For many, commercial air travel is not glamorous. Long lines, little legroom, and the occasional crying baby make flying more of a chore than an experience to look forward to. But this is not the case for everyone. If you have a couple of thousand dollars lying around and want to avoid the common headaches of travel, book yourself a ticket in first class. Airlines today offer travelers some seriously remarkable first class seats that quite honestly redefine what a “seat” really is.

This list will present the top seven best first class airline seats in 2025, as ranked by Skytrax, a London-based consultancy that reviews global airlines and airports. The first class seats on this list are closer to studio apartments rather than traditional airliner seats. And they will certainly add another item or two to your bucket list! So let’s jump into these rankings and explore the best first class seats in the world.

Japan Airlines

Fly into tomorrow

Credit: Shutterstock

Starting at number seven is the Japan Airlines first class suite, which is offered on the airline’s A350-1000 and 777-300ER. The suite on the 777 is the classic JAL suite, while the A350 first class seat is bigger and newer than the 777 (the A350 suite is pictured above with the title). Both seats feature lie-flat beds, of course, and have paneling that fully encloses the area. Each contains ample storage space and charging ports. Each first class option also comes with the same amenities, such as dedicated check-in kiosks and lounges, as well as à la carte meal options.

The JAL Suite on the Boeing 777 is a cozy space for an individual to spend time. It features wood paneling around two sides of the suite, Airweave DUAL MODE mattresses designed specifically for JAL international first class, and a 23-inch personal TV screen.

Source: JAL

The new first class space on the Airbus A350 is more of a room than a seat. It features a sofa seating configuration which can be converted into either a twin-size or full-size bed. Speakers mounted in the headrest also allow passengers to enjoy the entertainment on the 43-inch 4K screens with ease. JAL advertises that these screens are the largest in the industry.

All Nippon Airways (ANA)

Inspiration of Japan

Credit: Acumen

Number six is another Japanese airline, All Nippon Airways. Like its country counterpart, ANA has a few versions of its first class offering depending on what aircraft you are on. In total, there are three slightly different first class seats on the 777-300ER and Airbus A380 aircraft that ANA operates. The ANA First Square seat is present on an older configuration of the 777-300ER ANA operates, which has 212 total seats with 112 economy seats.

On the updated 777-300ER configuration, passengers can fly in THE Suite by ANA, which is an updated version of the original first class suite (pictured above). This new 777 cabin configuration still has 212 total seats but four fewer business class seats and 116 economy seats. The A380 First Class seat is again a modern redesign of the typical ANA first class suite.

All three contain a wide seat that converts to a lie-flat bed, with walls that enclose the space for added privacy. None of the seats have walls that go to the ceiling, however. The main difference between the three is the size of the entertainment screen. The screen in the ANA First Square is a 23-inch LCD touchscreen monitor. The screen in THE Suite is a 43-inch 4K monitor. Finally, the screen in the A380 first class is a 32-inch monitor.

Related

All Nippon Airways’ Airbus A380s Flew Nearly Half Empty To Honolulu Last Year

ANA achieved an average load factor of 60% on its flights between Tokyo and Honolulu last year, sometimes reaching a low of just 43%. Ouch.

Etihad Airways

Beyond Borders

Credit: Shutterstock

Next is Etihad Airways, the first Middle-Eastern airline on the list, a region which is no stranger to commercial luxury. Etihad offers a first class cabin on four of its aircraft: the A380, the Boeing 787, the 777, and the Airbus A321LR. The A321LR first class is comparable to business class on US airlines, such as United Polaris. The first class seats on the 777 and 787 are very similar, and both feature enclosed spaces with large screens. There are eight first class seats on each aircraft, but four of the seats on the 787 face backwards. This is due to their slightly larger size compared to the 777 and makes for an even more unique experience.

The flagship first class experience for Etihad is on its A380, which includes nine first class cabins and one Residence cabin. More on The Residence in a bit. Like the 787, some of the first class seats on the A380 are facing backwards. But no worries, if you don’t want to sit that way, each cabin has sofa-style seating opposite the seat as well. These sofas are converted into fully flat beds fitted with Armani bedding. The first class cabins are nothing short of pure luxury. Complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi with unlimited data, an à la carte menu available at any time during flight, dedicated airport lounges, and Etihad Chauffeur services make for a memorable experience.

