By now, you may have heard that First class is a dying breed for long hauls. American Airlines is phasing it out. United and Delta already buried it years ago. Even Qatar, long the poster child for inflight excellence, has called it “pointless.”
While U.S. carriers are ripping out suites and replacing them to focus on elevating their business classes, a handful of global airlines are doing the opposite. While First class is becoming increasingly rarer, some airlines are investing millions to make first class even more extravagant, enviable than ever.
So who's still in the game? And who's quietly bowing out? Here's an updated look at the airlines that still have First Class in 2025.
Before we dive in, I want to clear up a common misconception I always hear. When it comes to long-haul or international flights, first class and business class are not the same thing.
First class is the highest class of service on a plane. It shares some similarities with business class—like lie-flat seats, but beyond that, the overall experience is much more elevated and refined.
For this post, we'll be focusing specifically on international or long-haul first class. The first class you see on U.S. domestic flights is a different experience.
In this post:
Emirates: Floor-to-Ceiling Fabulousness
Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER (select aircraft)
If you are all in on privacy, Emirates’ new 777 first-class suites are still the gold standard. With fully enclosed, floor-to-ceiling walls, virtual windows, zero-gravity seating, and Bvlgari amenities, these six suites per plane are the definition of luxury. Dom Pérignon and unlimited caviar are still par for the course.
The only catch? They're rare. Just NINE jets in the fleet have them. The A380 remains a favorite for its onboard bar and showers, even though the hard product isn’t quite as high-tech.
Singapore Airlines: First Class Meets Boutique Hotel
Aircraft: Airbus A380
Let’s not forget the reigning champion. Singapore Airlines took home the title of “World’s Best First Class” at the 2025 AirlineRatings awards, and honestly, who’s surprised?
Singapore’s A380 Suites are what most airlines wish they could offer. With only six suites per aircraft, passengers get both an armchair and a separate bed that folds down from the wall. If you’re traveling with a companion, you can even lower the divider to create a double bed. Want a private room with walls, not curtains? You got it. Want to dine like you’re in a Michelin-starred restaurant? Done.The only downside? These jets are reserved for flagship routes only.
Air France: La Première
Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER
La Première is the pinnacle of first class. Each seat is enclosed with curtains for a sense of privacy rather than full enclosure, but everything else is executed with refined French flair: caviar, fine wines, and some of the most elegant bedding and plating in the sky. The ground experience at CDG’s La Première lounge? In my opinion, the best in the world.
CEO Ben Smith described it as “as close to a private jet experience as possible,” and the airline isn’t bluffing. With all La Première flights based out of CDG, the seats target high-wealth individuals traveling through Paris. Notably, normal Flying Blue members cannot redeem for La Premier, further adding to its exclusivity.
The new La Première suites debuted this spring on flights to New York, and 19 more 777- 300ERs are slated to receive the upgrade. The La Premiere experience is simply exceptional, you can tell just how much thought Air France has put into this product.
Lufthansa: Allegris and the Double Suite Dream
Aircraft: Airbus A350, Boeing 787 (coming), Boeing 747-8 (partial retrofits)
Lufthansa is finally rolling out its long-awaited Allegris first class.
Allegris is a 3-suite cabin with two window suites and one double suite in the middle called “Suite Plus,” where couples can dine, recline, and watch Netflix like it’s their private jet (minus the $60,000 charter fee).
Each suite has floor-to-ceiling sliding doors, a 43-inch screen, and temperature-adjustable seats. You also get a personal assistant at the airport, a limo to the plane, and high-end amenity kits by Porsche Design and Rimowa.
While only a few jets are currently flying with the new product, Lufthansa aims to have 30% of its long-haul fleet equipped by 2026, including the ones I’ve mentioned above and some of their 8 A380s.
Etihad: Still Serving Sky Palaces
Aircraft: Airbus A380, Boeing 787 (select aircraft)
Etihad’s A380s are back, and so is the Residence. For those unfamiliar, the Residence is a literal three-room suite in the sky, complete with a shower, bed, and private butler.
For now, they're flying between Abu Dhabi and London, Paris, New York, and Sydney.
Behind the Residence are Etihad’s First Apartments, which are good in their own right. The mini-suites have a separate bed and seat, Poltrona Frau leather, and service that still stuns. The Residence holds a special place in my heart, as it's the only seat from this list I’ve had the opportunity to fly, which I could write a whole other report on.
Honorable Mentions
ANA: With suites on select 777-300ERs offering big screens, doors, and impeccable Japanese service. ANA’s first class is great, however, it is often overshadowed by their incredible business class.
Cathay Pacific: A classic, understated product with some of the best bedding and champagne in the sky.
SWISS: An elegant, reliable option with excellent food and plush bedding, but limited availability.
Korean Air: Spacious seats and solid service on its 747-8 fleet, but the product is definitely aged
Qantas: Optimized for the airline's extreme long-haul flights, featuring separate bed and chair.
Oman Air: Boutique-level attention on limited routes, with great design and Cristal champagne.
Japan Airlines: With their first class on the A350-A1000, you’ll be in a minimalist wonderland with as much sushi as you want.
Air India: Recently revamped their first class product, definitely an upgrade.
Quantas debuted its new first class made specifically for the world's longest plane route.
Final Thoughts
The days of multi-row first-class cabins are largely behind us. But for a small circle of carriers, first class is thriving. These airlines have turned seats in the hardest profitable class into a profit driver, and have made them define their brand in the process. I feel guilty ever spending $10,000 on a seat, but if you want to splurge (or redeem smartly), there's still plenty of magic at the front of the plane.
First class is not dead, but it is definitely only getting more exclusive. The airlines that still offer it understand the powerful brand statement it makes. While many bloggers argue that first class offers the worst value “by a long shot,” it ultimately comes down to how you value your time, money, and the overall travel experience.
