Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.
Today: Top 10 world's best airlines for longhaul First Class
Each year, I share on my travel blog a selection of the 10 best airlines in the world for flying First Class. Unfortunately, First Class is a slowly dying breed since more and more airlines are dropping their most luxurious cabin in favor of an improved and competitive Business Class. These days, First Class is only offered on selected 'high-yield' routes with heavy business traffic and enough people willing to pay for the privilege (e.g. New York to London or Singapore to Paris). First Class is, among other things, known for excellent ground service (with limo transfers & dedicated lounges), lie-flat seats (with superb bedding), personalized onboard service, as well as superlative meal service (with high-quality champagne & caviar).
There is more information (with reviews and YouTube videos) below the slide show. Think I missed one? Leave a comment.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
*** Follow me on Instagram, YouTube, X or Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***
Switzerland's national carrier offers eight spacious, fully enclosed First Class suites nestled into the nose of its Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A330 planes. Each suite exudes a warm 'color and materials' palette of browns, greys and accents of European oak wood, while soft walls, woven fabric bulkheads and curtain screens help dampen noise in the cabin. Passengers can use the electric-mechanical window blinds on all three windows in their suite simultaneously. On the carrier's Boeing 777, each passenger has a personal wardrobe and a sliding door, which creates a partition between the seat and the aisle to offer greater privacy. And onboard entertainment is a pure delight thanks to the 32 inch video screen.
Most of Lufthansa's longhaul aircraft feature 8 generously sized and individually adjustable First Class seats. When you want to sit back and relax, the seat's independently adjustable backrest and footrest and the moveable ottoman provide the greatest comfort. On request a flight attendant will transform the seat into a super-comfy bed with mattress topper and temperature-regulating duvet. Although there are now newer and visually more striking First Class products available, Lufthansa's First Class remains one of the most sought-after experiences in the skies, mainly because of the flawless service, delicious food, extremely comfortable bedding, and exceptional First Class lounges (when traveling via its hubs in Frankfurt and Münich).
- Official website: Lufthansa
- Review: read my review of Lufthansa's First Class in an Airbus A380 here.
The First Class cabin on Qatar Airways' A380 subfleet – which comprises only 10 aircraft – features ultra-wide seats tailored in the softest fabric and with signature design elements. Central and aisle dividers afford more privacy, which can be raised or lowered to provide a feeling of extra spaciousness when traveling with a companion. It is a flexible space: the seat automatically reclines into a fully flat-bed, or the table can be extended to allow two people to dine in style. Sleeper suits, flight slippers, world-class amenities, and Qatar Airways' stellar onboard service add extra touches of First Class luxury.
- Official website: Qatar Airways
- Review: read my review of Qatar Airways' First Class in an Airbus A380 here.
Inside Garuda Indonesia's flagship Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, eight luxurious private suites with a 1-2-1 configuration await First Class passengers. The exquisitely designed suites are peaceful sanctuaries that will make you forget that you are sailing high above the clouds. The wide suites are equipped with an ottoman and the ergonomic seats turn into luxurious full-flat beds (with mattress, duvet, and pillows). Let's not forget the dining options that Garuda Indonesia offers: First Class passengers enjoy the finest culinary delights, served by onboard chefs and handpicked from world-renowned restaurants. Unfortunately, Garuda Indonesia keeps cutting the routes that feature this exclusive product (currently, it's only offered on the Amsterdam-Jakarta route).
Japan Airlines' First Class passengers can indulge in all the warmth and graciousness for which Japan is renowned. The carrier has recently introduced a new First Class product onboard its A350 aircraft, with just six suites (with privacy doors) to create a unique and exclusive cabin environment. The First Class suites aim to offer a stress-free environment with wardrobe and storage space for personal belongings inside the suite. The suites also feature the world's first headphone-free stereo with built-in headrest speakers, allowing passengers to enjoy the inflight entertainment system without using headphones. Far away one of the classiest of its kind, Japan Airline's First Class dining sets a high standard with tempting menus, featuring both Western and Japanese cuisine.
No comments:
Post a Comment