Blog 47: 8/9/23: Highlighting some of the best First Class Airline Seats in the World
Welcome to Brooke In The Air, this is an abbreviated week for us so we're simply going to highlight and showcase some of the world's best Business and First Class seats in the sky. We did some of the best vacation retreats, so now we're complimenting that with their equivalent in the air. Without further ado, let's do it!
Our ratings are based on groundside service, amenities, pleasantness of crew and staff, value and quality of the soft product and hard product. All of these are on a scale of 1-5, with one being the lowest and 5 being exemplary.
The top 3 airlines will doubtlessly surprise no one. Etihad Airways, Emirates Airlines, Singapore Airlines. But where do they stand?
The are other amazing airlines, but these are judged as the top 3.
Let’s start with Singapore Airlines.
~~~SINGAPORE AIRLINES~~~
Singapore Airlines’ First Class suite on the Airbus A380
Singapore Airlines is routinely rated #1 in the world. Singapore Airlines first class is the crème de la crème of luxury airline experiences. From the moment you arrive at the airport until you’re safely at your destination, every need is meticulously attended to by dedicated Singapore Airlines staff; it's a truly first-class experience every step of the way.
But luxury comes at a high cost, either in miles or cash though that goes without saying. Singapore Airlines first-class experience is so lavish that it is divided into Suites and first class, depending on the aircraft. Usually the Boeing 777-300ER, and Airbus A380-800 Superjumbo.
For flights to and from the U.S., Suites and first-class ticket holders can check two pieces of luggage up to about 70.5 pounds. For flights that don’t go through the U.S., you can bring up to about 110 pounds.
Suite-goers and First Class flyers have their own boarding lanes. On the two-story A380, these flyers may possibly have their own jet bridge depending on the departure airport.
Singapore Airlines’ Boeing 777-300ER First Class
First class on Boeing 777-300ER aircraft includes an extra-wide lie-flat seat with plenty of storage. On the massive Airbus A380, First Class flyers may be able to snag their own suite, which includes a private room for one or two, a luxury recliner and a bed, plus an actual door for added personal privacy.
Singapore operates its own KrisFlyer Lounge and KrisFlyer Gold Lounge in limited airports and may work with partners in many others. As a premium flyer, you can check in at the dedicated first-class reception area, where a porter takes your baggage. After an escort through a private immigration line, you’ll be whisked to the private lounge that lives up to its first-class branding. The private room lounges aren't your typical busy Priority Pass lounges — they’re definitely a step above.
Singapore Airlines first-class food rivals anything you’ll eat on the ground. You can preselect a meal online with chef-prepared options through its "Book the Cook" service; here, you can choose from a wide selection of world dishes and special meals. Come thirsty, too — you’ll have access to the airline’s expert-selected wine list, high-end Champagne and just about anything else you would like to drink.
To book a first-class flight on Singapore Airlines, the likely easiest option for most people is to book online, but you can also book by phone. The website makes it easy to search by fare class and date. Note that Singapore doesn’t fly to many U.S. cities, and some routes don’t fly daily.
Now the sad news, paying for your ticket. If you pay cash, flying first class is a five-figure endeavor, with fees typically ranging from around $10,000 to $30,000. The most affordable way to fly on Singapore Airlines is using miles or points.
If you need to bulk up your points stash, take advantage of the fact that Singapore Airlines is part of the Star Alliance. That means that you can earn KrisFlyer miles by flying partners like Air Canada, Avianca, Lufthansa and United.
~~~ EMIRATES ~~~~
Emirates’ prestigious Airbus A380-800 Superjumbo
While flying first class is synonymous with luxury, the overall experience varies significantly depending on the airline, aircraft, and flight length, sometimes leaving fliers wondering if that cushy seat is worth the price. That said, a few airlines have gone to great lengths to develop — and continuously innovate — a first-class cabin that’s worth every penny. Emirates is on that very, very short list.
