Vintage photos show how flying first class has changed over the past 70 years

The age of jet-powered scheduled passenger air travel began in 1952 with the De Havilland Comet 1. However, a series of fatal crashes forced the plane to be grounded for modifications.

Reclining seats included footrests and leaned almost all the way back., The first-class cabin's gourmet dining remained., Flutes of Champagne were an added bonus., Spiral staircases led to the 747's upper deck lounge., Some early jumbo jets were even equipped with pianos., The massive double-decker entered service with Singapore Airlines in 2007., Two suites could even be merged to create a couple's suite., Emirates has also launched its own first-class suites., Amenities include access to an in-flight shower., However, the ultimate first-class experience comes courtesy of Etihad., Each 125-square-foot, three-room suite features an en suite bathroom with a shower., It also includes a private bedroom and a personal butler., Two suites can be joined to create a two-passenger mega-suite.

Even though later versions of the jet, such as the Comet 3 seen here, would go on to serve successfully in airline fleets around the world, it was no longer at the forefront of the industry.

Reclining seats included footrests and leaned almost all the way back., The first-class cabin's gourmet dining remained., Flutes of Champagne were an added bonus., Spiral staircases led to the 747's upper deck lounge., Some early jumbo jets were even equipped with pianos., The massive double-decker entered service with Singapore Airlines in 2007., Two suites could even be merged to create a couple's suite., Emirates has also launched its own first-class suites., Amenities include access to an in-flight shower., However, the ultimate first-class experience comes courtesy of Etihad., Each 125-square-foot, three-room suite features an en suite bathroom with a shower., It also includes a private bedroom and a personal butler., Two suites can be joined to create a two-passenger mega-suite.

While the Comet was dealing with its troubles, it was overtaken by the Boeing 707 and the Douglas DC-8 as the jet-powered workhorses of the airline industry.

Reclining seats included footrests and leaned almost all the way back., The first-class cabin's gourmet dining remained., Flutes of Champagne were an added bonus., Spiral staircases led to the 747's upper deck lounge., Some early jumbo jets were even equipped with pianos., The massive double-decker entered service with Singapore Airlines in 2007., Two suites could even be merged to create a couple's suite., Emirates has also launched its own first-class suites., Amenities include access to an in-flight shower., However, the ultimate first-class experience comes courtesy of Etihad., Each 125-square-foot, three-room suite features an en suite bathroom with a shower., It also includes a private bedroom and a personal butler., Two suites can be joined to create a two-passenger mega-suite.

The jetliners of the era, while not quite as refined as today's aircraft, were faster and smoother than their propeller-powered contemporaries.

Reclining seats included footrests and leaned almost all the way back., The first-class cabin's gourmet dining remained., Flutes of Champagne were an added bonus., Spiral staircases led to the 747's upper deck lounge., Some early jumbo jets were even equipped with pianos., The massive double-decker entered service with Singapore Airlines in 2007., Two suites could even be merged to create a couple's suite., Emirates has also launched its own first-class suites., Amenities include access to an in-flight shower., However, the ultimate first-class experience comes courtesy of Etihad., Each 125-square-foot, three-room suite features an en suite bathroom with a shower., It also includes a private bedroom and a personal butler., Two suites can be joined to create a two-passenger mega-suite.

The capabilities of the jetliner served as a great complement to the first-class services provided by the world's airlines, such as gourmet meals.

Reclining seats included footrests and leaned almost all the way back., The first-class cabin's gourmet dining remained., Flutes of Champagne were an added bonus., Spiral staircases led to the 747's upper deck lounge., Some early jumbo jets were even equipped with pianos., The massive double-decker entered service with Singapore Airlines in 2007., Two suites could even be merged to create a couple's suite., Emirates has also launched its own first-class suites., Amenities include access to an in-flight shower., However, the ultimate first-class experience comes courtesy of Etihad., Each 125-square-foot, three-room suite features an en suite bathroom with a shower., It also includes a private bedroom and a personal butler., Two suites can be joined to create a two-passenger mega-suite.

Reclining seats included footrests and leaned almost all the way back.

