In the realm of luxury air travel, airlines are constantly competing for the best first-class experience. Choosing the right airline is crucial when planning a first-class flight, especially when traveling with a partner. It can turn into a memorable experience for both of you.
You’ll want it all from extravagant champagne and fresh caviar to friendly service when flying first class with your loved one. Top-notch first-class airlines offer comfortable double beds, private suite doors for maximum privacy, exceptional service, and refined fine dining and beverages.
While Singapore Airlines was crowned as SkyTrax’s top choice for the world’s best first class airline, let’s explore how they cater to couples. Alongside well-known names like Emirates, Lufthansa, Air France, and Cathay Pacific, we’ve also discovered some hidden gems in the realm of first-class travel that are perfect for couples.
What Makes a First Class Seat Great for Couples?
When couples travel together, their priorities revolve around seat privacy, availability of double beds, and a design that fosters easy conversation and interaction.
In this guide, the ranking of products differs noticeably from the best first-class offerings worldwide. This is not surprising, as certain first-class products may cater more to solo travelers, while others are tailored for couples or leisure travelers.
The most crucial feature of an exceptional first-class seat for couples is the inclusion of a double bed. This takes precedence over nearly everything else, and you’ll find that the top-ranked products on this list provide double beds. Following that, factors to consider include service quality, privacy, seamless communication with your partner, dining options, and amenities.
The 10 Best First Class Seats for Couples
Etihad Residence on the A380
Renowned as the epitome of luxury in commercial aviation, the Etihad Residence offers the most extravagant experience. This elite service is exclusively available on select A380 flights and limited routes. Within the Etihad Residence, you have exclusive and private access to a living room, bedroom, and shower room.
The living room is adorned with an oversized loveseat and a lengthy ottoman, ensuring your comfort and indulgence. Apart from the lavish living room, the Etihad Residence offers a separate bedroom with a full-sized bed, adorned with the most exquisite decor you can imagine.
Within your private shower suite, you’ll find a dedicated vanity area, a generously-sized shower, and other premium bathroom amenities for your exclusive use.
If you are willing to spend approximately $30,000 or have 1-3 million Etihad Guest miles at your disposal, booking the Etihad Residence could create the most unforgettable experience of your lifetime. This product goes above and beyond with services like a dedicated private butler, chauffeur service, and the fulfillment of any request. Undoubtedly, the Etihad Residence stands as the ultimate first-class offering for couples.
Here are the A380 routes where you can find the Etihad Residence:
New York City (JFK) to Abu Dhabi (AUH)
London Heathrow (LHR) to Abu Dhabi (AUH)
Paris (CDG) to Abu Dhabi (AUH)
Seoul (ICN) to Abu Dhabi (AUH)
Singapore Airlines’ New First Class Suites on the A380
Singapore Airlines has gained a reputation for offering an opulent first-class experience. Since introducing its original first-class suites in 2006, these luxurious accommodations have garnered widespread acclaim from premium travelers.
Now, Singapore Airlines presents its new A380 First Class Suites, surpassing its previous offering. This product boasts a remarkable 50 square meters of space and ranks among the most expansive first-class options worldwide. The new First Class Suites feature enclosed cabins with an oversized armchair and a separate bed. Some of these beds can be combined, transforming your seat into a comfortable double bed.
Singapore Airlines has truly outdone themselves with this exceptional and unparalleled product. Alongside the seat and beds, passengers can relish in Lalique amenities, a 32-inch inflight monitor, unlimited Champagne, and exquisite meals through the a-la-carte Book the Cook service. Each aircraft only accommodates six of these exclusive suites, arranged in a 1-1-1 configuration.
Regrettably, these first-class suites are presently limited to select A380 routes, none of which include flights to the United States. However, these routes can be booked using Singapore KrisFlyer miles:
- Singapore (SIN) to Hong Kong (HKG)
- Singapore (SIN) to London Heathrow (LHR)
- Singapore (SIN) to Shanghai (PVG)
- Singapore (SIN) to Sydney (SYD)
- Singapore (SIN) to Zurich (ZRH)
Etihad First Class Apartments
In addition to the Etihad Residence, another exceptional first-class option is the Etihad First Class Apartments.
While still incredibly luxurious, these apartments are a tier below the Etihad Residence. The functionality of the first-class apartments allows for a “quasi double bed” setup. A partition separates the space, although it does not create a fully integrated double bed.
