Imagine stepping onto a plane and being guided past cramped economy seats, where the smell of someone’s packed lunch fills the air, to a space that feels like a luxurious palace in the sky. Welcome to the extravagant realm of first-class aviation, where airlines compete fiercely to provide an experience that makes passengers feel like royalty at 35,000 feet. Here, comfort is paramount, with spacious suites, gourmet dining, and personalized service that often surpass the comforts of upscale apartments.

In 2025, the competition among airlines has reached new heights, with innovations in design and service that cater to the discerning traveler. From private suites with sliding doors to onboard showers and gourmet cuisine crafted by world-renowned chefs, the amenities offered in first class are designed to pamper passengers. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat during a long-haul flight or a lavish experience that includes personal butlers and extensive wine selections, the world of first-class travel is more opulent than ever before.

As we explore the top airlines for first-class travel in 2025, it's clear that these experiences represent not just a mode of transportation, but a lifestyle choice. The following airlines have set the standard for luxury in the skies, making each journey an unforgettable experience.

Top First Class Airlines for 2025

1. Etihad Airways A380 Residence

Etihad Airways has redefined luxury with its Airbus A380 first-class "Apartments," featuring nine enclosed suites equipped with sliding doors. Each suite includes a Poltrona Frau leather recliner, a separate sleeping area with lavish linens, and a vanity fit for social media influencers. With the push of a button, electronic window shades transform the cabin atmosphere, and a large swiveling TV allows passengers to enjoy the latest films while dining. 

For the ultimate indulgence, "The Residence" offers a lavish two-room suite with a queen bed and butler service, costing over $25,000. Passengers can also enjoy gourmet meals prepared by top chefs, ensuring a culinary experience that matches the luxurious surroundings.

2. Emirates 777-300ER

Emirates has elevated the middle seat to a coveted space in its Boeing 777-300ER, featuring two rows of three luxurious suites. Passengers can indulge in selections from a $500-million wine cellar while enjoying zero-gravity seating designed by space engineers.

The suite also includes a video chat system for easy communication with the crew, alongside 32-inch HD monitors and personalized climate control. Emirates also offers an onboard shower spa, allowing first-class passengers to refresh during long-haul flights, adding to the sense of indulgence.

3. Japan Airlines Airbus A350-1000

Japan Airlines’ Airbus A350-1000 showcases meticulous attention to detail, offering six individual suites that resemble spacious sofas. With the largest TV screens in aviation at 43 inches and immersive audio from headrest speakers, the experience is further enhanced by a culinary program that highlights Japan's gastronomic excellence, including rare champagnes and exclusive whiskeys.

Passengers can also enjoy authentic Japanese kaiseki meals, prepared with seasonal ingredients, elevating the dining experience.

4. Air France La Première

Air France’s La Première epitomizes French elegance, providing private sedan transfers from the lounge to the aircraft, eliminating terminal stress. Passengers savor a gourmet tasting menu crafted by renowned chefs, served under polished silver cloches.

The suites feature floor-to-ceiling curtains and an array of amenities, including private wardrobes and separate lounges, creating a chic Parisian ambiance at cruising altitude. Additionally, the cabin design incorporates mood lighting and soundproofing for an unparalleled sense of tranquility.

5. Lufthansa A350 Allegris

Lufthansa’s first-class experience reflects German precision and sophistication, from fresh roses at each seat to luxurious pajamas. The Frankfurt hub includes a private terminal with a restaurant, nap rooms, and shower suites.

The new A350 Allegris boasts full-height doors and a unique double-bedded center suite, ensuring both intimacy and privacy for couples or solo travelers. Special sound-dampening carpets enhance comfort, while the onboard dining features a selection of gourmet dishes paired with fine wines from a curated list.

6. Singapore Airlines A380 Suites

Singapore Airlines’ A380 Suites are the largest in commercial aviation, offering 50 square feet of space per passenger, complete with separate reclining chairs and beds. The pre-flight experience at Changi Airport sets the bar high, with complimentary champagne and a diverse menu featuring gourmet dishes.

The control tablet allows passengers to adjust lighting and ambiance, enhancing the luxurious experience. Additionally, the cabin includes a dedicated crew member for personalized service, ensuring that every need is met promptly.

7. Cathay Pacific Boeing 777

Cathay Pacific’s Boeing 777 first-class exemplifies understated luxury. Although the suites lack privacy doors, they provide some of the most comfortable lie-flat seats available. The culinary offerings include premium meats and authentic Asian dishes, ensuring that every aspect of the journey is executed with excellence.

Passengers can also partake in a selection of fine wines and spirits, curated to complement the diverse menu, enhancing the gourmet experience.

8. All Nippon Airways Boeing 777-300ER

ANA’s Boeing 777-300ER, known as "The Suites," showcases Japanese hospitality through fully-enclosed suites and expansive 42-inch entertainment screens. The beverage selection includes a variety of premium sakes and champagnes.