Reclining seats included footrests and leaned almost all the way back., The first-class cabin's gourmet dining remained., Flutes of Champagne were an added bonus., Spiral staircases led to the 747's upper deck lounge., Some early jumbo jets were even equipped with pianos., The massive double-decker entered service with Singapore Airlines in 2007., Two suites could even be merged to create a couple's suite., Emirates has also launched its own first-class suites., Amenities include access to an in-flight shower., However, the ultimate first-class experience comes courtesy of Etihad., Each 125-square-foot, three-room suite features an en suite bathroom with a shower., It also includes a private bedroom and a personal butler., Two suites can be joined to create a two-passenger mega-suite.

Cocktail lounges were also a feature of the first-class flying experience in the 1950s.

Reclining seats included footrests and leaned almost all the way back., The first-class cabin's gourmet dining remained., Flutes of Champagne were an added bonus., Spiral staircases led to the 747's upper deck lounge., Some early jumbo jets were even equipped with pianos., The massive double-decker entered service with Singapore Airlines in 2007., Two suites could even be merged to create a couple's suite., Emirates has also launched its own first-class suites., Amenities include access to an in-flight shower., However, the ultimate first-class experience comes courtesy of Etihad., Each 125-square-foot, three-room suite features an en suite bathroom with a shower., It also includes a private bedroom and a personal butler., Two suites can be joined to create a two-passenger mega-suite.

The introduction of the double-decker Boeing 747 jumbo jet in 1970 took first-class service to new heights.

Reclining seats included footrests and leaned almost all the way back., The first-class cabin's gourmet dining remained., Flutes of Champagne were an added bonus., Spiral staircases led to the 747's upper deck lounge., Some early jumbo jets were even equipped with pianos., The massive double-decker entered service with Singapore Airlines in 2007., Two suites could even be merged to create a couple's suite., Emirates has also launched its own first-class suites., Amenities include access to an in-flight shower., However, the ultimate first-class experience comes courtesy of Etihad., Each 125-square-foot, three-room suite features an en suite bathroom with a shower., It also includes a private bedroom and a personal butler., Two suites can be joined to create a two-passenger mega-suite.

The extra width of the 747's cabin gave airlines the ability to up their games even further.

Reclining seats included footrests and leaned almost all the way back., The first-class cabin's gourmet dining remained., Flutes of Champagne were an added bonus., Spiral staircases led to the 747's upper deck lounge., Some early jumbo jets were even equipped with pianos., The massive double-decker entered service with Singapore Airlines in 2007., Two suites could even be merged to create a couple's suite., Emirates has also launched its own first-class suites., Amenities include access to an in-flight shower., However, the ultimate first-class experience comes courtesy of Etihad., Each 125-square-foot, three-room suite features an en suite bathroom with a shower., It also includes a private bedroom and a personal butler., Two suites can be joined to create a two-passenger mega-suite.

The first-class cabin's gourmet dining remained.

Reclining seats included footrests and leaned almost all the way back., The first-class cabin's gourmet dining remained., Flutes of Champagne were an added bonus., Spiral staircases led to the 747's upper deck lounge., Some early jumbo jets were even equipped with pianos., The massive double-decker entered service with Singapore Airlines in 2007., Two suites could even be merged to create a couple's suite., Emirates has also launched its own first-class suites., Amenities include access to an in-flight shower., However, the ultimate first-class experience comes courtesy of Etihad., Each 125-square-foot, three-room suite features an en suite bathroom with a shower., It also includes a private bedroom and a personal butler., Two suites can be joined to create a two-passenger mega-suite.

Flutes of Champagne were an added bonus.

Reclining seats included footrests and leaned almost all the way back., The first-class cabin's gourmet dining remained., Flutes of Champagne were an added bonus., Spiral staircases led to the 747's upper deck lounge., Some early jumbo jets were even equipped with pianos., The massive double-decker entered service with Singapore Airlines in 2007., Two suites could even be merged to create a couple's suite., Emirates has also launched its own first-class suites., Amenities include access to an in-flight shower., However, the ultimate first-class experience comes courtesy of Etihad., Each 125-square-foot, three-room suite features an en suite bathroom with a shower., It also includes a private bedroom and a personal butler., Two suites can be joined to create a two-passenger mega-suite.

Spiral staircases led to the 747's upper deck lounge.

Reclining seats included footrests and leaned almost all the way back., The first-class cabin's gourmet dining remained., Flutes of Champagne were an added bonus., Spiral staircases led to the 747's upper deck lounge., Some early jumbo jets were even equipped with pianos., The massive double-decker entered service with Singapore Airlines in 2007., Two suites could even be merged to create a couple's suite., Emirates has also launched its own first-class suites., Amenities include access to an in-flight shower., However, the ultimate first-class experience comes courtesy of Etihad., Each 125-square-foot, three-room suite features an en suite bathroom with a shower., It also includes a private bedroom and a personal butler., Two suites can be joined to create a two-passenger mega-suite.

