First class flights in the UK: which airline is best?

When you are booking work travel for VIPs, sometimes business class isn’t enough. If the best in comfort and seamless service are within your allocated budget, First Class could be the answer.

While many airlines have scaled back their First Class cabins in favour of improved business suites, a select few carriers flying from the UK still offer this top-tier option.

We’ve compared the best UK airlines operating First Class (or equivalent) routes to help business travel managers understand the different First Class benefits and choose the best option for each journey.

Disclaimer - All information, especially pricing and policies, is correct as of the date of writing (August 2025) and is subject to change.

British Airways

While British Airways is a staple for corporate travel generally, its First Class product is a distinct step up from Club World. It is primarily available on long-haul routes from London Heathrow to key financial hubs globally.

Current prices for a return flight from the UK to New York, US, start at £2,464.

Additional benefits include:

• Your own private, spacious suite

• A fully flat bed with luxurious bedding

• Fine dining

• Seven-piece luxury skin and body care collection from Elemis

British Airways fees

The following fees are applicable when changes are made to your booking:

• Change of time, date, or cabin - £35

• Cancellation fee - £35

• Oversized baggage - £65

British Airways cancellation policy 

British Airways provides a full refund, with no additional fees, for flights cancelled within 24 hours of booking. This only applies if booked directly.

British Airways pros and cons

Pros

• Direct bookings have a 24-hour grace period for cancellations

• Significant baggage allowance

• Many international business destinations 

Cons

• Limited information about additional fees (with this also being very dependent on fare, flight, and destination) 

• Costly tickets

Virgin Atlantic 

Virgin Atlantic does not have a separate First Class cabin. However, their ‘Upper Class’ offering is comparable to First Class provided by other airlines, and is an excellent option for a luxurious long-haul flight.

Flexibility is a key benefit, with flights to 32 destinations operating from three major UK airports - Heathrow, Manchester, and Gatwick.

An example round-trip flight from the UK to Seattle, US, for April 2026 is currently £2,545.

Virgin Atlantic fees

• Overweight bag - £65 fee

• Oversized bag - £200 fee

• Adding additional checked baggage - £140

• Changing details on your booking - fees vary based on fare type. Check your booking information for the terms of your flights.

Virgin Atlantic cancellation policy 

If you need to cancel, a full refund with no additional fees is available within 24 hours of making the booking.

Cancellations after this time period are typically subject to fees of up to £26, but this can vary depending on factors like when the cancellation is made or the fare type.

Virgin Atlantic pros and cons

Pros

• Free cancellations in the 24-hour booking window

• High-quality lounges and other Upper Class benefits

Cons

• Not as many destinations to choose from as other long-haul airlines

• Technically a Business Class product, so it may not offer the privacy of some other services. 

Emirates

Emirates is often the preferred choice for travel to the Middle East, Asia, and Australasia, with First Class widely considered to be one of the best in the world. Departures from Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted will increase to 12 flights per day from 2026. 

A key benefit for business travel is the luxury of an additional privacy door, which provides isolation for your VIPs to work or relax. Other benefits include:

• Gourmet meals

• In-flight entertainment 

• Access to the airport lounge

The high standards are reflected in the price - the average price of a first-class flight, from London to Dubai, is between £6,000-£9,000. 

Emirates fees

• Additional weight can be purchased at European airports for USD40 (£29.90) per kilogram.

• Changes to your booking may result in additional fees and charges, but these will vary depending on circumstances and booking types.

Emirates cancellation policy 

Emirates operates a similar cancellation policy to its competitors. If departure is more than 7 days away, Emirates offers 24-hour cancellation for tickets.

However, fees will still apply outside of these windows - with the cost determined by your original booking and the fare type.

Emirates pros and cons

Pros

• Flexible cancellation with a 24-hour grace period

• One of the most highly-regarded luxury flights available

Cons

• Expect to pay a premium for the luxury experience

Overview comparison

As a travel manager who will book flights for a wide range of work-related trips, understanding the key differences and benefits between first-class flight offerings in the UK will help you choose the best option that best suits your travellers’ needs.

• British Airways has the most destinations available and offers a 24-hour grace period if any cancellations need to be made, with some useful information on extra fees that could occur. 

• Virgin Atlantic provides a First Class experience in all but name. With plenty of information on any extra fees, you are likely to have a seamless booking experience. 

• Emirates is increasing the number of flights departing from the UK. They have a luxury in-flight experience, but it's reflected in the high price. 

Be prepared for First Class business travel

Booking First Class isn't just about the ticket price; it's about managing high-stakes itineraries and expectations to deliver an experience. Choosing the ‘best’ First Class airline is about understanding the complexities of your traveller’s budget, timings and individual needs.

Managing your business travel with Perk minimises time-consuming admin and brings everything into one place, while FlexiTravel keeps you on track, even when plans change.

Book a demo to see how Perk can improve your experience of managing First Class business travel.