The only one I can comment on, from half a dozen personal experiences, is Cathay Pacific.

They're currently having labor problems which may cause schedule disruptions, but once you're aboard and in flight the service is among the best in the air. This is especially true in Business or First but even Coach service is superior to the way almost any other airline treats "steerage". Their cabin crews are some of the best in the business.

An applicable statistic I read once is that the average amount Cathay spends on food and drink per first class passenger is over US$80. Flying in first on Cathay from LAX to Hong Kong about a year ago, my only possible complaint (and that's if I searched really hard for something) was that the Stolichnaya they served with my huge portion of sevruga caviar wasn't quite cold enough. Next time, I'll know to have the champagne instead.

The seating, even in coach, takes into account that most of their flights are long-haul, so it's comfortable, while business is very comfortable and first is downright luxurious.

(edited to correct typo)

[This message has been edited by greggwiggins (edited 01-03-2002).]