Ever Wondered What It’s Like to Fly First Class? We Took the Plunge and Here’s What Happened

Published on October 27, 2025

The appeal of First Class travel is hard to overlook. It is often seen as the epitome of luxury, comfort, and exclusivity in air travel. The experience is much more than just spacious seats or exceptional service; it’s about an all-encompassing journey that starts at the airport and continues all the way to the destination. Cities like Doha, Dubai, and London have long been recognized as global hubs where First Class travel is synonymous with prestige and elegance. However, many wonder if such a lavish experience can be enjoyed without breaking the bank. The world of First Class is evolving, and this shift is not only making it more accessible to a broader range of passengers but is also reshaping the global travel industry, fundamentally changing how luxury travel is perceived.

The Experience Begins at the Airport

For those flying First Class, the journey begins long before boarding the aircraft. Economy passengers are usually faced with long queues and crowded terminals, but this is not the case for First Class travelers. They are guided straight to exclusive check-in areas, often positioned far from the usual bustle of the airport, providing greater privacy and a much smoother process. These specialized check-in points ensure passengers start their journey in a relaxed and efficient manner, setting the tone for the rest of the experience.

After check-in, the luxury continues in First Class lounges, where passengers can unwind in a private, serene space before their flight departs. For instance, the Qatar Airways lounge in Doha exemplifies the luxurious experience one can expect from First Class travel. Designed to resemble a five-star hotel rather than an airport waiting area, the lounge offers free massages, private sleeping rooms, and expansive dining areas. The atmosphere is calm and peaceful, allowing travelers to relax before their flight. Similarly, Emirates in Dubai raises the bar even further by offering three exclusive First Class lounges. Upon arrival, passengers are greeted, fast-tracked through security, and chauffeured to the lounge. In these lounges, guests can enjoy sushi, complimentary massages, and a peaceful environment that enhances the overall luxury experience.

The Luxury Continues Onboard

Once onboard, First Class offers an even greater level of comfort. The defining feature of the First Class cabin is its personalized service. Unlike Economy or even Business Class, where meals are served at scheduled times, First Class passengers have the freedom to choose when they want their meals. The onboard menus feature high-end options, including champagne, caviar, and gourmet meals, turning the dining experience into something akin to a luxury restaurant in the sky.

The seats in First Class are another standout feature. Airlines such as British Airways and Singapore Airlines offer large, spacious seats that convert into fully-flat beds, ensuring that passengers can enjoy a comfortable sleep during long-haul flights. Singapore Airlines’ A380 First Suites go a step further by offering private cabins with enough room to move around freely. These suites can even be transformed into a double bed, perfect for couples seeking privacy and comfort.

However, when it comes to luxury, Emirates takes it to the next level. Their oversized seats are equipped with personal mini-bars, advanced entertainment systems, and adjustable lighting to set the perfect mood for relaxation. But what truly distinguishes Emirates First Class is the expansive menu, which includes multiple courses of gourmet meals, caviar, and fine wines, guaranteeing a dining experience that matches the luxury of the seat itself.

For those in search of the ultimate in-flight extravagance, Etihad Airways offers a three-room suite aboard their A380 aircraft. This suite is the epitome of luxury, featuring a living room with two TVs, a private bedroom, and a bathroom with a shower. The suite also provides access to a bar area, further elevating the experience.

The Price of First Class: The Cost of Luxury

While the luxury of First Class is unmatched, it comes at a high price. A typical long-haul First Class ticket can cost anywhere between £1,700 and more than £5,000 for a round trip, making it unaffordable for many. However, there are ways to enjoy First Class without paying the full price. One of the most popular methods is by taking advantage of frequent flyer programs. These programs allow passengers to collect points through their travels or purchases and use those points to reduce the cost of First Class tickets. For example, travelers may secure a First Class ticket for as little as £600 if they use points they’ve accumulated, significantly reducing the cost.

To maximize these points, passengers can make use of credit card reward systems, which allow travelers to earn points with every purchase. Many websites offer guidance on how to get the most out of loyalty programs, helping travelers earn more points faster. Additionally, platforms like Avios Shopping portals allow passengers to earn points simply by shopping online, providing another easy way to gather enough points to book a discounted First Class ticket.

Where to Find First Class Seats

While First Class is often seen as the pinnacle of luxury, not every airline offers this exclusive service. Some airlines, such as Virgin Atlantic, have chosen to focus more on providing Business Class, designing an Upper Class experience that competes closely with First Class in terms of comfort and amenities. As a result, those looking to fly First Class need to choose their airlines carefully.

For travelers departing from the UK, the best options for First Class are with Middle Eastern carriers like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways, all of which operate A380 aircraft that feature some of the most luxurious First Class cabins available. Although American Airlines offers First Class on certain flights, their offerings don’t compare to the level of luxury offered by the Middle Eastern airlines.

Flying First Class from Belfast: The Options

Flying First Class from Belfast presents unique challenges, but it is still possible to experience this level of luxury. British Airways provides Business Class flights from Belfast City to London, where passengers can connect to First Class services at Heathrow. Alternatively, travelers can connect through Aer Lingus or EasyJet to Manchester, where Emirates operates an A380 with a First Class cabin.

While the pre-flight experience in Manchester may not rival the luxury of Dubai or Doha, the First Class cabin aboard the Emirates A380 makes up for it. Once onboard, passengers have access to exclusive amenities such as the bar, showers, and First Class suites, ensuring an indulgent experience.

Impact on the Global Travel Industry

The increasing availability of First Class cabins has had a significant effect on the global travel industry. As more airlines compete to provide the best luxury air travel experiences, the industry has seen an uptick in the number of premium cabins being introduced. This competition has forced airlines to focus more on customer satisfaction, leading to improvements in everything from the quality of seats to the excellence of the food served in First Class.

One of the key factors in making First Class more accessible is the rise of loyalty programs. These programs have allowed passengers to collect points that can be used to reduce the cost of luxury flights. As a result, First Class is no longer reserved for only the super-wealthy but has become an attainable option for a much wider group of travelers.

Moreover, airlines have begun to invest more heavily in the pre-flight experience. The introduction of exclusive lounges, fast-track security, and personalized services has become common, ensuring that luxury air travel is not only more accessible but also better tailored to meet the needs of modern passengers. This shift is setting a new standard in customer service within the travel industry, ensuring First Class is as luxurious, personalized, and customer-focused as possible.

As the demand for luxurious air travel increases, airlines continue to innovate, offering more exclusive services for travelers seeking the ultimate in comfort. With competition growing, it’s likely that First Class will continue to evolve, providing even more unique experiences for those looking for top-tier luxury.

The Evolution of First Class Travel

In conclusion, the growing availability of First Class travel has transformed how passengers view air travel. With the rise of loyalty programs and increased competition among airlines, First Class has become more accessible to a broader range of travelers. The promise of a luxurious and seamless flight experience from the moment passengers arrive at the airport until they reach their destination is no longer limited to the wealthy elite. Today, more travelers can experience the comfort, exclusivity, and sophistication of First Class, making what was once an unattainable dream a reality for many. As the airline industry continues to evolve, luxury air travel is becoming more affordable and accessible, ensuring that more travelers can enjoy an exceptional flying experience.