Thoughtful design features, such as coat closets and electronically controlled window blinds, enhance passenger comfort and convenience. The onboard service includes personalized greetings and attention to detail that reflects the best of Japanese culture.

9. Qantas A380

Qantas’ Airbus A380 first-class seamlessly connects Australia to the U.S. with a luxurious experience that begins in their well-appointed airport lounges. Onboard, passengers enjoy spacious beds and a variety of high-quality dining options, including plant-based meals, reflecting modern dietary trends.

The experience also includes a dedicated onboard chef who crafts meals tailored to individual preferences, ensuring that the dining experience is as unique as it is delicious.

Conclusion

These nine exceptional first-class offerings are more than mere transportation; they are lifestyle statements characterized by cutting-edge technology and unparalleled service. Whether it’s Etihad’s apartment-style suites, Emirates’ innovative features, or Singapore’s spacious accommodations, these premium cabins affirm that luxury knows no bounds in the skies. So, the next time you find yourself wedged in economy, remember that above the clouds, others are reveling in their flying palaces, complete with personal butlers and beds that rival those in five-star hotels. In this world of aviation luxury, the sky truly is the limit.

Turkish Airlines has expanded its complimentary “Touristanbul” program, offering international transit passengers with layovers of 6 to 24 hours at Istanbul Airport (IST) a unique opportunity to explore the city’s rich history and culture without leaving the airport experience behind.

Eligible travelers can choose from six different daily tours, each led by professional guides and including transportation by shuttle bus directly from the airport.

One of the highlights of the program is a visit to Bozdağ Film Studios in Beykoz, a sprawling 200-acre complex renowned for producing popular Turkish historical TV dramas like "Diriliş: Ertuğrul" and "Kuruluş: Osman."

This studio is the largest in Europe and the third-largest in the world, offering visitors a behind-the-scenes look at life-sized sets that recreate different eras of Turkish history.

Beyond the film studio, the various tour routes cover Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Blue Mosque, Dolmabahçe Palace, Hippodrome, Taksim Square, Grand Bazaar, and the Galata Bridge, with photo stops and guided commentary throughout.

Passengers can also enjoy authentic Turkish cuisine—such as fire-cooked soup and hand-pounded rice pudding—at local restaurants, and participate in cultural workshops like glassmaking and archery.

All meals, museum entrance fees, and transportation are included at no cost, and the tours are available every day of the year, with 19 different routes offered weekly. To participate, passengers must have a Turkish Airlines ticket with a layover of 6 to 24 hours, and must register at the Touristanbul desk at least 30 minutes before the tour begins.

The program is designed to ensure travelers return to the airport with ample time for their connecting flights, transforming what could be idle hours into a memorable cultural experience.

Etihad Guest, the loyalty program of Etihad Airways, has expanded its highly popular competition, The Extraordinary Challenge, by increasing the total prize pool to over 20 million Etihad Guest Miles following an unprecedented surge in participation.

Initially, the challenge offered 5 million miles to the first member to visit all 15 of Etihad’s newly launched destinations, with second and third place receiving 3 million and 1 million miles, respectively. However, due to overwhelming demand, Etihad has now added 12.5 million additional miles, opening the door for more than 200 winners in total.

The competition, which runs until May 25, 2026, is open to both new and existing Etihad Guest members. Participants must travel to or from 15 specific new year-round destinations, including cities such as Addis Ababa, Atlanta, Prague, and Taipei, within a 12-month period. The race is based on speed and dedication—the fastest members to complete all 15 routes win the largest prizes, while tie-breakers are resolved by the earliest registration date.

In addition to the top three grand prizes, Etihad has introduced "The Extraordinary Milestones" category: the first 100 members to visit five new destinations will receive 25,000 miles each, and the first 100 to reach ten destinations will earn 100,000 miles each. This expansion aims to reward both the most ambitious travelers and those making significant progress, with members able to track their journeys and standings on a live digital leaderboard.

Mark Potter, Managing Director of Etihad Guest, commented, “We’ve seen an amazing response across the globe since we launched The Extraordinary Challenge, and expect to see over 50,000 member sign-ups as more destinations come online. Having seen the desire and determination of so many, we wanted to reward Etihad Guest members even more by giving flight to their ambition with more prize miles and potential for 200 additional winners”.

Sohar International and its Islamic banking division, Sohar Islamic, have announced a new partnership with SalamAir, Oman’s prominent budget airline, to bring substantial savings to their customers on domestic travel. Under this collaboration, credit cardholders from Sohar International and Sohar Islamic can enjoy up to 40% off, while debit cardholders receive a 15% discount on SalamAir flights within Oman.

