Flying first class offers many luxuries that can make long haul flights much more comfortable. One of the best perks of flying first class is the ability to fully lie down and sleep during a flight. First class seats on most major airlines are designed to recline into a fully flat bed, allowing passengers to sleep comfortably on flights overnight or longer.
What type of seats are in first class?
First class seats on long haul international flights are typically designed to convert into flat beds that allow passengers to lie down and sleep. There are a few different types of lie-flat seats in first class:
- Fully flat beds – These seats recline to 180 degrees, creating a flat surface for sleeping. This is the most common type of seat in international first class.
- Angled lie-flat seats – The seat bottom remains slightly angled even when fully reclined. This can make it slightly less comfortable for sleeping.
- Suites with beds – On some airlines like Singapore Airlines, first class suites have a separate and larger bed area that can be closed off for privacy.
Domestic first class within the U.S. typically does not have lie-flat beds, but the seats still recline significantly for comfort. You likely won’t be able to lie fully flat, but can recline quite far back.
What amenities help you sleep in first class?
In addition to the lie-flat seats, first class on long haul flights has many amenities to create an environment optimized for sleeping:
- Bedding – Airlines provide bedding like pillows, blankets, mattress pads, and sometimes pajamas in first class.
- Privacy – First class seats often have partitions or even full doors to give privacy.
- Dimmable lighting – You can control your overhead and side lighting.
- Quieter cabin – First class is typically much quieter than the rest of the plane.
- On-demand dining – You can eat when you want and then sleep undisturbed.
- Personal storage – There is room to store bags near your seat so you have easy access.
With lie-flat seating, bedding, and enhanced privacy and quietness, first class provides the optimal environment to sleep well on a plane.
What airlines have the best first class for sleeping?
Here are some top airlines known for having excellent first class accommodations for sleeping:
| Airline | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Singapore Airlines | Suites with separate beds, high-end bedding |
| Emirates | Fully enclosed suites, lounge area in some planes |
| Etihad Airways | Apartment-style suite with double bed |
| Qatar Airways | Double beds, privacy partitions, meal/sleep schedules |
| Lufthansa | Lie-flat beds, soundproofing, bedding |
These airlines invest heavily to make their first class truly optimized for sleeping and maximum comfort on long flights.
What are the best routes for sleeping in first class?
The longest flight routes are where first class lie-flat beds and sleep amenities matter most. Here are some of the top long haul routes where you can maximize your sleep in first class:
- New York JFK to Hong Kong – About 16 hours
- Los Angeles to Singapore – About 18 hours
- San Francisco to Singapore – Around 17 hours
- London to Perth, Australia – Over 17 hours
- Dallas to Sydney – Nearly 18 hours
Flights that are over 15-18 hours long let you make the most of a lie-flat bed and uninterrupted sleep in first class.
Tips for sleeping in first class
Here are some tips to get the best sleep possible in a first class lie-flat seat:
- Request mattress pad and extra bedding for padding
- Use neck pillow, eye mask, and noise canceling headphones
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol before flight
- Change into comfortable clothes/pajamas for sleep
- Use restrooms before lights out to avoid disturbances
- Take short walk around cabin to stretch before bed
- Set sleep schedule based on destination time
- Use amenities like pillow mist and skincare products
- Stay hydrated with water while sleeping
What are the downsides of sleeping on a plane?
While first class amenities make sleeping on a plane much better, there are still some downsides to consider:
- Seats are narrow with limited room to change positions
- Engine noise, turbulence can disrupt sleep
- Dry cabin air can cause congestion and discomfort
- Cramped bathrooms on planes
- Disorientation from time zone changes
- Lack of ability to get a full 8 hours of sleep
Even with lie-flat seats, sleeping on planes has its challenges. But utilizing first class features like bedding, eye masks, and earplugs can help overcome them.
Tips for dealing with jet lag
Here are some tips to minimize jet lag when you arrive at your destination after sleeping on a long flight:
- Set watch to destination time zone on flight
- Aim to sleep when it’s nighttime at destination
- Consider melatonin or natural sleep aids
- Stay hydrated with plenty of water
- Avoid heavy meals and alcohol right after landing
- Get exposure to sunlight right away in morning
- Take short nap if extremely fatigued after arrival
- Exercise lightly to help reset circadian rhythms
Conclusion
Having a fully lie-flat seat to sleep in is one of the best features of flying first class, especially on long haul international flights. Airlines provide amenities like bedding, more privacy, and a quieter cabin to create an optimal sleep environment. Though some discomfort and jet lag can’t be avoided completely, the ability to sleep in first class makes difficult long flights much more bearable.