The dividing wall reaches up to the mid-section area, leaving no room for overlapping in the lower part of the bed. Etihad First Class Apartments are available on all of their A380 aircraft. Alongside a 6-foot-10-inch long bed, you will also have a separate armchair for dining and relaxation.
The only option available to book this experience using points and miles from the United States is the New York City (JFK) to Abu Dhabi (AUH) route. Along with the exceptional seat, passengers will have access to amenities such as an inflight shower, bar, vanity, inflight chefs, and Acqua di Parma toiletries.
China Eastern Airlines First Class
Its top ranking is simple: the inclusion of a double bed. This distinction is an honor that even renowned airlines like Emirates Airlines do not possess. However, China Eastern surpasses expectations by offering this feature. Alongside Singapore Airlines and Etihad, China Eastern joins the exclusive airline group that provides double beds in their first-class cabins.
China Eastern’s first-class seats are 26.5 inches wide and 79 inches long when transformed into a bed. With a total of six seats available, each suite is equipped with sliding doors, ensuring enhanced privacy. China Eastern’s exceptional hard product undoubtedly sets it apart in first class.
While the airline has received mixed reviews in the past, their dedication to improving their soft product is commendable. Although the service may not reach the level of Singapore Airlines, you can expect an incredible sleeping experience with your partner. Additional highlights include Salvatore Ferragamo amenity kits and a plentiful selection of food offerings.
Emirates First Class Suites on the A380
Emirates offers a stunning first-class experience aboard the A380 with their Emirates A380 First Class Suites. These suites feature luxurious touches like gold accents, polished wood, an onboard shower, and motorized window shades.
In addition, passengers receive a Bvlgari amenity kit, souvenir stationery, and unlimited caviar and Dom Perignon Champagne. While the seats are visually appealing and often Instagram-worthy, they are relatively narrow at only 23 inches. To compare, the Singapore Airlines business class seat on the 777-300ER is 26 inches wide.
One concern with Emirates First Class Suites is that the privacy divider between the two middle seats can diminish the experience for couples traveling together. When using points to book Emirates first class, the chauffeur service is no longer included. Award prices are generally high, and fuel surcharges can be exceptionally steep.
Overall, Emirates First Class Suites remain a remarkable choice for travelers. The airline provides an aspirational experience that ranks among the best in the world. However, it is worth noting that the main appeal of Emirates may lie in its novelty factor.
Japan Airlines First Class
Japan Airlines first class is a highly underrated product in the realm of luxury air travel. Guests are left with an impression unlike any other when experiencing the Japan Airlines 777 first class.
While the hard product itself may not be the most extravagant, it offers an open-air suite with an oversized leather armchair. The width extends up to 33 inches when the armrests are fully lowered and 23 inches with the armrests deployed. The seats in bed mode provide a generous length of nearly 79 inches.
The first-class cabin comprises eight seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, making it an excellent choice for couples as it allows effortless communication. If desired, a motorized privacy partition is available to create more space for your significant other. Additional highlights include an exceptional soft product, featuring ultra-premium whiskey, caviar service, a mattress pad, plush bedding, and an abundance of souvenirs to commemorate your flight.
Reserving Japan Airlines First Class can be notoriously challenging, but for those fortunate enough to secure it, a truly delightful experience awaits. This is particularly true when sharing the journey with a loved one.
Air France La Premiere on the 777-300ER
Air France consistently receives positive recognition for being one of the most exclusive airlines in first class, although booking with points and miles can be extremely challenging unless you hold elite status with Flying Blue. Even then, a one-way first-class award redemption requires a hefty 200,000 miles.
Nevertheless, fortunate passengers who secure the coveted La Première first-class experience on the 777-300ER are in for an extraordinary flight. With only four first-class seats arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, the suites offer an open-air design with elegant curtains for privacy. Notably, Air France stands out as the sole commercial airline that employs curtains, adding a surprising touch of refinement.
The major highlights of the La Première experience lie in the exceptional ground service, inflight fine dining, and impeccable service. The open-air seats facilitate easy conversation with your seatmate in the middle seats. The intimate cabin creates a sense of exclusivity akin to a private jet. The footrest/ottoman is a unique feature, which can double as a companion seat, allowing you to dine with your partner.
