First class in 2026 is a rarefied world. While many airlines have eliminated the cabin entirely, a handful have doubled down — creating private suites, onboard showers and butler services that compete with the finest boutique hotels. Here is our assessment of who does it best.
Last updated: June 2026
#1
Singapore Airlines Suites
From £9,500 cash / 110,000 KrisFlyer miles one-way
The Singapore Airlines A380 Suite is not a seat — it is a room. A separate armchair and full-length bed. Double Suites allow couples to share a space. The 23-inch screen, the noise-cancelling headphones, the Book the Cook meal service and the SilverKris First Class Lounge at Changi all contribute to an experience that is genuinely without equal in commercial aviation.
The only first class product with a fully separate bed and armchair that do not convert from the same piece of furniture.
Emirates First Class on the A380 combines a fully enclosed suite (with closing doors) with the most extraordinary luxury feature in commercial aviation — a private Shower Spa. The two showers on board each A380 operate with just 5 minutes of hot water per booking, but the experience of showering at 40,000 feet over the Arabian Sea is worth every minute.
The Shower Spa — a hot shower with Bulgari toiletries at cruising altitude — is unique in the world.
110,000 Virgin Points return (rarely sold on cash)
ANA's first class on the Boeing 777 is the best-kept secret in premium aviation. Virtually inaccessible on cash fares (ANA rarely discounts first class), it is accessible via Virgin Atlantic Flying Club miles at extraordinary value. The Suite features sliding doors, a proper Japanese mattress topper, and pre-order dining.
Bookable with just 110,000 Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points return from the UK to Japan.
#4
Lufthansa First Class
From £7,500 cash / 87,000 Miles & More miles one-way
Lufthansa First Class is distinguished by its ground experience as much as its inflight product. The Frankfurt First Class Terminal — a private, dedicated facility — includes a cigar lounge, a restaurant, spa treatments, and a private car to the aircraft (you board via stairs directly from the tarmac). The suite itself is excellent but eclipsed by the terminal experience.
The Frankfurt First Class Terminal is a unique airport experience — a private clubhouse rather than a lounge.
Qatar's A380 first class is now rarely operated, but the Boeing 777 first class on select routes (particularly Doha to London) remains an excellent product. The Al Safwa First Lounge at Doha — with its own fine dining restaurant and spa — is one of the finest ground experiences in the world.
The Al Safwa First Lounge at Hamad International is consistently ranked among the world's best airport lounges.
Ranked on suite privacy and design, bed quality and size, dining (especially pre-order / Book the Cook menus), shower availability, lounge quality at home base, and award redemption accessibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airline has the best first class in the world?
Singapore Airlines Suites on the A380 is the near-universal answer among aviation enthusiasts and reviewers in 2026. The separate bed, the SilverKris First Lounge at Changi and the extraordinary service make it the gold standard. Emirates First with the Shower Spa is a compelling alternative.
How do I book first class with miles?
ANA First Class via Virgin Flying Club (110,000 points return to Japan) and Emirates First Class via British Airways Avios (85,000 Avios to Dubai, one-way) offer the best value redemptions available from the UK. Singapore Suites via KrisFlyer (110,000 miles one-way to Singapore) is also excellent value.
What is the cheapest first class ticket?
First class fares on routes through Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), via Doha on Qatar (older product) and promotional fares from Emirates can start below £3,000 one-way. For true first class suites (Singapore, ANA, Emirates A380), cash fares rarely drop below £4,500 one-way.
Is first class worth it compared to business class?
The gap has narrowed. The best business class products (Qsuites, Singapore Business) rival entry-level first class on many metrics. True first class differentiation — private suite with door, Shower Spa, Michelin-level dining, private car to the aircraft — remains significant but commands a price premium of 3–5x over business.
Do all airlines still offer first class?
No — many airlines have eliminated first class in favour of premium business class. Notable carriers without first class include Air France (on most routes), KLM, Qantas (except some 747 routes), Delta and United. The remaining first class carriers are: Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Etihad, Qatar (limited), ANA, JAL, Lufthansa and British Airways.
What is included in first class?
True first class includes: a private suite with door (on the best products), a flat bed 80+ inches long, turndown service with pyjamas and bedding, an amenity kit with full-size products, lounge access before departure (first class only lounge), chauffeur transfer at some airlines, and a dining menu with pre-order options.
How early should I arrive for an international first class flight?
Arrive 2.5–3 hours before departure to fully enjoy the first class lounge experience — the Concorde Room, Al Safwa, SilverKris First or similar. Many first class lounges also offer priority immigration lanes and dedicated security, so you will not need the full time for processing.
Which credit card is best for earning first class flights?
The American Express Centurion card (invitation only) and Amex Platinum offer the broadest earning potential with transfers to Singapore KrisFlyer, British Airways Avios, Virgin Flying Club and more. For most UK travellers, the Amex Platinum is the most practical path to a first class redemption.
