Starting a solitary journey can be a really reviving experience. When you do go out by yourself, it is frequently preferable to have your own private place so you will not have to worry about bumping into random people.
This guide will help you find the best business class seats that are designed with solitary travelers in mind. We will first go over the characteristics of the best business class seats for solo travelers, then we will give you our professional picks for the best ones.
Now let us get started!
What Makes a Business Class Seat Great for Solo Travelers?
First and foremost, a superior long-haul business class seat should be able to recline fully, transforming into a comfortable lie-flat bed in the sky.
While inflight entertainment, storage space, and the availability of USB ports are significant considerations, the utmost essential requirement is for the seat to provide isolation from fellow passengers.
Achieving this isolation is typically accomplished through thoughtful design elements such as well-designed shells, raised partitions, sliding suite doors, and other physical features commonly referred to as the “hard product.”
Not every airline possesses an exclusive hard product; some may offer similar or identical seats to their business class clientele. In such cases, the differentiating factor between two business class offerings lies in the “soft product,” which encompasses the quality of food and beverage options, amenities, service, and access to lounges.
The 21 Best Business Class Seats for Solo Travelers
A multitude of exceptional business class seats for solo travelers can be discovered among the airlines that are widely recognized as the best in the world. This should hardly be astonishing since these premier airlines consistently allocate substantial investments towards enhancing the journeys of all passengers, particularly those occupying premium cabins.
Without any delay, let us now look into our preferred business class seats tailored for solo travelers!
- Qatar Airways Qsuite
Qatar Airways’ Qsuite is the supreme business class offering globally, encompassing an unsurpassed commitment to delivering an exceptional experience for premium travelers. Introduced in 2017, this product remains the ultimate choice for solo adventurers. Each Qsuite has sliding doors that enclose your suite, elevated partitions for heightened privacy, and opulent finishes.
Certain seats feature a side table strategically positioned between you and the aisle, adding an extra touch of seclusion. While the seat measures 21.5 inches in width, it provides ample space with an impressive lie-flat bed length exceeding 79 inches.
The Qsuite experience includes exquisite amenities by The White Company and BRIC, delightful inflight culinary offerings, luxurious bedding, exceptional all-around service, and readily available award bookings, solidifying its status as a remarkable product.
- ANA 777-300ER “The Room” Business Class
The Room, the newest iteration of ANA’s premier business class product, is properly titled to reflect its exceptional spaciousness, which ranks it among the most opulent business class suites globally.
Sliding doors firstly guarantee your complete seclusion from the rest of the cabin. This entitles you to exclusive use of a magnificent 35-inch seat width, 53-inch seat pitch, and 72-inch bed length, providing you with plenty of room for relaxation.
Surprisingly, this business class product’s shoulder-width, at 36 inches, is wider than Cathay Pacific’s first class, making it remarkably generous. However, taller people can find the bed a little uncomfortable because of its relatively small length.
However, The Room provides a peaceful and spacious pod to unwind in, in addition to elegant Japanese food, first-rate service, and a pleasant array of amenities. Although every seat has easy aisle access, we strongly advise single travelers to take a window seat.
- British Airways New Club Suite
British Airways is undergoing a significant transformation of its business class product, addressing previous criticisms of cramped spaces and dense 2-4-2 seating arrangements on certain aircraft.
However, there’s no need to fret. Introducing the brand-new Club Suite product across BA’s fleet is truly remarkable. These revamped seats adopt a modified reverse herringbone design with sliding doors. Each seat provides direct aisle access and reclines fully to create a comfortable bed.
Furthermore, the upholstery has received a sleek and plush upgrade. If you’re traveling solo, reserving a window seat is highly recommended as it offers both privacy from the cabin and breathtaking views on the other side.
In addition to the vastly improved seating, you can anticipate a satisfying dining experience, enhanced lounge facilities on the ground, and ample availability of award bookings. The overall transformation promises a rejuvenated and enjoyable journey with British Airways.
- JetBlue Mint Throne Suite
JetBlue boasts an exceptional business class product that ranks at the pinnacle among U.S. airlines. Despite being classified as a low-cost carrier, this New York-based airline provides an extraordinary business class experience called Mint, specifically designed to cater to seasoned solo travelers.
JetBlue’s seat arrangement in Mint alternates between rows with a 2-2 configuration and a 1-1 configuration, resulting in a few coveted “throne seats” within each cabin. These throne seats are spacious business class suites, occupying the same area as two standard seats. They are equipped with individual sliding doors, direct aisle access, and the ability to recline into a fully flat position.
Each throne seat boasts a generous width of 22 inches, a pitch of 60 inches, and extends to a length of 80 inches when transformed into a bed.
This exceptional experience includes a delectable tapas-style food and beverage program, amenities provided by Hayward, and competitive pricing if you can be flexible with your travel dates.
