The World’s Best First Class Airlines: My Rankings For Seats, Cabins, And Service

I’m an airline product geek, and I like to keep an updated list of some of the best products out there, ranging from the best first class lounges , to the best business class airlines , to the best business class lounges , to the best business class seats . In this post, I’d like to share my updated rankings of the world’s best first class airlines for 2026, updating my previous rankings from 2024. Since the last time I updated this list, we’ve seen some airlines (Air France, Lufthansa, and SWISS) introduce new first class products, and we’ve seen some airlines (Garuda Indonesia and Oman Air) more or less eliminate first class. First, I’d like to talk briefly about my method for ranking first class airlines, and then I’ll get into my rankings, with an explanation of each. Why you should trust OMAAT flight reviews Hopefully, I don’t have to explain this to regular OMAAT readers, but I feel like this is worth mentioning for those who aren’t regular readers… All the time I see mainstream media outlets ranking different first class airlines, though almost without exception, they’re just going off stock media images and how airlines describe their first class products, rather than actual firsthand experience. Why should you trust OMAAT flight reviews? I pay for virtually all of my own flight tickets, either with cash or miles (in the past 15 years, I’ve taken one free flight, and that was for the inaugural flight of the new Air France La Premiere, for which I couldn’t even book a ticket, and it’s a product I’ve flown since and have paid for) I’ve flown every single first class airline that I rank, and for that matter have flown almost every single first class product in the world (the only exceptions are Air Côte d’Ivoire and Starlux Airlines first class) I don’t have any sort of financial relationship with any airline This is my passion, I’ve been reviewing airlines for 18+ years , I’ve written hundreds of flight reviews , and have logged millions of miles There aren’t many sites that can say all of the above, and in the case of some other rating agencies (like Skytrax ), I certainly wish we’d see a bit more transparency regarding the financial relationship they have with the airlines they rank. My method for ranking first class airlines Let me note upfront that my reviews are subjective, and that’s by design. Some might say “well you should make this as objective as possible and use a scorecard to rank them.” I certainly could, but I don’t think that does justice to the special touches that some airlines offer, and also the variability in the experience from flight-to-flight. A lot of what makes a first class experience great isn’t something you can rank on a scorecard, but rather is this intangible feeling you get when flying an airline, where you feel “wow, they really get it.” As far as I’m concerned, airlines also deserve bonus points for consistency across various flights, because it’s nice to know exactly what you’ll get. The other issue is that the top first class products are all really exceptional. On a 100 points scale, I suspect all of these airlines would score a 90+ from me. To give an example of the issue with a scorecard approach, high speed inflight Wi-Fi is something I personally value, but not all of the airlines offer it in first class (some don’t offer it at all, and some have really lousy speeds). If I said Wi-Fi was worth 10 points on a 100 point scale, that would automatically put any airline without it in last place, and that doesn’t seem right, since it’s something that many people don’t care about. Again, I’m admitting my rankings are subjective, and what I rank as number one might be number 10 for you, and vice versa. And that’s totally fine — I don’t think that makes anyone wrong. I’ve taken flights on every single one of the airlines on the below list and said “that’s one of the best flights I’ve ever taken.” If anything, I recommend the takeaway from this being the airlines that I put on this list are all excellent, rather than reading too much into the specific order of the rankings. Let me also say that I’m not factoring in “value” here, because airfare varies so wildly based on your origin and destination, whether you’re traveling one-way or roundtrip, etc., so it’s really hard to compare that. Let me say upfront though that Air France first class is without a doubt the world’s most expensive, on average, by a wide margin. The world’s 10 best first class airlines With the above explanation out of the way, below are what I consider to be the 10 best first class airlines, starting with the best. Let me emphasize that the post is specific to the onboard experience, and I rank first class lounges separately . You can click on each headline to read a review of that product. As I mentioned above, my rankings are admittedly highly subjective, though if I had to group these in terms of leagues, I’d say numbers one through three could all easily be considered the world’s best, numbers four through seven are of similar quality, and then numbers eight through 10 are in a similar league. At least that’s how I see things. 