Emirates’ Boeing 777-300ER
Founded in 1985 by Dubai’s royal family, the airline has created an entire brand around long-haul luxury travel. While its hub is in the UAE, Emirates flies to 157 different destinations across 83 countries. In the United States, there are 12 airports — including John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, Los Angeles International Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, and Miami International Airport — with direct flights to Dubai. Cabin classes include economy, premium economy, business, and, of course, First Class.
Described by the airline as “having your own private hotel room in the sky” on the Boeing 777-300ER and “as close as it comes to your own private jet” on the Airbus A380-800 Superjumbo, a First Class ticket on Emirates comes with a unique set of features and services. From unlimited caviar to a shower spa, it gets even better.
Booking a ride to or from the airport can often be stressful, especially with limited cars or surge pricing during peak hours. If you’re flying in first class, though, you’ll be all set. Emirates offers a Mercedes-Benz S-class sedan, usually an Sk450 chauffeur service — which can be arranged at least 12 hours ahead of your flight — that is complimentary for up to 50 miles. Any distance outside of the mileage limit will incur a fee.
Emirates’ First-Class Lounge in Dubai, UAE
Emirates has lounges in more than 30 airports, each offering meals and access to showers; some even have direct boarding, as well. Most passengers will check in through priority lines at the airport, but those flying out of Dubai International Airport or Sharjah International Airport can take advantage of the at-home check-in service. DUBZ transportation agents meet you wherever — at home, your hotel, your office — to complete the check-in process and transport your bags to the airport.
Note: Emirates operates three daily flights from Dubai to Frankfurt. One is with an A380, while the other two are aboard 777s. However, only one of those — which departs in the morning and lands in the early afternoon — sports the new suites, so be careful what you book. Airfare for the entire itinerary was $3,168, including taxes and fees. This is in general for one of their Dubai to Frankfurt routes.
The First Class seat — although it’s technically more of a suite — is slightly different on the Airbus A380 versus the Boeing 777-300ER. Both are equipped with luxurious touches that provide top-tier privacy and comfort, including ambient light controls, free Wi-Fi, vanities, snacks, minibars, and widescreen TVs with over 5,000 channels. Once aboard, you’ll be able to close your door and create an enclosed suite. If you’re looking to get some shut-eye, the cabin crew will convert your seat into a lay-flat bed complete with sheets and a pillow. No worries if you forgot your pajamas, as a set of moisturizing sleepwear (the clothes contain shea butter and argan oil that release when you move) is provided to each first-class flier.
While the A380 and the Boeing 777 have many similarities, the suite on the latter aircraft has a few other defining characteristics. The seat itself was designed using NASA technology, and the zero-gravity setting allows for total relaxation. Passengers can also put in requests to the flight attendants via video call from the comfort of their suite. Finally, the cabin in the Boeing 777 grants outside views to everyone in first class — even those who don’t have a window seat. Through HD virtual windows, passengers seated in the middle suites can still see what’s happening outside the plane.
Each first-class seat comes with a Bulgari amenity kit, a feature also available to those in business class. Emirates first-class customers, however, are also gifted the exclusive Bvlgari Le Gemme fragrance and a range of Byredo skincare products.
If you’re on the Airbus A380, you’ll want to check out the onboard lounge where the airline serves wine, spirits, soft drinks, and pre-packaged bites and snacks. The lounge is available to business class as well, but first-class passengers are the only ones who can enjoy the A380’s shower spa. Yes, you read that right, an actual shower at 40,000 feet.
Lastly, the food. Oh the food. And the drinks!
Part of the Emirates’ touch is going above and beyond with culinary offerings. One of the most notable aspects is the flexibility; all meals are brought out based on your schedule and preferences through the “dine on demand” service. The regionally inspired menus change on a monthly basis but always include halal-certified cuisine and vegan offerings. While a three-course meal is available on all short, medium, and long-haul flights, first-class passengers can also order from the “cinema in the sky” snack menu, featuring selections like lobster rolls, edamame, and salted popcorn. For something a bit fancier, passengers can also partake in the Champagne and caviar experience— as of 2022, you can order unlimited portions of Persian caviar paired with Dom Perignon, of course.
