9 Airlines Offering First-Class Seats That Cost More Than a Car
Paying five figures for a flight might sound absurd—until you see what that ticket gets you. These first-class cabins go beyond bigger seats or nicer meals with tailored service, restaurant-quality menus, and, on some aircraft, entire rooms in the sky. We looked past the buzz and branding to focus on what really delivers. Here’s how the top carriers stack up in 2025.
Emirates
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Emirates’ fully enclosed First Class Suites on the Boeing 777-300ER offer floor-to-ceiling privacy, ambient lighting, and personal temperature controls. Unlike the A380, the 777 focuses less on in-flight spectacle and more on personal control and isolation, which is precisely what high-end travelers tend to prioritize. Ticket prices for Emirates First Class vary depending on the route, aircraft, and booking time, ranging from $7,000 to $15,000 for a one-way ticket.
Singapore Airlines
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Singapore Airlines’ First Class Suites on the Airbus A380 are renowned for their understated elegance and class-leading space. The “Book the Cook” service allows passengers to choose detailed meals ahead of time, usually served better than hotel room service. While specific pricing details are not provided, First Class tickets on Singapore Airlines are known to be among the most expensive in the industry.
Japan Airlines
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Japan Airlines’ A350-1000 features First Class suites with 43-inch 4K monitors, Bluetooth connectivity, and enough width to seat two. Passengers can choose mattress firmness before departure. The cost for this class is around $4,000 to $16,000 or more, depending on the route and booking time.
Air France
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Air France’s La Première cabins hold only four suites, all of them behind thick curtains rather than doors. Passengers enjoy courses created with Michelin chefs and a refined drinks list. An average one-way Paris-New York ticket costs around €10,000 (approximately $10,800) in May.
All Nippon Airways (ANA)
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ANA’s “The Suite” on the 777-300ER includes sliding doors, a wardrobe-sized closet, and menus featuring both elaborate Japanese meals and understated European options. Cash prices for ANA First Class tickets between the U.S. and Japan often cost $20,000 round-trip.
Etihad Airways
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Separation of space makes a strong case on Etihad’s A380. First Class Apartments include a leather armchair, a separate bed, and a vanity—all arranged along the length of the cabin wall. The airline earned early praise for this layout when it debuted, and despite limited availability now, the experience hasn’t slipped. The luxurious “apartments” typically cost $6,000 per person.
SWISS
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The SWISS first-class experience involves quarterly rotating menus and a lounge in Zurich that resembles a boutique hotel. The space features sliding partitions and just enough openness to avoid feeling boxed in. Attendants move with efficiency, and the in-flight pace encourages sleep or focused work. Airfare for First Class ranges from $10,500 to $14,510 for a round trip.
Cathay Pacific
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Cathay Pacific outfits each seat with soft Bamford linens and personal space to avoid awkward mid-flight movement. Wide seats and high partitions make it possible to sleep without needing a door. The staff is quick to help and earns consistently positive feedback from travelers. First Class tickets normally cost between $8,000 to $15,000 for a one-way trip.
Lufthansa
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Pre-flight, the Lufthansa experience starts at Frankfurt’s dedicated First Class Terminal. Private security, a full-service bar, and tarmac transfers are included. Onboard, the approach stays classic: polished service, multiple-course meals, and refined seating positioned at the nose of the 747-8.
Korean Air
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Travelers looking for a less crowded cabin often land on Korean Air’s 747-8. The first-class seats are wide, recline fully, and sit in the quiet nose section of the aircraft. Meals include a large variety—Korean and Western options, paired with respectable drink selections. There’s no Wi-Fi or modern entertainment, and for long routes into or out of Asia, that simplicity holds up well.
British Airways
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Newer Club Suite cabins include lie-flat beds, closing doors, and improved bedding, which brings British Airways’ business product much closer to old first-class standards. It’s now featured across retrofitted 777s and newer A350s flying out of Heathrow. The airline’s previous layouts drew criticism, but traveler reviews since this upgrade have shifted tone.
Qatar Airways
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Modular seating in Qsuite lets solo travelers close off their own space, or couples turn theirs into a shared cabin. Qatar Airways also equips these seats with reliable Wi-Fi, wide screens, and an à la carte menu that adapts to destination time zones. This business-class-in-name-only product frequently tops global rankings and plays a major role in the airline’s reputation. A return fare for this experience is priced from $11,702
Qantas
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First Class has been part of Qantas’ long-haul identity for decades, and the airline continues to offer it exclusively on the Airbus A380. Suites are generously spaced, with fully flat beds and large storage areas. Paired with the Sydney First Lounge—often ranked among the best in the world—this remains one of the most thoughtfully integrated ground-to-air experiences in the industry.
Saudia
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Reviews consistently describe Saudia’s First Class as underappreciated but impressive. The suite includes closing doors, a lie-flat seat, and personalized meal service that blends Arabic and international dishes. Passengers highlight the calm atmosphere and the attention to cultural detail, from prayer areas to date and Arabic coffee service.
China Eastern
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Onboard its 777-300ERs, China Eastern offers a First Class cabin with fully enclosed suites and oversized entertainment screens. Meals alternate between traditional Chinese cuisine and Western selections, often served with subtle flourishes like in-seat plating. While not as broadly promoted as regional competitors, the airline continues to field this product on trans-Pacific routes like Shanghai–New York.