. It is an unforgettable experience to have your own three-room suite with a private bathroom and bedroom, along with butler service.
Etihad Residence Living Room Airbus A380
Etihad Residence bedroom Airbus A380
Etihad Residence butler Service Airbus A380
How fondly do I remember my Residence flight! This is even more true when you consider the fact that this product will likely be a thing of the passé, as Etihad plans on retiring its A380 fleet.
Bottom line
That's it. These are my top 12 first-class airline products. This is not an easy task, with so many things changing, but the above should still be useful. Two of the 12 products mentioned above are unlikely to last long (Etihads first class A380 and Garuda Indonesias first class 777).
It is not unreasonable to suggest that these products be placed in different order. However, I believe this list can be useful in determining the best 12 first-class products.
If you are curious, I believe I can rank the three next first-class products (13-15), in roughly order Qatar, Qantas and Thai.
Which airline is the best in first class?
