10 First-Class Airplane Seats That Are Nicer Than Your Apartment

Benjamin ZhangMay 13, 2014, 02:04 IST

As some airlines gut their frequent flyer programs, increase fees and cram more seats into coach, others are pushing the boundaries of flying luxury with of over-the-top first class suites.

Airlines are betting that these opulent accommodations will drive up profit margins and yield greater revenues per mile.

This assumption is not unwarranted. According to The Wall Street Journal, American Airlines' say that 70 % of its total revenue comes from just 25% of its passengers.

And the International Air Transport Association has found that first- and business-class flyers make up just 8% of all fares, but account for 27% of total revenues worldwide, according to The Christian Science Monitor.

And the high-end offerings keep getting better and better. Here are 10 first class airline seats that are probably nicer than your apartment.

Etihad Airways

Etihad

Known simply as "The Residence, Etihad latest luxury offering is the closest thing in mass commercial air travel to the service found on a private jet. Instead of an airline seat, The Residence is more like an apartment in the sky, with a bedroom, private shower, and living area. Flyers traveling in the 125-square-foot Residence are treated to a 32-inch flatscreen TV as well as the full attention of a private butler.

Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines has long been known as one of the best airlines in the world, and its first class suites certainly live up to its lofty reputation. Singapore's fulling enclosed private suites are equipped with a large 23-inch LCD entertainment system and actual standalone beds instead of converted seat beds.

Emirates

Emirates Airlines

Dubai's Emirates, one of the pioneers in the luxury suite market, has packed its suites with a fully stocked minibar, vanity mirror and a wardrobe. Onboard its fleet of A380 super jumbos, Emirates also offers suite passengers access to one of the plane's marble-lined shower spas.

British Airways

British Airways offers passengers traveling in its ultra-modern suites a host of luxurious schwag, including cotton pajamas and beauty products in a designer Anya Hindmarch bag.

Qatar Airways

Flickr / Qatar Airways

Though Qatar Airways have decided to concentrate more on its business class seats in recent years, its first class product is still top-notch. Passengers are treated to world-class dining with menus crafted by the likes of Nobu founder Nobu Matsuhisa and Michelin-star-winning chef Tom Aikens.

Air France

Air France's new La Premiere luxury suite is set to make its commercial debut in September. It will feature plush bedding from Sofitel and Michelin-star-quality dining. According to the Economic Times, Air France will install a total of 76 suites on its fleet Boeing 777-300s at a cost of $75 million.

Qantas

Qantas's international first class suites feature a 6.5-foot-long lie-flat bed with a plush sheepskin mattresses. Passengers are also treated to the airline's Sommeliers in the Sky service to help them make selections from Qantas's award-winning wine list.

Jet Airways

Flickr/Matt@PEK

India's Jet Airways offers luxury suites on its fleet of Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, complete with private sleeping areas and a large selection of Hollywood and Bollywood hits on for viewing on 23-inch flat screen TVs. Suite flyers are also treated to a personalized five-course meal and endless flutes of Dom Perignon. (The photo above shows a Jet Airways plane that's on lease to Turkish Airlines.)

Cathay Pacific

Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific offers its most discerning passengers stylish Norm Foster-designed first class suites with amenity kits by Ermenegildo Zegna and Trussardi. Though not fully enclosed like some of its competitors, Cathay's world-class service and plush bedding make for an equally luxurious experience.

Lufthansa

Lufthansa's stylish first class suite is a model of elegance. The airline's Airbus and Boeing jumbos offer minimalist and modern suites with a host of fine dining and entertainment options. On the airline's Boeing 747-400 jets, suites passengers are offered separate beds in addition to their seats.

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