Which airlines do not offer first class?

Air New Zealand, Malaysian Airlines, South African Airways, Asiana Airlines, Turkish Airlines and LATAM are just some that no longer offer the highest level of airline travel. Qantas offers first class only aboard its Airbus A380 superjumbo flights.



In 2026, many major global airlines have moved away from traditional "First Class" in favor of an enhanced "Business Class" experience, such as Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and KLM. These carriers often feature "suites with doors" in Business Class (like Delta One) that rival old First Class products, leading them to remove the most exclusive tier entirely to maximize cabin space. Additionally, Virgin Atlantic and Air New Zealand have historically avoided First Class, focusing instead on their high-end "Upper Class" or "Business Premier" offerings. Low-cost carriers like Southwest, Ryanair, and JetBlue also do not offer a traditional First Class cabin, though JetBlue’s "Mint" service is a premium business-style hybrid. Even some legendary carriers like Qatar Airways are phasing out First Class on most of their long-haul fleet (excluding the A380s), as the modern "Qsuite" Business Class is considered sufficient for their most discerning premium travelers.

People Also Ask

Earlier this summer, Qatar Airways grabbed headlines when it announced that it was doing away with first class seating on long haul flights. The news was rather unexpected, given that the carrier has built its identity around an ultra-luxe product in the sky; it's often ranked as one of the best airlines in the world.

MORE DETAILS

Not all airlines offer first class availability, and those that do don't offer it on all flights, so when and where you want to travel will affect your ability to choose first class. The extra luxury is most welcome on long-haul international flights.

MORE DETAILS

Last month, Qatar Airways grabbed headlines when it announced that it was doing away with first class seating on long-haul flights. It was a practical decision: The massive footprint of those big seats simply doesn't efficiently maximize revenue—especially when business class gives you many of the same perks.

MORE DETAILS

Many airlines have phased out separate first- and business-class cabins on their longer routes as travelers got used to more luxurious business-class offerings.

MORE DETAILS

KLM does not offer a first class cabin. KLM World Business Class aboard an intercontinental flight is the highest class you'll find with this airline.

MORE DETAILS

Flying first class can be an amazing experience, especially if you're traveling internationally. Along with premium treatment in the airport, you can expect better seats, better food and better service onboard. However, first class tickets can also be expensive.

MORE DETAILS

That's because Qatar first class is only found on one aircraft type: the A380, the double-decker Airbus-manufactured plane that is no longer being produced. Qatar only restarted service on the A380 because of a shortage of aircraft during the pandemic, notably issues with the Airbus A350 fleet.

MORE DETAILS

British Airways first class suites Once onboard the first-class seats depend on the airplane. British Airways' most luxurious experience is on its 787-9, 787-10 and 777-300 ER. These first-class cabins have eight seats instead of BA's standard 14. The configuration is 1-2-1 reverse herringbone.

MORE DETAILS

British Airways First passengers, as well as Executive Club Gold and Oneworld Emerald elites, can use the dedicated first-class check-in wing, located at the far south end of the Terminal 5 check-in hall.

MORE DETAILS

First, most airlines offer their employees (so not just pilots and flight attendants, but also gate agents, customer service agents, lawyers, programmers, etc.) free travel on the airline called “non-revenue tickets”.

MORE DETAILS

The program (now re-branded as AirPass) initially enabled passholders unlimited first class travel on any of the airline's flights worldwide. Lifetime membership was priced at $250,000, with the option to purchase a companion pass for an additional $150,000.

MORE DETAILS

For every commercial airplane, less than 10% of the seats are First-Class seats. To stay consistent with the percentage of First-Class seats, one should strive to earn at least a top 10% income before paying for a first class ticket. An individual top 5% income is roughly $310,000.

MORE DETAILS

La Première, Air France's first class, is distinctive—even among its peers. Available on the Boeing 777-300 in only a handful of nonstop markets, La Premiere is a refreshing antidote to some of the overbuilt “suite” seats on some other carriers, harkening back to the clean simplicity of an earlier era of luxury travel.

MORE DETAILS

You must make your request for a free upgrade at least 48 hours before your flight if you would want to be considered. Passengers in the lowest class of service and with the least quantity of luggage receive complimentary upgrades. You can ask for a premium upgrade if there are no available free ones.

MORE DETAILS

Many flyers choose booking First Class tickets to Europe because of the many premium services/perks they may come with, such as extra legroom, lounge access, in-flight dining, entertainment, and more.

MORE DETAILS

First-class passengers might have a seat that turns into a bed or even their own private apartment. Business-class might offer more legroom but doesn't offer a private space. The food and drink in business class are typically at a restaurant level.

MORE DETAILS

The answer is yes, but it depends. Airlines are always looking to fill empty seats and may offer an upgrade if available. However, it's not a guarantee, and it's best to ask at the check-in counter or gate agent.

MORE DETAILS