People who love flying often have a bucket list of things to do before they kick the proverbial bucket. These are essentially the airlines, seats or travel experiences that we plan to do at some point.
Perhaps you want to fly on the world’s longest flight. Others might want to experience a flight in business class for that once in a lifetime treat. Here are a few things on my list.
Qantas First Class
At the top of this post is a picture of first class on the Qantas Airbus A380. I’ve wanted to try this out forever, partly because I’m Australian and partly because it’s fairly unattainable for me.
First class is only available on the A380 at Qantas and it’s not cheap at all. Therefore, I’d like to experience what it is actually like at some point, rather than spending my life wondering.
Japan Airlines First Class
Every review I have read indicates that Japan Airlines does first class very well. In fact, quite a lot of people on certain forums casually mention how great it is as an experience.
- The Japan Airlines First Class Suite
Service on board Japanese airlines is considered some of the best. That coupled with the fact that I rather like Japanese food means I have a firm desire to try this one out.
Royal Jordanian Crown Class
I’ve flown in Crown Class on Royal Jordanian in the past several times. That was back when they operated the Airbus A340 and Airbus A310, so I have not tried the new version on the Boeing 787.
- Royal Jordanian Crown Class
Each time I thought the service was great and the food fantastic. The fact the meals are plated in front of you from the trolley is unique to me, so I’d like to do it again with the new seats.
Seat 1A on British Airways Boeing 747
When you fly in row 1 on a Boeing 747, you are sitting in the nose ahead of the pilots. Due to the curve of the aircraft cabin, you are actually facing partly forward, which provides a totally unique perspective outside.
- First Class on a British Airways 747-400
They serve Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Champagne in first class which I think is just delicious. That plus the blue window blinds and a nice design make for a bucket list worthy experience in my book.
Qatar Airways Qsuite
Lauded as the best business class product in the sky, the new Qatar Airways Qsuite looks amazing. I’ve tried all the other Qatar business class seats, so this is the last one I need to complete the set.
- Qatar Airways Qsuite
With dine on demand service, fantastically trained crew and decent entertainment, it’s hard to get bored when flying Qatar Airways. Hopefully this will happen sooner rather than later!
Cathay Pacific First Class
The closest I’ve come to flying Cathay Pacific in first class is when I strolled through the cabin when disembarking another flight and marvelled at how spacious the suites are.
- Cathay Pacific First Class Suites
Cabin crew are always friendly and provide good service in my experience with Cathay Pacific. Their entertainment system is one of the best too, with plenty of interesting options to enjoy. Plus, their first class lounges are utterly amazing too.
Malaysia Airlines Airbus A380
Since Malaysia Airlines are planning to phase out their Airbus A380 aircraft, this one has a time limit. I’d like to get on board and try their business class or first class as soon as possible.
- Malaysia Airlines First Class
As they only have first class on the A380, it is what I’d like to try the most. Who knows what will happen though, none of the aircraft have left service yet, so maybe I will get a chance to do it at some stage.
Overall Thoughts
It is always good to have an aspiration or two when it comes to travel. Since I enjoy flying and know a little bit about what’s out there, I know what I want do do.
Everyone is different though. What airlines or cabins are high on your list to try? Thanks for reading and if you have any comments or questions, please leave them below.
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Featured image via Qantas.
Qatar Airways Qsuite via Qatar Airways.
British Airways 747 First Class via Live And Let’s Fly.
Cathay Pacific First Class via DesignQ.
Japan Airlines First Class via The Points Guy.
Royal Jordanian Crown Class via The Design Air.
Malaysia Airlines First Class via One Mile At A Time.
That’s a very good list. I have to admit that I’m a bit surprised that Singapore First Class didn’t make the cut. The Q Suites interest me greatly, but since I pretty much only use miles, I’m trying to find a way to fly Qatar without paying an arm and a leg. Maybe ATL-CMB. I’ve had the pleasure of flying Cathay First a few times, and it’s wonderful. I’d love to fly Qantas First, but finding 2 award seats on a flight is exceedingly tough. I’m considering JL First for early next year. Never having flown JL, it’s good to… Read more »
True, Singapore Airlines First Class was on my mind, however I’m not a Star Alliance frequent flyer so the chances of me trying it anytime soon are slim. When it comes to Qatar, you just need to keep an eye out for sales as sometimes they have very good ones. Glad you really enjoyed Cathay First and you’re right on Qantas, it’s all pretty restricted when it comes to award seats. I flew BA First on my Qantas points as Qantas never had availability for a redemption. ANA should be fun, I hope you enjoy that! I’ve never been on… Read more »
I love Emirates Business Class and since I almost always travel with my partner, really haven’t the desire to be in a closed off First class cubicle. Would love to try Qatar, but they can’t fly into Dubai, which is a fairly frequent destination. Qantas has long been a dream. And yes, a walk up bar would be great fun….just like the Diet Coke commercial, right?!?!?! And, although I loathe flying through Heathrow, first class on BA’s 747 would be a treat.
I hear you on that – flying alone, being closed off is fine. Flying with someone and it becomes a different story altogether really, especially if you want to talk. I’m sure you’ll get to try Qatar once they sort out their little spat with their neighbours, though it has been going on far longer than I ever thought. Hahaha! Yes, just like the Diet Coke commercial though hopefully the bar would have more than Diet Coke on offer!!
I have to agree with you that flying through Heathrow is a major shock for many of us that are used to airports where the processes and staff are usually interested in helping the passengers get through as quickly as possible. Wherease every time I’ve gone through Heathrow, all sorts of strange unhelpful actions from check-in staff, and security scanning line staff, even to the door staff at the BA lounges being passively aggressive has created a really negative perception of the UK’s largest and busiest airport. Not sure who is responsible for the staff having such a terrible attitude,… Read more »
My worst experience ever was arriving at Heathrow after a 13 hour flight from Hong Kong and spending over two and a half hours waiting in line at Passport control. That was diabolical. Luckily things aren’t so bad anymore, but that’s partly because I now have an EU Passport (though what happens after Brexit is anybody’s guess!). It is weird, so many people comment on the staff at Heathrow, so there must be something cultural affecting how they act. It’s an interesting one!
Business in:
Group 1: JL, QR, CX and EY
Group 2: LX, TK, SQ, and BR
Some pretty good choices there! I hear LX are pretty good – people usually rave about them