World’s best first class airlines

A luxury traveller’s guide to first-class flying. 

An exceptional experience in the first-class cabin is less about the box-ticking services included in the fare, and more about the above-and-beyond intangibles delivered by the airline. The former includes priority privileges, lounge access, lie-flat beds, private suites and luxe amenity kits, while the latter expands to encompass chauffeur services, in-seat temperature control, free-flowing Champagne or consistently crisp and deliciously fresh food. The devil is in the details, as they say. A discerning grasp of the world’s best first-class airlines is imperative before booking, lest one endure the indignity of paying for excellence yet receiving the ordinary. The Skytrax World Airline Awards are the experts in such matters, and evaluate more than 350 airlines over a 12-month period on airline passenger satisfaction via surveys. Cabin service, ground and airport experiences, and onboard products such as seat comfort, cleanliness, entertainment and meals contribute to the ranking. And in June 2025, the organisation announced its most recent list of the top 20 first class airlines. 

World’s 20 best first-class airlines 2024

1. Singapore Airlines
2. Emirates
3. Air France
4. Cathay Pacific
5. Lufthansa
6. ANA All Nippon Airways
7. Japan Airlines
8. Swiss International Air Lines
9. Qatar Airways 
10. British Airways
11. Qantas Airways
12. Etihad Airways 
13. Saudia
14. Korean Air 
15. Thai Airways 
16. STARLUX Airlines
17. China Eastern Airlines
18. Garuda Indonesia
19. Air China
20. Kuwait Airways 

What is the world’s best first-class airline?

Singapore Airlines set an exemplary standard by winning the awards for Best First Class Airline, Best First Class Onboard Catering and Best First Class Airline Seat for its A380 Suites. However, those who choose their airline based on factors as lounges or onboard amenities should purchase their ticket elsewhere. Lufthansa’s Frankfurt Lounge wins the Best First Class Airline Lounge award with Air France winning awards for the Best First Class Lounge Dining and the Best First Class Airline Onboard Amenities.

Read our full guide to the best first class seats, here.

Is first class worth the money?

One cannot truly understand the elevation of first-class from business until one has flown it. Flying with the best first-class airlines is a masterclass in refinement. From priority boarding to expedited baggage retrieval, every detail is orchestrated for effortless travel. Exquisite lounges, some with garment services and private suites, set the stage with complimentary dining and top-shelf drinks. Once aboard, a sanctuary awaits. The first-class cabin often accommodates as few as six exclusive guests in spacious suites with closed-door privacy, temperature-controlled seating and headrest speakers with Bluetooth. Some even boast a separate armchair in addition to a fully flat bed for undisturbed repose. Chauffeur services, unlimited caviar, free-flowing Dom Pérignon, and an on-demand gourmet menu further elevate the journey. Depending on the airline you choose to fly, you could enjoy a long-haul route in a private apartment, a private suite, lounging on a sofa or sequestered in a cosy and comfortable cocoon. 

Read our full guide to the benefits of flying in first class, here.

How much does it cost to fly first class?

The cost of a first-class fare varies massively depending on the airline, route, aircraft and onboard offering. Some first-class cabins are more closely aligned to what experienced fliers may associate with business class, while other airlines, such as Etihad, offer singular experiences such as The Residence – a private apartment in the air. From Australia, the average international first class airfare range from around AUD$10,000 to AUD$20,000 to somewhere such as the USA.

Read about Etihad’s The Residence, here.