First class is not dead: Air France, British Airways and Lufthansa to (re)conquer the skies

There are four European companies Who still have the first-class seat aboard their planes: Air France, British Airways, Lufthansa and Swiss in strict alphabetical order. If 5 years ago, at the outbreak of the pandemic, the outlook was black for the aviation world, an outlook that had led to the too impetuous decision to scrap entire fleets such as the Air France's A380, Thai, Malaysian and the 747 of Virgin Atlantic, British, Thai just to name a few.

In that same period the gurus predicted the end of the first class and years before returning to pre-pandemic numbers. Fast forward to today and the situation is the exact opposite of the predictions of that 2020.

Companies desperate for planes, manufacturers swamped with orders and unable to speed up complex assembly lines, passengers who have returned to travel as much and more than before, and especially an incredible demand for premium seats. This is also demonstrated by the concept presented by Airbus At the recent AIX in Hamburg.

Editor's note For the record, I should also add Global Airlines to the list, but until I see her flying with regularity I don't believe her.

Europe vs. the rest of the world (excluding the U.S.)

Singular that the U.S. market, the largest in terms of market and revenue, is out of this competition since no U.S. carrier is willing to participate in the challenge, which instead is very heated between the Middle East, Asia and precisely the old continent.

Yes of course American Airlines still has a scant number of 777/300s. where he offers this booth, but his is a really embarrassing product when compared to the rest of the market and Above all, he is destined for retirement.

In contrast in the rest of the world from Japan to Southeast Asia via Oceania and the Middle East, this cabin is still at the center of the companies' plans.

More and more first class destinations from the EU

Air France's No. 1, Ben Smith, like his European colleagues, confirmed the growing demand from passengers interested in the exlusiveness of First Class and that's why Premiere will be introduced on more 777/300s. so that more destinations can be reached than at present.

Historically BA has always been the one with a more prominent presence of this product aboard its fleet, although it must be admitted. Is not at all competitive with other continental companies and things do not seem likely to change in the near future.

Lufthansa (and Swiss)'s New First Class.

Allegris or Sense, as the new cabins that will be installed have been renamed on the two main companies of the German group, which recently also entered the share capital of ITA Airways, are starting to fly. Or rather Lufthansa has its first 8 planes with the new first class installed, while Swiss has not yet received its first plane with these cabins.

LH's choice was that of a momentous change, although the revolution is likely to remain in the middle for a long time to come due to problems with the weights of the new cabins.

To date, the only planes to see the new First Class will be the A350/900, waiting for the arrival (perhaps) of the first 777/9 for which Lufthansa will be the launch customer.

All the rest of the fleet, starting with the 747/8 and A380s will not see Allegris' first class as confirmed by LH, at least until the technical issues are resolved.

Air France Premiere

Air France has recently lifted the veil on the new and more valuable cabin. The strategy was diametrically different from LH and BA. No early announcements, no hype with big events and then waiting for years. In fact AF let it leak that it was working on the new cabin and then nothing more until in mid-March when, in grand style, it unveiled its new First Class proposal and after less than 2 weeks the first plane with this cabin was already flying to New York.

The French company is the absolute one in the world, not only in Europe, that offers the most exclusive product (few planes and with only 4 seats on board) , most sought after (exclusive lounge and new Suites) and absolutely most expensive.

The experience aboard this cabin is unique, To fly there once is a dream, and I have already managed to do it twice and since no two without three the next time will be, with Marika, to try out the new cabin.

British Airways First Class

The British flag carrier is, of the three Old World carriers, The one that offers the most first-class seats. This booth Is present on most of the 777 fleet and on all A380s in service, while unlike LH it has not installed and has no plans to install F on A350s.

The new First Class was unveiled in late 2024, but unfortunately it was the classic announcement to create Hype since. will not be installed until late 2025.

Today BA in my personal experience of carriers offering first class, The one with the cheapest product. No caviar, below-average champagne eitchette, no ground service whatsoever, and a lounge that is among the largest in the world, and perhaps second only to Emirates' in Dubai.

All these cabins can be booked with the points

F travel is why many reward travel enthusiasts accumulate points and miles as seamlessly.

All these seats are bookable with points, so here is my personal ranking of complexity, from easiest to most complicated for us Italians:

1. British Airways. Undoubtedly the easiest to book. Not only because Avios are a currency that can be earned by flying, answering surveys, shopping, and transferring from Amex and Revolut, but mostly because Is the one with the most available places ever given the large number of aircraft where it is installed. In addition to this, it can also be booked through the loyalty programs of other oneWorld carriers such as Cathay and American Airlines.
2. Lufthansa. Here, of course, I already take into account the renewed scenario that sees the Miles&More program also set to become ITA Airways' frequent flyer. M&M members can book an award ticket in F a year in advance, even if the fees are really exorbitant, which FFs using Star Alliance program points such as Turkish's Miles&Smiles or Air Canad's Aeroplan cannot do, since LH opens inventory to partners about 10 days before departure leaving only "last minute" chances. The other problem, in common with Swiss, is that M&M is not among the Membership Rewards partners and that only the Gold Miles&More Mastercard allows, in Italy, to earn miles with daily spending.
3. Swiss. Paradoxically even though part of the LH group and sharing the loyalty program Swiss has much stricter rules to pivot its first class cabin. Only M&M members can do this and only if you have the Senator level. no first-class award tickets for Star Alliance partners, not even last minute.
4. Air France. It is the most expensive, even in terms of required miles and is also the most difficult to book since it in addition to a bang for Flying Blue miles bisongna take into account the only 4 seats on board Of the few 777s where LP is installed. Dulcis in fundo it is necessary to be a true FF Flying Blue since Platinum level is required.

In conclusion

As a bum of the skies, I am overjoyed to know. for the next 10 years, minimum, the future of these booths will be bright. Not only because they will all be new, but more importantly because they will be there. If for a while it was believed that the F was destined to disappear from what the companies, few of them, that still have it are claiming, it is still a golden goose for carriers, and so there will be opportunities to burn thousands of points to make this dream come true.

• first class