Some early jumbo jets were even equipped with pianos.

Reclining seats included footrests and leaned almost all the way back., The first-class cabin's gourmet dining remained., Flutes of Champagne were an added bonus., Spiral staircases led to the 747's upper deck lounge., Some early jumbo jets were even equipped with pianos., The massive double-decker entered service with Singapore Airlines in 2007., Two suites could even be merged to create a couple's suite., Emirates has also launched its own first-class suites., Amenities include access to an in-flight shower., However, the ultimate first-class experience comes courtesy of Etihad., Each 125-square-foot, three-room suite features an en suite bathroom with a shower., It also includes a private bedroom and a personal butler., Two suites can be joined to create a two-passenger mega-suite.

Between 1976 and 2003, Air France and British Airways passengers had the opportunity to fly on the Concorde supersonic airliner.

Reclining seats included footrests and leaned almost all the way back., The first-class cabin's gourmet dining remained., Flutes of Champagne were an added bonus., Spiral staircases led to the 747's upper deck lounge., Some early jumbo jets were even equipped with pianos., The massive double-decker entered service with Singapore Airlines in 2007., Two suites could even be merged to create a couple's suite., Emirates has also launched its own first-class suites., Amenities include access to an in-flight shower., However, the ultimate first-class experience comes courtesy of Etihad., Each 125-square-foot, three-room suite features an en suite bathroom with a shower., It also includes a private bedroom and a personal butler., Two suites can be joined to create a two-passenger mega-suite.

Its speed came at the expense of a smaller cabin, but passengers were still treated to fine wines and gourmet meals.

Reclining seats included footrests and leaned almost all the way back., The first-class cabin's gourmet dining remained., Flutes of Champagne were an added bonus., Spiral staircases led to the 747's upper deck lounge., Some early jumbo jets were even equipped with pianos., The massive double-decker entered service with Singapore Airlines in 2007., Two suites could even be merged to create a couple's suite., Emirates has also launched its own first-class suites., Amenities include access to an in-flight shower., However, the ultimate first-class experience comes courtesy of Etihad., Each 125-square-foot, three-room suite features an en suite bathroom with a shower., It also includes a private bedroom and a personal butler., Two suites can be joined to create a two-passenger mega-suite.

During the 1990s, airlines began to introduce 180-degree lie-flat seats to their first-class cabins along with improved in-flight entertainment.

Reclining seats included footrests and leaned almost all the way back., The first-class cabin's gourmet dining remained., Flutes of Champagne were an added bonus., Spiral staircases led to the 747's upper deck lounge., Some early jumbo jets were even equipped with pianos., The massive double-decker entered service with Singapore Airlines in 2007., Two suites could even be merged to create a couple's suite., Emirates has also launched its own first-class suites., Amenities include access to an in-flight shower., However, the ultimate first-class experience comes courtesy of Etihad., Each 125-square-foot, three-room suite features an en suite bathroom with a shower., It also includes a private bedroom and a personal butler., Two suites can be joined to create a two-passenger mega-suite.

By the late 1990s, a new generation of first-class cabins with added privacy began to take shape, which would play a huge role in the development of today's business-class seats.

Reclining seats included footrests and leaned almost all the way back., The first-class cabin's gourmet dining remained., Flutes of Champagne were an added bonus., Spiral staircases led to the 747's upper deck lounge., Some early jumbo jets were even equipped with pianos., The massive double-decker entered service with Singapore Airlines in 2007., Two suites could even be merged to create a couple's suite., Emirates has also launched its own first-class suites., Amenities include access to an in-flight shower., However, the ultimate first-class experience comes courtesy of Etihad., Each 125-square-foot, three-room suite features an en suite bathroom with a shower., It also includes a private bedroom and a personal butler., Two suites can be joined to create a two-passenger mega-suite.

The next leap forward for first-class cabins coincided with the arrival of the Airbus A380.