Regrettably, JetBlue does not offer ground lounge access, but rest assured, the onboard service is consistently excellent!
- Malaysia Airlines Business Suite
Malaysia Airlines originally introduced a distinctive first class product on its new Airbus A350 aircraft. However, the airline has since rebranded these seats and now refers to them as “Business Suites.”
The primary impact of this rebranding is primarily focused on the hard product. The Business Suites offer a more luxurious experience than the “regular” business class, while the soft product remains quite similar.
The Business Suites cabin is exceptionally intimate, comprising just one row of lie-flat seats. Arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, all seats provide direct aisle access. In contrast, the “regular” business class cabin consists of 35 seats arranged in an alternating 1-2-1 and 1-2-2 layout. All seats in both cabins can recline fully flat.
The exclusive Business Suites feature side tables, sliding doors, and intricate stitching. They have a width of 23 inches and a length of 83 inches when fully reclined. Additionally, passengers can enjoy enhanced bedding, high-end Champagne, caviar service, and cooked-to-order meals.
Overall, the Business Suites provide an elevated and indulgent experience, ensuring a luxurious journey with Malaysia Airlines.
- Korean Air Apex Suite
Korean Air’s fleet encompasses a diverse range of aircraft and a somewhat perplexing assortment of business class products. However, the airline’s most exceptional offering is known as Prestige Suites, built upon the renowned Apex Suites seat design.
Each of these suites measures 21 inches in width and extends to a length of 80 inches when fully reclined. Of particular significance, window suites feature a partition that can be lowered, ensuring complete isolation from neighboring passengers.
Prestige Suites provide direct aisle access and ample legroom, courtesy of the generously sized ottoman. Passengers will also appreciate the presence of a large entertainment screen offering a satisfying array of content, delectable dining options encompassing both Korean and Western flavors, and attentive service.
While the product boasts several strengths, it’s worth noting that the lounges may not be particularly impressive, and securing desirable redemptions through frequent flyer partners can pose challenges. However, rest assured that there are ways to overcome these minor drawbacks!
- Japan Airlines Apex Suite
Japan Airlines also features the remarkable Apex Suites in its business class, presenting another excellent example of this seating configuration. The aircraft you fly on will determine whether you encounter a 2-2-2 or 2-3-2 layout.
Do not be deterred by the higher seat density, as this product ensures ample privacy and an exceptional overall experience, particularly if you seek a spacious and roomy seat.
Each suite provides direct aisle access, with a seat width of 25.5 inches and approximately 74 inches of both pitch and bed length. The window seats are truly exceptional, offering a near-complete separation from the rest of the cabin, nestled discreetly behind the aisle suite.
You will find an abundance of legroom for stretching out, complemented by a fantastic dining program featuring a combination of Japanese and Western options. The amenities are of superior quality, accompanied by the signature Japanese hospitality that adds an extra touch of excellence to the journey.
- Oman Air Apex Suite
Oman Air, a smaller yet captivating airline in the Middle East, boasts a fleet equipped with luxurious seats that are sure to impress. Specifically, on select flagship routes, the airline offers a business class cabin featuring cutting-edge Apex Suites.
The attention-grabbing suites exhibit diamond stitching and high-end upholstery, evoking a sensation akin to being inside a luxurious sports car rather than an aircraft. Arranged in a 2-2-2 configuration, these Apex Suites provide 23 inches of seat width and a generous recline length of 80 inches.
Among the seats, the optimal choices are the window seats marked as “A” and “K,” offering enhanced privacy. With the privacy partition in place, you’ll feel enveloped in your own private suite, shielded from the aisle and foot traffic.
Rest assured, direct aisle access is available; even the aisle seats recline fully to a flat position. Regardless of your seat selection, you’ll enjoy a selection of posh amenities, delightful Mediterranean dining options, and excellent service throughout your journey.
- Gulf Air Apex Suite
Based in Bahrain, Gulf Air is an often overlooked airline offering an exceptional business class product on its new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
When you have the pleasure of flying Gulf Air business class, you’ll be greeted by elegantly-designed Apex Suites arranged in a 2-2-2 configuration, providing direct aisle access and lie-flat seats.
On the 787-9 aircraft, Falcon Gold business class seats offer an impressive width of 36 inches and stretch out to a generous 83 inches in bed mode. Like Oman Air, the coveted “A” and “K” seats provide a secluded experience away from the aisles, adjacent to the windows.
The overall experience ticks all the right boxes, even though the airline traditionally places a greater emphasis on Western-style catering rather than Middle Eastern cuisine. Nevertheless, you can expect high-quality amenities, an Arabic coffee and date tradition, and outstanding service throughout your journey.
- Delta One Suite
Delta’s highly acclaimed business class offering, Delta One Suites, receives abundant praise for its exceptional features. Sporting a generous 1-2-1 layout, lie-flat seats, sliding doors, direct aisle access from every seat, and the reliability of a renowned brand, there are numerous compelling reasons to choose this cabin.
