Ranked: The 9 Best Airlines for First Class

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One of the reasons I like to collect credit card rewards is to redeem them for free flights. And not just any flights -- first class flights. I enjoy flying first and business class both domestically and while traveling abroad.

Of course, some airlines offer a much classier first class experience than others. So let's take a look at some of the best. (Keep in mind that your experience will vary a ton based on your route and plane type. For example, airlines tend to upgrade their fleets one plane at a time, so even the same route could offer different experiences depending on the aircraft.)

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Best for short-haul domestic first class

Your typical domestic flight is in a two-cabin plane with a first class that offers larger seats (though not lie-flat), better meals, and free drinks.

1. Delta Airlines

My go-to airline for domestic first class is always Delta. The seats are updated and comfortable, my flights always include seatback screens with good onboard entertainment, the service is usually on point, and you really can't beat all-you-can-eat Biscoff cookies.

2. United Airlines

I spent a lot of time flying last year, and one of my favorite experiences was United's domestic first class. Even on my short flight, we were treated to an excellent meal -- on real plates -- and the service was great. United also has some of the largest seats (though the ones on my last flight could use a bit of an update).

Best for long-haul domestic first class

Usually consisting of coast-to-coast flights, long-haul domestic flights can be five or six hours long. The best airlines for these flights offer many of the same amenities as international flights, including lie-flat seats and chef-curated meals.

3. American Airlines (A321T)

One of the only planes with three cabins on a domestic flight is American Airlines A321T, which offers both business and first class seats. The first class cabin is luxurious, offering private lie-flat seats, a good meal, and high-speed wifi. And as an added bonus, first class passengers get lounge access before the flight.

4. JetBlue Mint

JetBlue calls its long-haul domestic product "business class," but it's a first class experience all the way, starting with the lie-flat seats and top-notch service. You may enjoy your trip even more if you're lucky enough to score a Mint Suite, which features even more room and a door you can close for extra privacy.

Best for international business class

Most international flights have two cabins: main and business, with no first class. In this case, you can consider the business class to be first class in all but name, offering the amenities you'd expect -- like generous lie-flat seats, excellent meals, and dedicated service.

5. Qatar Airways QSuites

Generally considered to set the standard for international business class, Qatar Airways QSuites offer exceptional privacy -- each suite has a door that closes -- luxurious bedding (including a quilted mattress), top-quality catering, and incredible service from the ground to the air.

6. All Nippon The Room

If you're lucky enough to fly aboard All Nippon's Boeing 777s, you could experience The Room, the airline's top business class product. The seat -- or, you know, Room -- itself is very spacious and private, offering the closable door that is standard in the top business class cabins. Travelers also rave about the quality of the food (a mix of Japanese and Western cuisines) and the exceptional service.

Best for international first class

Given that business class already typically offers a top-notch product, airlines with three classes of service really need to work to make international first class stand out -- and these airlines manage it with gusto. Short of chartering a private plane, these premium offerings are the most glamorous experiences you can have in the air.

7. Etihad Residence

If you've ever wanted to fly like royalty, then booking an Etihad Residence suite is the way to go. For one thing, you don't just book a seat; you have three full rooms aboard an A380 aircraft, including a living room, bedroom, and shower room. And yes, we're talking about a full-sized bed and fully equipped shower here. Oh, and let's not forget your private butler who can arrange meals -- and just about anything else you need.

8. Emirates First Class Suites

Emirates was one of the first airlines to offer fully enclosed suites, and it does it right. Not only is there a door, but the suites are fully enclosed floor-to-ceiling, offering complete privacy and tranquility for your flight. The luxury experience also includes excellent food -- caviar, anyone? -- personal climate controls, and an onboard bar.

9. Air France La Premiere

The La Premiere cabin in the 777 aircraft from Air France gives you that ooh la la feeling for sure. As you'd expect, you get your own suite, which nixes the doors for elegant curtains to give you the privacy you need. But the suite is only part of the experience. The on-board catering is impeccably French, offering food that is so far from airline fare, you'll be hard-pressed to remember you're in the air.

How to fly first class for free

Arguably the best part of all of these flights is that you can find a way to book them with points and miles. While some will be exorbitant -- think a million miles (or more), one way -- your favorite travel rewards cards could help you enjoy the luxury flight experience of a lifetime.

We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team. Brittney Myers has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy .