With the increasing trend of airlines eliminating international first-class cabins while improving their international business class offerings, it is no surprise that the competition for business-class passengers has intensified.
Airlines have gone to great lengths to create the most luxurious business class experience possible, and travelers are reaping the rewards of this intense rivalry. Prepare to yearn for the comfort of an airplane seat as we present the list of the top 15 international business class airlines!
We must note that this ranking is subjective and based on our own opinions. Extensive industry research has been conducted to compile this guide, including firsthand experiences of various products. Additionally, we have sought the input of fellow travelers, especially when it comes to products we have yet to experience personally.
What Makes an International Business Class Airline Great?
In most cases, the transition from economy to business class primarily revolves around one crucial factor: the seat. While economy class provides a standard seat, business class offers the luxury of a bed.
The primary motivation for many travelers choosing business class is the comfort of having a bed to rest in during the flight. While food, amenity kits, and lounge access can influence the overall experience, arriving at your destination well-rested plays a pivotal role in your satisfaction.
With this in mind, we considered the following aspects when determining each ranking:
- Hard product: This includes seat size and comfort, amenities, inflight monitor, cabin configuration, privacy, and other related factors.
- Soft product: We considered the quality of food and beverages, the provision of amenity kits, and the level of service and attentiveness.
- Lounge and ground experience: We evaluated the amenities and services provided in the lounges and the overall ground experience.
- Award pricing and availability: The accessibility and value of redeeming awards for business class were also considered.
The 25 Best International Business Class Airlines and Cabins
Qatar Airways QSuite
Qatar Airways QSuites surpass all expectations, delivering an exceptional business class experience and more! Not only are QSuites an outstanding choice for solo travelers, but they also excel in catering to families.
Immerse yourself in the luxury of QSuites, which offer superb bedding and amenities from The White Company and BRIC. Qatar Airways sets a new standard with a fully lie-flat seat granting direct aisle access, along with remarkable catering and unparalleled service.
The QSuites boast a seat width of 21.5″ and a length of 79″ when transformed into a comfortable bed. Although slightly smaller than Singapore Airlines’ business class seat, the bedding provided by Qatar Airways will make you feel like you’re drifting off on a cloud.
Additional features include sliding doors to enhance privacy, ample storage compartments, and technologically advanced seats with convenient “Do Not Disturb” signs. The most remarkable feature is that the middle QSuites can be transformed into a four-person cabin, perfect for group travelers!
EVA Air
EVA Air’s business class product, also known as “Royal Laurel,” is undeniably one of the most underrated in the world. Personally experiencing EVA Air business class, I can confidently say that I had an exceptional journey without any complaints.
The seats are thoughtfully arranged in a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone configuration, ensuring exceptional privacy. Each business class seat boasts a remarkable width of 26″ and an impressive pitch of 81″-87″, with a bed length of 78″. Compared to the typical 20″-22″ width of reverse herringbone seats, EVA Air provides an exceptionally spacious experience.
Moreover, EVA Air takes pride in offering exquisite Taiwanese catering, featuring delectable pork dumplings from Din Tai Fung alongside a wide array of delectable Western dishes. Additionally, travelers can pre-select their meals through EVA Air’s convenient “Book The Cook” service.
The comfort of the bed in EVA Air’s business class is truly remarkable, complemented by the provision of luxurious pajamas from Apujan, a renowned London-based designer label. Furthermore, EVA Air goes above and beyond by providing Rimowa/Salvatore Ferragamo amenity kits, making them one of the few airlines offering pajamas and Rimowa amenity kits in business class.
Remarkably, EVA Air boasts exceptional award availability as a Star Alliance carrier. When it comes to EVA Air, there is very little to complain about, which is precisely why we admire their commitment to excellence.
Delta One Suites
We are enthusiastic supporters of Delta One Suites (take a look at our review of the Shanghai to Los Angeles route). These suites feature Thompson Vantage XL seats equipped with sliding doors, providing the utmost privacy during your journey.
