Overview & First Impressions
This extensive review chronicles a multi-leg journey across four premier European airlines, entirely in First Class, with a sticker price exceeding $30,000. The journey began in Thailand, with a seamless 30-minute transfer from the Four Seasons Hotel to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) via the hotel's private service. The initial leg was with Swiss, where the First Class check-in, shared with other Lufthansa Group airlines, was commendably empty, ensuring swift formalities. An attentive Swiss representative then provided an escorted path through security to the Royal Thai Orchard Lounge, which Swiss utilizes at BKK. A dedicated, roped-off First Class section within the lounge offered a restaurant, small buffet, and comfortable seating. The flight, operated by a five-year-old Boeing 777-300ER, was bound for Zurich, Switzerland. Onboard, the suite (1A) welcomed with a preferred drink, warmed cashew nuts, and a refreshing scented towel.
The second major First Class experience was with Air France La Première from Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to Dubai (DXB). The ground experience was a masterclass in exclusivity, starting with a private entrance separate from the main terminal. Check-in formalities were completed while relaxing in a beautifully appointed lounge, followed by a private security screening. A Porsche then whisked passengers to the La Première Lounge, a luxurious sanctuary boasting comfortable seating, a nap room, shower suites, a spa with complimentary treatments, and a restaurant. Another Porsche transfer then drove directly to the waiting 20-year-old Boeing 777-300ER. Suite 1L offered sparkling water and French chocolates upon boarding.
British Airways (BA) First Class from Dubai (DXB) to London Heathrow (LHR) presented a more understated start. Check-in was surprisingly deserted, but security lacked a fast-track option, taking approximately 20 minutes. BA's own lounge at DXB featured a business class section with an exclusive bar for First Class passengers. The 28-year-old Boeing 777-200ER, one of BA's oldest aircraft, was awaiting at gate D2. Seat 1A offered blue ambient lighting, a cold towel, sparkling water, olives, nuts, and cheesy biscuits.
Finally, Lufthansa First Class commenced from Munich (MUC) to Chicago (ORD). A Mercedes transfer delivered passengers to Munich International Airport, where dedicated First and Business Class check-in facilities ensured a rapid process, followed by fast-track security. The Lufthansa First Class Lounge in Munich was a vast space with a full-service bar, an à la carte restaurant, an impressive buffet, bathrooms with tubs, and an outdoor terrace. Boarding was from gate L21 onto a two-year-old Airbus A350-900, which had only recently been fitted with the new First Class product. Suite 1K presented an initial challenge with bag storage due to a lack of overhead bins, though crew found a solution. Welcome amenities included sparkling water, olives, and warmed nuts.
Seat, Cabin & IFE
The Swiss First Class cabin on the Boeing 777-300ER accommodated eight passengers in a 1-1-1 configuration. The suite, while not cutting-edge, was functional, classy, and comfortable, featuring a large armchair, ambient reading light, and a 32-inch television screen. Intuitive seating controls and concealed storage with a power outlet and remote were present, though the cabin showed some signs of wear. Privacy was enhanced by a partition, with the wardrobe door offering a clunky full enclosure option. For entertainment, unbranded noise-cancelling headphones were provided, which performed adequately, and the Wi-Fi was fast and usable. The two bathrooms at the front of the cabin were kept spotless and stocked with Sicily cosmetics. The amenity kit also contained Sicily products, a dental kit, and earplugs. Luxurious Zimilly pajamas were provided, and the seat converted into a comfortable 6'2" bed with a mattress topper, duvet, and fluffy pillow.
Air France La Première on the Boeing 777-300ER featured a simple yet elegant cabin with four suites in a 1-1 configuration. The design was refreshingly unique, with IFE controls hidden in a cubby, accompanied by decent Denon noise-cancelling headphones. A standout feature was the floor-to-ceiling curtain, creating an illusion of complete privacy. However, a significant disappointment was the in-flight entertainment system, which was not working, though the Wi-Fi was functional, albeit slow. The single bathroom, located past the galley, was similar in size to Swiss and fully stocked with Sicily products. The amenity kit, also Sicily-branded, included an eye mask, pen, and comb. The provided pajamas were notably substantial, made of breathable, heavy-duty cotton. The suite transformed into a bedroom with the help of the flight attendant, offering a secluded private space with curtains that closed easily via embedded magnets. Clothes were stored in the overhead bin as there was no in-suite wardrobe.
