Top 7 Most Expensive First Class Airline Tickets

When the movers and shakers of global industries have to get from one country to another, we imagine that most of them prefer to travel in style. 

Though there are people who say that they'd rather spend their money on other things, there are people who want to be pampered while they are in transit. 

The airlines that can cater to their sophisticated needs offer creature comforts that most of us can only dream of.

It goes without saying that this specialized service delivered at several thousand feet up in the air comes at a high price.

Here are seven of the most expensive first class round trip airline tickets in the world.

7. Swiss Air, New York to Singapore at $22,250

Each of Swiss Air's Boeing 777-300ERs have eight first class seats equipped with luxury amenities.

Aside form usual fixtures such as a 32-inch screen, each seat has electrically-adjustable window blinds and ample wardrobe space.

As expected, gourmet meals will be served. 

Other perks include amenity kits that contain pajamas by Zimmerli of Switzerland and skincare products by La Prairie.

6. Japan Airlines, Los Angeles to Paris at $24,000

The Japan Airlines first class cabin boasts of an individual compartment featuring a seat that can be converted into a bed.

Passengers can opt to dine in their cabins or they can go to the plane's high-end restaurant: the Jal Bedd Sky Auberge, which serves an array of traditional Japanese or Western dishes prepared by Michelin-starred chefs.

First class passengers have raved about the sushi served in-flight.

5. Korean Airlines, New York to Beijing at $27,000

The first class section on the airline's flagship A380s, is composed of just 12 seats laid out in three rows. Equipped with standard luxury in-flight amenities such as 23-inch LCD monitors and Bose headphones for each seat, passengers are also served restaurant quality cuisine with some Korean food options thrown in.

4. Cathay Pacific, New York to Hong Kong at $28,000

This offers exclusivity, as the first class section Cathay Pacific's Boeing 777-300 only has six seats.

The Krug champagne flows freely and caviar is abundant for the elite passengers of this flight.

Passengers have raved about the meals and the service on this posh flight.

It's worth noting that the Cathay Pacific flight attendants have been praised for their exceptional service. Then, of course, they have to-die-for amenity kits that contain luxurious toiletries from Aesop.

Cathay Pacific disclosed, “Women’s cases include a variety of creams, such as the Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm; while our amenity kit for men includes Camellia Nut Facial Hydrating Cream and Rosehip Seed Lip Cream.”

3. Emirates, Los Angeles to Dubai at $36,000

The Dubai-based offers its first class passengers a sophisticated space that includes a seat that converts into a fully-flat bed, a lounge, and access to its famed shower spa.

As Emirates pointed out, “There’s nothing quite like a rejuvenating shower to leave you feeling inspired. Prepare for your arrival in our A380 Shower Spa, using our selection of Bulgari toiletries and signature Timeless Spa products.”

Clearly, being able to take a leisurely  shower while you're flying 40,000 feet up in the air is a unique experience reserved only for those who are able to afford it.  

Gourmet meals are served on demand using bone china tableware.

An array of in-flight entertainment options are also available.

2. Lufthansa, New York to Hong Kong at $43,550

The specialized service begins even before you board the plane. 

As Lufthansa explained, “Your first class experience begins as soon as you arrive at the airport: greeted by a personal assistant, you will spend a relaxing time in the exclusive surroundings of the First Class Lounge before you are chauffeur driven directly to your aircraft by our limousine service.”

Lufthansa's first class accommodations treats passengers to exceptional facilities decked out in high-end fixtures such as a standalone seat and bed setup, air humidifiers, and entertainment systems.

They also have access to a selection of fine wines and gourmet delicacies.

To freshen up, they get bespoke toiletry kits.

1. Etihad Airways, New York to Mumbai at $76,000

For the staggering amount of $76,000, you get to stay in The Residence, a 125-square feet private suite which is only available on Etihad's 496-seater Airbus A380.

The A380 is the world's largest plane and Etihad operates seven of them — each with a different version of The Residence.

What is consistent is that the suite includes a bedroom, bathroom, and a lounge area for up to two people. Among the perks of The Residence is a personal butler.

Prior to the flight, guests can customize their in-flight dining menus and dietary requirements.

The meals are served on bespoke 24-carat gold plated porcelain tableware and cutlery.

The glassware is also made of the finest crystal.

A Mashable feature also pointed out, “The ticket also includes luxury chauffeuring to and from the airport, a VIP attaché on the ground, private check-in and lounge, and a personal concierge to make travel bookings.”