Reclining seats included footrests and leaned almost all the way back., The first-class cabin's gourmet dining remained., Flutes of Champagne were an added bonus., Spiral staircases led to the 747's upper deck lounge., Some early jumbo jets were even equipped with pianos., The massive double-decker entered service with Singapore Airlines in 2007., Two suites could even be merged to create a couple's suite., Emirates has also launched its own first-class suites., Amenities include access to an in-flight shower., However, the ultimate first-class experience comes courtesy of Etihad., Each 125-square-foot, three-room suite features an en suite bathroom with a shower., It also includes a private bedroom and a personal butler., Two suites can be joined to create a two-passenger mega-suite.

The massive double-decker entered service with Singapore Airlines in 2007.

Reclining seats included footrests and leaned almost all the way back., The first-class cabin's gourmet dining remained., Flutes of Champagne were an added bonus., Spiral staircases led to the 747's upper deck lounge., Some early jumbo jets were even equipped with pianos., The massive double-decker entered service with Singapore Airlines in 2007., Two suites could even be merged to create a couple's suite., Emirates has also launched its own first-class suites., Amenities include access to an in-flight shower., However, the ultimate first-class experience comes courtesy of Etihad., Each 125-square-foot, three-room suite features an en suite bathroom with a shower., It also includes a private bedroom and a personal butler., Two suites can be joined to create a two-passenger mega-suite.

The enclosed first-class suite on the A380 afforded passengers an extra measure of privacy.

Reclining seats included footrests and leaned almost all the way back., The first-class cabin's gourmet dining remained., Flutes of Champagne were an added bonus., Spiral staircases led to the 747's upper deck lounge., Some early jumbo jets were even equipped with pianos., The massive double-decker entered service with Singapore Airlines in 2007., Two suites could even be merged to create a couple's suite., Emirates has also launched its own first-class suites., Amenities include access to an in-flight shower., However, the ultimate first-class experience comes courtesy of Etihad., Each 125-square-foot, three-room suite features an en suite bathroom with a shower., It also includes a private bedroom and a personal butler., Two suites can be joined to create a two-passenger mega-suite.

Two suites could even be merged to create a couple's suite.

Reclining seats included footrests and leaned almost all the way back., The first-class cabin's gourmet dining remained., Flutes of Champagne were an added bonus., Spiral staircases led to the 747's upper deck lounge., Some early jumbo jets were even equipped with pianos., The massive double-decker entered service with Singapore Airlines in 2007., Two suites could even be merged to create a couple's suite., Emirates has also launched its own first-class suites., Amenities include access to an in-flight shower., However, the ultimate first-class experience comes courtesy of Etihad., Each 125-square-foot, three-room suite features an en suite bathroom with a shower., It also includes a private bedroom and a personal butler., Two suites can be joined to create a two-passenger mega-suite.

Dubai's Emirates is the A380's largest customer with more than 120 aircraft in the fleet.

Reclining seats included footrests and leaned almost all the way back., The first-class cabin's gourmet dining remained., Flutes of Champagne were an added bonus., Spiral staircases led to the 747's upper deck lounge., Some early jumbo jets were even equipped with pianos., The massive double-decker entered service with Singapore Airlines in 2007., Two suites could even be merged to create a couple's suite., Emirates has also launched its own first-class suites., Amenities include access to an in-flight shower., However, the ultimate first-class experience comes courtesy of Etihad., Each 125-square-foot, three-room suite features an en suite bathroom with a shower., It also includes a private bedroom and a personal butler., Two suites can be joined to create a two-passenger mega-suite.

Emirates has also launched its own first-class suites.

Reclining seats included footrests and leaned almost all the way back., The first-class cabin's gourmet dining remained., Flutes of Champagne were an added bonus., Spiral staircases led to the 747's upper deck lounge., Some early jumbo jets were even equipped with pianos., The massive double-decker entered service with Singapore Airlines in 2007., Two suites could even be merged to create a couple's suite., Emirates has also launched its own first-class suites., Amenities include access to an in-flight shower., However, the ultimate first-class experience comes courtesy of Etihad., Each 125-square-foot, three-room suite features an en suite bathroom with a shower., It also includes a private bedroom and a personal butler., Two suites can be joined to create a two-passenger mega-suite.

Amenities include access to an in-flight shower.

Reclining seats included footrests and leaned almost all the way back., The first-class cabin's gourmet dining remained., Flutes of Champagne were an added bonus., Spiral staircases led to the 747's upper deck lounge., Some early jumbo jets were even equipped with pianos., The massive double-decker entered service with Singapore Airlines in 2007., Two suites could even be merged to create a couple's suite., Emirates has also launched its own first-class suites., Amenities include access to an in-flight shower., However, the ultimate first-class experience comes courtesy of Etihad., Each 125-square-foot, three-room suite features an en suite bathroom with a shower., It also includes a private bedroom and a personal butler., Two suites can be joined to create a two-passenger mega-suite.

