What It's Like To Fly The Best Airlines In The World

When it comes to over-the-top first-class experiences, three carriers stand out from the crowd: Etihad, Quatar, and the recently named Best Airline in the World, Emirates. So how did these airlines get to the top, and what exactly makes them so great?

Here's how they stack up against one another.

ETIHAD AIRWAYS

Rising above Qatar and Emirates is the youngest of the three Gulf carriers, Etihad Airways, with the most expensive luxury cabin suite in the sky. In just over a decade, the brand's commitment to exceptional luxury service in the skies is evidenced by both a first-class suite onboard its 787 Dreamliner, as well as an unrivaled first-class apartment with its own shower.

Once in the suite, closing the doors ensures absolute privacy—don't forget to post the "Do Not Disturb" sign—and the comfortable leather seat fully reclines into an 8-foot-long by 6-foot-wide flat-bed sleeper seat. Amenity kits are stocked with Le Labo products and a 24-inch TV screen features a variety of entertainment options including 120 different movies. Fine china tableware from Nikko Japan, Royal Oak cutlery from Studio Williams, a full range of crystal glassware from Lucaris, and signature cognac glasses from Norman of Copenhagen provide the backdrop for the airline's seven-course tasting menu. In the first-class apartment, guests have a larger bed in addition to two additional living spaces.

QATAR AIRWAYS

Known for its aesthetics, Qatar's first-class cabin provides the least amount of privacy of the three carriers–a simple rising divider separates the middle two seats–yet the gorgeous wood-paneling and soft leather seats serve as an Instagram-worthy backdrop to the brand's exceptional service. Within the 1:2:1 first class seating layout, Qatar's entertainment system is certainly the best of the three brands, providing the most TV, audio, film, and gaming options—the airline boasts 3,000 choices—and the best Wi-Fi service. Once on-board, change into the complimentary Missoni sleeper suits, indulge in the Giorgio Armani amenity kits, and indulge an abundance of eats crafted by chefs Nobu Matsuhisa, Ramzi Choueiri, Vineet Bhatia, and Tom Aikens. Then, take a tour of the lounge. Again, the emphasis on design is evidenced in the stunning chandeliers, fresh bouquets of flowers, artful canapés, and an abundance of cocktails.

EMIRATES AIRLINES

The oldest of the three Gulf Carriers isn't resting on its laurels. Known for its privacy doors and spa shower (with complimentary toiletries), the Emirates first-class experience is comfortable, to say the least. The in-flight entertainment system provides more than 2,500 channels worth of programming, including games, radio stations, and a range of new movies, but it's really the Wi-Fi that sets Emirates apart, as well as the ability to make (and receive) phone calls at 40,000 feet. A mere U.S. dollar gets you 13 hours worth of Wi-Fi, just enough time binge watch an entire season ofDownton Abbey from your lie-flat bed. Feeling peckish? The food service is hardly your typical airplane fare, with a healthy regionally inspired menu that changes based on route. For example, on the Brisbane-to-Singapore, expect an Asian-inspired braised beef rib and stir-fried lobster in black bean sauce.

From: Town And Country Magazine