The offer covers popular routes such as Muscat to Salalah, Masirah, Duqm, and the newly introduced Sohar to Salalah flights, with bookings available from June 22 to August 31, 2025, for travel between July 1 and August 31, 2025.

To take advantage of these discounts, eligible customers must book their tickets through SalamAir’s official website, applying special promo codes provided by the banks and using their Sohar cards for payment. The partnership was officially launched at a signing event on June 17, 2025, at Sohar International’s headquarters, highlighting a shared vision to blend financial services with lifestyle benefits and support Oman’s national tourism strategy outlined in Vision 2040.

Bank officials, including Abdul Qadir Al Sumali, stressed that the initiative is designed to go beyond simple discounts, aiming to create a more integrated experience for customers by connecting banking with travel. Steven Allen, SalamAir’s Chief Commercial Officer, noted that the airline is committed to making domestic travel more affordable, especially during the busy Khareef season in Salalah.

SalamAir, which operates a growing fleet of Airbus aircraft and serves over 80 flights daily, is also investing in digital upgrades, such as a new WhatsApp ticketing service. The airline has introduced fixed fares for Omani nationals on key routes to further support local travelers.

This partnership not only delivers significant value to Sohar International and Sohar Islamic customers but also contributes to the wider goals of enhancing domestic tourism and strengthening collaboration between Oman’s banking and aviation sectors.

Air Arabia has launched a major summer mega sale, offering one-way fares starting from just Dh149 for select destinations across its network. The promotion is available for bookings made between June 30 and July 6, 2025, with travel permitted from July 14 to September 30, 2025—a period that covers the busy summer holiday season and is ideal for families and travelers looking for affordable getaways.

The discounted fares apply to a wide variety of routes from Sharjah and Abu Dhabi. Travelers departing from Sharjah can fly to Bahrain and Muscat for as low as Dh149, while fares to Dammam, Riyadh, Salalah, and Kuwait start at Dh199. Routes to Abha, Tabuk, and Yanbu are available from Dh298, Doha from Dh399, Jeddah and Medinah from Dh449, and Taif from Dh574.

For those heading to South Asia, Abu Dhabi to Chennai fares start at Dh275, Kochi at Dh315, Dhaka at Dh499, and Chattogram at Dh549. From Sharjah, travelers can book flights to Ahmedabad from Dh299, Delhi from Dh317, Mumbai from Dh323, Thiruvananthapuram from Dh325, and Kathmandu from Dh449. These special rates are especially appealing for the large South Asian expatriate community in the UAE.

Air Arabia’s summer sale comes as the airline reports strong financial growth, with a net profit of Dh355 million in the first quarter of 2025—a 34 percent increase year-on-year. The airline also saw a 14 percent rise in turnover to Dh1.75 billion and carried more than 4.9 million passengers in the first three months of the year, achieving an average seat load factor of 84 percent.

The airline is also expanding its network, with the resumption of direct flights between Sharjah and Damascus starting July 10, 2025, operating twice daily. All fares in the promotion are one-way and include surcharges, but airport taxes may not be included and are subject to change. Seats are limited and are expected to sell out quickly, so travelers are encouraged to book early to secure the best deals.

For passengers needing flexibility, Air Arabia allows modifications or cancellations of bookings online, via its call center, or at sales offices, though fare differences and terms may apply

Cebu Pacific, the Philippines’ largest low-cost airline, has announced a special seat sale in honor of the country’s 127th Independence Day, offering one-way base fares from Dubai to Manila for just Dh3. The promotion, part of the airline’s annual Super Seat Fest, is available for bookings made between June 11 and June 15, 2025. The travel period for these discounted tickets spans from December 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026, making it ideal for those planning year-end holidays or summer visits to the Philippines.

The Dh3 fare covers only the base ticket price, with additional charges for taxes and surcharges. Cebu Pacific’s extensive network allows travelers to connect from Manila to 37 domestic and 26 international destinations, including popular tourist spots like Boracay, the Banaue Rice Terraces, Vigan, and Davao’s Seven Falls. The airline encourages passengers to explore the Philippines’ rich historical and cultural sites, such as Intramuros and the National Museum complex in Manila.

Booking is available through Cebu Pacific’s official website, with multiple payment options including credit cards, debit cards, and e-wallets. The airline also offers special guidelines for families traveling with infants or minors: infants under two years old may travel on an adult’s lap for an infant fee, and strollers or car seats can be brought free of charge. Children aged 12 and above are considered adult guests, and minors traveling with parents only need to present documents proving their relationship, such as a birth certificate or valid IDs.

Seats at the promotional rate are limited and subject to availability, so travelers are encouraged to book early. Cebu Pacific’s Super Seat Fest is a recurring event, celebrated alongside major milestones and holidays, and continues to be popular among Filipinos abroad looking for affordable ways to reunite with family or explore the country’s diverse attractions.