However, the ultimate first-class experience comes courtesy of Etihad.

Reclining seats included footrests and leaned almost all the way back., The first-class cabin's gourmet dining remained., Flutes of Champagne were an added bonus., Spiral staircases led to the 747's upper deck lounge., Some early jumbo jets were even equipped with pianos., The massive double-decker entered service with Singapore Airlines in 2007., Two suites could even be merged to create a couple's suite., Emirates has also launched its own first-class suites., Amenities include access to an in-flight shower., However, the ultimate first-class experience comes courtesy of Etihad., Each 125-square-foot, three-room suite features an en suite bathroom with a shower., It also includes a private bedroom and a personal butler., Two suites can be joined to create a two-passenger mega-suite.

In 2014, the Abu Dhabi-based airline introduced the Residence first-class suite on board its A380s.

Reclining seats included footrests and leaned almost all the way back., The first-class cabin's gourmet dining remained., Flutes of Champagne were an added bonus., Spiral staircases led to the 747's upper deck lounge., Some early jumbo jets were even equipped with pianos., The massive double-decker entered service with Singapore Airlines in 2007., Two suites could even be merged to create a couple's suite., Emirates has also launched its own first-class suites., Amenities include access to an in-flight shower., However, the ultimate first-class experience comes courtesy of Etihad., Each 125-square-foot, three-room suite features an en suite bathroom with a shower., It also includes a private bedroom and a personal butler., Two suites can be joined to create a two-passenger mega-suite.

Each 125-square-foot, three-room suite features an en suite bathroom with a shower.

Reclining seats included footrests and leaned almost all the way back., The first-class cabin's gourmet dining remained., Flutes of Champagne were an added bonus., Spiral staircases led to the 747's upper deck lounge., Some early jumbo jets were even equipped with pianos., The massive double-decker entered service with Singapore Airlines in 2007., Two suites could even be merged to create a couple's suite., Emirates has also launched its own first-class suites., Amenities include access to an in-flight shower., However, the ultimate first-class experience comes courtesy of Etihad., Each 125-square-foot, three-room suite features an en suite bathroom with a shower., It also includes a private bedroom and a personal butler., Two suites can be joined to create a two-passenger mega-suite.

It also includes a private bedroom and a personal butler.

Reclining seats included footrests and leaned almost all the way back., The first-class cabin's gourmet dining remained., Flutes of Champagne were an added bonus., Spiral staircases led to the 747's upper deck lounge., Some early jumbo jets were even equipped with pianos., The massive double-decker entered service with Singapore Airlines in 2007., Two suites could even be merged to create a couple's suite., Emirates has also launched its own first-class suites., Amenities include access to an in-flight shower., However, the ultimate first-class experience comes courtesy of Etihad., Each 125-square-foot, three-room suite features an en suite bathroom with a shower., It also includes a private bedroom and a personal butler., Two suites can be joined to create a two-passenger mega-suite.

There is only one Residence suite per aircraft, and tickets can cost more than $41,000 for a round trip between New York and Abu Dhabi.

Reclining seats included footrests and leaned almost all the way back., The first-class cabin's gourmet dining remained., Flutes of Champagne were an added bonus., Spiral staircases led to the 747's upper deck lounge., Some early jumbo jets were even equipped with pianos., The massive double-decker entered service with Singapore Airlines in 2007., Two suites could even be merged to create a couple's suite., Emirates has also launched its own first-class suites., Amenities include access to an in-flight shower., However, the ultimate first-class experience comes courtesy of Etihad., Each 125-square-foot, three-room suite features an en suite bathroom with a shower., It also includes a private bedroom and a personal butler., Two suites can be joined to create a two-passenger mega-suite.

Etihad also offers a 45-square-foot first-class suite called The Apartment with access to a shared shower and a lounge stocked with beverages.

