New research has identified the top luxury air travel experiences, with many of the highest ranking airlines originating from Europe. The study took into account various factors such as airport experience, legroom, cabin and seat quality, food and beverage offerings, onboard service, entertainment options, as well as amenities and facilities available on short and medium haul flights. The research also considered social media presence, with Instagram hashtags and TikTok views playing a role in determining rankings. Emirates emerged as the best airline for flying first class, scoring 7.12 out of 10 overall. The Dubai-based airline impressed with ample first-class legroom, top-notch in-flight entertainment, beverage selection, amenities, and facilities, as well as a highly-rated short and medium-haul experience. Moreover, Emirates stood out for having the highest number of Instagram and TikTok posts associated with it, indicating a strong passenger satisfaction level.
Lufthansa claimed the second spot in the rankings with a score of 5.99 out of 10. This German airline offered slightly less legroom in first class compared to Emirates, with a minimum of 162.5cm. Despite this, Lufthansa excelled in first-class airport experience, in-flight beverages, and onboard service. The airline also garnered the second-highest number of Instagram and TikTok posts, further reinforcing its strong performance. SWISS, the flag carrier of Switzerland, secured third place with a score of 5.14. While SWISS received perfect scores for airport experience and in-flight amenities and facilities, it fell short in terms of legroom, providing a minimum of 152.5cm in first class seats. The airline also showed less popularity on Instagram with only 1,860 posts celebrating its first-class experience in comparison to TikTok.
Cathay Pacific surpassed Emirates in terms of legroom offerings, with a minimum of 205cm, ideal for long-haul travelers. When it came to the airport experience, Lufthansa, SWISS, and Qatar Airways were all tied for the top spot, receiving a perfect score. Onboard the aircraft, there was no clear winner among the airlines’ first-class cabin and seat ratings, with nearly every airline scoring nine out of ten. Each airline provides luxury and comfort in their first-class seating, with many now offering private booths and bed spaces for passengers to relax while flying.
In the realm of airline food, both Qatar Airways and Japanese carrier ANA earned perfect scores for their cuisine offerings. ANA in particular stands out for its seven-course meal that rivals top restaurants in Tokyo. Lufthansa and Emirates were jointly recognized for their beverage service, each receiving a perfect score for drinks served at 12,000 meters in the sky. These airlines also scored top marks for in-flight service, with cabin crew paying close attention to details and being highly attentive to the needs of first-class passengers. Emirates excelled in entertainment and amenities, offering a wide selection of films, TV shows, games, and music, as well as providing quality complimentary amenities to enhance passenger comfort.
Even if flying first class may not be within reach for everyone, the services and offerings of these top airlines can serve as inspiration for future flights, even for those opting for the most budget-friendly options. By considering factors such as first-class seating, food and beverage options, and overall airport experience, passengers can ensure a luxury flight experience that sets the perfect tone for their journey ahead. With a growing emphasis on passenger satisfaction and comfort, airlines are continually striving to enhance their offerings and cater to the needs of discerning travelers seeking a premium flying experience.
