Which airline serves the best Champagne?

Frequent flyers know that premium travel is defined by attention to detail—ample space, attentive service, and, above all, a meticulously curated food and beverage selection.

For those traveling in First or Business Class, sampling an elite Champagne selection is often a highlight of the journey.

However, the Champagne that delights on land may not perform as well at cruising altitude. Cabin pressure and dry air dull our senses of sweetness and saltiness, while acidity, bitterness, and spice remain vivid. This means Champagnes with pronounced complexity and robust character shine brightest at 30,000 feet.

In this feature, we spotlight six leading international airlines and the exclusive Champagnes they serve on board in 2025. Raise your glass to sky-high indulgence!

British Airways continues to set the benchmark for European First Class, earning accolades including multiple World Travel Awards for its refined onboard experience. On the flagship 787-9 Dreamliner, British Airways elevates its luxury offering by pouring Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle—a sophisticated, multi-vintage blend that epitomizes French craftsmanship.

This exceptional cuvée, also occasionally featured by Swiss and Lufthansa, marries three outstanding vintages, yielding a palate of toasted brioche, honey, and roasted nuts. Passengers can also enjoy it in the renowned Concorde Room at London Heathrow, making it a staple of the airline’s premium hospitality.

Singapore Airlines is globally recognized for its impeccable premium cabins, and its Champagne list sets a new standard in 2025. It remains the only carrier to offer both Dom Pérignon and Krug Grande Cuvée—two legends of the Champagne world.

Krug Grande Cuvée, with its depth and complexity from extended aging in oak, and the ever-elegant Dom Pérignon, are both available in the exclusive Suites on the A380 and First Class, as well as in the SilverKris lounges at Changi and Heathrow. Singapore Airlines also features Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve, awarded top honors at the Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships, ensuring every glass poured is world-class.

Qatar Airways has redefined in-flight luxury with its striking Champagne bar on the A380’s upper deck, a favorite among connoisseurs in First and Business Class. The airline’s current Champagne selection features Krug Grande Cuvée, as well as a rotating list that includes Taittinger, Billecart-Salmon, and Drappier Rosé.

The A380’s First Class is an intimate eight-seat space, now designed with a minimalist aesthetic—overhead bins have been removed for an airy, open feel. Krug is also served in the acclaimed Al Mourjan Business Lounge in Doha, making Qatar Airways a leader for those seeking the ultimate Champagne experience pre-flight and in the sky.

Etihad Airways demonstrates that even with the UAE’s nuanced approach to alcohol, First and Business Class guests enjoy a diverse, complimentary wine list featuring celebrated Champagnes. Billecart-Salmon Brut and Mumm Cuvée R. Lalou are among the premium labels poured onboard in 2025, curated to complement Etihad’s gourmet dining and refined service.

 

Emirates is synonymous with ultra-premium travel, as highlighted in its global campaigns. On the A380, First Class guests enjoy fully private suites, an onboard lounge, and even showers—each detail designed for indulgence.

 

After freshening up with Bvlgari amenities, guests can unwind at the bar with a glass of Dom Pérignon Vintage, Dom Pérignon Rosé, or Bollinger La Grande Année. Emirates also showcases its partnership with Moët & Chandon in the exclusive Champagne Lounge at the Business Class Lounge in Dubai’s Concourse B, where Moët Impérial, Grand Vintage, Rosé, and Nectar Impérial flow freely.

Qantas invites travelers to relax on a fully-flat bed in its elegant A380 First Class, where the Champagne list is nothing short of impressive. Guests can savor Taittinger Comtes de Champagne and Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill—both icons of French sparkling wine.

 

In the First Class Lounge at LAX, Qantas features Laurent-Perrier Brut and Nicolas Feuillatte Rosé, ensuring a sophisticated start to any journey. While personal preferences vary, Champagne from France’s storied region—home to just over 300 villages and 500 producers—remains the ultimate symbol of luxury travel.

Which Champagne do you prefer when you fly?