Check out 6 of the most extravagant first-class suites on global airlines

Taylor RainsAug 27, 2023, 17:58 IST

Some of the world's most luxurious first class suites include showers, fully enclosed pods, and bars.EQRoy/Shutterstock

Major US airlines have ditched first class, but the luxe cabin still exists on other global carriers.
Singapore Airlines' first class is considered the best of 2023, according to airline ranking website Skytrax.

While US airlines are ditching international first class, the cabin is still a huge money-maker abroad — and carriers aren't skimping on the luxuries.

Earlier this year, airline ranking website Skytrax released its annual list of the world's best airlines, with Singapore Airlines taking the crown from long-standing winner Qatar Airways. The results were based on traveler satisfaction surveys.

Other awards were also divvied out, with Singapore earning the title as having the best first-class cabin. Air France, All Nippon Airways, Swiss International Air Lines, and Emirates followed Singapore in the top five.

There were no US carriers on the 2023 list, but that shouldn't come as a surprise. Delta Air Lines and United Airlines sunset long-haul first class years ago, while American Airlines recently announced an end to international first class in favor of an improved business class.

However, the revenue-earning product, which can go for tens of thousands of dollars, is still popular among European and Asian airlines — especially as deep-pocket travelers eagerly return to the skies for both business and leisure purposes post-pandemic.

Take a look at the five best first-class cabins for 2023, according to Skytrax — plus one Insider-picked honorable mention.

5. Emirates

Emirates Airbus A380kamilpetran/Shutterstock

The carrier has fit its A380s and 777s with an enclosed first-class suite — resembling a mini hotel room. Though, its double-deckers are particularly extravagant.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Configured in a 1x2x1 layout on the A380s second level, travelers will find typical premium perks like delicious meals and a giant television loaded with hundreds of shows and movies.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Configured in a 1x2x1 layout on the A380s second level, travelers will find typical premium perks like delicious meals and a giant television loaded with hundreds of shows and movies.

The television is controlled by a handheld tablet next to the seat, and travelers have access to their own personal mini bar to elevate the experience.

Taylor Rains/Insider

In addition to entertainment, travelers can enjoy an adjustable lounger with lie-flat capabilities. And, sleeping is private thanks to the sliding door.

Taylor Rains/Insider

However, what makes Emirates' first class one of the best is the shower and lounge, which is exclusive to the A380.

Emirates

Emirates' 777 may not have a spa or bar, but travelers in the middle two seats can enjoy virtual windows — an industry-first, according to the airline.

Emirates

4. Swiss International Air Lines

MICHAEL BUHOLZER/AFP via Getty Images

Sporting the same 1x2x1 layout as Emirates, SWISS' first class is a pod-like suite with a large lounger that converts into a lie-flat bed.

EQRoy/Shutterstock

Also available is a television, as well as a tray table for dining on premium meals like smoked salmon.

EQRoy/Shutterstock

Moreover, there is a remote control for the television, as well as a closet, plenty of storage, pajamas, and an amenity kit.

EQRoy/Shutterstock

While SWISS already has a glamorous first class, the carrier is actually planning to update the product come 2025 — so its current seats won't be around for too much longer.

SWISS

While SWISS already has a glamorous first class, the carrier is actually planning to update the product come 2025 — so its current seats won't be around for too much longer.

3. All Nippon Airways

All Nippon Airways Boeing 777-300ER.Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The airline's 777s and A380s sport first class, which has been dubbed "The Suite."

ANA

As expected from the name, "The Suite" is a giant private living area full enclosed thanks to a sliding door.

ANA

Although "The Room" business class is already large with a fully closed door, "The Suite" is even bigger, boasting a lie-flat bed and other common features of first class.

ANA

Although "The Room" business class is already large with a fully closed door, "The Suite" is even bigger, boasting a lie-flat bed and other common features of first class.

2. Air France

Eric Piermont/AFP via Getty Images

The La Premiere cabin spans just one row across in a 1x2x1 layout, making the space almost like one private flat split into four separate apartments.

Some of the world's most luxurious first class suites include showers, fully enclosed pods, and bars.EQRoy/Shutterstock

The cabin comes with the expected luxuries like a lie-flat bed, table, ottoman, and television, while its grey and red color scheme gives it a uniquely luxe look.

Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images

Moreover, pajamas will be provided, as well as noise-canceling headphones — another common item in first class — and gourmet cuisine.