British Airways First Class aboard the 28-year-old Boeing 777-200ER featured eight seats, with five occupied on this flight. These suites, launched in 2010, were described as past their prime but still comfortable. Features included a footrest that doubled as a buddy seat for dining, a pull-out 15-inch television controlled by an IFE remote, and a closet space that did not function as a door. Meridian noise-cancelling headphones were provided. The 15-inch IFE screen was deemed unacceptable for First Class, though complimentary Wi-Fi allowed for streaming personal content. The amenity kit was a highlight, generously filled with Elemis products, a pen, eye mask, and earplugs. Slippers were provided, though not as plush as Swiss. Unfortunately, the dedicated First Class bathroom was out of order, necessitating the use of the business class facilities, which, despite the aircraft's age, offered the most space among the airlines reviewed. The pajamas were super comfy and lighter than Air France's. The seat converted into a bed with a plush mattress topper, duvet, and pillow, with clothes stowed in the in-suite wardrobe.
Lufthansa's new First Class on the Airbus A350-900 offered an entirely different experience. Suite 1K featured floor-to-ceiling privacy, which, upon closer inspection, allowed some noise and light through above, and had flimsy fabric doors with large handle holes. However, it was among the most spacious seats in the sky, with ample storage, USB-C/A ports, AC power, and a wireless charging pad. A tablet controlled various functions, including the suite's temperature. Sennheiser wireless noise-cancelling headphones were a unique offering. The movie selection was extensive, but the Wi-Fi was not working for the entire flight. The custom-designed bathroom was a standout, with faux wooden features, ambient lighting, and Augustinus Bader cosmetics. The Ramoa-style amenity kit contained more luxury cosmetics, and the Porsche-designed pajamas were highly praised. The suite transformed into a bedroom with a plush duvet, fluffy pillows, mattress topper, and soft blanket, with clothes stowed in the in-suite wardrobe. The bed space was comparable to Air France's offering.
Food, Drinks & Service
On Swiss First Class, the dining experience began with a caffeine hit in the lounge. Onboard, the "dine on demand" concept was not proactively offered, which was unexpected for a 12-hour flight. Champagne (Pomeray Cuvée Louise) was strangely poured in the galley initially, but the bottle was proudly presented upon request. The meal service included freshly baked bread, a selection of Swiss air-dried meat specialties, and a delicious beef tenderloin cooked medium-rare, served with creamy mushroom orzo, broccoli, and garlic-roasted carrots. The meal concluded with a classic Swiss cheese plate and signature Swiss chocolates. Service felt rushed at the start but was redeemed by the quality of the food and the comfortable bed.
Air France La Première offered an exceptional culinary journey. After a light snack in the lounge (despite ordering light, a substantial serving of charcuterie was presented), the onboard service was impeccable. A comprehensive wine list featured a special 2015 Piper-Heidsieck Rare champagne, poured elegantly at the seat, accompanied by mixed nuts and cheese biscuits. The signature La Première caviar service was a highlight. Appetizers included a cream of carrot and cumin soup with fresh breads, followed by cannelloni filled with spinach, alpine cheese, and mushrooms. For the main course, the lobster fricassee was chosen. Dessert featured an impressive cheeseboard, surpassing Swiss's offering. A proactive flight attendant recommended a jet lag tea, and the captain personally apologized for the non-functional IFE, demonstrating a thoughtful and meticulous approach to service. This proactive and attentive service was a key differentiator.
British Airways First Class offered a proactive "dine on demand" concept, with the crew asking when the passenger preferred to eat. The champagne served was Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle. An amuse-bouche of cheese-stuffed pepper, grilled artichoke, and calamata olives preceded the appetizer of dill-marinated smoked salmon with heirloom tomatoes, burrata cheese, and pesto, served with warm bread. The main course was a grilled beef steak with roasted garlic, confit, cherry tomato, and green peppercorn. Dessert included a warm carrot, almond, and walnut cake, which was unfortunately dry, and a decent cheese plate, though it didn't match the quality of Air France's selection. A quick digestif was offered before landing.
Lufthansa First Class began with coffee and sparkling water in the lounge, along with the signature Lufthansa duck. Onboard, the champagne was Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle, similar to BA. The meal commenced with a carrot tartar amuse-bouche and freshly baked bread. Caviar service was provided, a notable offering given Lufthansa Group's status as the world's largest consumer of caviar, though surprisingly without a mother-of-pearl spoon. The soup course featured semolina dumplings and sautéed spinach, followed by a beef roulade with potato and leek puree for the main. The dessert trolley presented an impressive array of cheeses and sweet items; a selection of cheese and a crème caramel were chosen. Artisanal German chocolates were offered as the flight progressed. Food and beverage service in the lounge could be delivered directly to the seat, a convenient touch.