Reclining seats included footrests and leaned almost all the way back., The first-class cabin's gourmet dining remained., Flutes of Champagne were an added bonus., Spiral staircases led to the 747's upper deck lounge., Some early jumbo jets were even equipped with pianos., The massive double-decker entered service with Singapore Airlines in 2007., Two suites could even be merged to create a couple's suite., Emirates has also launched its own first-class suites., Amenities include access to an in-flight shower., However, the ultimate first-class experience comes courtesy of Etihad., Each 125-square-foot, three-room suite features an en suite bathroom with a shower., It also includes a private bedroom and a personal butler., Two suites can be joined to create a two-passenger mega-suite.

In 2017, Emirates introduced its next generation of first-class suites on its fleet of Boeing 777 airliners.

Reclining seats included footrests and leaned almost all the way back., The first-class cabin's gourmet dining remained., Flutes of Champagne were an added bonus., Spiral staircases led to the 747's upper deck lounge., Some early jumbo jets were even equipped with pianos., The massive double-decker entered service with Singapore Airlines in 2007., Two suites could even be merged to create a couple's suite., Emirates has also launched its own first-class suites., Amenities include access to an in-flight shower., However, the ultimate first-class experience comes courtesy of Etihad., Each 125-square-foot, three-room suite features an en suite bathroom with a shower., It also includes a private bedroom and a personal butler., Two suites can be joined to create a two-passenger mega-suite.

They were the industry's first suites to be enclosed from floor to ceiling, effectively making them flying hotel rooms.

Reclining seats included footrests and leaned almost all the way back., The first-class cabin's gourmet dining remained., Flutes of Champagne were an added bonus., Spiral staircases led to the 747's upper deck lounge., Some early jumbo jets were even equipped with pianos., The massive double-decker entered service with Singapore Airlines in 2007., Two suites could even be merged to create a couple's suite., Emirates has also launched its own first-class suites., Amenities include access to an in-flight shower., However, the ultimate first-class experience comes courtesy of Etihad., Each 125-square-foot, three-room suite features an en suite bathroom with a shower., It also includes a private bedroom and a personal butler., Two suites can be joined to create a two-passenger mega-suite.

The suites even come with artificial windows that use cameras mounted to the plane's fuselage to give the passengers a view of the outside world.

Reclining seats included footrests and leaned almost all the way back., The first-class cabin's gourmet dining remained., Flutes of Champagne were an added bonus., Spiral staircases led to the 747's upper deck lounge., Some early jumbo jets were even equipped with pianos., The massive double-decker entered service with Singapore Airlines in 2007., Two suites could even be merged to create a couple's suite., Emirates has also launched its own first-class suites., Amenities include access to an in-flight shower., However, the ultimate first-class experience comes courtesy of Etihad., Each 125-square-foot, three-room suite features an en suite bathroom with a shower., It also includes a private bedroom and a personal butler., Two suites can be joined to create a two-passenger mega-suite.

In 2017, Singapore Airlines also announced it would spend $850 million on a new generation of first-class suites for its fleet of Airbus A380s.

Reclining seats included footrests and leaned almost all the way back., The first-class cabin's gourmet dining remained., Flutes of Champagne were an added bonus., Spiral staircases led to the 747's upper deck lounge., Some early jumbo jets were even equipped with pianos., The massive double-decker entered service with Singapore Airlines in 2007., Two suites could even be merged to create a couple's suite., Emirates has also launched its own first-class suites., Amenities include access to an in-flight shower., However, the ultimate first-class experience comes courtesy of Etihad., Each 125-square-foot, three-room suite features an en suite bathroom with a shower., It also includes a private bedroom and a personal butler., Two suites can be joined to create a two-passenger mega-suite.

Two suites can be joined to create a two-passenger mega-suite.

Reclining seats included footrests and leaned almost all the way back., The first-class cabin's gourmet dining remained., Flutes of Champagne were an added bonus., Spiral staircases led to the 747's upper deck lounge., Some early jumbo jets were even equipped with pianos., The massive double-decker entered service with Singapore Airlines in 2007., Two suites could even be merged to create a couple's suite., Emirates has also launched its own first-class suites., Amenities include access to an in-flight shower., However, the ultimate first-class experience comes courtesy of Etihad., Each 125-square-foot, three-room suite features an en suite bathroom with a shower., It also includes a private bedroom and a personal butler., Two suites can be joined to create a two-passenger mega-suite.

In 2023, Japan Airlines debuted new first-class cabins on its Airbus A350-1000 featuring 43-inch TVs and speakers built into the headrests.