1. Air France first class (Boeing 777-300ER) There are great first class products, and then there’s the perfection that is Air France first class, marketed as La Premiere. Air France introduced its new first class product in 2025, and it really took the experience to the next level . Air France’s Boeing 777-300ER first class cabin consists of a single row of seats, in a 1-2-1 configuration. The cabin is so elegant, and rather than offering suites with doors, the airline instead has curtains you can pull around your suite. Air France first class seat Boeing 777-300ER What really sets apart Air France is the first class soft product. The food is among the best you’ll find on any airline, the service is flawless and oh-so-French, and every part of the experience is thought out. Air France first class catering When it’s time to sleep, Air France has some of the most comfortable bedding in the sky, and I love being able to draw a curtain around my seat for privacy. Air France first class bed Boeing 777-300ER The cabin also has excellent technology, from two entertainment screens, to wireless charging, to bluetooth audio. All Air France planes with the new La Premiere cabin have Starlink Wi-Fi installed , which is fast and free. It’s the only airline on this list where every plane has Starlink, and I think that’s a major advantage when you consider the amenities that passengers value. The way I see it, Air France first class is the world’s most well-rounded first class product, between the incredible ground experience and the top notch onboard experience. In many ways, Air France seems like it’s competing more with private aviation than commercial aviation… and the pricing largely reflects that! 2. Emirates first class (Boeing 777-300ER) Emirates introduced its “new” first class on select Boeing 777-300ERs all the way back in 2017, and the product is spectacular. Emirates was the first airline to introduce truly fully enclosed suites with doors in first class. The suites don’t just have doors that add privacy, but rather are enclosed floor-to-ceiling (Air France has curtains that go floor-to-ceiling, but I consider that to be different). As someone who sleeps better when I feel like I have a fully private space, I love that. Emirates first class seat Boeing 777-300ER The seat is also thoughtfully designed, with impeccable attention to detail. The suite is spacious, the TV screen huge, the bed extremely comfortable, and you can control the lighting and temperature in the suite. Emirates first class suite Boeing 777-300ER The soft product is also hard to beat , from free-flowing Dom Perignon and the best wine selection in the sky , to a dine on-demand menu with all kinds of great options (including unlimited caviar). Emirates first class seat catering While Emirates A380s don’t have seats that are as impressive, they have the advantage of having onboard showers and an onboard bar , so that’s a treat as well. The only issue is how few Emirates 777s have these suites . Nine years after installation of this product started, Emirates only has these first class suites on nine of its planes, and there are no plans to retrofit existing planes with these seats. Upcoming Boeing 777Xs should feature these seats, but that plane has been delayed by seven years now — hopefully it finally joins Emirates’ fleet in 2027. 3. Japan Airlines first class (Airbus A350-1000) Japan Airlines introduced its Airbus A350-1000s in 2024, and these are the carrier’s new flagship aircraft . These planes have all-new cabins , including a brand new first class, which is spectacular . The first class cabin consists of just six seats, in a 1-1-1 configuration, and this really takes usable first class space to a whole new level. Japan Airlines first class cabin Airbus A350-1000 The first class suite is massive, wide enough to seat two people on a couch, plus one person on an ottoman. Not only is the suite huge, but the design is so thoughtful, with incredible tech, including a massive 43″ 4K television, bluetooth audio, headrest speakers , a tail camera, complimentary Wi-Fi, and more. The bed is also super comfortable, and you even have your choice of a firm or soft mattress pad. Japan Airlines first class seat Airbus A350-1000 On top of that, since this is a Japanese airline, you can expect impeccable service, and delicious food and drinks. Japan Airlines first class catering 4. Singapore Airlines Suites (Airbus A380) Singapore Airlines is known for being one of the best airlines in the world , and the carrier is particularly known for its Airbus A380 Suites. Singapore Airlines’ A380s have just six first class seats, spread across three rows on the upper deck, in a 1-1 layout. The airline dedicates more square footage to each first class passenger than any other airline. Singapore Airlines Suites cabin Airbus A380 Each Suite has both a seat and a separate bed, which is a mighty nice feature. Singapore Airlines Suites Airbus A380 What’s even more special is that if you’re traveling with someone, you can actually create a double suite , so that you have an extra large bed. This is by far the world’s best first class product for those traveling with a companion. What’s not to love here?! Singapore Airlines Suites Airbus A380 On a good day, Singapore’s Suites might be the best first class soft product in the world. On a lunch or dinner flight departing Singapore the catering is typically excellent, and there’s usually caviar, satay, etc. You can even “book the cook” in advance , and order from a huge menu that’s not otherwise available onboard. Singapore Airlines Suites catering Singapore Airlines also has an amazing champagne selection, with the choice of three options. Singapore Airlines Suites champagne Service on Singapore Airlines is typically excellent as well, among the best in the world . Based on the above, you might wonder why I’m not ranking this as the world’s best first class product. While this is an exceptionally good product, there are some things I don’t love about it. For example, each passenger is allocated such a huge space, though I wish that Singapore Airlines actually made the bed larger and more comfortable, as it’s not particularly big. This is still a world class product, all things considered. However, despite the amount of space Singapore Airlines invested in the Suites, I can’t help but feel disappointed in the fact that the space wasn’t used in a more creative way, to create the world’s most comfortable bed on a plane. The airline certainly had the space to do so. 5. Etihad Airways first class (Airbus A380) Etihad was the first airline to have a single-aisle configuration in first class on its Airbus A380s. Etihad Airways first class cabin Airbus A380 The First Class “Apartments,” as they’re called, will take your breath away . I remember being speechless the first time I boarded an Etihad A380. Etihad Airways first class suite Airbus A380 Etihad has a dine on demand menu with some customization options, an onboard shower, and the second most square footage dedicated to each first class passenger. Etihad Airways first class catering However, there are some areas where Etihad is style over substance, in my opinion. While the suite is huge, it isn’t actually that practically designed, as the seat doesn’t recline that far back, and the bed isn’t that large. This is the same issue I have with Singapore’s new Suites. Etihad Airways first class bed Airbus A380 Etihad unfortunately also has a small Airbus A380 fleet. The planes operate a limited number of routes from Abu Dhabi, to destinations like London, Toronto, etc. Note that Etihad’s A380 first class hard product is much better than what you’ll find on the Boeing 787s with first class . 6. All Nippon Airways first class (Boeing 777-300ER) All Nippon Airways has an excellent first class product on a portion of its Boeing 777-300ER fleet . The seats are perfectly comfortable and competitive, with privacy doors, huge televisions, and functional design. All Nippon Airways first class cabin Boeing 777-300ER All Nippon Airways first class bed Boeing 777-300ER However, it’s the soft product that really delights, from excellent amenities, to complimentary Wi-Fi, to unbelievably good food, service, and drinks (including Krug champagne). Japan is such a special country, and you really feel that on ANA. All Nippon Airways first class catering All Nippon Airways first class catering I should mention that ANA’s Airbus A380 first class is just about equally good, so I would be just as happy flying that. Admittedly that small fleet is a bit quirky , though. 7. Cathay Pacific first class (Boeing 777-300ER) Cathay Pacific exclusively has first class on select Boeing 777-300ERs. First class has just six seats, in a 1-1-1 configuration. While the seats aren’t fully enclosed, they’re angled away from the aisle and sufficiently spacious so that there’s no need for them to be. It makes the product feel less claustrophobic, which I appreciate. Cathay Pacific first class cabin Boeing 777-300ER Cathay Pacific has one of the most comfortable beds in the sky — the bed is wide, and the bedding is some of the best out there. Cathay Pacific first class bed Boeing 777-300ER I also love the ability to dine face-to-face with a companion. Caviar and good champagne at 37,000 feet is a heck of a date night. I also appreciate that Cathay Pacific offers a full meal service even on departures in the middle of the night. Cathay Pacific crews are also consistent and attentive. They’re always there during the meals, and when you need something during the flight, they appear in just a couple of seconds after pushing the call button. Cathay Pacific first class catering Unfortunately the only catch is that Cathay Pacific’s first class is only available on few routes, as the airline is increasingly reconfiguring these planes with its new Aria Suite business class , and eliminating first class in the process. The airline is expected to introduce an all-new first class on its upcoming Boeing 777Xs , and something tells me that it’s going to be a game changing product. 8. SWISS first class (Airbus A350-900) In late 2025, the new SWISS Senses concept was introduced, which is the carrier’s all-new long haul product standard, initially debuting on newly delivered Airbus A350-900s. This includes a new first class cabin, modeled after Lufthansa Allegris. The cabin has just three(ish) seats, with two identical window suites, and one double suite in the center (though a solo traveler can also reserve this at no extra cost). It’s a pretty sleek and impressive hard product. SWISS first class seat Airbus A350-900 I’d say SWISS’ catering is plentiful and well executed, though it doesn’t consistently have the premium touches you’ll find on other airlines, like caviar. Instead, SWISS consistently serves balik salmon, along with a variety of other appetizers. SWISS first class catering I find service on SWISS to be mixed, but typically pretty good, especially in first class. SWISS’ first class bedding is plush and comfortable, so a great night of sleep on SWISS is a given. SWISS first class bed Airbus A350-900 Note that while SWISS eventually plans to retrofit its