Flying first class has long been considered the pinnacle of luxury when it comes to commercial travel. Pictured: passengers onboard a Scandinavian Airlines flight in he 1950sFlying First Class in 2025 is all about privacy - with flat-bed cocoons the norm on most airlines. Airlines like Etihad, Japan Airlines and Singapore Airlines passengers are greeted by name and offered tailored experiences, such as private dining with onboard chefs. By the 1980s, airline alliances introduced priority baggage handling, and premium travellers enjoyed the first dedicated First Class check-in counters. While Pan Am's upper decks hosted cocktail parties, airlines like Qantas and BOAC even installed pianos for onboard entertainment.

Source: Daily Mail January 04, 2026 21:51 UTC