LeVar Thomas
It’s not often that many of us have the luxury of riding first class on a flight but when we can, we enjoy room to fully recline, attentive service, and privacy. How about flying with an airline that skips first class perks and goes directly to luxury though? You know; gourmet meals, hi-fi entertainment, full sized bed, shower, and dedicated flight attendant-type luxury. This may sound extravagant for most people but why not arrive feeling like you relaxed in a luxury hotel room. Our picks for the Top 5 Most Luxurious First Class cabins have beds, first class sky lounge bars, spas, and more for your in-flight pleasure.
British Airways
Up first for us are the first class cabins on the British Airways’ 787 Dreamliner. At more than $5000 per seat, you get a fixed 23-inch display screen, and an in-seat touchscreen remote to control it. There are two storage areas, one with a mirror tucked inside, window dimmers, pajamas, filled toiletries bag, anytime dining with full table, and full bed with mattress topper. Not at all a bad way to fly.
Japan Airlines Sky Suite
Another flight with panache is Japan Airlines Sky Suite 777. Upon entering, the first class effect can be felt through the elegant wood grain decor in just 8 first class seats on the plane. Each seat has electronic lumbar support and recline buttons, a 17-inch screen, bed, Western and Eastern cuisines including champagne and caviar service. A warm towel and amenity kit welcome guests, and after meals, premium Shiseido products are given for clean up and beautification. The perks go on and on.
Air France La Premiere
Not to be outdone, Air France’s La Premier cabins are referred to as suites, and tout all the fantastic dressings you would expect from France. Privacy is utmost here. In that respect, your seat becomes more of a bedroom, with curtains to close away from everything. The leather and suede massage seats recline into a 6.5-inch Sofitel My Bed with lamp, and ottoman too. Meals are prepared by French Michelin Star chefs and breakfast can be served in bed. All this sums up a flight experience that has been massively raved about.
Singapore Air
Singapore Air pulled out all the stops with their BMW Designworks first class seating collaboration. BMWs plush design found its way into diamond-quilted leather seats, woodgrain finishes, warm lighting, and cleverly hidden storage spaces. Meals here are prepped by two Michelin star chefs as well, but perhaps the best part about Singapore Air first class is a choice of first class suites. You can get a luxury first class seat that reclines to a private bed, or a bed that converts to a swivel reclining chair. You can also opt for an entire room, join two rooms for families, and enjoy a full sized bath and powder room. Let’s not forget about the queen sized beds. Renovations to dress the planes in this way cost $850 million for Singapore Air.
Etihad Airways
There are many more luxury first class flights that receive honorable mentions for first class including Quantas, Emirates Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways, and Thai Airways. If you are looking for the most luxurious though, let us consider Etihad Airways who have won the day for us in luxury accommodations. Serving as the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, you can book The Residence, which is an 125 sq. ft apartment in the air.
Airfare includes a closed off living room, armchair, double bed, en suite bathroom, shower, toiletries & bathrobes. Butlers trained by Savoy Hotel heed your every call, and meals are served with designer plates and flatware. One-hundred twenty-five square feet too big for you? Then opt for the Apartment, which is 45 square feet of space with access to in-flight showers and the luxury lounge. Each of these airlines carries its own flair when it comes to luxury first class flight, so which one would you choose on a long overseas flight?
