Traveling long distances with children can be particularly tiresome. For those who can splurge on first-class seating, these airlines promise to make the journey nearly as enjoyable as the trip itself.
Etihad Airways
Families flying on Etihad Airways can book entire apartments and suites in first class. Not only can you have a private three-room penthouse, you’ll have a full-size bed, wardrobe, 24-inch flat-screen TV and shower. The Lobby, located on the A380 Upper Deck has space for relaxing with others in front of a widescreen TV. Amenity kits include moisturizers, and dining on board has been elevated with inflight chefs providing seven-course dining experiences.
Emirates
Private First-Class suites aboard Emirates include a spa shower, lounge wear meant to keep you hydrated as you sleep, and Bulgari amenity kits that includes perfume. The A380 Onboard Lounge provides a social bar and 55-inch flat-screen TV with surround sound. With a private suite, close the door and convert your seat into a flat bed with mattress, while using the ambient lighting choices included. Meals, ordered when you want them, are served on Royal Doulton china.
Singapore Airlines
First Class aboard Singapore Airlines includes 35-inch leather and mahogany seats that turn into a bed that reaches 80 inches and is fully flat, but choose a suite and you’ll have a standalone bed and a separate chair tucked behind a sliding door for privacy. (Double rooms are available.) Amenity kits include Ferragamo products, with inflight entertainment on a 23-inch LCD TV with Bose noise-canceling headphones. Dining on board means reserving your meal 24 hours in advance through the Book the Cook program, served on Wedgwood china.
Cathay Pacific
Also providing private suites with seats that transform into full beds, Cathay Pacific turns it up a notch with 500 thread count bedding and massaging options on chairs. Dining is a la carte and features Michelin-starred chef partners from around the world on select flights. Other details include amenity kits outfitted with Aesop items, 17-inch flat-screen TVs, and organic cotton pajamas and slippers for lounging.
Air France
In Air France’s La Premiere cabin, you will find a suite with storage space, a closet and a suede and leather seat that transforms into a 6.5-foot flat bed with bedside lamp. The Amenity Kit includes Carita products and passengers receive cotton bathrobes and slippers before dining on meals by renowned French chefs such as Daniel Boulud, served on Bernardaud china. Entertainment is available on a 10.5-inch HD flat-screen TV.