I used to think flying first or business class internationally was just about a bigger seat. Then I actually did it, and I’ve never looked at a long-haul flight the same way since.
When you’re crossing time zones on a 14-hour flight, the cabin you’re sitting in changes everything. You arrive rested, fed well, and honestly excited instead of exhausted. If you’re planning a bucket-list trip or a honeymoon abroad, the flight itself can be part of the experience.
The thing is, not all international first and business class products are equal. Some airlines serve you champagne in a fully enclosed private suite. Others hand you a lukewarm bread roll and call it premium. I’ve done the research so you don’t have to. Here’s a look at the airlines consistently delivering the best in-air luxury for international travel.
Emirates: The Gold Standard in First Class Privacy
If complete privacy matters to you on a long flight, Emirates is the name that keeps coming up, and for good reason.
On its Boeing 777-300ER, Emirates offers fully enclosed floor-to-ceiling suites, the first airline ever to do so. Each suite has a large flat-screen TV, a genuinely comfortable bed, and enough room to stretch out without feeling cramped. What I love about this product is that it doesn’t just offer luxury; it offers solitude. You can sleep, work, or simply zone out without anyone around you.
As a first-class passenger, you’ll also receive Bulgari amenity kits, Bowers & Wilkins E1 headphones, and pajamas designed to keep your skin moisturized during the flight. That last detail sounds small, but after a long red-eye, you’ll feel the difference when you land.
Emirates also has a first-class product on its Airbus A380, though I’d personally lean toward the 777-300ER suites if you have a choice. The A380 does come with one compelling perk, though: a shower spa onboard, which lets you freshen up before landing. Not many airlines can say that.
Best for: Travelers who prioritize total privacy and a hotel-like experience at altitude.
Singapore Airlines: Spacious Suites and Stellar Dining
Singapore Airlines has consistently been ranked among the world’s top carriers, and the first-class suites on its Airbus A380s make it easy to see why.
Each plane holds just six first-class cabins, all located on the upper deck. The suites are generous in square footage, more so than most other first-class products out there. Each one has a separate seat and a proper bed, so you’re not reconfiguring the same piece of furniture all flight.
One detail I particularly like: if you’re traveling with a partner, the divider between two suites can be lowered to create a double-bed configuration. It’s a thoughtful touch for couples doing long-haul routes.
The dining on Singapore Airlines is also worth highlighting. First-class passengers can choose from a wide champagne and caviar selection, and there’s a “Book the Cook” option that lets you pre-select from a curated menu of high-end mains before you even board. It’s the kind of personalization that turns a flight into a meal you actually remember.
Best for: Couples on long-haul flights who want space, exceptional food, and personalized service.
Qatar Airways: The Qsuite That Redefined Business Class
If we’re talking about business class specifically, Qatar Airways’ Qsuite is the product that changed the conversation. It won the Skytrax World’s Best Business Class Airline Seat award in 2024, and after reading through what it offers, it’s not hard to understand why.
The Qsuite features private sliding doors, a fully flat bed, and a layout that lets you reconfigure seats into a shared space for groups or couples. It feels more like a boutique hotel pod than a traditional airline seat. The attention to detail, from the stitched leather walls to the generous personal storage, is something you notice immediately.
On the ground, Qatar also consistently delivers. The Al Mourjan Business Lounge at Hamad International Airport in Doha won the Skytrax World’s Best Business Class Lounge in 2024 as well, and for good reason. Think à la carte dining, a reflection pool, shower suites, and quiet areas designed for actual rest.
The Qsuite is available on most Airbus A350-1000s and Boeing 777-300ERs, so it’s worth double-checking when you book, as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner doesn’t currently feature it.
Best for: Solo travelers and couples looking for the best business class seat in the sky, with exceptional lounge access.
Lufthansa: European Elegance in the Sky
Lufthansa has long been a benchmark for premium European air travel, and the airline is now taking things further with its Allegris First Class, launched on Boeing 787-9s and Airbus A350-900s.
