There was a time when flying used to be especially fun. Now though, things like delayed and cancelled flights have taken on a nightmarish sense of normalcy. These are tricky times we live in, yes. However, if you’re someone who has by whatever grace available to you landed yourself absurd amounts of money, then you can afford to get the golden ticket punched and actually enjoy what seem to be surreal airplane seat options. I just can’t even figure out where they come up with some of these seating options.
1. Singapore Airlines First Class Suites
These suites might as well be hotel rooms. Found on the Airbus A380 on long-haul routes like Singapore to New York or London, Singapore Airlines’ first class suites have lie-flat beds, a leather armchair that swivels and reclines, and bathrooms that feature sit-down vanity counters and luxury toiletries. If you’re traveling with a partner, there are Double Suites that offer a double bed. Filet mignon is on the menu, as is lobster Thermidor.
2. Emirates First Class Suites
On the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777, these first-class suites are a world away from the cramped quarters of economy. Here’s what the elite are enjoying while the rest of us eat peanuts in the back: lie-flat beds, an in-seat mini bar, shower spas, noise-cancelling headphones, and an on-board lounge with cocktails and snacks where they can hang with other one-percenters. Must be nice.
3. Etihad Airways The Residence
Available on long-haul routes like Dubai to London or New York, Etihad Airways’ The Residence is one of the most luxe flying experiences out there. The Airbus A380’s three-room suite includes a shower with luxury amenity kits, a double bed, and a living area that looks like it could hold an entire row of economy seats. Ticket holders get a personalized welcome at the airport with a private chauffeur whisking them from their home to the airport.
4. Qatar Airways Qsuite
Qatar Airways’ Qsuites are technically business class, but they might as well be first. Passengers can choose from a single, twin, double, or quad suite, depending on how many people they’re flying with; each offers lie-flat beds, plenty of legroom, a turndown service, and Diptyque amenity kits (fancy!). Find them on select routes that use the Boeing 777 or Airbus A350.
5. Cathay Pacific First Class
Cathay Pacific is known for excellent service in general, so we can imagine how luxurious its first class seating is. The airline advertises the “widest fully lie-flat beds in the sky,” along with 600-thread-count bed linen and pillow mist (because that’s a thing). Passengers can enjoy sustainably sourced caviar and vintage wines, and each first class ticket includes access to the airline’s airport lounges.
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6. Lufthansa First Class
Lufthansa offers select first class flights from Frankfurt and Munich, with a variety of options that range from lie-flat beds to full-on suites. There are curated amenity kits, caviar service, and an award-winning wine list — and, before you even get to the plane, valet parking service. It’ll cost you, but it sounds pretty worth it.
7. ANA (All Nippon Airways) The Suite
ANA’s new suites are available on Boeing 777-300ER on routes like Tokyo to New York or London. They feature a sliding door for privacy, a 43-inch monitor for prime movie watching, a personal closet, and lie-flat seats. Oh, and bidet toilets in the bathroom, because why not?
8. Air France La Premiere
Ooh la la! Air France’s La Premiere isn’t just about the flight: Service starts at the airport, where ticket holders are met at a designated gate before they’re escorted to a private check-in lounge. Once seated, passengers have access to gourmet cuisine, a wine and Champagne list, a memory foam mattress, and plenty of entertainment.
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9. British Airways First Class
Found on the Boeing 777 and 787, first class seats on British Airways advertise elegant “British service.” That includes your own private suite, loungewear from Temperley London, fine dining and, it should go without saying, priority boarding. The seats transform into fully flat beds, of course, and are outfitted with a quilted mattress and white cotton duvet.
10. Japan Airlines First Class
Think of Japan Airlines’ first class seat as a cocoon, one that’s made with woodgrain furnishings, a retractable privacy curtain, and 23-inch personal screens. Passengers can choose between a firm or soft mattress and enjoy in-flight meals from renowned chefs. Why would you want to go back to economy after a trip in one of these things?
