When planning another adventure to an exciting destination or an important business trip abroad, make sure your ride is comfortable, especially if you’re in for a long-distance journey. And what could be better than a classic first-class experience, guaranteed to set you up for a restful night’s sleep, delectable cuisine, and a revitalizing morning?
Although there are many fish in the aviation sea, it is no secret that, following the pandemic, many airlines continued to add seats in order to carry more customers, sacrificing space in order to extract more value. However, a select few are able to maintain the level of comfort we have grown accustomed to.
Our luxury travel magazine has compiled a comprehensive list of companies that continue to preserve what appears to be a now-gone luxury of unrivaled comfort and impeccable service, ranging from Singapore Airlines to Lufthansa.
Qatar Airlines
First-class passengers on Qatar Airways can expect five-star service and luxurious private accommodations. Whether you’re sleeping in your fully retractable bed or relaxing in one of the slightly lowered, spacious seats made of the softest fabric to enjoy all the entertainment on board, Qatar Airways will complement your binge-watching with a ten-course lunch. The lunch menu, created by two celebrity chefs, includes delicacies such as caviar, lobster, and a variety of appetisers made from rare and unique ingredients. Don’t forget to order wine from the well-curated and rather extensive wine list. Upon arrival, guests receive Giorgio Armani gift sets, which only adds to the pleasant experience of flying with this airline.
Diamond Etihad
This airline, regarded as one of the best for first-class service, goes to great lengths to ensure that its customers have the best first-class experience possible. Passengers flying first class on Etihad Diamond have the option of staying in a private room or suite, as well as reserving their own private dining table with a personal chef who will prepare any dish from an extensive menu available on board. Guests can pair their delicious meal with a bottle of upscale cognac or a glass of rich wine. Etihad Diamond’s first class also provides over 750 hours of entertainment on individual 24-inch television screens – more than enough to pass the time while binge-watching your favorite series in 4K. In addition, there is unrestricted access to mobile communications and the internet. This airline’s attention to detail borders on obsession when it comes to leisure. Before you notice something is missing, attentive cabin crew will serve you a missing drink, provide you with extra sound-leveling headphones, or pyjamas tailored to your size. Oh, and every room has a Do Not Disturb feature to prevent any unwanted interactions.
Singapore Airlines (SIA)
Flying first class with Singapore Airlines can be an unforgettable experience in and of itself. With regular first-class seats and rooms with sliding doors and pleasant blinds, passengers can choose the level of privacy that suits them best. In collaboration with BMW Group DesignworksUSA, the seats were designed and manufactured to be among the most spacious in the industry. All first-class passengers will enjoy an unparalleled level of comfort in 90cm-wide seats that fold out to become double beds. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a glass of Dom Pérignon champagne, a selection of magazines, and a gift set of Givenchy perfumes. In terms of entertainment on board, each passenger has their own 24-inch touchscreen LCD screen, a personal wardrobe, and Bose noise-cancelling headphones. The on-board dining, on the other hand, is truly remarkable. Passengers can sample plates from one of the world’s most famous chefs as well as elite wines from the airline’s extensive beverage collection. Guests can also hire their own chef and order delectable meals up to 24 hours before their flight.
Emirates
Emirates Airlines’ luxury first class cabin, like many of the others on this list, has retractable doors and pleasant ambient lighting. However, each room has its own shower spa where passengers can shower and freshen up before arriving at their destination. The company also provides its passengers with à la carte dining and a carefully curated wine list that can be accessed either in their room or at the first class bar, where they can sample other premium alcoholic beverages. A professional bartender is ready to take you on an exciting adventure through the bar’s unique beverage program, from champagne and beer to exquisite handmade cocktails. Passengers receive BVLGARI gift sets and Timeless Spa beauty products as parting gifts.
KLM
Every aspect of KLM’s first class reflects Dutch pride. That’s why Marcel Wanders, a Dutch designer, created the one-of-a-kind pieces used in the airline’s in-flight service, subtly weaving the iconic crown logo into service items as well as the fabrics of the spacious seats, which convert into flat beds on all KLM World Business Class long-haul flights. Although some guests may require a nap, they will most likely not want to miss out on all of the on-board entertainment, as well as the authentic Dutch menu created in collaboration with top Dutch chef Jonnie Boer. KLM has partnered with chef Masanori Tomikawa of Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant Yamazato at Hotel Okura Amsterdam to create the ultimate umami experience for Japan flights. Whatever cuisine you choose, you should definitely try a Flying Dutchman – KLM’s signature gin drink made with blackberry liqueur, lemon juice, and sugar syrup; a truly unforgettable taste experience.
