Flying in Business Class is a dream for many travelers, as it offers a luxurious and comfortable flying experience that makes the journey itself an enjoyable part of the trip.
From gourmet food to flat-bed seats and attentive service, Business Class cabins can make a long-haul flight feel like a breeze. With so many airlines offering Business Class, it can be difficult to know which ones provide the best experience. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top 10 airlines in the world for long-haul Business Class.
- QATAR AIRWAYS Qatar Airways has taken Business Class to an entirely new level of luxury and style with its QSuite product. The QSuite features Business Class suites with sliding doors, double beds, and adjustable panels, allowing passengers to create their own private room or transform their space into a four-person suite. The QSuites are designed with Italian leather and rose gold finishing. Qatar Airways also launched a new food and beverage concept to complement the customisable seating experience. The QSuite is only available on selected routes and aircraft, such as the A350-1000s and some retrofitted B777s and A350-900s.
- ETIHAD AIRWAYS Etihad Airways offers a unique Business Class experience that sets it apart from the usual offering. The Business Studios on its A380s and 787 Dreamliners are designed to be versatile and stylish, with a unique dovetail layout featuring both forward and rear-facing seats, allowing for a sense of spaciousness and ease of movement. The seats, which are made by Poltrona Frau, are 22 inches wide and can be converted into a comfortable fully flat bed that is up to 6 feet and 8 inches long. The cabin also provides ample storage space, with a concealed storage, a meal table, and a separate large side table that can be used for personal items. Etihad Airways’ A380s also feature a lounge that can seat up to six guests and is equipped with seatbelts, power supply, and connectivity ports. However, the Business Class experience on Etihad Airways’ A330, A320, and B777 planes is not as luxurious as on its A380s and 787 Dreamliners.
- EMIRATES. Emirates’ Business Class experience is heavily reliant on the spacious and comfortable Airbus A380 aircraft, which is used on major international routes. The Business Class cabin has a staggered 1-2-1 configuration that ensures every passenger has direct aisle access and a considerable amount of privacy. Window seats are perfect for solo travelers, while center seats are better for couples traveling together. Emirates’ A380 also offers a large selection of inflight entertainment and amenity kits, as well as a well-appointed bar on the upper deck. The airline’s ground service also matches the in-flight experience, with services such as a chauffeur service and a large Dubai lounge. However, the Business Class cabins on most of Emirates’ Boeing 777s are laid out in a 2-3-2 configuration without direct aisle access for all passengers, which is not as good as the experience offered on their Airbus A380 fleet.
- EVA AIR. EVA Air’s Business Class, known as Royal Laurel Class, promises a peaceful and restful journey for passengers. The airline’s B777s and B787s are equipped with reverse herringbone seats in a 1-2-1 layout, providing ample space and privacy. Each seat can be converted into a fully flat bed that is approximately 82 inches (2 meters) long, allowing passengers to sleep comfortably on long-haul flights. The cabin also includes practical features such as a shoe cabinet, cocktail table, and a jacket hanging space. Passengers are provided with exclusive amenity kits, noise-canceling headphones, Fiji water, and delicious cuisine from around the world. EVA Air goes the extra mile by offering comfortable pajamas, making it one of the few airlines to provide such a service in Business Class.
- ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS (ANA) All Nippon Airways (ANA), the largest airline in Japan, has partnered with renowned architect Kengo Kuma and top British designers Acumen to create a completely redesigned Business Class for their Boeing 777-300ER aircraft used for long-haul flights. The new seat design, called “THE Room,” is inspired by modern Japanese living spaces and features flexible doors that can be adjusted for privacy or opened to share the space with fellow passengers. THE Room is designed with a forward and rearward seat layout, providing one of the most spacious Business Class seating environments in the world, with a wide sofa that is double the width of previous Business Class seating. The seat design also emphasizes minimalism and organization, with discreet compartments for personal belongings, all accented with deep blue hues.
