Flying first class in 2025 isn’t just about big seats—it’s about private suites, spa showers, five-star dining, and personalized service that rivals luxury hotels. Airlines are competing fiercely to attract high-net-worth travelers, and the result is some of the most innovative in-flight products ever seen.
This guide ranks and reviews the best first-class cabins of 2025, explaining what makes them special, how much they cost, and whether they’re worth the splurge.
The World’s Best First-Class Airlines in 2025
Based on the latest Skytrax Awards and industry reviews, these are the top 10 airlines for first class this year:
- Singapore Airlines
- Emirates
- Air France
- Cathay Pacific Airways
- Lufthansa
- ANA (All Nippon Airways)
- Japan Airlines
- Swiss International Air Lines
- Qatar Airways
- British Airways
In-Depth Reviews of Top First-Class Cabins
1. Singapore Airlines – A380 Suites Class
Why It’s #1: Singapore Airlines has set the gold standard with its A380 Suites. Each suite offers a separate bed and recliner chair, essentially giving you a mini hotel room in the sky. Couples can book adjoining suites with a double bed.
Highlights:
- Sliding privacy doors and ample storage
- “Book the Cook” service with chef-curated meals (think lobster thermidor, wagyu beef)
- Dom Pérignon champagne
- Wide 32-inch HD screens
Pricing:
Singapore → London round-trip first class: $10,000–$15,000.
Drawback: Limited to routes with the A380, which is being phased out by many airlines.
2. Emirates – Game Changer Suites & A380 First Class
Emirates’ Game Changer Suites on the 777-300ER are among the most futuristic, with floor-to-ceiling doors and even virtual windows in middle suites. On the A380, first-class passengers enjoy access to the iconic shower spa.
Highlights:
- Bowers & Wilkins noise-canceling headphones
- In-suite minibar
- Caviar service with unlimited champagne
- Onboard lounge bar for socializing
Pricing:
Dubai → New York round-trip: $12,000–$18,000.
Drawback: Product consistency varies; not every route has the Game Changer configuration.
3. Etihad Airways – The Residence & First Apartments
Etihad offers two extraordinary products on its A380: First Apartments and the ultra-exclusive Residence, a three-room suite with a living room, bedroom, and shower.
Highlights:
- Private butler for Residence guests
- Full double bed in a separate room
- Fine dining from a custom menu
- Access to Etihad’s premium lounge with spa treatments
Pricing:
Abu Dhabi → London one-way in The Residence: $25,000+.
Drawback: Very limited routes since Etihad reintroduced only a handful of A380s.
4. Air France – La Première (New 2025 Cabin)
Air France relaunched La Première in 2025 with a new suite design. Each passenger gets a private suite with a closing door, refined French design, and Michelin-quality dining.
Highlights:
- Exclusive check-in terminal at Paris CDG
- Chauffeur-driven transfers to the aircraft
- Hermès amenity kits
- Exceptional French wine selection
Pricing:
Paris → New York round-trip: $12,000–$16,000.
Drawback: Only 3–4 suites per aircraft, making availability scarce.
5. Lufthansa – Allegris First Class & Suite Plus
Lufthansa’s new Allegris cabins debuted in 2024 and fully rolled out in 2025. The Suite Plus is essentially a double suite for couples, with a door and a full double bed.
Highlights:
- Frankfurt First-Class Terminal (exclusive lounge experience)
- 43-inch 4K displays
- Luxurious design with customizable lighting
- Caviar service with premium champagnes
Pricing:
Frankfurt → Singapore round-trip: $11,000–$14,000.
Drawback: Only available on select new aircraft, so check carefully before booking.
6. Japan Airlines – A350-1000 First Class Suites
JAL introduced brand-new first-class suites in 2024 on its A350-1000s.
Highlights:
- 43-inch ultra-HD screens (largest in any first class)
- Semi-enclosed suites with high privacy
- Japanese kaiseki dining paired with sake and champagne
- Excellent hospitality and service culture
Pricing:
Tokyo → New York round-trip: $13,000–$17,000.
