A Complete Guide to the Ultimate First Class Luxury Travel Experience – Part 3

This is part 3 of what to expect in Luxury First Class Flights.

Check out part 1:

1. First Class pricing and why you expect it to be leaps and bounds above Business class
2. Ground service – Pick up from your home / hotel in a premium car
3. First Class check-in & Private security
4. First Class Lounge
5. Lounge top shelf alcohol and food
6. Transport to gates
7. First Class Seats
8. Luxury First Class Travel Experience

Check out part 2:

1. Concept of dine on demand for First Class passengers
2. Menu (book) presentation
3. Table setup at 30,000 ft – How different airlines do it
4. Bread basket – Prettiest bread baskets in the sky
5. Caviar
6. Appetizer presentation
7. Palate cleanser served by Etihad Airways – is it even a thing?

Now here is Part 3:

The main course in First Class is designed to be the centerpiece of the in-flight dining experience, often offering several choices that reflect both international and local cuisines. Asian airlines are known for offering both a “Western menu” and an “Asian menu” to cater to diverse tastes. For instance, Japan Airlines and ANA provides passengers with a choice between traditional Japanese cuisine and Western-style dishes, while Singapore Airlines offers a similar selection, allowing passengers to opt for either Asian-inspired meals or classic Western options.

Michelin-star service in the skies is all about bringing the essence of fine dining to First Class, even though taste may be somewhat impacted by altitude and reheating limitations. The service, however, is meticulously crafted to replicate the elegance and precision of a Michelin-starred experience. Flight attendants are usually trained to present each dish with care, from plating to the way they describe the meal and suggest wine pairings. 

The Swiss First Class tagliatelle with white truffle stands out as one of the most remarkable main courses I’ve ever experienced in First Class. The presentation was elegant, with the truffle generously layered on top of the pasta, enhancing both the visual appeal and depth of flavor.

Rice based dishes are often hard to present but British Airways and Thai Airways nailed it!

While most airlines offer a set menu with around four or five main course options, Singapore Airlines takes the First Class dining experience to the next level with their exclusive “Book the Cook” service. This unique feature allows First Class passengers to pre-select their main course from an extensive selection of over 20 gourmet dishes before their flight. The options cater to a wide range of tastes, featuring everything from Lobster Thermidor and wagyu beef to regional specialties and vegetarian dishes, allowing passengers to personalize their dining experience.

I typically enjoy red or white wine with my main course, and flight attendants are often happy to offer pairing suggestions. With beef dishes, a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah works wonderfully, as these wines bring out the rich, savory flavors of the meat. For chicken dishes, a white wine like Chardonnay is an excellent choice, as its creamy notes complement richer preparations, such as roasted or sauced chicken.

Emirates opened a bottle of Château Cos d’Estournel 2006 from Saint-Estèphe, a highly regarded Bordeaux in France. Château Cos d’Estournel is a premium choice for First Class service and a bottle of the 2006 vintage can range from $200 to $300 USD.

Emirates went above and beyond by opening this bottle and decanting it exclusively for me.

In a First Class dining experience, the main course is typically followed by a thoughtfully curated cheese course. It’s never just about placing a few random pieces of cheese on a board. A proper cheese course should offer a selection of high-quality cheeses that vary in texture, flavor, and origin, providing passengers with a balanced sampling. Ideally a proper cheese plate should include a mix of soft, semi hard and hard cheeses, crackers or slices of artisan bread for some crunch, fresh fruits like grapes or apple slices, dried fruits like dates or apricots to add sweetness and contrast and fig jam or berry compote to balance the dryness and enhance the flavor of the cheeses. The standout here is the Swiss First Class cheese plate, which was beautifully balanced in its selection. I loved how the jam was presented in a spoon which added a nice contrast to the presentation.