- SINGAPORE AIRLINES Singapore Airlines is renowned for its luxurious in-flight experience, and it continues to deliver. The carrier’s Business Class seats on its A350 and B777 aircraft are the world’s widest at 30 inches (75 cm), although some find them too spacious. The four-abreast (1-2-1) configuration is designed by JPA and provides each passenger direct access to the aisle. The airline’s new Business Class seat, introduced in 2017 on its A380 aircraft and designed to create a more private and cocoon-like environment, has a large back shell on every seat. The center divider can be fully lowered to form double beds, making the two center seats perfect for families or couples traveling together. Singapore Airlines’ food and beverage service is also outstanding, with a selection of menus curated by renowned chefs from around the world, providing a fine dining experience in the sky. Singapore Airlines Website
- DELTA. Delta Air Lines introduced a new Business Class cabin in 2017, which features a sliding door at each suite, offering passengers a private space with personalized storage areas, advanced in-flight entertainment, and luxurious finishes. Delta One, the international Business Class cabin, provides chef-curated meals, wine pairings, Westin in-flight bedding, TUMI amenity kits, and in-flight loungewear on select flights. However, the Delta One suite is currently only available on Delta’s A350 and A330neo aircraft, which operate selected routes. While Delta refurbished some of its older Boeing 777s before retiring its entire B777 fleet due to the pandemic, the experience on those planes is less impressive compared to the A350 and A330neo.
- VIRGIN ATLANTIC Virgin Atlantic offers a luxurious experience in their Business Class, known as ‘Upper Class’, for both leisure and business travelers. The airline has recently added new Airbus A350-1000 planes to its fleet, with an entirely redesigned Upper Class product. The suites are arranged in a 1-2-1 layout, facing towards the window, and each one features deployable privacy screens. The suites are designed to transform from an upright seat to a bed effortlessly. The Upper Class suites also come with an 18.5″ in-flight entertainment screen, which can be controlled using the passengers’ own device. The aircraft also features The Loft, a new bar area and the largest social space on Virgin Atlantic’s fleet, where passengers can gather, enjoy drinks and dine with friends. Virgin Atlantic has ordered 12 Airbus A350-1000 planes, and they will be introduced into the fleet by the end of the year.
- CATHAY PACIFIC. Cathay Pacific, based in Hong Kong, offers a reliable Business Class product that boasts a flat-bed with a length of over 82 inches or 2 meters. To provide more hip support, the bed extension increases its width by 6.5 inches or 16.5 cm, while the side storage compartment offers additional knee space for sleeping on your side. You can choose to leave the armrest up or down for more privacy or space while sleeping. Cathay’s Business Class seat is the same as those on American Airlines, Finnair, and Air France, but the carrier distinguishes itself with superior customer service, exceptional lounges, crew training, and award-winning cuisine, while maintaining a competitive price point. The airline’s newest Business Class seat is on the A350 planes, but it is a refreshed design of Cathay’s ‘old’ Business Class product found on its B777 and A330 planes. Note that Cathay’s excellent Business Class product is not available on some B777 planes with a regional configuration, so plan your travel accordingly.
- BRITISH AIRWAYS British Airways was a pioneer in the Business Class market with its Club World product, introducing the first fully lie-flat seat and a unique “Ying/Yang” seat plan over 20 years ago. Although the seat design may be outdated compared to other airlines, British Airways remains a popular choice for long-haul travel due to its consistent product across its wide-body fleet and the high level of privacy offered by the seats (provided you don’t end up on the aisle). British Airways has also made significant improvements to its onboard offerings in recent years, including upgraded catering from DO&CO, luxurious bedding, and stylish amenity kits that rival the best in the industry. The airline’s new suite concept, introduced in 2019 on its A350 planes, features direct-aisle access, suite doors for greater privacy, luxurious flat-bed seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, larger inflight entertainment screens, and 40% more storage space per seat, including a vanity unit and mirror.
Interesting: Maximizing Productivity: Turning Business Class Travel into an Office in the Sky
In conclusion, choosing the best business-class airline for your next trip can make a significant difference in your overall travel experience.
From the comfortable seats to the exceptional service and amenities, the airlines listed above have earned their place as some of the best in the industry. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious and exclusive experience or a more budget-friendly option, there is something for everyone.
Consider the factors that are most important to you, such as seat comfort, food and beverage options, in-flight entertainment, and lounge access, and choose an airline that meets your needs. With so many great options to choose from, you’re sure to have a memorable and enjoyable journey.
Find your Business Class Flights here!