other long haul aircraft with this product, that project isn’t yet underway, so you’ll find a different product on other aircraft, like the Boeing 777-300ER . Let me mention that I think it’s mostly a coin toss as to whether SWISS Senses or Lufthansa Allegris first class is better, since the hard product is identical. I’m giving SWISS the edge here simply because the airline has individual air nozzles at seats, while Lufthansa doesn’t. 9. Lufthansa first class (Airbus A350-900) In 2024, the new Lufthansa Allegris concept started to be rolled out, which is the carrier’s new long haul product standard. This included a new first class, initially only being installed on newly delivered Airbus A350-900s. This is a very solid hard product , with one row of seats, in a 1-1-1 configuration, with the center suite seating up to two people. Aside from the cabin finishes, it’s identical to the hard product above. Lufthansa first class seat Airbus A350-900 Lufthansa did also recently overhaul its first class soft product , and it represents a significant improvement over the old experience. There are many aspects I like about Lufthansa’s first class, ranging from the roses, to the signature caviar service, and more. Lufthansa first class catering Lufthansa has great bedding in first class. If you can snag the double suite, you’re especially in for a treat, as there’s not a first class product with a more spacious bed. Lufthansa first class bed Airbus A350-900 Let me emphasize that you’ll only find this product on Allegris configured A350s based in Munich . Lufthansa also has first class on Boeing 747-8s , Airbus A340-600s , and Airbus A380s , but that’s a different, and more outdated, product. 10. Qatar Airways first class (Airbus A380) Qatar Airways’ only long haul, purpose built first class product is on its fleet of Airbus A380s, which operate a small number of routes. The first class cabin has a total of eight seats, spread across two rows, in a 1-2-1 configuration. Truth be told, the hard product is nothing special, though the cabin does feel spacious. Qatar Airways first class cabin Airbus A380 The airline also has great amenities, food, and drinks, so it’s very well rounded. Qatar Airways first class catering While it’s not even exclusive to first class, I also love how the airline has a bar on the upper deck , at the back of business class, which is a great place to hang out. Qatar Airways first class bar Airbus A380 I have to be honest, I think one of the reasons there’s not such a “wow” factor to Qatar Airways’ first class is simply because the carrier’s Qsuites business class is so good. There’s limited differentiation in the soft product between first class and business class, so it makes first class feel less special, by comparison. We do know that the airline is planning a new first class on its upcoming Boeing 777Xs , and I can’t wait to see what they come up with, as I think it should be significantly better than the current product. Honorable mention: Etihad Airways The Residence (Airbus A380) To be thorough, I should probably mention what’s likely the most exclusive product in commercial aviation, which is The Residence. Above I covered Etihad’s Airbus A380 first class, but the airline actually has a product above first class, which is known as The Residence. This is a three room suite , with a living room, a private bedroom, and a private bathroom with shower. There’s simply nothing else like this in commercial aviation. This is bookable as an upgrade from first class, so the idea is that if you ticket a first class reservation directly through Etihad (whether using cash or miles), you can then upgrade it with cash , space permitting. The only thing worth mentioning is that the soft product isn’t differentiated all that much from first class, though you do get a much better ground experience , better champagne, and more attentive service. Etihad The Residence living room Airbus A380 Etihad The Residence bedroom Airbus A380 Etihad The Residence bathroom Airbus A380 What about Garuda Indonesia first class? I should acknowledge that in the past, I’ve ranked Garuda Indonesia first class on the list of top first class products. So why is it no longer on the list? Well, Garuda Indonesia has sort of discontinued this product. At this point the airline only has first class on two Boeing 777-300ERs , and one of them is generally used by Indonesia’s president. So if you look at the current state of things, you’ll notice that Garuda Indonesia isn’t selling first class on any international flights at the moment, and therefore, I’m not going to put it on my list. If the product does come back on a regular basis, I’ll certainly consider adding it back! Garuda Indonesia first class historically offers a phenomenal soft product, from the excellent service, to the very good food and drinks. Garuda Indonesia first class cabin Boeing 777-300ER Bottom line There you have it. Those are what I consider to be the world’s 10 best first class airline products. I’d like to once again emphasize that I think anyone would be reasonable to think that the above products should be in a different order, but hopefully this is at least a useful list in terms of the 10 all around best first class products. For anyone curious, I think I know what I’d rank as the next three first class products (11-13), roughly in order — Qantas , Thai Airways , and Korean Air . What do you rank as the world’s best first class airlines?