These Star Alliance Airlines Still Offer International First Class

The Star Alliance is the world’s largest airline alliance, with 25 full members spanning every global region. Yet only a small number of these carriers continue to offer an international First Class product. While many airlines have phased it out in favor of more business class seats or premium economy cabins, a select few still maintain this exclusive travel experience.

Here’s a closer look at the Star Alliance members that still operate an international First Class cabin, what they offer, and where you can fly them.

Singapore Airlines – The Iconic Suites on the A380

Singapore Airlines offers two First Class products: a traditional First Class on the Boeing 777-300ER and the more extravagant First Class Suites on the Airbus A380. The A380 Suites are among the most luxurious in commercial aviation, featuring enclosed private cabins and even a double bed in the center suites.

The Suites are only available on the A380, so booking one means targeting specific routes such as Singapore–London, Singapore–Frankfurt, and Singapore–Sydney. Redemption is exclusively available through Singapore’s own KrisFlyer program, which is a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards.

Example redemption rates (one-way Saver/Advantage):

• Singapore–Hong Kong: 45,000 / 73,000 KrisFlyer miles

• Singapore–London: 141,000 / 225,500 KrisFlyer miles

• Singapore–Frankfurt: 141,000 / 225,500 KrisFlyer miles

Taxes and fees are generally modest — around $42 USD on shorter flights.

Lufthansa – The New Allegris First Class

Lufthansa currently offers two different First Class experiences. The classic product can be found aboard Boeing 747-8s, Airbus A340-600s, and A380s. These aircraft make up a fleet of around 35 long-haul jets (as of May 2025).

Watch our review of the Lufthansa First Class on the B747-8

In parallel, Lufthansa is rolling out its new “Allegris” First Class on select Airbus A350-900s, currently all based in Munich. These new suites are arranged in a 1-1-1 layout with nearly floor-to-ceiling walls (1.8 meters), full doors, and luxurious amenities like private wardrobes and personal minibars. A standout feature is the center “First Class Suite Plus,” a spacious double suite designed for two passengers, which can be converted into a double bed in the sky.

The Allegris cabin also features wide screens stretching across the suite, Bluetooth headphone connectivity, and dining tables for two. As of early May 2025, nine A350s are flying with this new product, and more are expected to follow.

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Booking Lufthansa First Class with Miles & More

Lufthansa’s First Class is widely available for booking through its own frequent flyer program, Miles & More. Members can book up to 361 days in advance, and all participants — regardless of elite status — have access to award seats (availability permitting).

Miles & More uses a zone-based award chart. One-way redemptions from Europe typically require:

• Europe – Middle East: 65,000 miles

• Europe – North America: 91,000 miles

• Europe – Southern Africa / India: 91,000 miles

• Europe – Central / South America: 101,000–111,000 miles

• Europe – Southeast Asia / Far East: 111,000 miles

Round trips cost double the mileage. Taxes and surcharges range from approximately €300–500 one-way or €600–1,000 round trip, depending on the route.

At present, the new Allegris First Class is not yet bookable with miles.

⚠️ Note: Starting June 3, 2025, Miles & More will introduce dynamic pricing for award tickets on Lufthansa Group carriers, including SWISS and Austrian. The current fixed award chart will continue to apply to other Star Alliance partners.

Swiss – First Class with Swiss Precision

SWISS offers First Class on nearly all long-haul routes and operates three aircraft types with this cabin: Boeing 777-300ER, Airbus A330-300, and A340-300. The cabin design emphasizes privacy, understated luxury, and high-end service.

In 2025, SWISS will debut a brand-new cabin design, “Swiss Senses,” beginning with the Airbus A350-900 and eventually rolling out to other long-haul aircraft.

First Class awards are heavily restricted, available primarily to elite frequent flyers. However, upgrades from Business Class are possible under certain conditions.

All Nippon Airways (ANA) – “The Suite” on Flagship Routes

ANA offers First Class on its Boeing 777-300ERs and Airbus A380s. The most modern version, called “The Suite,” is installed on updated 777-300ERs. The older First Class cabin is still in service on some aircraft, and passengers can distinguish between the two based on the aircraft configuration (e.g., Business Class ending in Row 20 suggests the newer version).

The Airbus A380 exclusively features the newer Suites. ANA First Class is primarily found on routes between Japan and the US, with London being the only European destination currently served in First Class.

Current destinations include:

• New York

• San Francisco

• Chicago

• London

• Honolulu

Thai Airways – A Royal Comeback

Thai Airways has reintroduced First Class after initially retiring the cabin with the phase-out of its A380s and 747s. Now, three Boeing 777-300ERs feature a new “Royal First Class” product, reportedly introduced due to a royal request.

Each aircraft has eight First Class seats in a 1-2-1 layout using the Collins Aerospace Elite seat. The product is limited to a few routes, including:

• London (LHR)

• Tokyo (NRT)

• Osaka (KIX)

Redemptions are available through several Star Alliance frequent flyer programs, with pricing varying by region and partner.

Air China – Under-the-Radar Luxury

Air China’s First Class may not be widely known, but it is still offered on several international routes. The product is available on Boeing 747-8 and most Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, using a 1-2-1 layout with Zodiac Aerospace Venus seats.

Common First Class routes include:

• Beijing – Frankfurt

• Beijing – Munich

• Beijing – London

• Beijing – Paris

• Select US destinations

Redemptions are possible through multiple Star Alliance loyalty programs.

Air India – Classic First, with a Modern Future

Air India’s First Class is currently available only on select Boeing 777-200LR and 777-300ER aircraft. Some of these jets were acquired from Etihad Airways and are mostly used on North America routes. Air India is in the midst of a major transformation, including the development of new First Class suites expected in future aircraft deliveries.

Although award bookings are technically possible via partner programs, availability is limited and often requires phone bookings through programs like KrisFlyer or Aeroplan.

Example redemption rates (Delhi–San Francisco one-way):

• Aeroplan: 130,000 miles + ~$65 USD

• KrisFlyer: 180,000 miles + ~$57 USD

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Conclusion

While many airlines have retired their First Class cabins, it’s not the end of the road for ultra-premium travel within Star Alliance. Carriers like Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, and SWISS continue to innovate, offering enhanced suites and elevated service. That said, access is increasingly limited—whether due to aircraft availability, fleet downsizing, or restrictive award policies. For those who can secure a seat, however, these cabins still represent some of the finest experiences in commercial aviation.