Flying First Class: What Does the Luxury Cabin Offer?

If you're looking for maximum comfort and premium service while flying, you’ll naturally consider traveling in First Class. But what exactly does the highest class in air travel offer? How expensive is flying First Class, and are there ways to score affordable tickets? And what’s the story with Lufthansa’s new First Class? The answers to these questions and more facts about this luxury experience can be found in the article below.

Contents:

1. What’s Included

2. Costs & Options

3. Where Can You Fly First Class?

4. Lufthansa’s New First Class

What’s Included When Flying First Class

First Class promises the ultimate luxury in the skies—short of traveling on a private jet. But even within First Class, there are noticeable differences depending on the aircraft and airline. Here's a general overview of what you can expect when flying First Class:

Comfort & Privacy

No matter which airline you choose, you’ll enjoy a significantly higher level of comfort than in Economy or Business Class. The offerings range from spacious single seats to elegant private compartments and fully enclosed suites. The latter offer the maximum in comfort and privacy, with features like seats that convert into beds up to one meter wide, soundproofing, temperature-regulating blankets, and more.

Food & Dining

Champagne and caviar on arrival have almost become standard in First Class. But it doesn't stop there: many airlines employ renowned Michelin-starred chefs whose meals are freshly prepared onboard using high-quality ingredients. The selection is far more extensive than the typical airplane meal. On larger aircraft such as the Airbus A380, you may even find a dedicated cocktail bar where drinks are mixed to your taste.

Showers & Entertainment

Private shower cabins ensure that First Class passengers can arrive refreshed, even after long-haul flights. Some airlines even offer spa-like facilities. A wide selection of entertainment, including the latest movies, series, podcasts, and video games, ensures you won’t get bored. Free Wi-Fi is typically available, allowing you to work, chat, or simply enjoy being online.

First Class Perks at the Airport

The advantages of flying First Class extend beyond the aircraft. Even at the airport, you’ll receive premium service. Airline staff typically check in your luggage for you, and you’ll be accompanied through passport control and security checks. In the premium lounge, which offers a similarly luxurious experience as onboard, you can relax while you wait for your flight. Upon arrival, staff will meet you and assist with immigration and baggage claim (as long as local entry regulations allow).

Flying First Class: Costs & Options

Flying First Class is, of course, significantly more expensive than other classes. While prices vary by route and airline, you can generally expect to pay 7 to 10 times the price of an Economy ticket. However, there are ways to experience First Class for less: unsold seats are occasionally offered at half price or even one-third, bringing them closer to the upper price range of Business Class. Your best chances are typically when departing from other European countries like Amsterdam or Paris.

Another way to make First Class more accessible is through frequent flyer programs. The number of miles required depends on the airline and destination. For example, through Lufthansa's Miles & More program, you can reach the Middle East or North Africa from Europe for as little as 65,000 miles, while a First Class ticket to Japan in 2025 costs around 111,000 miles—on the higher end of the scale.

Where can you fly First Class?

If you’ve decided to fly First Class, keep in mind that it’s not available on all routes. Short-haul flights operated by smaller aircraft typically offer only Economy and Business Class. Even on long-haul flights, many European and North American airlines are phasing out First Class due to rising demand for budget-friendly options, often replacing it with Economy Plus. Still, it’s worth comparing offers carefully—some premium Economy products may be more luxurious than nominal First Class seats.

In contrast, many Middle Eastern and some Asian airlines, like Singapore Airlines, are doubling down on luxury and continuously improving their First Class products. These airlines have set the gold standard in recent years, making them the most reliable choice if you’re looking to book a true First Class experience.

By the way: If you want to fly First Class with your dog, you can book with BARK Air—a service tailored to canine travelers.

Lufthansa’s New First Class

Although many European airlines are moving away from First Class, Lufthansa continues to offer exclusive luxury experiences. At Frankfurt Airport, the Lufthansa First Class Terminal provides a quiet, serene space away from the airport’s hustle and bustle. Starting in 2025, Lufthansa will introduce the "Allegris Suite," an exclusive product that allows up to two passengers to enjoy private space with adjustable beds, nearly ceiling-high walls, and total privacy for working or relaxing. Even on aircraft where Allegris Suites won't be available, like the Lufthansa A380, the First Class cabin is being modernized and upgraded.

Whether you choose to fly in First, Business, or Economy Class—we wish you a pleasant journey. And don’t forget: in addition to airline frequent flyer programs, our own bonus program also offers great ways to save!