Once the last word in luxury and status, first class has undergone a revolution in recent years. Many airlines are abandoning it completely, filling their airplanes with premium business seats instead. Yet for some premium airlines, first class is a chance to really flex their creative muscles and show what they can do.
Competition to create ever-plusher first class suites has kickstarted a new golden age for ultra-rich travelers. Private cabins, double beds, Michelin-starred chefs and showers are all on offer in the sky. For the rest of us, the best first class seats still represent the most comfortable, private and memorable way to fly.
What makes a first class seat the best?
First class is much more than a comfy chair and a nice meal. It’s a combination of factors designed to deliver the ultimate travel experience – both on the ground and in the air.
- Space and privacy: The best first class seats are hotel rooms in the sky. Private cabins, full height doors, room to move, top-end amenities, and peace and quiet.
- A real bed: Not only wide lie-flat seats (typically 31 to 35 inches), but also mattress toppers and hotel-quality bedding. Some, like Singapore Airlines, offer dedicated beds.
- Service and dining: Five-star personalized service. Eat when you want with multi-course fine dining and made-to-order dishes. Think caviar and Cristal served on fine china and cut glass.
- Ground experience: Airport chauffeur service, dedicated check-in, private lounges and even terminals with everything from fine dining to private spas.
- Value: Cost has to be a factor. First class experiences and prices can vary wildly, but finding the right balance between price and comfort can determine what makes the best first class seat for you.
The best first class seats available in the U.S.
The U.S. has many major airlines, but only a handful offer a true first class service.
Delta
My pick not only for the consistency of its domestic first class experience but also for its Delta One international cabins.
- Comfort: Domestic Delta First seats are wide and comfy with good legroom and a deep recline. International flights on A350s and A339s offer Delta One suites with lie-flat beds and full height doors.
- Service: Priority everything on the ground and a dedicated flight attendant on board.
- Value: Delta’s domestic first class offering may not be worth the added cost but its intercontinental cabins are the best of any U.S. airline.
- At-the-gate cash upgrades are often available, so it’s worth asking what price you can get.
- You can also upgrade using SkyMiles via the Delta app. Though you may get better value using them for other benefits, like Delta’s Award Travel scheme.
American Airlines
American features first class on its domestic, transcontinental and international flights, though the experience varies greatly between them.
- Comfort: Domestic First is conventional but aging, with roomy reclining seats and good legroom. Flagship First with lie-flat seats is available on A321T transcon planes and Boeing 777-300 international flights.
- Service: Priority check-in and boarding for Domestic First but no lounge access. Flagship First gets you five-star and priority everything.
- Value: American’s Domestic First is way behind many airlines and in my opinion isn’t worth the money. Transcon and international flights offer a better experience – for significantly more money.
- In 2025, American introduced its Instant Upgrade service, available with co-pay up to the point of departure or using AAdvantage miles up to 24 hours in advance.
The best international first class seats available
Beyond the somewhat meagre U.S. first class offering, many airlines have gone absolutely wild! Here are the best first class airlines currently flying.
Emirates First Class 777-300ER Suite
Emirates’ First Class Suites are the epitome of over-the-top indulgence.
On the latest Boeing 777-300ERs a first class ticket will bag you a private cabin with a zero-gravity seat position that makes you feel like you’re floating above the clouds – literally. The middle cabin features virtual reality real-time HD ‘windows’ so passengers don’t miss out on the views.
The gorgeous First Class A380 Suites aren’t as shiny-new as the 777-300 offering, but they do come with something currently unique in the skies – in-flight showers via the on-board ‘spa’.
Singapore Airlines First Class A380 Suite
Crown for the best first class cabin in the skies today goes to Singapore Airlines’ A380 suite. A 50-square-foot hotel room in the sky, it’s the largest of any airline. Some can even be joined to create a jaw-dropping 100-square-foot apartment.
In it, a reclining swivel chair for working and dining at the table or window gazing at the clouds. A separate bed, remote control light and heat, 32-inch TV and every conceivable detail taken care of. The ‘Book the Cook’ service lets you choose your meals in advance – lobster thermidor and a bottle of Cristal, anyone?
Singapore’s A380 doesn’t fly to the U.S. at the moment – you’ll have to travel instead to Delhi, Frankfurt, London, Mumbai or Sydney.
Air France La Première 777-300ER Suite
It’s no surprise that Air France has stepped up the sophistication with its chic La Première suite. From the private sedan that carries you to the plane to the chic refinement of the plane interior, it’s gorgeous.
On board, each curtained-off suite has five (count them!) windows for mega views. Best enjoyed from perhaps the comfiest lie-flat seat in the sky – or from the dedicated chaise lounge facing it.
Comfort is important, as it takes a while to work through the unrivalled in-flight tasting menu, curated by a dozen of the world’s best chefs.
A quick comparison guide to the best first class seats.
| Feature | Global first class suites | U.S. first class seats |
|---|---|---|
| Seat | Fully enclosed, lie-flat, some dedicated bed | Lie flat or limited recliner |
| Privacy | High – private cabins with doors & partitions, soundproofing | Moderate |
| Service | Highly personalized, fine dining, ground and air | Premium but simplified, especially on the ground |
| Lounge access | Included – flagship lounges, dedicated terminals | Varies by ticket, status and route |
| Price range | $$$$ | $$–$$$ |
Tips for finding the best first class seats.
With the availability of first class seats falling and the prices climbing, finding the best can be challenging.
- Not all first classes are created equal – even within the same airlines. Knowing the plane model, age and its first class cabin layout is essential to getting the best experience. Use SeatMaps to check your plane’s configuration.
- Upgrading to first class for long haul can be more cost-effective than buying direct – especially if you redeem reward miles.
- With fewer airlines operating true first class, seats are limited. For international long haul in particular, book early. Premium first class airlines like Emirates and Singapore can sell out up to six months in advance.
Best first class seats FAQs.
There are several incredible premium flying experiences on offer, with more coming all the time. Currently though, nothing beats Singapore Airlines’ First Class A380 suite.
The length of flight, difference between classes, what price you put on service, food and privacy – and how much you can afford. All impact whether a first class seat is worth paying for. In my experience, short haul is seldom worth the upgrade from business but long haul often is.
Yes – although it’s easier with some first class seats than others. Domestic and Transcon U.S. flights are easy enough using airline or partner rewards. True international first class, while still possible, is extremely limited and takes planning, flexibility and some serious rewards status.
