First Class – while most of us can dream about it, there are a substantial number of passengers flying in this luxury class all over the world on any given day.

First class is truly worth every cent, although I acknowledge most travellers will never be in a position to put that to the test.

First-class seats vary from large reclining seats with more legroom and width than other classes to suites with a fully reclining seat, workstation and TV surrounded by privacy dividers.

Recently, some airlines have gone far enough to model their first-class section as suites. Singapore Airlines for instance now markets its highest class on its A380s as “suites” with the tagline “A class above first.

SINGAPORE AIRLINES

Singapore Airlines launched the “Singapore Airlines Suites” product in October 2007, in conjunction with the new on-board product launch that came with the A380. Featuring an “unparalleled level of luxury” in the “widest seat in the sky”, and sleeping on a “standalone bed that was not converted from a seat”.  The airline promised the Singapore Airlines Suites to be “truly a class that is yours alone”.

Regular First Class travellers who wished to travel in Suites soon found that they had to pay in the vicinity of 50% to 60% more for Suites. There is no doubt that the Singapore airlines Suites is one of the best First Class products out there.

EMIRATES

Whether you wish to relax in secluded privacy, are feeling sociable or indulgent, flying First Class on the Emirates A380 opens up a new world of options.

Onboard Shower Spas, exclusive to the Emirates A380 First Class cabin, will ensure that you arrive at your destination rejuvenated and refreshed.

As with the other classes, Emirates has at least three different forms of its first class flying, ranging from large armchair style seats up to the full suites that you will find on the long range B777-300ER and the new A380-800.

If you’re travelling in first class, too, you’ll see an increase in consistency: Emirates’ swanky First Class Suites will now be found on all flights, whether A380 or 777.

On board the 777, you’ll find an angled lie-flat seat. That means that it stretches flat, but doesn’t lie parallel to the floor.

The A380 has a better seat, which goes fully flat parallel to the floor, has more legroom, a side table to spread out on, plenty of storage areas and comes with its own little soft drink minibar.

As a First class traveller you can enjoy their complimentary chauffeur-drive service to and from your Emirates flights in over 55 cities.

QANTAS

As a First Class passenger you have the freedom to check in 60 minutes prior to your flight at the dedicated First Class Counter, if travelling from Sydney or Melbourne there is also the porter service too.

Qantas Valet Parking is a premium valet service that allows customers to drop off their car and proceed to check-in. Qantas Frequent Flyers can pre-book using Valet Express. Qantas Drive offers a limousine service to and from select domestic airport terminals

Make time for the Marc Newson-designed lounge in Sydney with a day spa offering massages. The Neil Perry Rockpool-style restaurant must rank among the world’s best airline offerings.

Enjoy peaceful rest onboard as you stretch out in the sleeper beds. Controls at the end of your armrest move your seat, leg rest and lumbar positioning from a relaxed reading position to completely reclined on your 198cm (6ft 6in) bed. Then relax with your cosy duvet, soft lambs wool blanket and oversized linen pillow.

The 16-page Neil Perry menu has myriad options. By airline standards, the dining table is huge and there’s a second chair in the cabin so two people can dine together.

Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, flying to 67 destinations in 45 countries.

Diamond First Class passengers do indeed have access to professional chefs, who will cheerfully whip up whatever their well-heeled client’s heart desires.

Cathay Pacific has always been highly regarded for its incredible in-flight service, but up until 2007 their cabins had begun to lag behind.

New Product - The new First Class cabin provides more space and privacy. As with other first class flat beds on other airlines, seats can be set up in an armchair, chaise longue or bed fashion, and the added comfort of a mattress, duvet and lumbar massage function. Cathay believe their bed is the largest provided on any commercial airline. An ottoman in the suite and an extendable table means you can invite someone to join you for dinner, if you want.