Delta One Suites are essentially modified Thompson Vantage XL seats, all positioned forward-facing and equipped with an individual arm table. The sliding doors already ensure a high level of privacy, and the presence of side tables between the aisle and select window seats further enhances the sense of seclusion.
Each seat spans 24 inches in width and extends to a length of 78 inches when in lie-flat mode. Notably, the seat width contributes significantly to the overall feeling of spaciousness. Additionally, Delta One offers commendable amenities, generally delicious food (particularly on U.S. to Asia flights), and attentive cabin crews.
Some common criticisms of Delta One Suites include the underwhelming wine selection, occasional difficulty in finding award availability at reasonable prices, and subpar noise-canceling headphones.
- Aeroflot’s New Business Class
Believe it or not, Aeroflot presents not one, but two brand-new flagship business-class products. Although both options are highly recommended, it’s important to note that they differ.
Aboard Aeroflot’s new Airbus A350 aircraft, you’ll discover a suites product reminiscent of Qatar Airways’ Qsuite (without the ability to create “quad pods” for groups of four). Meanwhile, on their new Boeing 777 aircraft, you’ll encounter reverse herringbone seats with doors, resembling British Airways’ new Club Suite.
Regardless of the aircraft, you’ll relish the sliding door feature and ample privacy, with the reverse herringbone seats generally considered more secluded due to their angled position away from the aisle.
Each seat offers a lie-flat configuration, direct aisle access, and is accompanied by Aeroflot’s commendable soft product. Award availability may be limited, but reasonably priced business class fares for connecting flights are often available for those paying out of pocket.
- United Polaris Business Class
United Airlines, a well-known name among U.S. travelers, offers its flagship business class product under the name Polaris. Available on various long-haul aircraft, Polaris seats may not feature sliding doors, but they boast a visually appealing design that provides ample privacy.
Opting for a window seat grants the additional benefit of a side table separating you from the aisle. Moreover, these window seats are positioned towards the back of the surrounding “shell,” ensuring maximum privacy.
The large and vibrant inflight entertainment system ensures an engaging experience throughout the flight, while the Saks Fifth Avenue bedding and Sunday Riley amenities contribute to your comfort onboard.
One drawback of the Polaris experience has traditionally been the catering, which generally aligns with most U.S. airlines. Additionally, the service can be inconsistent at times.
- EVA Air Business Class
EVA Air’s Royal Laurel business class product offers an extraordinary experience overall. The Taiwan-based airline presents reverse herringbone seats arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, providing a remarkable level of privacy despite the absence of sliding doors. These seats are cleverly angled away from the aisle, enhancing the sense of seclusion. Each business class seat measures 26 inches in width, making them approximately 4 inches wider than comparable reverse herringbone seats, and stretches to a length of 78 inches when converted into a bed.
What truly sets EVA Air’s business class apart is the exceptional service, culinary offerings, beverages, and amenities reminiscent of first class rather than business class. Passengers are treated to pajamas, high-end Champagne, delectable catering by Din Tai Fung, and outstanding service on every flight. And, of course, don’t forget to keep those Rimowa and Salvatore Ferragamo amenity kits as cherished souvenirs.
- Air Canada Signature Business Class
Air Canada’s business class, known as Signature Class, exudes a bright and airy ambiance that embodies mid-century modern luxury. The cabin features lie-flat, reverse herringbone seats, ensuring direct aisle access for all passengers.
Consistently delivering a commendable business class experience, Air Canada prioritizes passenger comfort. The seats offer a width of 21 inches and range from approximately 75 to 80 inches in length when transformed into a bed, varying depending on the aircraft.
With a 1-2-1 seat configuration, window seats are particularly desirable for solo travelers. However, a motorized partition can be raised to provide extra privacy for those seated in the middle next to another passenger.
Air Canada consistently provides excellent service, crisp inflight entertainment monitors, bedding that includes a mattress pad for enhanced comfort, and favorable availability of award bookings on long-haul flights, especially to and from Montréal.
- China Airlines Business Class
China Airlines, based in Taiwan and distinct from Mainland China, offers a remarkable business class product that stands out in its own right. In the realm of business class excellence, China Airlines engages in a cross-town rivalry with EVA Air, which also offers one of the finest business class experiences worldwide.
Across its long-haul aircraft, China Airlines predominantly features reverse herringbone seats arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, providing direct aisle access and the convenience of lie-flat capabilities. The airline takes pride in its delectable food and beverage offerings and provides solid amenity kits from The North Face. The cabin crew delivers exceptional service, further enhancing the overall experience for passengers.
- Air France Business Class
Air France offers an excellent business class experience on most of its aircraft. It features reverse herringbone seats in a 1-2-1 layout, delectable French cuisine, and abundant award availability, it is a product well worth experiencing.
