4 Best International Airlines for First and Business Class Flights
Written by
Sean Bryant
Edited by
Molly Sullivan
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If you’ve ever had a long-haul flight across the Atlantic or Pacific, you know how tiring it can be, with or without the ability to sleep on the plane. But what if you could ensure you arrived at your destination relaxed and ready to go? That might be worth a few extra dollars, as investing in your sanity is a good long-term choice.
Flying in business or first class is the key to making this happen. However, not all business and first-class products are created equal. Don’t worry, though, as GOBankingRates has found you four international airlines offering travelers the best flight deals for business and first class.
Emirates
Several years ago, Dubai-based Emirates introduced its Boeing 777-300ER first class. This was the first time an airline had offered a fully enclosed first-class product that gave travelers complete privacy. Previously, airlines had offered doors into their first-class seats, but Emirates took things further by providing floor-to-ceiling enclosed suites.
In addition to privacy, the suite is roomy, has a large TV and an extremely comfortable bed. As an Emirates first-class customer, you’ll receive Bulgari amenity kits, Bowers & Wilkins E1 headphones during the flight and pajamas infused with vitamin E and olive oil to help your skin stay moisturized as you sleep.
Emirates also offers a first-class product in its Airbus A380s. However, the seats aren’t nearly as luxurious. The one upside is that the Airbus comes with a shower spa that allows passengers to freshen up before arriving at their destination.
Lufthansa
Lufthansa has always had some of the nicest business and first-class cabins, but they’re about to get even better. It also has a newer line of Allegris First Class on Boeing 787-9s and Airbus A350-900s as the first Allegris A350-900s were introduced in early 2025. Lufthansa plans to retrofit some older aircraft with Allegris, but that rollout will require separate approvals.
The Allegris first class will have two different options. The First Class Suite will have a privacy door, a 32-inch 4K TV and an extra-wide seat that converts into a bed.
You can choose the First Class Suite Plus if you’d prefer to spread out or share the suite with your significant other. The Suite Plus includes two connected but separately controlled extra-wide seats that convert into a double bed at night. It also has a 41-inch 4K TV.
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines’ first-class suites on the Airbus A380s are the next product on our list. Each plane has only six cabins, all on the upper level. While these don’t offer the total privacy that Emirates and Lufthansa do, they offer more square footage than other first-class products.
Each suite has a seat and a bed, which is a nice touch. Plus, if you’re traveling with a significant other, you can create a combined suite that will allow you to have a double bed.
In addition to comfortable seating and sleeping areas, first-class passengers will have access to a wide selection of champagne and caviar, and they will even have the opportunity to “Book the Cook” and choose from a wide selection of high-end main courses.
Air France
If great food and luxurious bedding are important to you, then the Air France first-class product on the Boeing 777-3000ER is a must-try. Instead of fully enclosed suites, they use a wraparound curtain, which may or may not be appealing to some people.
However, they have some of the best food of any international airline. Their luxurious bedding will allow you to arrive well-rested, even on the longest flights.
Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to the reporting for this article.
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