If you talk to any frequent flyer, they’ll probably all tell you the same thing. They’d rather sit near the front of the plane than squeeze in the back and fight for armrest space. Unfortunately, first class seats aren’t getting any cheaper and most of them are only available to the richest 1%.
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Read on to learn about the world’s most expensive airlines, their costs, and what to expect on board.
Emirates
If you’re looking for one of the most luxurious first class cabins, look no further than Etihad Airways. The Residence class, which includes private apartments, is limited to the A380 aircraft. Each apartment is a three-room suite with a spacious living area with leather couch, a separate sleeping area with double bed and a private shower. And that’s not all. A personal butler is at your disposal throughout the flight.
“Flying with The Residence offers… ultra-luxurious amenities and unparalleled privacy,” said Arsen Misakyan, co-founder and CEO of LAXcar. “When booked through Etihad’s website in December for a flight from New York to Abu Dhabi in mid-May, the cost of first-class apartments was between $9,000 and $10,000 each way. The Residence added another $3,000 each way, bringing the total price to about $24,000.”
Misakyan also said that Etihad Airways held the record for the most expensive airline ticket in March 2021, with a one-way flight from New York to Mumbai costing $38,000.
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Emirate
For many people, sleeping on a plane can be a challenge. But that’s not the case when you fly on an Emirates A380. This Dubai-based airline has private suites with electronic sliding doors instead of the curtains that many other airlines have. And to make sure you feel refreshed when you arrive at your destination, you’ll be provided with moisturizing pajamas.
“Passengers can enjoy gourmet meals prepared by onboard chefs, as well as a selection of fine wines and champagnes,” said Tony Abrams, founder of Four Hundred Travel. “Emirates is known for its luxurious onboard showers in the first class of select aircraft, offering passengers the unique experience of refreshing themselves during a long flight.”
According to The Luxury Travel Expert, the price of a round-trip first class ticket on Emirates can range from $5,000 to $25,000.
Singapore Airlines
Another airline that offers you the opportunity to fly in luxury if you can afford the price is Singapore Airlines. Booking a first class suite on an A380 aircraft may cost a few dollars, but you will feel like you have the plane to yourself.
Your spacious suite not only has a swivel leather chair, but also a separate single bed. If you’re flying with a significant other, you can book a double room where the partition is removed to create a double bed. Unfortunately, Singapore Airlines’ suites don’t have private showers like Emirates’, but each suite has a sit-down vanity where you can freshen up before landing.
“Singapore Airlines offers one of the most opulent first class experiences in the world with its suites, which feature individual cabins with sliding doors, free-standing beds, leather armchairs and gourmet meal service,” said Misakyan. “Prices for these suites start at $15,000 on routes such as Singapore to New York, underscoring the airline’s focus on the highest levels of comfort, exquisite personal service and culinary excellence.”
Cathay Pacific
Next on the list is Cathay Pacific, where first class flights can cost $30,000 or more depending on the route and time of year. Other airlines have fully locking doors that isolate you from other travelers. Cathay Pacific doesn’t offer that, but the experience is almost as great. There are only six lie-flat seats in first class, and each one is fitted with 600-thread-count Bamford sheets. You also get Bamford pajamas, slippers, and skincare products.
Cathay Pacific is also known for its selection of in-flight meals and has a wide wine selection that far exceeds what other airlines offer.
Lufthansa
Lufthansa completes the list of the most expensive airlines in the world. In autumn 2024, it is expected to launch its newest first class product, Allegris, which will compete with some of the other airlines on this list. You can choose between a “Suite” or a “Suite Plus”.
The suites are equipped with a fully locking door and an extra-wide seat that converts into a bed. They also feature a 32-inch 4K TV and a personal closet to store your belongings.
Booking a Suite Plus is ideal for couples travelling together. It features two extra-wide seats that can be converted into a double bed. You also get a 43-inch 4K TV and wireless charging for your electronic devices.
Although exact prices for flights in a Lufthansa Suite and Suite Plus have not yet been announced, it is expected that these flights will be among the most expensive in the world.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: The 5 Most Expensive Airlines in the World