Each well-cushioned business class seat provides direct aisle access and can be reclined fully to a lie-flat position. The window seats are highly recommended for solo travelers, as they offer enhanced privacy.
The culinary offerings in terms of food and beverages rank among the best in Europe, and the amenities provided are equally delightful.
- Turkish Airlines 787 Business Class
Turkish Airlines introduces uniquely designed business class seats exclusively on its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. These seats are modified Stelia Aerospace business class seats, the same type utilized by Singapore Airlines on their new Boeing 787-10 aircraft. This represents a significant upgrade compared to their previous business class product, which featured forward-facing seats arranged in a 2-3-2 or 2-2-2 configuration.
While there are no doors, each seat provides direct aisle access (a notable improvement over their older offerings), along with a comfortable width of 20 inches, a generous pitch of 44 inches, and a bed length of 76 inches.
The even-numbered “A” and “K” seats offer the highest level of privacy as they are positioned flush against the window, away from the aisle. However, even if those seats are not available, the design of the shell provides a relatively private experience.
Turkish Airlines receives significant acclaim for its lounges, inflight catering, and the availability of award bookings. One drawback of this seat design is its narrow width, which may pose challenges for larger travelers seeking optimal comfort.
- Cathay Pacific Business Class
Cathay Pacific, a renowned name in the aviation industry based in Hong Kong, boasts a prestigious reputation. Presently, their long-haul business class product exclusively features reverse herringbone seats.
As expected, these seats recline fully flat and offer direct aisle access, thanks to their 1-2-1 arrangement. Seat dimensions range from 20 to 21 inches in width and 75 to 81 inches in length when transformed into a bed.
Cathay Pacific’s long-haul aircraft typically offer spacious business-class cabins, facilitating the redemption of points and miles for these flights, even for small families.
However, recent criticism has arisen regarding Cathay Pacific’s business class product, with some describing it as “cookie-cutter” and lacking the personalization it once had. Nonetheless, the seats remain comfortable, the amenities have improved, and the availability of award is consistently reliable.
- KLM New World Business Class
KLM has introduced a remarkable new business class product that offers a significant improvement in terms of privacy. Previously, the airline featured forward-facing seats arranged in a 2-2-2 configuration (or 2-2 on the upper deck of their Boeing 747 aircraft). However, their latest product found on select Boeing 787 Dreamliners presents a reverse herringbone seat, representing a substantial upgrade from their older planes.
These seats boast a width of approximately 20.5 inches, offering 42 inches of pitch and a bed length of 77 inches when fully reclined. While slightly narrower compared to some competitors, it remains a favorable choice for flights to and from Amsterdam.
Award availability may vary, so it can be hit-or-miss. Service has shown improvement in recent years, although it’s still worth noting. The amenities provided are decent, and the food served is of solid quality. Don’t forget to take home a souvenir Delft Blue house to commemorate your journey!
- Emirates New A380 Business Class
We couldn’t wrap up this guide without mentioning Emirates, so here we are! Let’s look into the penultimate product, Emirates’ newly revamped A380 business class seat.
Exclusively available on selected A380 aircraft, these forward-facing seats are staggered, featuring personal side tables and offering direct aisle access from every seat. Naturally, they recline to a fully flat position for optimal comfort.
As an extravagant airline, Emirates goes above and beyond by providing a personal minibar in business class, indulgent amenities by Bvlgari, and delectable cuisine. We recommend booking a window seat for solo travelers seeking enhanced privacy, as the aisle seats may feel less secluded in this configuration.
However, it’s important to note that Emirates’ business class product falls short of their opulent first class experience. Additionally, redeeming points for this class can be quite costly, and the onboard Wi-Fi tends to be slow.
- American Airlines Flagship Business Class
American Airlines’ Flagship Business class is the final product we’ll discuss, but it shouldn’t be disregarded if you’re seeking a reliable business class experience as a solo traveler.
American’s business class showcases reverse herringbone seats arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration. The specific seat type may vary depending on the aircraft. Generally, you can expect a seat width of approximately 20 to 22 inches, along with 60 inches of pitch and a fully flat bed length of 78 inches when reclined.
Regrettably, the highlights end there, as the service can be inconsistent, the food falls below expectations, and award availability is often challenging to secure.
Wrap Up
Several choices are available for lone passengers who want to fly business class. There has never been a better moment to be a client because airlines passionately vied for your business.
We have thoroughly reviewed the best business class seats designed for lone passengers. Given the location and form of the chairs, our attention was particularly on those that offered the greatest degree of privacy.
We understand that the business class experience is more than just the seat. Because of this, we also looked at the advantages and disadvantages of each airline’s soft product offers. Thanks to this extensive information, you are now prepared to confidently reserve your next business class journey as a lone traveler!