Air France

1. Singapore Airlines

A view of a Singapore A380 being boarded via two lower jet bridges at Paris' CDG airport.ERIC PIERMONT/AFP via Getty Images

While Singapore has a luxe 777 first class — albeit no privacy doors — its award-winning product is on the A380.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Accessible via a grand staircase, the suites are the closet thing to a hotel room in the sky as one can get — and they're huge.

Taylor Rains/Insider

In fact, the suites are so big that Singapore has managed to fit both an adjustable recliner and a twin bed inside.

A first class suite onboard a Singapore Airlines Airbus A380.Singapore Airlines

And, the recliner can swivel to two different tables around the cabin, or travelers can just sit back and watch TV.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Although it doesn't have a shower, there are two bathrooms exclusive to the six first class passengers, both sporting a vanity table.

Singapore Airlines

The biggest perk of the suites is that two can actually be combined into one giant room, making it perfect for couples and families.

Singapore Airlines

Although not listed in the top five by Skytrax, there is one first-class cabin that takes luxury to an even higher level.

An Etihad Airways Airbus A380.Fasttailwind/Shutterstock.com

Costing tens of thousands of dollars, travelers can book Etihad's famous A380 first class cabin known as "The Residence" — which is 25 square foot bigger than Singapore's suites.

Etihad

Costing tens of thousands of dollars, travelers can book Etihad's famous A380 first class cabin known as "The Residence" — which is 25 square foot bigger than Singapore's suites.

The product includes a living room, a bedroom, and a bathroom — and travelers can even enjoy an onboard butler.

Etihad

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Check out 6 of the most extravagant first-class suites on global airlines

5. Emirates

The carrier has fit its A380s and 777s with an enclosed first-class suite — resembling a mini hotel room. Though, its double-deckers are particularly extravagant.

Configured in a 1x2x1 layout on the A380s second level, travelers will find typical premium perks like delicious meals and a giant television loaded with hundreds of shows and movies.

The television is controlled by a handheld tablet next to the seat, and travelers have access to their own personal mini bar to elevate the experience.

In addition to entertainment, travelers can enjoy an adjustable lounger with lie-flat capabilities. And, sleeping is private thanks to the sliding door.

However, what makes Emirates' first class one of the best is the shower and lounge, which is exclusive to the A380.

Emirates' 777 may not have a spa or bar, but travelers in the middle two seats can enjoy virtual windows — an industry-first, according to the airline.

4. Swiss International Air Lines

Sporting the same 1x2x1 layout as Emirates, SWISS' first class is a pod-like suite with a large lounger that converts into a lie-flat bed.

Also available is a television, as well as a tray table for dining on premium meals like smoked salmon.

Moreover, there is a remote control for the television, as well as a closet, plenty of storage, pajamas, and an amenity kit.

While SWISS already has a glamorous first class, the carrier is actually planning to update the product come 2025 — so its current seats won't be around for too much longer.

3. All Nippon Airways

The airline's 777s and A380s sport first class, which has been dubbed "The Suite."

As expected from the name, "The Suite" is a giant private living area full enclosed thanks to a sliding door.

Although "The Room" business class is already large with a fully closed door, "The Suite" is even bigger, boasting a lie-flat bed and other common features of first class.

2. Air France

The La Premiere cabin spans just one row across in a 1x2x1 layout, making the space almost like one private flat split into four separate apartments.

The cabin comes with the expected luxuries like a lie-flat bed, table, ottoman, and television, while its grey and red color scheme gives it a uniquely luxe look.

Moreover, pajamas will be provided, as well as noise-canceling headphones — another common item in first class — and gourmet cuisine.

1. Singapore Airlines

While Singapore has a luxe 777 first class — albeit no privacy doors — its award-winning product is on the A380.

Accessible via a grand staircase, the suites are the closet thing to a hotel room in the sky as one can get — and they're huge.

In fact, the suites are so big that Singapore has managed to fit both an adjustable recliner and a twin bed inside.

And, the recliner can swivel to two different tables around the cabin, or travelers can just sit back and watch TV.

Although it doesn't have a shower, there are two bathrooms exclusive to the six first class passengers, both sporting a vanity table.

The biggest perk of the suites is that two can actually be combined into one giant room, making it perfect for couples and families.

Although not listed in the top five by Skytrax, there is one first-class cabin that takes luxury to an even higher level.

Costing tens of thousands of dollars, travelers can book Etihad's famous A380 first class cabin known as "The Residence" — which is 25 square foot bigger than Singapore's suites.

The product includes a living room, a bedroom, and a bathroom — and travelers can even enjoy an onboard butler.