The Five Most Expensive Airlines in the World

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel in first class with the most expensive luxury airliners? This is how many of the rich and famous jet from one place to another, but there’s a high price to be paid for this amazingly comfort form of transportation. You don’t have to own your own private jet to travel in the lap of luxury. Here are the five most expensive airlines in the world, and why they can charge such high prices for tickets.

5. Cathay Pacific Airlines

The fifth most expensive airline in the world is Cathay Pacific Airlines. You can expect to pay a cost of $26,572 for a round trip ticket from Hong Kong to New York City on this carrier. It’s a 14 hour flight that takes you into JFK International airport aboard a luxury outfitted Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. For this price, you’ll enjoy a spacious cabin area with first class accommodations. Try catching a nap on an ample sized bed, enjoying watching a show on a flat screen television and enjoy gourmet meals and a selection of international wines while you’re passing the time on your journey.

4. Korean Air

Korean Air is just a little bit more expensive than Cathay Pacific with the cost of a first class ticket from New York to Beijing costing a cool $27,000. For this hefty fare, you’ll have the privilege of relaxing in a luxury cabin with plenty of room, fully reclining seats and some of the most amazing meals that rival the offerings you would expect from a five star restaurant. The Oriental dishes served have received rave reviews from travelers. You’ll also have your choice from a variety of wines from their extensive list for first class ticket holders. Korean Air is one of the most highly desired airline carriers because they pamper their first class passengers. Of course, economy tickets aren’t nearly as high from the airline.

3. Etihad Airways

If you want to fly from San Francisco to Abu Dhabi aboard Etihad Airways, prepare to pay a fare of $28,090 for a round trip ticket. Of course, the airline realizes that most passengers making the flight to the capital of the United Arab Emirates is likely to be going there on business. It’s probably well within their budgets, if they even have one, to travel first class and pay the going rate. This high priced ticked gains you admission to the flagship of the airline which is fully loaded with luxury accommodations that include partitioned suites for first class flyers, The cinema screens for entertaining passengers are 23 inches, and guests aboard the flight are invited to help themselves to their own private mini bars. Upholstered leather furnishings add another touch of luxury and when it’s time for a meal, first class passengers are given an a la carte menu with a variety of Eastern cuisine offerings.

2. Emirates Airlines

If you’re planning to fly from Los Angeles, California to Dubai on Emirates, get ready to pay around $30,000 for a round trip ticket. The second most expensive airline in the world charges a hefty fare for the 16 hour direct connection. It’s nice when you don’t have layovers and awkward connections, and many VIP businessmen and famous personalities who can afford to pay the cost are people you’re likely to see if you join them on a flight. When you get ready for a nap or a longer rest, there are flat lying mattress beds at your disposal, in addition to on flight spa facilities and vanity tables to make it feel more like a flying 5 star hotel. The fleet that offers these luxury accommodations consist of 777s, A-380s, and A340-500s.

1. Lufthansa Airlines

A round trip ticket on Lufthansa from JFK in New York to Hong Kong aboard Germany’s flagship aircraft will set you back $43,000 if you’re traveling first class. You won’t need to wait until you board the plane to enjoy the benefits of first class though. They employ a crew of personal assistants on the ground who are happy to set up your ed and a stand alone seat for the flight. You’ll be delighted with the environment during your tip with in-flight air humidifiers, specially designed toiletry kits, and the most amazing meals ever served on an airline flight. The luxuries are immense, but the cost is beyond belief as well. We can’t forget to include the special selection of wines you’ll have to choose from, nor the fact that you’re treated like royalty throughout the trip.