As the world continues to indulge in leisure travel, airlines work to elevate and enhance the passenger experience with first-class luxuries such as private airport lounges, early check-in and in-flight amenities, including premium seats, personal service, upscale food and beverage offerings and more.
To determine the most luxurious airlines in the world, Insider Monkey took the top 15 airlines from Skytrax and Airline Ratings’ lists of the best airlines for 2023 and then ranked each airline according to the price of available one-way first-class tickets. The airline with the highest price per first class ticket ranked the highest in luxury.
These are the 15 most luxurious airlines in the world:
15. Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand is the national airline of New Zealand and offers a variety of high-end services that first-class travelers can enjoy during their flight, including a free standard seat select option, leather armchairs with personal space, in-flight entertainment and the ability to carry on three luggage bags up to 23kg each.
Price per first-class ticket: $3,862
14. EVA Air
EVA Air is a privately owned airline and a sister company of shipping and transportation firm Evergreen Marine Corporation Ltd. EVA Air first-class flights offer Royal Laurel Class seats that provide comfortable personal spaces for travelers, along with a host of other top-notch amenities.
Price per First Class Ticket: $4,134
13. Virgin Australia
As one of the largest airlines in Australia, Virgin Australia offers many luxurious amenities, including unique premium cabins for international first-class travelers.
Price per first-class ticket: $4,403
12. Korean Air
Korean Air is South Korea’s largest airline, providing travelers with some of the most comfortable flights via first-class. The airline allows guests to choose their preferred meal time and also offers premium amenity kits that include skincare items from a luxury French brand.
Price per first-class ticket: $5,158
11. Etihad Airways
First-class travelers with Etihad Airways can enjoy a luxurious chauffeur transportation service to the airport, access to the airline’s First Lounge and multiple-inflight amenities for a luxurious journey.
Price per first-class ticket: $6,811
10. Swiss International Air Lines
Swiss International Air Lines operates in over 40 countries and offers a pre-flight dinner in addition to its first-class amenities throughout the flight.
Price per first-class ticket: $6,831
9. Qantas
As Australia’s top brand, Qantas makes sure first-class guests travel in luxury with amenities such as stylish lounges, a spa treatment before take-off and a spacious suite.
Price per first-class ticket: $8,470
8. Cathay Pacific Airways
First-class travelers with Hong Kong’s leading airline, Cathay Pacific Airways, fly in ultimate comfort thanks to luxurious sleepers with soft beds plus fine beverage offerings, including Cathay’s award-winning champagne cuveés, Betsy beer and prestigious vintages.
Price per first-class ticket: $8,866
7. Singapore Airlines
As one of the most renowned international airlines, Singapore Airlines provides travelers with a top-notch first-class experience that includes spacious, plush seating and full table service with dishes curated from notable chefs from the airline’s International Culinary Panel and the ability to reserve the main course 24 hours before the flight.
Price per first-class ticket: $9,133
6. Qatar Airways
Ranked the No. 1 airline by Skytrax in 2022, Qatar Airways has one of the best first-class services in the world, featuring spacious suites with comfortable lie-flat beds and an award-winning, friendly cabin crew.
Price per first-class ticket: $10,701
5. British Airways
As one of the biggest international airlines, British Airways is known for having one of the most luxurious first-class experiences, which includes having access to exclusive airport lounges, traveling in a spacious, personal suite and enjoying an impeccable fine dining service.
Price per first-class ticket: $11,711
4. Emirates
Named “World’s Best First Class” by Tripadvisor in 2020, Emirates offers one of the most luxurious first-class experiences. Guests enjoy privacy, fine-dining, an on-board shower spa and a lounge bar when flying on the Emirates A380, while the Boeing 777 offers the industry’s first fully-enclosed First Class Suite complete with game-changing amenities.
Price per first-class ticket: $14,297
3. ANA, All Nippon Airways
ANA, also known as All Nippon Airways, is a leading Japanese airline based in Tokyo. First-class travelers receive elevated service on the ground and in the air, including fast-track airport check-ins, comfortable suites featuring doors for privacy and fully flat seats, as well as fine-dining curated by prominent chefs from inside and outside Japan.
Price per first-class ticket: $16,793
2. Japan Airlines
As the largest airline in Japan, Japan Airlines provides first-class passengers with unparalleled luxury service. Travelers fly in the peaceful sanctuary of the JAL Suite that features a woodgrain interior and seat that lies completely flat, while having access to the prestigious JAL BEDD menu that offers the ultimate fine dining experience in the air.
Price per first-class ticket: $16,835
1. Air France
With its Le Première customized first-class service, Air France ranks as the most luxurious airline in the world. La Première guests are privately driven to their aircraft, where they fly in the privacy and comfort of their own personalized suite featuring an individual cloakroom, storage space, bedside lamp and upright seat that transforms into a bed with a memory foam mattress and fluffy duvet. In-flight services include a gourmet menu featuring signature specials from world-renowned chefs.
Price per first-class ticket: $17,880
Read Insider Monkey’s full report on the 15 most luxurious airlines here.