Drawback: No onboard shower or lounge, unlike Emirates or Etihad.
7. Cathay Pacific – First Class (777-300ER & Upcoming 777X)
Cathay Pacific’s first class focuses on simplicity and understated luxury.
Highlights:
- Spacious open suites with wide beds
- Premium Chinese and Western menu
- Exceptional lounges in Hong Kong with private cabanas
- Quiet, refined atmosphere
Pricing:
Hong Kong → Los Angeles round-trip: $10,000–$13,000.
Drawback: Fleet modernization delays mean fewer aircraft currently offer first class.
8. ANA – The Suite (777-300ER)
ANA’s The Suite is sleek, Japanese minimalist luxury with closing doors and refined details.
Highlights:
- Huge 42-inch 4K monitors
- Washi paper interior design touches
- Exceptional Japanese dining
- Polished service
Pricing:
Tokyo → London round-trip: $11,000–$15,000.
Drawback: Only available on select 777-300ERs.
9. Swiss International Air Lines – First Class
Swiss focuses on elegance and efficiency with a strong reputation for service.
Highlights:
- Polished Swiss design with wood finishes
- Fine wines curated by Swiss sommeliers
- Large suites with full beds
- Lounge access with fine dining in Zurich
Pricing:
Zurich → New York round-trip: $9,000–$12,000.
Drawback: Less opulent than Middle Eastern carriers.
10. British Airways – First Class Suite (777 & 787)
British Airways refreshed its first class with privacy doors in 2024, narrowing the gap with competitors.
Highlights:
- Door-equipped suites with improved privacy
- British fine dining and wine selection
- Concorde Room lounge at London Heathrow
- Amenity kits by Temperley London
Pricing:
London → New York round-trip: $8,000–$11,000.
Drawback: Still lags behind Asian and Middle Eastern rivals in space and service.
Comparison Table of First-Class Cabins (2025)
| Airline | Key Feature | Typical Price (Round-Trip) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore Airlines | Double suites with separate bed & chair | $10k–$15k | Couples, privacy seekers |
| Emirates | Shower spa & Game Changer suites | $12k–$18k | Ultra-luxury, Middle East routes |
| Etihad | The Residence (3-room suite) | $25k+ | Ultimate exclusivity |
| Air France | New La Première suites | $12k–$16k | French luxury lovers |
| Lufthansa | Suite Plus (double bed) | $11k–$14k | Couples flying Europe–Asia |
| Japan Airlines | A350-1000 new suites | $13k–$17k | Tech lovers, Japanese service |
| Cathay Pacific | Understated luxury | $10k–$13k | Refined, calm flying |
| ANA | The Suite with 42-inch screens | $11k–$15k | Design & food enthusiasts |
| Swiss | Elegant, efficient design | $9k–$12k | Reliable luxury |
| British Airways | Suites with doors | $8k–$11k | Transatlantic flyers |
Is First Class Worth It in 2025?
When it’s worth it:
- You need rest on long-haul flights (beds with high-end bedding make a difference).
- You value privacy and exclusivity.
- You enjoy fine dining, premium wines, and attentive service.
- You want the prestige of “once-in-a-lifetime” travel.
When it may not be:
- Business class suites (like Qatar’s Qsuite) now offer comparable privacy at a much lower price.
- Availability of first class is shrinking, so you may not find it on your route.
Final Thoughts
First class in 2025 is more exclusive than ever. While some airlines are cutting back, others are doubling down on ultra-luxury, creating cabins that feel like private hotel suites in the sky.
- Best Overall: Singapore Airlines Suites
- Most Innovative: Emirates Game Changer
- Most Exclusive: Etihad The Residence
- Best European Product: Air France La Première
- Best Newcomer: Japan Airlines A350-1000 Suites
If you can afford it—or redeem enough points—first class in 2025 is still the pinnacle of luxury air travel, offering experiences you’ll never forget.