The drinks program extends into wine as well. The options are extensive — including a rotating selection of limited-edition offerings — but those in first class are only served wines that have remained in the Emirates cellar for an average of 12-15 years after purchase.
~~~ETIHAD AIRWAYS~~~
Interior of Etihad Airways’ Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
In third place, we have Etihad Airways’ First Class suites.
Etihad’s 787 Dreamliner First Class
Flying First Class with Etihad Airways involves an absolute bespoke experience from start to finish.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Etihad Airways operated the Airbus A380 with Etihad Airways First Class Apartments, which was one of the most outstanding First Class products in the world.
Another shot of the Etihad First Class Lounge
Etihad’s First Class Lounge in Abu Dhabi, UAE
Immediately following the separate security is the entrance to the Etihad Airways First Class Lounge & Spa. Inside, a delightful ground experience awaits, complete with fine dining, a variety of seating, showers, two bars, and even a fitness center. Once you’re ready to board the flight either on Etihad’s 787 Dreamliner or massive A380s, recently brought back out of storage during COVID, you’ll be ushered to your suite by the flight attendants, who make you feel welcome at every step along the journey. The suite has plenty of space and features to explore.
Etihad’s First Class “double-suite” on the A380 for couples
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Soon after taking your seat in your suite in either aircraft, you’ll be treated to a glass of champagne and dates as you settle in and gasp at the vast amount of sheer space at your fingertips. After takeoff, a multi-course meal is offered, complete with a tablecloth, individually placed cutlery, fine cuisine, as well as refined onboard service. If you’re travelling with someone else, you can bask in the delight of sharing a meal in one suite, giving the impression of being seated at a restaurant, only you’re 35,000+ feet in the sky. On board the Dreamliner, there are a total of eight First Class suites spread out across two rows. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Etihad Airways offered First Class on different aircraft to a host of destinations across its network. One of the most unfortunate victims to pandemic-related cutbacks was the Etihad Airways Apartment on the Airbus A380, which has been indefinitely, and possibly permanently, retired from service 2023 Update: Etihad has conditionally brought back The Apartment on select routes on the massive A380.
The sheer laundry list of routes of Etihad without First Class includes some major hubs, such as New York City, Frankfurt, Bangkok, and Sydney, which all had Etihad Airways First Class prior to the reduction in service during COVID.
For North Americans, it’s good to have at least one route with a long-haul First Class product to the Middle East, but the absolute dearth of First Class routes to connect to is indeed unfortunate.
How to Book Etihad First Class
The two easiest ways for Canadians (sorry Americans) to book Etihad Airways First Class are with Aeroplan and American Airlines AAdvantage miles.
A one-way trip on Etihad First Class is based on distance, capping at 8,000 miles. The longest trips cost about 130,000 Aeroplan Points.
If you’re looking to maximize your flight experience, consider flying on the Abu Dhabi–Washington route. At over 14 hours long and with a morning departure, you can be sure to have an excellent, aspirational flight experience at fewer than 10,000 points per hour.
If you’d like to sample two First Class products, then consider pairing an Etihad Airways First Class leg to a European destination and then continuing onward to Frankfurt to enjoy the Lufthansa First Class experience.
Even if you have AAdvantage miles, booking Etihad Airways First Class under this program requires extra effort. After finding award space, you must call a foreign contact center to have the ticket put on hold, and then call the US call center to have the booking completed.
Note that Etihad Airways First Class award space doesn’t appear on the American Airlines website.
The good news is that compared to other aspirational First Class products, such as ANA, Japan Airlines, and Lufthansa, award space on Etihad Airways First Class is relatively easy to come by.
Furthermore, it’s not unusual to have two or more award seats available on any given route.
Etihad Airways First Class is one of the easier aspirational First Class products to book using points.
Regardless of which of the three airlines you choose, you’ll have an amazing experience!
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Dubai Airport, UAE, Boeing 777-300ERs at their gates
