In this review of first class flying on the world’s largest airliner, we will break down the price tags and route data of the longest A380 routes for December 2025. Every itinerary on this list leverages data from Cirium and pricing information from the respective airline’s official website in US Dollars.

If you’re curious about the cost of a luxurious flight halfway around the world, and the Airbus A380 is your jetliner of choice, then look no further. So, without any further ado, let’s break down and see exactly what you get for your money when you climb aboard the most decadent airliner in the sky.

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The Emirates A380 first class on these ultra-long-haul routes is defined by opulence, excellent privacy, and unique onboard features like the shower spa and upper deck lounge. The luxury begins before boarding with a complimentary chauffeur-driven car service to and from the airport. Upon arrival at the terminal, first-class flyers are granted access to exclusive First Class lounges. That includes the massive facilities in DXB that feature spas, cigar bars, and exclusive fine dining.

The Qantas first class experience is focused on understated luxury, comfort, and premium Australian hospitality rather than the overt “bells and whistles” of some competitors. One note is that onboard Wi-Fi isn’t universally available on the Qantas A380 fleet yet. That may be a deal breaker for some flyers who can’t go half a day completely disconnected offline for business or other reasons.

This first class experience with Qatar Airways is only available for long-haul routes, making the A380 itinerary in this review a rare opportunity. The cabin features only eight semi-private suites in a 1-2-1 configuration at the front of the upper deck, ensuring highly personalized service. The headlines are exceptionally spacious seating, high-end dining, and outstanding ground service, though some argue the in-air difference from their top-tier business class (Qsuite) is minimal.

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Emirates To Oceania

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Emirates operates daily A380 flights from its hub in Dubai (DXB) to Auckland (AKL), Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), and Brisbane (BNE). Dubai to Auckland is approximately 8,810 miles and is one of the world’s longest non-stop flights, not just for the A380 global fleet alone.

Every first class suite is treated like a personal sanctuary with a sliding door, large leather seats, and, of course, a fully flat bed. Many describe the experience as being like a “private jet” or “five-star hotel room in the sky.” In addition to the luxury upholstery, there is also a mattress topper and duvet for the best quality of sleep. The onboard shower spa is a signature feature, exclusively reserved for first-class guests. Each passenger can reserve a 30-minute slot in one of the two suites during the flight. There is a 5-minute total running time limit on hot water usage, and the entire experience comes with heated floors and luxury VOYA or Bvlgari products.

The dining experience is second to none, with both a la carte and on-demand menu options. The menu includes premium options like caviar service and high-quality cuts of meat, paired with fine wines and free-flowing Dom Pérignon champagne. If you are feeling restless, you can pay a visit to the upper deck bar and lounge.

Emirates A380 lounge bar offers premium drinks like Moët, Chandon, and Veuve Clicquot Champagne, top-shelf spirits like Belvedere, Hennessy, and Woodford Reserve. The bartender is happy to serve signature cocktails or those of your choosing, fine wines, and non-alcoholic options like mocktails and juices.

Emirates To The USA

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These Emirates A380 routes connect Dubai with some of the largest US hubs: Los Angeles (LAX), Houston (IAH), San Francisco (SFO), and Washington, DC via Dulles (IAD). On these extremely long routes, the distance ranges between 7,000 and 8,300 miles one-way. For the substantial price of admission, you receive a combination of convenience, exclusivity, and luxury.

For first-class passengers, a private car and driver will pick you up from your home, office, or hotel and take you directly to the airport. Upon arrival at your destination, another driver will be waiting to take you to your final location. Emirates lounges, like the one at SFO, offer hot buffets, showers, and business spaces. In airports without a dedicated Emirates lounge, first-class passengers are directed to a partner lounge.

Once aboard, each suite is equipped with a personal mini-bar with soft drinks and snacks, as well as a call button to request “room service” from the flight attendant (FA) staff. Emirates provides patented “Hydra Active” sleepwear that is infused with natural moisturizers released by movement, designed specifically to prevent skin dehydration on long-haul flights.

When you slide your privacy doors shut to relax or sleep, a “do not disturb” light indicator informs the crew that guests would like privacy, and they will only enter if you explicitly use the call button or an emergency arises. The service system is designed for subtlety. Flyers can either make requests for specific needs on their own schedule or go with the flow and allow the highly attentive crew to offer service throughout the flight without being intrusive.

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The Qantas Superjumbos

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The Qantas A380 routes that connect Sydney and Melbourne with the US cities of Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) and Los Angeles (LAX) are some of Qantas’ longest routes. First class seating is not enclosed, but the cabin features a 1-1-1 configuration with only 14 seats on the lower deck, offering a semi-private atmosphere.

After boarding, a welcome drink of Moët champagne is delivered, as well as snacks like olives and smoked nuts. The seat is a swiveling armchair and converts into one of the most comfortable, fully flat beds in the sky. That is thanks to a thick memory foam mattress topper and Sheridan bedding.

Passengers get access to a private, dedicated check-in area at Qantas’ hub airports like Sydney. Next up are award-winning Qantas International First Lounges in Sydney and Melbourne, which offer à la carte dining with menus by famed chef Neil Perry, like the in-flight menu, and even complimentary spa treatments.

Passengers receive exclusive Aesop amenity kits, along with cotton pajamas and slippers. A small lounge area is available at the front of the upper deck for a change of scenery or a place to mingle. An extensive selection of award-winning Australian wines and champagne, such as Duval-Leroy or Bollinger, is available in the air as well.

Qatar’s Longest A380 Itinerary

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The Qatar Airways A380 route between Doha (DOH) and Sydney is one of the few routes where the airline offers a first-class cabin. The cabin itself is at the front of the upper deck, featuring just eight seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, ensuring an intimate and quiet environment. First and Business Class passengers share access to a large, elegant lounge and bar area at the rear of the upper deck.

The first class suites do not have fully enclosing doors; however, the partitions do offer a significant amount of privacy for individual spaces that isolate first-class flyers from the rest of the cabin. Seats are very wide and comfortable, converting into a fully flat, 81-inch-long bed with a plush mattress topper and duvet. The A380 features two very spacious bathrooms at the front of the cabin, beautifully designed with mood lighting and fresh orchids, though they do not include an onboard shower.

The ground service at Hamad International Airport (DOH) is often described as one of the main highlights of first-class flying with Qatar Airways on the A380. Al Safwa First Lounge offers VIP Flyers a palatial, museum-like lounge, taking inspiration from the architectural beauty of Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art.

There is a dedicated check-in area with direct access to the lounge. Inside is a 250-seat restaurant with buffets and a la carte fine dining. The QSpa features a jacuzzi and nine treatment rooms. There are even private bedrooms for resting during a long layover. On the Sydney end of the itinerary, the flagship Qantas First Class Lounge is available as part of the oneworld airline alliance. Don’t forget to ask for the off-menu wines, as the Luxury Traveller highlights.