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First class airline cabins are becoming less common worldwide, but several airlines continue to offer and develop high-end first class seats. These seats are known for their size, privacy features such as doors or even floor-to-ceiling walls, large screens, and enhanced onboard service. While personal preference often determines which product is best, five first class seats currently stand out for their comfort and unique features.
A growing trend among airlines is the introduction of "business class plus" products. These are not traditional first class seats but offer many similar benefits at a lower price point. Airlines like JetBlue, Virgin Atlantic, Condor, American Airlines, Air New Zealand, and others have introduced these premium business class options with larger screens, ottomans or footrests instead of standard footwells, upgraded amenities and catering, and more privacy than standard business class. This approach allows passengers to experience many elements of first class without paying top-tier prices.
Some airlines have also moved toward three-abreast seating in their first class cabins on widebody aircraft. Cathay Pacific has been notable for this arrangement on its Boeing 777-300ERs, providing a seat width of 36 inches—more than double that of typical economy seats—and an 81-inch long bed. Japan Airlines has taken this further with its Airbus A350-1000 first class product: the seat measures 48 inches wide across two rows in a three-abreast configuration. Lufthansa and Emirates have also adopted similar layouts to create more spacious seating areas.