While Delta One Suites are renowned for their advanced technology and considerate design, it’s important to note that the seats are relatively narrow, measuring 21″ in width. Additionally, the aisles are narrower, which may cause discomfort if you are prone to feeling claustrophobic.
The highlights of Delta One include a stunning Tumi amenity kit stocked with wellness products from Kiehl’s, sumptuous Westin Heavenly bedding, and an initially comfortable seat.
Overall, Delta One checks off most of the boxes (although the lounge experience is currently limited to Delta Sky Clubs). It’s worth mentioning that the availability of Delta One Suites routes is currently restricted, so if you’re keen on experiencing them, it’s advisable to confirm whether your intended flight offers Delta One Suites.
Singapore Airlines “New” A380 Business Class
Singapore Airlines has unveiled its newly revitalized A380 business class, providing a much-needed update to their premium cabin offerings since its last introduction in 2006.
One noteworthy feature of Singapore Airlines’ new A380 is the inclusion of double beds in business class, similar to the Qatar Airways QSuites we discussed earlier. This enhancement adds a touch of luxury and comfort to the travel experience.
Expect significant technological upgrades with this new Singapore Airlines business class product on the A380. This includes blazingly fast Wi-Fi, an impressive 18″ inflight monitor with exceptional entertainment options, and their renowned Book The Cook service.
One drawback of these new business class seats is the small footwell space. However, this issue can be mitigated by selecting bulkhead seats. Additionally, it’s worth noting that Singapore Airlines does not provide amenity kits in business class, which may be considered a minor inconvenience.
These new business class seats are only available on select routes, which can be a limitation if you’re specifically seeking to experience them.
ANA
ANA business class is renowned for embodying Japanese hospitality and culture. The business class seats are arranged in a staggered 1-2-1 configuration, ensuring direct aisle access and fully lie-flat beds for every passenger. Each seat offers a generous width of 21″ and a pitch of 62″, providing a comfortable and spacious travel experience.
In line with a premium business class product, ANA delivers a comfortable sleeping surface, high-quality bedding, delectable Japanese cuisine, ample footwell space, and a large inflight monitor. You can also expect to receive a decent business class amenity kit, likely featuring products from L’Occitane. However, it may not be as extensive as the ones offered by EVA Air.
You’ll be treated to genuine service throughout your flight, reflecting ANA’s commitment to excellence. The main drawback is that the seat design may be considered relatively “dated” compared to newer products like QSuites.
However, from a practical standpoint, ANA ensures an exceptional business class experience, with minor shortcomings limited to aspects such as a narrower range of inflight movie options.
Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific’s business class product has maintained a consistent design for quite some time. Their reverse herringbone seats are arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, offering privacy and style. Each seat measures 21″ in width and provides a comfortable pitch/bed length of 81″ on their 777 aircraft.
The cabin layout ensures a high level of privacy, and Cathay Pacific’s attention to stylish cabin finishes adds to the overall aesthetic. While Jurlique amenity kits accompany the lie-flat seats, it’s worth noting that the bedding may not be exceptional, as it includes a pillow and comforter but lacks a mattress pad.
Food in Cathay Pacific’s business class is generally quite decent, featuring Hong Kong classics such as dim sum, wonton noodles, and seafood chow mein (海鲜炒面). Your inflight entertainment options will be extensive, and you’ll have ample storage space at your seat. Additionally, noise-canceling headphones are provided for maximum comfort.
Cathay Pacific offers various business class products, which you can explore further in our comprehensive guide to Cathay Pacific U.S. routes. Don’t forget to experience the Cathay Pacific Lounges in Hong Kong for an added touch of luxury during your journey!
Air France 777
While Asian airlines are renowned for their exceptional service, there are solid business class options available on European airlines as well. Regarding transatlantic travel, Air France stands out as a top choice.
Among the various business class products offered by Air France, their 777 business class (excluding the ATL-CDG 3-class 777) features a reverse herringbone layout that justifies investing your hard-earned points. This configuration follows a 1-2-1 setup, providing seats that are 21.5″ wide and offer a pitch of 61″.
