Travelling first class on an airline is an experience that very few can afford, but something which every flier dreams of witnessing when they walk past the luxurious aisles at the front of the plane. Costing thousands of dollars for a one-way ticket, more often than not and with reward spaces also a rarity, first class aboard a plane is a truly exclusive setting.
While all airlines do their best to provide king-sized treatment to the top-tier customers, some particularly stand out for the experience they offer on the ground in the shape of lounges at their hubs. Skytrax has rewarded carriers in the best first-class airline lounges category in 2025, and here is a look at the 10 standout names from the list of winners.
Top 10 Best First Class Airline Lounges in the World in 2025
Photo: Frankfurt Airport1. Lufthansa First Class Terminal, Frankfurt (FRA/EDDF)
Lufthansa not only has a lounge at its Frankfurt hub but an entire terminal dedicated to first-class passengers, situated in close proximity to the main airport area.
From the moment a passenger arrives, a personal assistant handles passport control, check-in, and security for them. Inside the building, there are private rooms, spa showers, a fine‑dining restaurant, and a cigar bar, in addition to a duty-free section which houses luxury brands.
When it’s time to board, a chauffeur in a Porsche or Mercedes whisks passengers across the tarmac and directly into aircraft.
It’s luxurious, efficient, and privacy-personified service makes this the best first-class lounge in the world for 2025 as per Skytrax’s list.
Photo: SWISS2. Swiss First Class Lounge, Zurich (ZRH/LSZH)
While not quite a terminal in itself, Swiss Air’s first class lounge is the epitome of a five-star sanctuary and another one of Lufthansa Group’s services that ranks highly.
The space houses an a la carte restaurant, a champagne bar and wine room housing over 1,000 bottles, along with mini‑suites offering gorgeous views of the Alps and the apron from a terrace.
Private hotel-style suites, conference rooms and relaxing atmosphere make the lounge feel more like a high-end resort. The service feels personalised and efficient, with massive attention to detail.
For travellers who value elegance and impeccable hospitality, this lounge offers an ideal pre-flight sanctuary.
Photo: Air France3. Air France La Premiere Lounge, Paris (CDG/LFPG)
European airlines know how to do first class perfectly and Air France rounds off a top three dominated by carriers from the continent. Paris CDG’s La Premiere lounge exudes nothing less than a vintage Parisian setting of luxury.
It features private dining by a Michelin-starred chef, spa treatments, and decor that spells luxury all over. The passengers are driven between the lounge and aircraft in BMWs, enhancing the feeling of personalised service.
The lounge offers rooms with calm lighting, comfortable seats, and privacy for those who prefer who would like to rest. Meals include conventional first-class items like caviar and champagne, along with refined multi-course menus.
The staff is also gracious and provides an undivided level of attention and service to every customer.
Photo: A. Wee Photos (via Facebook)4. Singapore Airlines The Private Room, Singapore (SIN/WSSS)
Singapore Airlines has made a habit of featuring on the lists of various Skytrax awards and in this case, it is no different. The Private Room located at Singapore’s Changi Airport is the top performing first class airline lounge in Asia and the fourth best in the world.
It is reserved only for Suites and first class passengers, and provides intimate dining rooms, posh armchairs, and mood lighting. Dining is tailored, elegant, and professionally served. Guests enjoy full-service meal courses, attentive staff, and quiet corners for working or resting.
There’s also a small library, high‑speed Wi‑Fi, and serene ambience that immediately calms the traveller before a long voyage. The lounge feels both personal and polished, a step above anywhere else in the already incredible Changi Airport.
The privacy is literal as staff remember names, preferences, and meals without prompting, therefore rounding off a fully private experience.
Photo: Qatar Airways5. Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge, Doha (DOH/OTHH)
Qatar Airways provides its first class hard product on only one aircraft, the Airbus A380, which also operates flights to a very limited number of destinations. Nonetheless, its first class lounge, which can also be accessed by paying separately, continues to stand out.
