Flying at these prices isn’t just about getting from point A to point B – it’s about how you get there. Whether you’re soaking in the premium private suite or savoring a multi-course meal prepared by world-renowned chefs, these airlines redefine what it means to travel
Buckle up (in your leather recliner, of course), as we explore the world’s top 10 most expensive first and business-class tickets, the glamorous routes they fly, and exactly what you get for all those thousands of dollars.
10. Virgin Atlantic Upper Class
Flight: roundtrip London to New York
Cost: $6,000+
Kicking off our list is Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class – a solid option for anyone who likes a touch of glamor while flying across the Atlantic. Richard Branson’s airline knows how to make flying fun. Think fully-flat beds, in-seat massages, and chic pajamas to get you cozy for your flight. But it doesn’t stop there. With a dedicated chauffeur driving you to and from the airport and access to Virgin’s famous Clubhouse Lounge (where the food is so good you’ll want to arrive early), Upper Class is anything but basic. It’s the perfect mix of premium comfort and cool.
9. All Nippon Airways (ANA) First Class
Flight: roundtrip Tokyo to Los Angeles
Cost: $9,000+
Flying ANA’s First Class is like entering your own serene, private retreat in the sky. Japanese hospitality is at its finest here with their beautifully designed cabins, complete with wide leather seats that turn into beds, all while sipping on a glass of champagne. ANA is known for its attention to detail –from the fine selection of Japanese teas to the high-end Shiseido skincare products in your amenity kit. Not to mention the gourmet dining that blends traditional Japanese kaiseki with international favorites. If you want a taste of premiumJapanese precision, ANA is your ticket.
8. British Airways First Class
Image credits: British Airlines First Class
Flight: roundtrip London to Hong Kong
Cost: $12,000+
British Airways’ First Class is all about understated elegance. When you board, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into an exclusive club – complete with luxurious leather seating, high-quality fabrics, and soft mood lighting. You can expect a fully flat bed dressed with luxurious linens, cashmere blankets, and even a pair of slippers waiting for you at your seat. The real star, though, is the food: British-inspired gourmet meals paired with fine wines. A perfect mix of tradition and modern, with impeccable British service.
7. Emirates Business Class
Image credits: Emirates Business Class
Flight: roundtrip Dubai to New York
Cost: $15,000+
Emirates has redefined Business Class, and flying with them feels more like First Class than anything else. One of the standout features on their A380 aircraft is the onboard lounge – a bar at 35,000 feet where you can sip cocktails and socialize. Each seat is like a private cocoon, with a fully flat bed, personal minibar, and touchscreen controls for everything from your seat position to the lighting. With a multi-course gourmet meal served on fine china, it’s no wonder people rave about Emirates. And, did we mention the chauffeur service and spa-like showers at their lounges.
6. Lufthansa First Class
Flight: roundtrip Frankfurt to Buenos Aires
Cost: $17,000+
Lufthansa’s First Class is for travelers who love refined elegance and German precision. Starting at the exclusive First Class Terminal in Frankfurt—where you have your own personal assistant to whisk you through security—your journey is off to a stress-free start. Once on board, you’ll be welcomed into a wide armchair that transforms into a cozy bed. Every detail is considered, from Michelin-starred meals to custom-designed bedding
5. Cathay Pacific First Class
Image credits: Cathay Pacific First Class
Flight: roundtrip Hong Kong to London
Cost: $22,000+
Cathay Pacific’s First Class is where spacious luxury meets unbeatable service. Your private suite has enough space to stretch out comfortably on a fully flat bed, and the bedding is plush enough to make you forget you’re even on a plane. Bose noise-canceling headphones and Aesop skincare products are just some of the thoughtful extras provided. With Michelin-starred inflight dining and an extensive wine list, Cathay makes sure your culinary experience is just as refined as the flight itself.
4. Singapore Airlines First Class Suites
Image credits: Singapore Airlines First Class Suites
Flight: roundtrip Singapore to Paris
Cost: $24,000+
Imagine having your own private suite in the sky. Singapore Airlines’ First Class Suites take premium air travel to a whole new level. These aren’t just seats – they’re fully enclosed rooms with sliding doors, offering you total privacy. You can even combine two suites to create a double bed if you’re traveling with a partner. Meals are curated by some of the world’s top chefs, and the wine list rivals that of a fine-dining restaurant. You’ll also have access to a private lounge, so you can unwind before your flight even begins.
3. Etihad Airways Residence
Flight: one-way Abu Dhabi to New York
Cost: $30,000+
Flying in Etihad’s “The Residence” is like having your own premium apartment in the sky. Seriously – it’s a three-room suite that includes a living room, bedroom, and your very own ensuite shower. A dedicated butler attends to your every need, while a private chef prepares meals just for you. Flying doesn’t get more exclusive than this. With a personal chauffeur to and from the airport and access to VIP lounges, The Residence offers an experience that is closer to staying in a five-star hotel than flying on a commercial airline.
2. Qatar Airways First Class
Flight: roundtrip Doha to Sydney
Cost: $35,000+
Qatar Airways’ Qsuite has revolutionized first-class air travel. These fully enclosed suites offer complete privacy, with doors that slide shut to create your own cocoon. The highlight? A double bed for ultimate comfort. You’ll enjoy Michelin-starred meals, designer pajamas, and one of the most impressive lounges in the world – the Al Safwa Lounge in Doha, which looks more like a high-end museum than an airport lounge. The attention to detail, from the service to the food, is nothing short of extraordinary.
1. Emirates First Class
Flight: one-way New York to Dubai
Cost: $40,000+
Taking the crown as the most expensive plane ticket in the world is Emirates’ First Class on their A380. For $40,000, you get a private suite with floor-to-ceiling sliding doors, a zero-gravity seat, and a personal minibar. Oh, and did we mention the in-flight shower spa? Yes, you can literally shower while flying at 40,000 feet, using Bulgari toiletries, no less. The dining experience is top-notch, with à la carte menus designed by Michelin-star chefs. If you’re looking for the ultimate flying experience, this is it – there’s no higher way to fly.
*The above information is sourced from the official airlines’ websites in August 2024.
Flying at these prices isn’t just about getting from point A to point B – it’s about how you get there. Whether you’re soaking in the premium private suite or savoring a multi-course meal prepared by world-renowned chefs, these airlines redefine what it means to travel. So, next time you’re dreaming of jet-setting around the world in style, think about these premium flights that take flying to a whole new level!