Introduced in 2014, the seats themselves are relatively new. Although no mattress pad or pajamas are provided on this flight, the duvet and pillow are plush. Expect your amenity kit to include Clarins toiletries, adding a touch of luxury. The food served onboard tends to be exceptionally tasty, reflecting the exquisite French cuisine for which Air France is renowned.
While award availability for these routes is remarkable, it’s important to note that the award pricing can vary significantly. Air France/KLM Flying Blue employs a “variable award pricing” calculator, meaning that U.S.-to-Europe business class awards can range from 53,000 miles to an eye-popping 212,500 miles one-way.
Singapore Airlines 777-300ER
On select nonstop routes to and from the U.S., Singapore Airlines operates the 777-300ER aircraft. The seats in Singapore Airlines’ 777 business class are exceptionally spacious, measuring a remarkable 28″ width.
Passengers can enjoy incredibly crisp inflight entertainment screens, impeccable service, generous storage space, and the renowned “Book The Cook” service. However, it’s worth noting that Singapore Airlines does not provide business class amenity kits.
The seat design itself has some unique features. You must flip the seat over to convert it into a fully lie-flat bed. Additionally, the footwell space is relatively small, and you may need to adjust your body position to accommodate your legs, unless you secure the sought-after bulkhead seats.
Air New Zealand
Although New Zealand may not be the most easily accessible destination, especially for U.S. travelers, Air New Zealand has you covered with its exceptional business class product, available on routes to and from the U.S. operated by their 777 and 787 aircraft.
The business class seats 777 feature a spacious herringbone configuration of 1-2-1, providing ample room for travelers. On the 787, the seats are the same but offer an incredibly private 1-1-1 configuration. Regardless of the aircraft, all business class seats are 22″ wide, with a pitch ranging from 79″ to 80″, and when transformed into a bed, they measure 79.5″ in length.
Air New Zealand ensures a comfortable and luxurious experience for its business class passengers.
The lie-flat seat design in Air New Zealand’s business class requires the assistance of a flight attendant for conversion, which can be a minor inconvenience. However, you are provided with a mattress topper, pillow, and duvet to enhance your comfort on long flights.
Air New Zealand’s unique amenity kit stands out as it features Antipodes amenities and doubles as an iPad case. Moreover, the airline has gained a reputation for having exceptionally cheerful flight crews, adding to the overall positive experience.
One drawback is that the seats are somewhat dated, and the 12″ inflight entertainment screen is relatively small. However, the monitors can be adjusted and popped out, allowing you to enjoy television shows or movies while reclined.
Regarding availability, it can be challenging as only a limited number of dates throughout the year offer business class seats for redemption, which can be disappointing for travelers seeking flexibility.
Etihad A380 Business Studio
Despite its financial challenges, Etihad Airways, renowned for its luxurious First Class Apartments and the exclusive Etihad Residence, remains one of the limited options for flying to the Middle East from the U.S.
Etihad utilizes its premium business class product, the Business Studio, on their 787s and A380s. The seats are arranged in a staggered 1-2-1 configuration, alternating between forward and backward-facing rows.
In the Business Studio, the seats measure 20″ in width on the A380 and 22″ in width on the 787, offering a generous bed length and pitch of up to 78″. Noteworthy features include a comfortable seat and bedding, excellent service, a dine-on-demand menu, provided pajamas, great inflight entertainment, and decent Wi-Fi connectivity.
However, the primary complaint regarding Etihad’s business class tends to be the food. Despite being a well-rounded business class product, the culinary offerings are often considered average. Additionally, with limited routes featuring the Business Studio and less-than-stellar award pricing, this product ranks towards the lower end of our list.
Oman Air 787 Apex Suites
Even if you’re unfamiliar with Oman Air, one thing worth noting is that their business class, particularly their 787 Apex Suites business class, is truly exceptional. The seats, configured in a 2-2-2 layout, offer an outstanding level of privacy, especially in the window seats, thanks to partitions, direct aisle access, and lie-flat capability.