The new Allegris cabin builds on Lufthansa’s reputation for quiet, refined service. Think subdued lighting, high-quality materials, and a cabin crew that genuinely knows the difference between attentive and intrusive. It’s a more understated luxury compared to some of the Middle Eastern carriers, but many travelers, myself included, appreciate a cabin that doesn’t feel like it’s trying too hard.
The first-class lounge access at Frankfurt and Munich is also a strong part of the Lufthansa experience. Both are spacious, well-stocked, and genuinely comfortable places to spend time before a long flight.
Best for: Travelers flying into Europe who prefer classic elegance over flashy add-ons.
Air France: Where Gourmet Food Meets Refined Comfort
Air France’s La Première first-class cabin on the Boeing 777-300ER is a product I find fascinating, not because it’s the most private (it uses floor-to-ceiling curtains rather than hard doors), but because the food and service are genuinely in a class of their own.
The cabin features only four seats in a 1-2-1 layout, giving it an intimacy that larger cabins can’t quite match. Each seat converts into a proper flat bed, and the bedding is comfortable enough that I’ve heard more than a few travelers say they slept better here than in some hotels.
But the food is what Air France is really proud of, and rightly so. The in-flight catering is inspired by French culinary tradition, with menus that change seasonally and a wine list that would hold its own at a solid restaurant. If you love food and want that to be a genuine part of your travel experience, this is the cabin for you.
Best for: Food-focused travelers and Francophiles who want refined dining to be the highlight of their flight.
Tips for Booking First and Business Class for Less
Premium cabins don’t always have to come with premium prices; here are a few ways to make it more accessible.
Use points and miles strategically. Many of these airlines partner with major credit card reward programs. Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and Qatar Airways all have strong frequent flyer programs with partner transfer options that can make award bookings significantly cheaper than cash fares.
Book early or very late. Award availability and discounted premium fares tend to open up either far in advance or in the days just before departure when airlines want to fill seats.
Look at positioning flights. Sometimes flying into a major hub (like Doha, Dubai, or Singapore) on a separate ticket and then booking a long-haul premium cabin from that hub can cost less than booking a one-stop itinerary from your home city.
Set fare alerts. Business class mistake fares do happen. Emirates, Singapore, and Qatar have all had significant drops on certain routes at certain times of year.
Conclusion
Flying first or business class internationally isn’t just about comfort; it’s about arriving somewhere that matters to you feeling ready to actually be there. Whether you want the total privacy of an Emirates suite, the exceptional dining on Air France, or the award-winning Qsuite on Qatar Airways, each of these airlines brings something genuinely worth experiencing.
If you’re planning a major trip and wondering whether the upgrade is worth it, my honest take is: on a flight longer than eight hours, it often is. Start researching which cabin fits your travel style, use your points wisely, and enjoy every minute of the journey, not just the destination.
Ready to start planning your next luxury trip? Check out more of my travel guides at travelwithzee.com for itineraries, hotel picks, and honest recommendations.
Which international airline has the best first class?
Emirates is widely considered the top first-class product, particularly on the Boeing 777-300ER, thanks to its fully enclosed private suites. Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways also consistently rank at the top for overall premium experience.
What is the best business class seat in the world?
Qatar Airways’ Qsuite took the Skytrax award for World’s Best Business Class Airline Seat in 2024. Its sliding door privacy, flat bed, and reconfigurable layout make it a standout product on long-haul routes.
Is first class worth it over business class internationally?
It depends on the airline and route. On some carriers, the gap in comfort is significant, particularly with Emirates and Singapore Airlines, where first class offers a separate bed and suite privacy. On others, business class delivers a very comparable experience for considerably less.
What is the cheapest way to fly first or business class internationally?
Using airline miles or credit card points is usually the most effective way. Transferring points to airline partners and booking award seats well in advance (or watching for last-minute availability) can cut costs significantly compared to cash fares.
Which airline has the best business class food?
Turkish Airlines won the Skytrax award for World’s Best Business Class Onboard Catering in 2024, recognized for its chef-prepared meals featuring both Turkish and international cuisine. Air France’s La Première is also widely praised for its elevated French-inspired dining.
