The first class cabin is always seen as the ultimate in luxury with lavish features that many can only dream of. Business class has evolved into a more extensive product, with lie-flat beds and now private suites and with more business class products than ever, first class has become more exclusive and somewhat rare on long-haul international flights. First class features can include in-flight showers, bars and lounges, private dining suites, and the finest champagne and caviar service served during the flight.
Premium travel is in high demand, and airlines compete for the most luxurious cabin and exclusive service both in the air and on the ground. They want to attract high spenders where cost is no object and bring in extra revenue. Some airlines added private suites with privacy doors, double beds, and high-end luxury amenities and fine dining. Business class has become the new first class with the new elevated product. Therefore, first class now has to be even more special in order to be worthy of a five-digit price. So, let’s look at some of the world’s most luxurious first class suites.
Etihad Airways
First class apartments and The Residence on the Airbus A380
On each 
Etihad Airways Airbus A380, a hallway leads to nine first class apartments behind closing doors. There is a large recliner seat made of Poltrana Frau leather and a bench, which allows it to be made into a bed with plush linens. There is also a vanity area with large mirrors and a large monitor where entertainment can be watched from the bed. Personal controls allow the passenger to adjust the lights and their color, as well as operate the window blinds. There is also a non-alcoholic mini-bar, and passengers have access to spa showers and The Lobby lounge area.
The amenity kit, pajamas, and slippers are by Armani, and the folio offered contains ESPA products. The fine dining restaurant menu is dine on demand, and the dedicated first class crew can cook some items to order. Caviar service is available and the champagne served onboard is by Devaux House. There are plenty of storage areas for personal items, and there is a wardrobe to hang up clothing or store garment bags. The apartments are the second largest first class suites by square foot.
The Residence is unique and the most exclusive apartment at the very front of the A380 upper deck with three separate rooms, including a living room, a bedroom with a queen-sized bed, and a private bathroom with a shower. According to Condé Nast Traveler, The Residence costs around $25,000 one way and is the closest first class product to flying on a private jet. One Mile at a Time describes The Residence as an experience in a league of its own within commercial aviation, and that Etihad makes you feel like a VVIP when flying in The Residence.
Emirates
First class on the Boeing 777-300ER
Emirates and its newest first class product on the Boeing 777-300ER could be considered ‘out of this world’ with zero gravity seats designed by space engineers, fabrics designed by Mercedes-Benz, and virtual reality windows. There are two rows with three suites across; the middle seats feature virtual reality windows showing the outside views. Each suite has a full-size privacy door, and there is a comfortable lie-flat bed. Light and temperature can be controlled in the suite. There is a 32-inch HD monitor for in-flight entertainment.
A leather journal is gifted to each passenger. The luxurious amenity kit contains Byredo eye cream, chamomile sleep oil, and a pillow mist. The first class pajamas hydrate the skin with shea butter and argan oil contained in the fabric, and slippers are also given out. The Boeing 777-300ER doesn’t have the shower or the bar of the A380, but the first class lounge in Dubai has a Moët and Chandon bar, shower suites, and an à la carte dining menu, as an alternative.
First class passengers can choose from the Emirates wine cellar with wines such as the Château Mouton Rothschild 2004. A video chat system can be used to request any items from the crew. A personal mini-bar has soft drinks and snacks available during the flight. There is a free-flow champagne and caviar service. Meals are dine on demand. These first class seats are limited to this aircraft type, although it is thought that the new Boeing 777X will have a similar design.
The Only 3 Airlines Still Offering Luxurious VIP Suites On The Airbus A380
Few airlines offere a first class product. even fewer a complete suite. Let’s find out which carriers are still offering the most luxurious experience
Lufthansa
First class on the Boeing 747-800 and Airbus A350
Lufthansa’s first class on the Boeing 747-800 features sleek suites with a high attention to detail, including individual fresh roses at each seat, pajamas wrapped with ribbon, and a designer amenity kit with cologne. Window blinds can be controlled by touch controls as well as temperature control. There are storage closets and wardrobes for personal use. Luxurious bedding makes for a comfortable bed. Wi-Fi is complimentary, and there is a large in-flight entertainment monitor. The Boeing 747 suites do not have a privacy door but use noise-canceling fabrics to soften any excess sound.
Fine dining is multi-course and plated at your seat, and followed by a cheese cart feature. There is also a champagne and caviar service. Lufthansa’s newest first class on the A350 has been described as impressive by Condé Nast Traveler. The Allegris product on the A350 has three suites with full privacy doors, and the middle suite has a double bed and is currently on routes between Munich and New York, Chicago and San Francisco.
At Lufthansa’s Frankfurt hub, there is a private building at the terminal for first class passengers. This has a restaurant, cigar bar, sleep rooms, and shower suites for passenger comfort. There is dedicated security and immigration, much like private jet terminals. Passengers are taken from the private terminal at Frankfurt by a luxury car. 
Lufthansa offers a consistent first class product, which is elegant but not as private as the suites on the A350.
Singapore Airlines
First class on the Airbus A380
Singapore Airlines’ first class is well known for being one of the finest flying experiences in the world. Indeed, Business Traveller says 
Singapore Airlines first class is the best in the world and describes it as ‘a hotel room in the sky’. Their six suites on the Airbus A380 are 50 square feet and offer more space than their competitors. There are also some suites for two people available, making an apartment of 100 square feet. This particular first class product can be found on select flights, including flights from Singapore to London, Frankfurt, Delhi, Sydney, and Mumbai.
Inside the suite, there is a reclining swivel chair, a desktop for working, and a separate bed. There is a tablet for controlling the lighting in the suite and there is a 32-inch monitor for in-flight entertainment. First class passengers may choose meals in advance, such as lobster thermidor and filet mignon, through the airline’s ‘Book the Cook’ service. Alternatively, there is the Golden Door spa wellness menu and exercise program. Champagne Cristal is served onboard and caviar service is also available. Amenity kits are by Lalique or similar designer brands.
There are two SilverKris first class lounges available at 
Singapore Changi Airport at Terminals Two and Three. They have à la carte dining, a buffet, sleeping rooms and shower rooms. The lounge at Terminal Two also has a bar offering champagne and signature Singapore slings. For those traveling in the first class suites, there is also The Private Room, an exclusive ‘lounge within a lounge’ with top-tier dining and amenities.
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All Nippon Airways (ANA)
First class on the B777-300ER
The first class experience on All Nippon Airways (ANA), particularly on the Boeing 777-300ER, is called The Suites. There are eight suites, which are sleek and functional and have fully closing doors and a 43-inch monitor. The seats are large and comfortable, made in conjunction with Nishikawa, and there is an ottoman that can be used to extend the seat into a lie-flat bed. This can also be used to seat a second person during dining. The suite features electronic window blinds, a private closet and a large table.
The very best champagne, sake and shōchū are served onboard. There is a choice of a Japanese omakase menu or a Western menu, designed by famous chefs and the Connoisseur program. Perhaps unsurprisingly, with Japan’s customer service excellence in mind, flight attendants will respond to first class passenger requests within just 15 seconds. Krug champagne is the drink of choice in the first class cabin.
Free internet is available for first class passengers and the lavatories are traditional bidet style. Suites in the central section have a removable partition for passengers who are traveling together. There are a number of amenities available onboard, including loungewear, an amenity kit and slippers. Postcards, limited foot rollers and rentable knitwear are also available. At Tokyo Narita Airport, first class passengers can check in at the ANA Suite Lounge and there are ANA Lounges at selected airports.
