For numerous individuals, champagne and luxurious cabin travel are intrinsically linked. If you’re starting a festive journey in elegance, there’s something uniquely delightful about the sound of a champagne cork popping and savoring that first glass once aboard (or after takeoff, depending on the airline’s regulations).
In this article, I aim to present an updated roster of airlines that provide the finest champagne in the world. I’ll address the airlines that serve the top-notch champagne in first and business class aloft, as well as those that offer the best champagne in first class on the ground (due to the variability in business class lounge champagne, compiling a useful list is challenging).
How I’m determining the “finest” champagne
Similar to almost anything edible or drinkable, “finest” is extremely subjective. Thus, I’m employing a straightforward method and evaluating airlines’ champagne selections based on the retail prices of the champagne offered. Specifically, I’ll reference the pricing from wine-searcher.com.
I want to clarify that my intention is not to imply that something is superior merely because it costs more. It isn’t.
Nonetheless, there is often a connection between the quality of an airline’s service and the price of the champagne, considering it denotes a considerable expense (even at the reduced rates that airlines acquire). For example, Japan Airlines offers pricey champagne in first class, while American Airlines does not. 😉
Moreover, any criteria apart from price is excessively subjective. Nearly all these champagne selections are highly rated, and reasonable individuals can have differing opinions on which is marginally superior.
There’s an exceptional experience in enjoying a fine glass of champagne in first class!
Airlines with the priciest first class champagne (inflight)
Which of the leading first class airlines globally offer the finest champagne on their flights? Here’s the compilation I’ve created, but please inform me if I’ve overlooked anything:
1. Japan Airlines provides Salon 2015 (~$1,300/bottle), though be aware the airline only serves this in limited amounts, with Champagne Jacquesson Cuvee 744 (~$85/bottle) as the backup champagne.
2. Singapore Airlines serves Louis Roederer Cristal 2015 (~$350/bottle), Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millenaires 2007 (~$280/bottle), and Champagne Bollinger La Grande Annee 2015 (~$200/bottle).
3. Qatar Airways features Armand de Brignac Ace of Spades Gold Brut (~$320/bottle).
4. All Nippon Airways offers Krug Grand Cuvee Brut (~$280/bottle).
5. Cathay Pacific presents Krug Grand Cuvee Brut (~$280/bottle).
6. Emirates has Dom Perignon 2015 (~$240/bottle); occasionally, they also offer Dom Perignon Rose or Dom Perignon P2.
7. Air France includes Rare Brut Millesime (~$230/bottle); Air France frequently rotates its champagne selections.
8. Lufthansa provides Laurent-Perrier Grand Siecle (~$230/bottle); Lufthansa also regularly changes its champagne choices.
9. SWISS features Pommery Cuvee Louise Millesime 2006 (~$200/bottle); SWISS often rotates its champagne selection.
10. British Airways serves Champagne Bollinger La Grande Annee 2015 (~$200/bottle); British Airways currently updates its champagne offerings every few months.
Japan Airlines offers outstanding champagne in first class
As evident, there are many excellent choices available. Japan Airlines stands out for featuring champagne that retails for over $1,000 per bottle. The downside is that Japan Airlines usually carries just one bottle of this champagne per flight and then has a backup option.
For some, this may feel like a mere gimmick, and you won’t even receive a complete glass. However, on certain flights, you might discover that no one else orders champagne, allowing you to enjoy the entire bottle alone (as I encountered on a recent trip).
I also believe Singapore Airlines deserves recognition, as it provides multiple fantastic champagne options on each first class flight. What a wonderful selection to have!
Singapore Airlines presents three champagne options.
Airlines with the priciest first class champagne (lounges)
I found it intriguing to talk about some of the finest champagne available in the premier first class airline lounges worldwide. It’s notable that many of the top first class airlines serve exceptional champagne in the air, yet only offer average champagne on the ground.
To me, that seems somewhat illogical. Ultimately, premium wine (including champagne) is best enjoyed on the ground, where your palate can fully appreciate the flavors. Additionally, many passengers may prefer to relish a nice glass of champagne on the ground and maximize relaxation while in the air.
Take Emirates, for instance — in Emirates first class, you can indulge in Dom Perignon,