For those travelers looking to one-up their experience even more, Etihad offers The Residence on each A380 flight. While not technically a first class seat, any story about Etihad’s premium seats can leave this experience out. Situated at the very front of the upper deck, The Residence is candidly insane. It is a three-room suite able to fit up to two ticketed passengers. Guests first walk enter a living room with a spacious leather sofa.

Down a separate hallway they can find a private bedroom with a 6-foot, 10-inch-long double bed with its own entertainment screen. The third room is a private, ensuite bathroom with a stand-up shower located between the bedroom and living room. The Residence is exclusive, both in its price tag and availability. But if you are looking for a commercial airline experience beyond first class, The Residence has no competition.

Lufthansa

Say Yes to the World

Credit: Shutterstock

Next, we head to Germany for the first European airline on this list with Lufthansa. This iconic airline has an equally iconic first class fleet, offering first class on the A350, A380, Airbus A340-600, and Boeing 747-8. The product is the same across the fleet, except for the A350, which now offers three Lufthansa Allegris First Class cabins. The traditional first class seat features a comfortable, adjustable seat that turns into a six-and-a-half-foot-long bed. For added comfort, Van Laack pajamas and Fleuresse bed linen are provided. Caviar service is also a staple in Lufthansa’s first class.

The focus is on timeless elegance and purposeful service. The award-winning airport lounges and individual assistance throughout the airport make for an added sense of ease. For those looking for a cool aviation experience, the first class cabin on the 747 is located in the nose on the first deck. This means you sit in front of the pilots, and almost look straight ahead in the direction of travel from the first row windows.

Lufthansa Allegris is a new first class offering that includes three suite-style cabins on the A350. The maximum capacity is four passengers, as the middle cabin can hold two. Similar to Etihad’s first class, these spaces can be fully enclosed for added privacy.

Air France

La Première, the highest expression of travel

Credit: Air France

The first airline of the top three is Air France and its La Première first class on the 777. This seat is elegant and everything French. The seat is grand, and offers 78 inches of length once transformed into a bed. While the seat is indeed wonderful on its own, La Première is a complete experience. A luxury car will pick you up if your journey begins in France, and, at the airport, you will enjoy bespoke service until boarding.

If traveling out of Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport, guests enjoy a private La Première lounge and will be shuttled directly to the airplane in a Porsche. Air France has recently launched a new, refreshed version of the La Première suite on its aircraft, too. The new version is similar to the previous but contains a few modern updates.

Related

Lufthansa Allegris Vs Air France La Première: New First Class Cabins Compared

German precision vs French opulence at 35,000 feet?

Emirates

Fly Better

Credit: Emirates

Next is perhaps the airline most synonymous with luxury, Emirates. The Dubai-based airline markets itself as being a luxury commercial airline. First class on an Emirates A380 or 777 is guaranteed to be memorable and full of opulence.

Emirates’ first class seats are adorned with gold finish everywhere and feature a vanity with a mirror and a cosmetic kit. The seats are spacious and allow for comfortable sleeping, while the level of service has always ranked among the top-tier.

The main difference between first class on the A380 compared to the 777 is that the walls on the 777 are floor-to-ceiling. This means that first class guests truly have their own room, and are fully enclosed. Also, the middle seats on the 777 have fake windows that project the real-time view outside in HD. The A380 seats do not have this feature.

Singapore Airlines

Welcome to World Class

Credit: Singapore Airlines

The airline awarded with the best first class seat is Singapore Airlines. Guests can fly in first class suites on the A380 and first class cabins on the 777. The award-winning suites on the A380 are sleek, spacious, and sophisticated. For one, the large cushioned seat swivels, allowing guests the freedom to enjoy the space as they please.

Further, the bed is separate from the chair, creating even more of an apartment feel. If traveling with a loved one, either book seats 1A & 2A or seats 1F & 1F together. The divider between these can be removed to create a luxurious double bed.

Singapore is the epitome of a world-class experience. The privacy, coupled with top-tier amenities and an attentive cabin crew, make Singapore the winner. Travelers continue to mark Singapore as the best first class seat on the market today.