Reclining seats included footrests and leaned almost all the way back., The first-class cabin's gourmet dining remained., Flutes of Champagne were an added bonus., Spiral staircases led to the 747's upper deck lounge., Some early jumbo jets were even equipped with pianos., The massive double-decker entered service with Singapore Airlines in 2007., Two suites could even be merged to create a couple's suite., Emirates has also launched its own first-class suites., Amenities include access to an in-flight shower., However, the ultimate first-class experience comes courtesy of Etihad., Each 125-square-foot, three-room suite features an en suite bathroom with a shower., It also includes a private bedroom and a personal butler., Two suites can be joined to create a two-passenger mega-suite.

Although not every airline's first-class cabin features a full suite, common features include large, comfortable seats, upscale beverages, and delicious food.

Reclining seats included footrests and leaned almost all the way back., The first-class cabin's gourmet dining remained., Flutes of Champagne were an added bonus., Spiral staircases led to the 747's upper deck lounge., Some early jumbo jets were even equipped with pianos., The massive double-decker entered service with Singapore Airlines in 2007., Two suites could even be merged to create a couple's suite., Emirates has also launched its own first-class suites., Amenities include access to an in-flight shower., However, the ultimate first-class experience comes courtesy of Etihad., Each 125-square-foot, three-room suite features an en suite bathroom with a shower., It also includes a private bedroom and a personal butler., Two suites can be joined to create a two-passenger mega-suite.

While many domestic carriers have done away with first class, United Airlines launched United First in 2023.

Reclining seats included footrests and leaned almost all the way back., The first-class cabin's gourmet dining remained., Flutes of Champagne were an added bonus., Spiral staircases led to the 747's upper deck lounge., Some early jumbo jets were even equipped with pianos., The massive double-decker entered service with Singapore Airlines in 2007., Two suites could even be merged to create a couple's suite., Emirates has also launched its own first-class suites., Amenities include access to an in-flight shower., However, the ultimate first-class experience comes courtesy of Etihad., Each 125-square-foot, three-room suite features an en suite bathroom with a shower., It also includes a private bedroom and a personal butler., Two suites can be joined to create a two-passenger mega-suite.

United First includes features like wireless charging, privacy barriers, and Bluetooth-enabled 13-inch seat-back screens.

Reclining seats included footrests and leaned almost all the way back., The first-class cabin's gourmet dining remained., Flutes of Champagne were an added bonus., Spiral staircases led to the 747's upper deck lounge., Some early jumbo jets were even equipped with pianos., The massive double-decker entered service with Singapore Airlines in 2007., Two suites could even be merged to create a couple's suite., Emirates has also launched its own first-class suites., Amenities include access to an in-flight shower., However, the ultimate first-class experience comes courtesy of Etihad., Each 125-square-foot, three-room suite features an en suite bathroom with a shower., It also includes a private bedroom and a personal butler., Two suites can be joined to create a two-passenger mega-suite.

In March, Air France launched a new first-class suite, La Première, with a floor-to-ceiling curtain, multiple seating options, and 25% more space.

Reclining seats included footrests and leaned almost all the way back., The first-class cabin's gourmet dining remained., Flutes of Champagne were an added bonus., Spiral staircases led to the 747's upper deck lounge., Some early jumbo jets were even equipped with pianos., The massive double-decker entered service with Singapore Airlines in 2007., Two suites could even be merged to create a couple's suite., Emirates has also launched its own first-class suites., Amenities include access to an in-flight shower., However, the ultimate first-class experience comes courtesy of Etihad., Each 125-square-foot, three-room suite features an en suite bathroom with a shower., It also includes a private bedroom and a personal butler., Two suites can be joined to create a two-passenger mega-suite.

In 2027, Qantas is set to begin operating the world's longest flights from Sydney to London and New York in first-class suites with beds, recliners, and wardrobes.

Reclining seats included footrests and leaned almost all the way back., The first-class cabin's gourmet dining remained., Flutes of Champagne were an added bonus., Spiral staircases led to the 747's upper deck lounge., Some early jumbo jets were even equipped with pianos., The massive double-decker entered service with Singapore Airlines in 2007., Two suites could even be merged to create a couple's suite., Emirates has also launched its own first-class suites., Amenities include access to an in-flight shower., However, the ultimate first-class experience comes courtesy of Etihad., Each 125-square-foot, three-room suite features an en suite bathroom with a shower., It also includes a private bedroom and a personal butler., Two suites can be joined to create a two-passenger mega-suite.

This story was originally published in May 2019. It was most recently updated in August 2025.

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