The Al Safwa Lounge at Hamad International is an architectural marvel, providing cathedral-type ceilings, bespoke art installations, and sweeping open spaces with natural light flowing in. There’s even a spa with massage rooms and private day suites for sleeping, showering or working.
Dining is a la carte, with Arabic and international meals, plus a global wine list and non-alcoholic offerings. Attentive staff ensure queues are rarely visible and that every passenger enjoys a truly first class experience in the lounge.
The Al Safwa Lounge is a setting that emphasises space, serenity, and polished hospitality.
Photo: Emirates6. Emirates First Class Lounge, Dubai (DXB/OMDB)
Emirates offers first class seating on all of its Airbus A380s and majority of its Boeing 777-300ERs, therefore being the carrier in the world which sells the most amount of international tickets in the class of travel in the world. It’s lounge is designed to meet the huge supply.
Emirates’ First Class Lounge at Dubai feels like a five-star hotel stretching an entire terminal floor. The space includes a cigar lounge, wine cellar, spa services, direct boarding access and dedicated fine-dining zones.
Guests can enjoy live carving stations, rare champagnes, or enjoy comfortable seating overlooking the tarmac. The concierge staff anticipate needs, from seating to dietary requests, and service flows effortlessly.
Emirates continues to set benchmarks in aviation and its lounge is a truly inspirational space, catering to hundreds of thousands of muticultural travellers with ease every year.
Photo: Cathay Pacific7. Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge, Hong Kong (HKG/VHHH)
Cathay Pacific Airways, like Qatar Airways, also offers a very limited supply of first class to a handful of destinations, but has invested richly in the ground experience for passengers. It’s flagship lounge at Hong Kong stands out for its luxury and amenities.
It is divided into zones for dining, relaxation and lounges, and feels more like a wellness resort than a lounge. The dining room serves a la carte seasonal menus, while the teahouse offers premium brews and delicacies, alongside a signature noodle and dim sum bar.
Private day suites with blackout curtains and restful bedding provide rest before a long flight and between transit, while there are even welcome foot massages, summing up an approach of making every passenger feel relaxed.
The decor is minimal, calm and modern, with soft lighting and high-quality furnishings. It is a lounge that brings calm, from facilities to service.
Photo: Executive Traveller8. ANA Suite Lounge, Tokyo Haneda (HND/RJTT)
All Nippon Airways does first class superbly and the ground experience does not fall short either. Its lounge at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport is one of the top-ranked first class airline lounges in the world and provides an authentic Japanese experience.
It blens modern design with traditional touches, as guests enjoy premium dining including specialty udon, sushi and other local dishes in relaxed seating areas. There are well-appointed workspaces, soothing ambient lighting, and serene woven with minimalism.
It’s a calm environment where cleanliness and efficiency are prioritised, and the service is polite and respectful. Though it’s not as big as some other lounges in the world, it is a space that fulfils every passenger’s requirement without much glamour.
Photo: Sydney Airport9. Qantas International First Lounge, Sydney (SYD/YSSY)
The Qantas first class lounge at Sydney International Airport takes the penultimate accolade and is a modern Australian space at the airline’s primary hub.
The lounge’s setup includes an open kitchen and bar, which serve signatures dishes and drinks. It includes private day suites, plush seating, shower rooms and spa services. Wood finishes and calming colours evoke a sense of relaxed wellbeing.
Staff are friendly, welcoming and helpful without too much formality and the vibe is warm and refined, with genuine local flavour to everything there is in the lounge.
Photo: Japan Airlines10. Japan Airlines First Class Lounge, Tokyo Haneda (HND/RJTT)
Japan Airlines’ First Class Lounge at Haneda is the final placing in the top 10 best first class airline lounges in the world.
It is calm space combining Japanese aesthetics with minimalist luxury. Some services include a fresh sushi bar where meals are made to order, plus a sake lounge showcasing regional bottles. Private rooms offer quiet comfort for work or rest, and calming decor sets the tone.
Service is attentive yet discreet with tasteful food presentations, help with boarding, and courteous conversations. The atmosphere is polished, respectful and welcoming, creating an ideal space without much formality for passengers.
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