Traveller's Guide: A Peep Inside The World's Best First-Class Luxurious Airlines

Inspired by Eithad's launch of a new First Class luxury suite named 'The Residence', crowd sourcing travel website Flightfox has devised a comprehensive list of the best First Class in-flight cabins from around the world. To produce the list, they took into account everything from seat configuration, aisle access and suite privacy to the type of champagne served, whether pyjamas were provided and how caviar was plated. And it also shows the best rate flyers can expect to pay when booking a seat in luxury.

Singapore Airlines was crowned king of the skies while second place went to Hong Kong airline Cathay Pacific and Emirates bagged bronze. When Eithad's The Residence launches in December it will raise the bar even higher, offering guests a three room fully staffed suite, a chauffeur to a private check-in and lounge, an onboard butler, fine Italian Poltrona Frau leather sofa, two dining tables and - better yet - an in flight personal chef to whip up whatever takes your fancy.

The cheapest price for a one-way ticket with survey toppers Singapore Airlines in their Singapore suite will set you back £2,053 ($3,324) for a flight from Singapore to Mumbai. For that, you'll be served 2004 Dom Pérignon, provided with pyjamas to sleep in and sit on an spacious armchair hand-stitched by Italian craftsmen - their most leg room friendly design to date.

Comparatively, Hong Kong airline Cathay Pacific's cheapest one way first class ticket - who came second - costs just £440 ($713), but you'll need to fly from Hong Kong to Taiwan to bag it. Cathay Pacific serve Krug Grand Cuvée champagne, an la carte menu and freshly steamed rice, toast and eggs cooked to your personal specifications.

The most expensive best-priced first class flight, according to the survey, is flying between Tokyo and LA with Japanese airline ANA, and will set you back at least £5,835. Emirates, known for deluxe treatment, came third and slings it all on. You'll get pyjamas, use of a limousine, an in-flight shower to freshen up, an onboard bar, caviar and Dom Pérignon champagne for flying first.

When it comes to value-for-first-class-ticket-price Emirates scored forth overall, with their cheapest flight taking you from Auckland to Brisbane for £509 ($824). Forth and fifth place went to Etihad and Lufthansa respectively. Etihad's cheapest ticket costs £563 ($911, United Arab Emirates to Mumbai) whereas Lufthansa's best deal is £3,409 ($5,520) for a first class ticket from South Africa to Germany.

Though pricey, Lufthansa climbed higher in the ratings thanks to five star scores for seat configuration, size (a two-metre-long flat-bed) and food and wine. They serve Krug Gande Cuvée champagne, canapes, caviar and food designed by Michelin-starred chefs.

British Airways' First Class offering came 22nd, just behind Malaysia First Class. Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle is BA's champagne of choice and they gleaned four stars for food and drink. Expect an a la carte menu designed by leading chefs and finished with a cheese board and fine chocolate. The airline's lowest first class one way ticket, according to Flighfox, costs £4,973 ($8,052) from Beijing to London.

Swiss First offer the cheapest one way first class ticket for £219 ($355) for a flight from Muscat to Dubai. United Airline Global First - a US based airline - came last in the survey, ranking 24th. They scored just two stars over all for the 'rock star' factor but provide an on board bar.

Photo Credit: Flightfox.com / Mailonline