The 10 most luxurious first class cabins in the world

Etihad

• Airlines are slowly moving away from pricey first class suites.
• But the ones that remain offer palatial settings and stunning luxury.
• Every year, Skytrax names the airlines with the best first-class offerings.
• Airlines from Asia dominate the list.

First class is slowly, but surely going the way of the dodo. The palatial luxury suites that have come to epitomize luxury commercial air travel are slowly being phased out. In its place, airlines have turned to more affordable premium cabins that are effectively business class on steroids.

Newly introduced products like Delta One, United Polaris, and Qatar QSuite come to mind.

However, there are still plenty of airlines out there that operate stunning first class cabins.

Every year, leading aviation consumer website Skytrax compiles a list of the highest rated first class cabins in the world. The Skytrax rankings are based on the impressions of 19.87 million travelers from 105 different countries. The survey, which covered more than 320 airlines, measured 49 parameters ranging from boarding procedures to seat comfort to the quality of service.

As expected, airlines from Asia performed exceptionally well on this list, taking seven of the top 10 spots. Incredibly, no airline from North America even managed to crack the top 20.

Here are the 10 best first-class cabins according to Skytrax.

10. Qantas

Why it's here: Those fortunate enough to fly to in Qantas' first class cabin will be treated to chauffeur service, complimentary spa treatments,  a Neil Perry-designed gourmet menu, a 17- inch entertainment screen, and Martin Grant designer pajamas. 

9. Japan Airlines

Why it's here: Japan Airlines passengers are treated to private luxury suites with 23-inch entertainment screens, fine dining featuring both Japanese and Western cuisine as well as Porsche Design amenity kits. 

8. Qatar Airways

Why it's here: Qatar Airways is the Skytrax Airline of the Year for 2017. Its business class cabin was also named the best in the world. However, its first class service isn't too shabby either. Flyers are treated to flat-bed seats, 4,000 entertainment options, and personalized dining.