London - It’s a tough job but someone had to do it. Inspired by Eithad’s launch of a new first-class luxury suite named The Residence, travel website Flightfox has devised a list of the 24 best first class in-flight cabins.
To produce the list, they took into account everything from seat configuration, aisle access and suite privacy to the type of champagne served, whether pyjamas were provided and how caviar was plated. And it also shows the best rate flyers can expect to pay.
Singapore Airlines was crowned king of the skies while second place went to Hong Kong airline Cathay Pacific and Emirates bagged bronze.
When Eithad’s The Residence launches in December it will raise the bar higher, offering guests a three-room, fully staffed suite, a chauffeur, private check-in and lounge, an onboard butler, fine Italian Poltrona Frau leather sofa, two dining tables and an in flight personal chef to whip up whatever takes your fancy.
But you could do a lot worse than booking a first-class trip with any airline featured in the survey, you’ll just need deep pockets.
The cheapest price for a one-way ticket with survey toppers Singapore Airlines in their Singapore suite will set you back $3 324 (R36 000) for a flight from Singapore to Mumbai.
For that, you’ll be served 2004 Dom Pérignon, provided with pyjamas to sleep in and sit on an spacious armchair hand-stitched by Italian craftsmen
When it came to overall rockstar status – one of the categories judged – Singapore suites came out as the winner too and offers a double bed option.
Comparatively Cathay Pacific’s cheapest one-way first-class ticket costs just $713, but you’ll need to fly from Hong Kong to Taiwan to bag it. You’ll enjoy five-star food and drink service with Krug Grand Cuvée champagne, and an a la carte menu.
The most expensive first class flight is between Tokyo and LA with Japanese airline ANA, which will set you back over R100 000.
With Emirates, you’ll get pyjamas, use of a limousine, an in-flight shower to freshen up, an onboard bar, caviar and Dom Pérignon champagne .
When it comes to value, Emirates scored fourth overall, with their cheapest flight taking you from Auckland to Brisbane for $824. – Daily Mail
Top first-class cabins
1 Singapore Suites
2 Cathay Pacific Suites
3 Emirates Suites
4 Etihad Diamond First
5 Lufthansa First Class
6 Oman Air First Class
7 Qatar First Class
8 Asiana First Class Suite
9 ANA First Square
10 Singapore First Class
11 JAL Suite
12 Air France La Premiere
13 Thai Royal First
14 Emirates First Class
15 Qantas First Suites
16 Swiss First Class
17 Garuda New First Class
18 Korean Air Kosmo Suite
19 Air China Forbidden Pavilion
20 Transaero Imperial Class
21 Malaysia First Class
22 British Airways First
23 American Airlines Flagship
24 United Airlines Global First