ANA 777-300ER “The Suite” First Class
ANA is gradually upgrading their premium-focused, 212-seat 777-300ER aircraft to showcase a revitalized product. Their new first class offering, aptly named “The Suite,” represents a significant leap forward from their previous version, known as “The Square.”
The spaciousness of the suites immediately catches the eye. Each oversized seat measures a remarkable 38 inches in width, with 76 inches of pitch and 76 inches in bed length. The configuration consists of two rows of seats in a 1-2-1 layout. The middle seats are ideal for couples, thanks to well-designed partitions facilitating easy communication.
Furthermore, the suites feature sliding doors, enhancing privacy during the flight. In addition to the thoughtful design, the TV screen is truly impressive. Boasting a massive 42-inch 4K display, it is easily the largest television among all first-class seats worldwide.
The new ANA first-class product is an experience not to be missed. Watch for its continued rollout, as it offers one of the most exceptional first-class suites globally.
Cathay Pacific First Class
Cathay Pacific’s first-class offerings are globally renowned for being among the best in the world. If you’ve had the chance to read our review of Cathay Pacific’s 777 first class, you’ll understand just how remarkable the experience is.
The first-class cabin features a distinctive 1-1-1 configuration. With only two rows of seats, the cabin comfortably accommodates a maximum of six passengers. While the seating arrangement may not be adjacent to your companion, the ottoman doubles as a companion seat, allowing you to dine together and indulge in Cantonese delicacies such as dim sum, caviar, garoupa, and egg tarts.
These seats truly stand out as some of the largest first-class seats available worldwide. With a generous width of 36 inches and a pitch of 81 inches, they outshine the competition by a wide margin.
Lufthansa First Class
Lufthansa, another exceptional European carrier that offers an excellent first-class experience, particularly suitable for couples and available for booking with points. Lufthansa’s first-class seats are spacious open-air suites featuring oversized armchairs.
While typically arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, you may also find a 1-1 layout when flying in the nose of a 747-8. The generously sized seats are approximately 31 inches wide and offer a bed length of 81-83 inches.
For couples traveling together, reserving the duo of middle seats in Lufthansa’s first class is ideal, as the seat layout facilitates easy conversation between partners.
Lufthansa is renowned for its highly polished and professional first-class service, ensuring a seamless experience from leaving your door until reaching your final destination. Their ground service is excellent, complemented by sophisticated lounges that often include a cigar lounge. The catering is superb, and the overall flight offering is fantastic.
One common criticism of Lufthansa’s first class is the perceived lack of privacy due to the open-air design of the seats. However, this is a positive aspect considering the importance of remaining connected with your companion.
Lufthansa First Class offers a classic and stylish way to experience luxury travel. Although their hard product may not be the most cutting-edge compared to Singapore Airlines’ double beds, it is undoubtedly a worthwhile choice.
Korean Air First Class
Korean Air has been widely recognized for offering first class on numerous routes. While the airline has recently scaled back its first-class offerings, a valuable market remains to explore.
Historically, Korean Air, alongside Emirates and British Airways, has been a leader in providing first-class service on a wide range of routes using 3- or 4-cabin aircraft. However, Korean Air’s first class appears to be experiencing significant cutbacks, making it a diminishing option.
Korean Air’s first class experience aboard the A380 remains exceptional. It is particularly well-suited for couples, as the A380 features open-air first-class suites—a fantastic alternative for couples, second only to enclosed first-class double beds. During a long-haul flight, it is natural to desire conversations with your partner, and the design of Korean Air’s first-class cabin ensures a seamless experience in that regard.
SWISS Air First Class
Swiss International Airlines first class emerges as our next top pick. However, it is exceedingly challenging to book these tickets using points. The first-class cabin features a 1-2-1 arrangement, and couples are advised to select the middle seats. The seats are widely regarded as sophisticated and visually appealing.
Swiss International Airlines offers a technologically advanced first-class product with superb bedding, delectable cuisine, and exceptional service. The user experience and seat functionality allow for full customization, setting the stage for a comfortable flight.
While these seats are excellent for solo travelers, the ranking for couples slightly diminishes due to the high level of privacy, which may not suit everyone’s preferences. Nevertheless, the product remains outstanding; it caters slightly less to couples.
Final Thoughts
Phew! We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of major first-class offerings tailored for couples. From arrangement and design to seat engineering, every aspect plays a crucial role when traveling with your partner. Additionally, subtle factors during a flight can make or break the overall experience for couples.
