- Major US airlines have ditched first class, but the luxe cabin still exists on other global carriers.
- Singapore Airlines’ first class is considered the best of 2023, according to airline ranking website Skytrax.
While US airlines are ditching international first class, the cabin is still a huge money-maker abroad — and carriers aren’t skimping on the luxuries.
Earlier this year, airline ranking website Skytrax released its annual list of the world’s best airlines, with Singapore Airlines taking the crown from long-standing winner Qatar Airways. The results were based on traveler satisfaction surveys.
Other awards were also divvied out, with Singapore earning the title as having the best first-class cabin. Air France, All Nippon Airways, Swiss International Air Lines, and Emirates followed Singapore in the top five.
There were no US carriers on the 2023 list, but that shouldn’t come as a surprise. Delta Air Lines and United Airlines sunset long-haul first class years ago, while American Airlines recently announced an end to international first class in favor of an improved business class.
However, the revenue-earning product, which can go for tens of thousands of dollars, is still popular among European and Asian airlines — especially as deep-pocket travelers eagerly return to the skies for both business and leisure purposes post-pandemic.
Take a look at the five best first-class cabins for 2023, according to Skytrax — plus one Insider-picked honorable mention.