In Oman Air’s business class, you’ll experience the luxury of thick bedding, although a mattress topper is not provided. Pajamas and a high-quality Oman Air-branded amenity kit are also included. Additionally, the food and beverage program is known for its delicious offerings.
One drawback of this product is that no direct U.S. routes are available to experience it. The Apex Suites product is only available on limited Oman Air routes. However, if you manage to secure award availability, utilizing Etihad Guest miles for excellent value and a truly fabulous experience is highly recommended.
Air Canada
Air Canada’s premier business class offering, Signature Class, features lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone configuration, a common layout for business class cabins.
Air Canada Signature Class can be described as comfortable. The overall hard product is impressive, and the bedding provided is plush, complete with a mattress pad. However, passengers are required to set up their beds themselves. The seats have a width of 21″ and a length of 75″-78″ in bed mode, which is solid but not exceptional for a reverse herringbone seat.
Air Canada offers reasonably stocked amenity kits, although the brands may vary. The food and beverage options are reportedly tasty and cater to American palates. However, inflight Wi-Fi and pajamas are not provided.
One downside is that award availability on flagship routes is relatively limited, unless you book through Air Canada’s Aeroplan program, which unfortunately incurs significant fuel surcharges that can amount to hundreds of dollars.
Hainan Airlines Reverse Herringbone
Hainan Airlines has recently introduced their impressive new business class product, featuring a reverse herringbone seat configuration in a 1-2-1 layout. This significant upgrade from their previous 2-2-2 business class seating provides a more private experience, particularly with the relatively small cabin size of 30 seats.
While Hainan Airlines has always been known for its exceptional service, introducing this new hard product further elevates their offering. Additionally, the food served on board is delicious, and the airline lives up to its well-deserved reputation as a Skytrax 5-Star Airline.
Hainan Airlines is the top choice when flying a Chinese airline in business class. With a wide range of routes to and from America, especially from cities like Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, and New York, Hainan Airlines offers excellent options for travelers seeking premium air travel experiences.
THAI Air 787-900
THAI Airways presents an interesting scenario regarding their business class offering. While their first class is renowned as one of the best in the world, their business class has historically been somewhat lackluster. However, they have recently introduced new business class seats on their 787-900 aircraft, which bring a fresh perspective to their offering.
These new 1-2-1 reverse herringbone seats are only available on select routes, such as Auckland and Taipei. If you happen to be traveling on these routes, you can expect a seat width of 21″, a pitch of 61″, and a bed length of 77″.
The armrests conveniently lower in bed mode, providing extra room for stretching out and ensuring a comfortable sleeping experience. However, there are some areas where the product falls short, including a small 16″ inflight screen and relatively thin bedding. Nonetheless, the soft product, including the lounge experience in Bangkok, is known to be excellent.
THAI Airways continues to make strides in improving their business class offering. While there are some areas for further enhancement, introducing these new seats demonstrates their commitment to providing a better experience for their passengers.
South African Airways A330
South African Airways boasts some of the most impressive cabin finishes, adding a unique touch to their overall appeal. However, that’s not the only thing that sets them apart. On their new A330-300 aircraft, they feature staggered Thompson Vantage XL seats that offer a width of 24″, a pitch of 45″, and when transformed into a bed, they provide a length of approximately 78″.
South African Airways’ amenity kits are typically well-appointed, featuring Crabtree & Evelyn products. The flight crew is also known for their vibrant personalities, bringing a fun and enjoyable atmosphere on board. The food served in their business class is on par with international standards, offering decent quality without being overly extravagant.
One limitation is that the 15″ inflight monitor cannot be tilted or angled, preventing you from watching movies in a lie-flat position. It’s worth noting that South African Airways does not operate a significant number of these aircraft, so award availability tends to be relatively good, as these routes are often niche with lower demand.