The final course is typically a dessert and first class passengers usually get a choice. This can range from decadent chocolate creations and classic pastries to seasonal fruit tarts and even lighter options like sorbet. A dessert wine can enhance the flavors of both cheese and dessert, but it’s traditionally served with the dessert course to match its sweetness. That being said, the next time you eat an aged salty cheese or blue cheese, get some dessert wine to go along with it. They pair beautifully bridging savory and sweet.

Emirates definitely wins dessert presentation.

Some airlines also serve port wine in addition to dessert wine. Port wine is a type of dessert wine, but it has some unique characteristics that set it apart from other dessert wines. Port is a fortified wine as additional alcohol is added during fermentation, which boosts its sweetness and alcohol content. 

ALL PORT WINES ARE DESSERT WINES, BUT ALL DESSERT WINES ARE NOT PORT 🙂

After a satisfying meal, it’s time to settle in for some rest. First Class beds are significantly larger than those in Business Class, providing ample space and legroom for a truly comfortable sleep. Unlike Business Class, there’s usually no restrictive footwell, allowing you to stretch out fully without feeling confined. Flight attendants typically offer a turn-down service, preparing the bed for you with care. If the seat next to you is unoccupied, they may even offer to set up your bed there, giving you an extra level of privacy. The bed setup often includes a plush mattress pad, a cozy comforter, and a couple of soft pillows, all designed to make you feel as comfortable as possible while sleeping at 35,000 feet.

The picture below showcases the Emirates First Class suite on the Boeing 777, arguably the best bed in the sky. It’s a fully enclosed suite, with floor-to-ceiling privacy doors that create a truly private space. The ambient lighting is customizable to set the perfect mood for relaxation or sleep.

The Air France La Premiere suite is semi-enclosed with privacy curtains that create an intimate, cocoon-like environment, allowing you to rest undisturbed. The bed itself is spacious, offering ample legroom and freedom to stretch out.

This is Japan Airlines’ older First Class bed on the Boeing 777, while not as cutting-edge as some newer suites on the A350, it still offers a very comfortable and spacious sleeping experience. JAL provides a thick mattress pad (with the option to choose a softer or firmer side), a cozy duvet, and plush pillows.

Lufthansa’s First Class bed on the Boeing 747 is known for its impressive length, and it’s often cited as one of the longest in the sky, providing plenty of space for even the tallest passengers to stretch out comfortably.

After a few hours of restful sleep, the flight attendants are usually quick to attend to you as you wake up. They often ask if you’d like some tea or perhaps a snack to ease into the day. First Class passengers typically have access to an “anytime menu,” offering a variety of options to choose from. This menu typically includes options like fresh fruit, pastries, sandwiches, or even a light meal to suit different appetites.

When you request for tea or coffee, this is how its presented in Swiss First Class and Air France La Premiere.

Anytime Menu from Japan Airlines First Class.

All top airlines provide beautifully designed amenity kits in First Class, going beyond the basics to offer something truly memorable and luxurious. These aren’t ordinary kits—they’re typically crafted in collaboration with high-end brands, making them a treat for travelers. Emirates stands out by including a full-sized bottle of Bulgari perfume, along with skincare products from the same luxury brand, adding a personalized touch to the in-flight experience. Singapore Airlines also impresses with their kits, which often feature items from prestigious brands like Lalique, including travel-sized fragrance and skincare essentials that exude elegance. Other airlines, such as Qatar Airways and Etihad, have partnered with brands like Diptyque and Acqua di Parma, providing premium lotions, creams, and fragrances. These thoughtfully curated kits reflect the airlines’ commitment to luxury.

The Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways A380s each feature an onboard bar, offering a unique social space for First and Business Class passengers to enjoy mid-flight. Emirates’ A380 bar is located at the back of the upper deck and is designed with plush seating, mood lighting, and an extensive selection of top-shelf spirits, cocktails, and canapés. It’s a lively area where passengers can relax, socialize, and enjoy drinks served by dedicated bartenders.

Qatar Airways’ A380 bar is similarly impressive, providing an elegant space with sleek decor and comfortable seating. Their bar area offers a selection of signature cocktails, mocktails, and premium snacks, providing a sophisticated experience that feels like a luxury lounge at high altitude.

