The Best Airline First

While US airlines are ditching international first class, the cabin is still a huge money-maker abroad — and carriers aren't skimping on the luxuries.

Earlier this year, airline ranking website Skytrax released its annual list of the world's best airlines, with Singapore Airlines taking the crown from long-standing winner Qatar Airways. The results were based on traveler satisfaction surveys.

Other awards were also divvied out, with Singapore earning the title as having the best first-class cabin. Air France, All Nippon Airways, Swiss International Air Lines, and Emirates followed Singapore in the top five.

There were no US carriers on the 2023 list, but that shouldn't come as a surprise. Delta Air Lines and United Airlines sunset long-haul first class years ago, while American Airlines recently announced an end to international first class in favor of an improved business class.

However, the revenue-earning product, which can go for tens of thousands of dollars, is still popular among European and Asian airlines — especially as deep-pocket travelers eagerly return to the skies for both business and leisure purposes post-pandemic.

Take a look at the five best first-class cabins for 2023, according to Skytrax — plus one Insider-picked honorable mention.

UAE flag carrier Emirates has a massive widebody fleet based out of its Dubai hub, including the Airbus A380 and the Boeing 777.

First class has taken on a number of different looks through the decades, though the industry is starting to see a heightened focus on privacy — prompting the rise of these enclosed hotel-like suites.

Underneath the television is a small work table complete with a mirror and reading lamp, and in an attached drawer travelers can find a notepad and pen.

The mini bar is one of the key things that sets Emirates first class apart. Though, the touches around the TV — as well as a hidden closet — are also a big plus.

Emirates' first class is a fan-favorite among travelers, which explains why it made Skytrax's top five this year and was the Tripadvisor Traveler's Choice winner in 2020.

The lounge has a fully stocked bar, making it perfect for socializing or just stretching your legs

Plus, the 777 first class has true floor-to-ceiling privacy, meaning the suites are even more cocooned than those on the A380.

SWISS is the flag carrier of Switzerland and operates a widebody fleet of Airbus A330s, Airbus A340s, and Boeing 777s — all of which are fited with first class.

The bed connects to an ottoman at the front of the suite, which can also double as a second seat for a fellow passenger.

According to SWISS, the meal service is equivalent to eating in a fancy restaurant. And, passengers can choose when they want to start eating rather than following the airline's schedule.

The closet, amenity kits, and plentiful storage are typical of first class, though the goodies inside the kit can vary airline to airline.

Typically, travelers will find toiletries like lotion, a toothbrush, and toothpaste.

Note: The closet is not on the A340, but it does have a place to hang clothes.

According to SWISS, the new seats will be retrofitted onto A330 and 777s, with new Airbus A350s being delivered with they cabin already installed.

Each suite will feature nearly floor-to-ceiling privacy, more closet space and seat heating and cooling. Moreover, the center seats can be converted in a large suite for two people traveling together.

Tokyo-based ANA is Japan's largest airline with a large widebody fleet, including the Boeing 787, the Boeing 777, the Boeing 767, and the mammoth Airbus A380.

ANA also has its business class counterpart appropriately called "The Room," which is like a small hotel room. It's similar to Qatar Airways' Q Suite business class, which is considered the best in the world.

Both the 777 and the A380 have eight suites configured in a 1x2x1 layout, with the latter having the seats on the second level.

ANA offers its travelers pajamas, an amenity kit, a closet, a large tray table, and luxury meals. Completing the space, however, is the 43-inch flatscreen TV that transforms the suite into a little movie theater in the sky.

Available on most of its Boeing 777s, Air France's "La Premiere" first class is considered the height of luxury with only four exclusive seats onboard.

The row has two window seats and two aisle seats, meaning there is a spot for both solo travelers and couples flying together. Plus, the middle seats even have a curtain to block off the aisle, and a center divider to create two cocoons.

Travelers can also enjoy the remote control, an amenity kit, storage space and a dimmable side lamp. Meanwhile, the lie-flat bed sports a memory foam mattress.

According to Air France, inflight menus are prepared by Michelin-starred chefs and are rotated every four months to give passengers a diverse experience.

Skytrax's 2023 surveys revealed Singapore as the best of the best in terms of first class. The carrier has two different products, one on its Boeing 777s and its famous suite onboard its Airbus A380s.

The 777 first class resembles the carrier's business class on its A350, both having winged partitions for added privacy rather than doors.

The door and walls surrounding each suite stand very high, making it nearly impossible for anyone to look inside and disturb your privacy.

The recliner and the bed are separate, giving people flexibility to work and sleep without having to adjust the seat.

One table is complete with a vanity, mirror, tablet, storage, and amenity kit, while the other is good for working or eating.

Travelers will also find a closet and large mirror inside the room.

Emirates having a shower is very rare, with most airlines opting against one due to the added operating costs of carrying water.

Once combined, the space features a double bed, two recliners, and two televisions — making it bigger than some college door rooms at 100 square feet of living space.

UAE-based Etihad Airways ranked 13th in Skytrax's first class list, but it actually sports one of the crown jewels of the industry.

The cabin is almost in a league of its own as the world's only three-room suite, complementing Etihad's "First Class Apartment" seats.

The bathroom even features a private ensuite shower, putting Etihad's exclusive "Residence" cabin on par with Emirates — though the bucket list trip won't be cheap as it can cost over $40,000 roundtrip.

The price tag is nearly double that of Singapore, which is typically around $12,000 one-way.

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