After the long days of lockdowns, it’s finally good to be able to fly freely once again. As Leonardo da Vinci was supposed to have said: When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward. For there you have been, and there you will always long to return.
But Covid goes on, and so is the need for discreet social distancing. And that might not be all that possible with the cramped spaces you get when you fly Economy. On the other hand, flying First-Class is certainly better when it comes to social distancing. In fact, even if Covid truly vanishes permanently, the privacy you get from First-Class seats can be very rewarding.
In terms of social distancing, here are the best First-Class seats you can find today when you fly:
Emirates New 777-300ER First Class Suites
This is the most obvious example of an excellent First-Class seat if you’re worried about Covid. These new seats were launched back in 2017, and it seems like a prescient move in hindsight. That’s because this option gives you total, fully-enclosed privacy with floor-to-ceiling doors. It’s your own pod of privacy, and so far, it’s the only one of its kind.
This First-Class cabin also allows for contactless ordering for food and beverages, with the tablet in the suite you can use to order.
Etihad Airways A380 The Residence
Yes, it’s basically your own apartment inside the plane. You get a suite with a living room, a bedroom, and a bathroom, and all these 3 rooms are just for you.
You’re not in total isolation though, as this suite is designed to suit the needs of a couple. You also have a butler who offers bespoke service, instead of contactless service.
Singapore Airlines New A380 First Class Suites
Singapore Airlines have a line of new A380 planes that contain probably the most spacious first-class suites in the air. Here, you get more than 50 square meters of space (that’s more than 538 square feet for Americans). The space features a small table a huge, swiveling armchair, and a separate bed that can turn into a double bed.
The doors that separate these Suites from the rest of the plane is about 66 inches tall, and that’s taller than most of its counterparts in other airlines.
Etihad Airways A380 First Class Apartments
Yes, Etihad sure can focus on providing truly private first-class seats, as it makes another appearance on this list. This version is more affordable than The Residence, and it’s more easily bookable with a reasonable number of points and miles. So, it may not be as luxurious as The Residence, but it’s more attainable.
Each Apartment features a separate bed plus a large leather armchair. The walls are 62 inches high, which should provide ample privacy and safety. And there’s a way to turn the bed into a double bed, so this is great when you’re traveling with a partner.
Air France 777-300ER La Première First Class
The French really know how to travel in style, and La Première is positive proof. The First-Class section features a single row of seats with a 1-2-1 configuration, and you also have floor-to-ceiling curtains for privacy.
ANA 777-300ER New First Class “The Suite”
When it comes to amenities, you can’t complain about The Suite. It has the largest TVs that you can ever find in any plane, mint-condition seats, and tall sliding doors for privacy.
The whole first-class cabin only has 8 seats in total, and each seat is 76 inches long and 38 inches wide. Add the humungous 43-inch 4K HD display, and you’re really flying in style.