Etihad Airways takes a more intimate approach with their A380 bar, known as “The Lobby,” which features a semi-private lounge setup with stylish seating and a quieter atmosphere. Here, passengers can enjoy cocktails, champagne, or espresso-based drinks in a cozy and relaxed environment. 

As with most airlines, a pre-landing meal—often breakfast—is typically served, but First Class passengers receive an elevated experience. Flight attendants usually ask ahead of time if passengers would like to be woken up for the meal, adding a personalized touch to the service. For this second meal, the table is once again carefully set, with utensils laid out to perfection. Breakfast often begins with a refreshing course of fresh fruit, beautifully presented, followed by an array of other breakfast items such as pancakes, eggs, or pastries. This attentive setup and thoughtful service allow First Class passengers to enjoy a refined, leisurely meal before arrival, setting a pleasant tone to end their journey.

As you can see in the picture below, airlines in First Class do not serve yogurt or cereal in their original cartons; instead, they elegantly transfer them into cups or fine china for a more refined presentation. The meal below was served by Garuda Indonesia (Jakarta to Amsterdam)

This is an ideal moment to discuss First Class lavatories, which are often designed to offer a far more spacious and luxurious experience than the standard airplane bathroom. On the A380, some upper-deck areas are considered “unusable” space due to layout constraints, which airlines creatively utilize to install larger-than-normal bathrooms. For example, the Singapore Airlines A380 lavatory feels more like a private dressing room, offering ample room to freshen up in comfort. Qatar Airways’ A380 also features an impressively spacious bathroom, providing passengers with a similar sense of relaxation and privacy.

Emirates, however, takes this to another level with their iconic shower spa, allowing passengers to enjoy a refreshing shower mid-flight—a unique luxury at 35,000 feet. Emirates even staffs a dedicated shower attendant on A380 flights to ensure the shower is fully cleaned and ready for each passenger. Etihad also offers a shower in First Class on its A380, though it’s slightly smaller since much of the space is devoted to their premium “Residence” suite.

Yet one airline stands out for its thoughtful and creative touches—Thai Airways. Their First Class lavatories feature artfully folded towel origami, which adds a personalized touch and makes the space feel truly special. The bathrooms across these airlines are stocked with premium amenities, including high-quality soaps, face washes, toners, as well as essential items like toothpaste, toothbrushes, and combs.

Of course, none of these luxuries would be worthwhile if the lavatories weren’t kept spotless. Flight attendants make sure the bathrooms are tidied and refreshed after each use, ensuring that they remain pristine throughout the flight. In my experience, this attention to cleanliness has always been consistently high, enhancing the overall First Class experience.

Upon arrival, many airlines provide personalized assistance for First Class passengers, typically greeting them planeside with an iPad displaying their name and accompanying them through customs and baggage claim. However, Garuda Indonesia went above and beyond to deliver an exceptional experience. I was flying from Jakarta to Amsterdam, and although Garuda’s responsibility technically ended there, as I had a separate reservation with KLM from Amsterdam to Rio, their service didn’t stop. Upon landing, Garuda met me planeside, escorted me in an Audi to a VIP lounge in Amsterdam, and ensured I was comfortably accommodated for three hours before driving me directly to the KLM aircraft for my next flight. I later discovered that this level of service, which includes planeside pick-up, VIP lounge access, and planeside drop-off, typically costs $800—a true testament to Garuda Indonesia’s commitment to luxury and customer care. I was thoroughly impressed.

In summary, First Class is in a league of its own—far beyond Business Class in both luxury and personalized service. From gourmet, multi-course dining and exclusive amenities to spacious, private suites and exceptional ground services, First Class offers an unparalleled experience that redefines comfort and exclusivity. This level of attention to detail and commitment to passenger satisfaction is what you can expect when you fly First Class, where every element of the journey is designed to make you feel truly valued.

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