Most individuals who travel in premium cabins usually have a companion, often a significant other. This is particularly evident when embarking on leisure trips to popular destinations like French Polynesia, the Maldives, or Thailand.
Moreover, the current trends in global air travel indicate a growing preference for business class over first class as time progresses. This shift in competition has led to rapid advancements in the offerings of business-class products.
Airlines continuously strive to win over business class customers by enhancing various aspects such as providing more elegant amenity kits, offering greater personal space, ensuring more comfortable bedding, and serving delectable cuisine.
In this guide, our focus centers on the correlation between business class travel and the couple demographic. Firstly, we will establish the characteristics of an ideal business class seat for couples. Subsequently, you will find a meticulously researched compilation of the finest business class products tailored for couples.
What Makes a Business Class Seat Great for Couples?
When discussing business class, the primary focus for most people is often the seat itself. Business class marks a significant departure from the tier below it, premium economy.
While premium economy provides a seat with slightly more recline compared to regular economy, international business class offers a full lie-flat bed. Business class seats occupy more space on the aircraft, and the difference in comfort between premium economy and business class is substantial.
Consequently, the business class tends to be considerably more expensive than premium economy.
For an exceptional business class experience, a high-quality hard product is crucial. This encompasses the seat, in-flight monitor, and other physical attachments on the aircraft, all contributing to a memorable journey.
In the case of couples, the key attribute in business class is paradoxical: a seat that offers privacy from everyone except your partner. However, it’s important to consider numerous other factors, including the ground experience, amenity kit, service, and food.
The 20 Best Business Class Seats for Couples
As you’ll discover in the following details, a distinct hierarchy exists regarding the quality of business class offerings. Moreover, double beds are no longer exclusive to ultra-expensive first class options like the Etihad Residence.
The intense competition among airlines has spurred them to develop increasingly innovative products.
- Qatar Airways QSuite
The winner of the top business class seats for couples also happens to be the overall best business class: Qatar Airways’ QSuites. These suites are truly exceptional and played a significant role in Qatar Airways being crowned Skytrax Airline of the Year, the most prestigious airline award.
Qatar Airways has always been a pioneer in commercial aviation innovation. In March 2017, they introduced their groundbreaking QSuites, featuring double beds in business class.
Every aspect of this product is sensational, and Qatar Airways is rapidly installing QSuites, making them highly accessible. These seats are perfect for couples as they are one of only two business class options that can convert into a double bed.
Additionally, the QSuites offer BRIC and The White Company amenities, sliding doors for suite privacy, exquisite food and beverages, luxurious bedding, and impeccable service.
With a spacious seat measuring 21.5 inches wide and 79 inches long when fully flat, you have ample personal space. Moreover, numerous QSuites routes are available to/from the U.S., and award availability is incredibly generous.
- Singapore Airlines A380 Business Class
Since Singapore Airlines introduced its first class suites in 2006, airlines have fiercely competed to surpass them. However, Singapore Airlines’ lasting impression and reputation among consumers have been more influential than any specific product.
Recently, Singapore Airlines has been retrofitting its A380 “Superjumbos” with refreshed first class suites boasting the largest footprint worldwide. These remarkable upgrades in first class somewhat overshadowed their improvements in business class.
Singapore Airlines, alongside Qatar Airways, is one of the two airlines offering business class double beds. They also provide technologically advanced aircraft with ultra-HD inflight monitors, fast Wi-Fi, extensive entertainment options, and more.
Moreover, Singapore Airlines offers exceptionally comfortable bedding and personalized food choices through their Book The Cook service. These seats are particularly appealing for couples due to the array of amenities and the option for a double bed.
Award prices are generally high, and bookings for business or first class redemptions need to be made directly through Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer.
- ANA 777-300ER “The Room” Business Class
ANA’s latest business class offering is available on select 777-300ER aircraft and stands out for its remarkable features. These seats are incredibly spacious, measuring an astonishing 35 inches in width, 53 inches in pitch, and 72 inches in bed length. What sets them apart is the ultra-private middle section.
To put their size into perspective, Cathay Pacific’s first class seats are 36 inches wide, making this business class product only 1 inch narrower than Cathay Pacific’s first class.
While not double beds, these seats are truly expansive enough to be considered as beds. When couples choose middle seats, they’ll appreciate the suite’s doors, creating a private pod-like space. Moreover, seamless communication with your seatmate can be easily achieved in this private setting.
- Emirates A380 Business Class
Emirates is renowned for its stylish image, particularly regarding premium cabin seats. On the A380, Emirates provides a comfortable business class experience, with seats adjacent to your travel partner, often referred to as “honeymoon seats.”
While some elements prioritize style over practicality, the overall journey in Emirates business class promises to be unforgettable. You’ll encounter delightful features like power shades, a personal mini-bar, and luxurious seat finishes.
Emirates business class offers satisfactory dining options, the finest inflight entertainment system, and fantastic Bvlgari amenities. However, there are a few areas of concern, including slow Wi-Fi, average bedding, and high redemption prices.
- British Airways Business Class
The upcoming selection may surprise many points enthusiasts and frequent flyers, as British Airways isn’t widely known for its stellar reputation. However, British Airways holds the distinction of inventing the lie-flat seat in 1996, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of premium cabin travel and showcasing their extensive historical expertise in commercial aviation.
However, in recent years, their business class product has lagged behind the competition, particularly due to its dense configuration of 8 seats across in wide-body aircraft. As the photo above depicts, some seats face rearwards while others face forwards.
While unconventional, this layout can be advantageous for couples traveling together, as it facilitates easy communication and visibility between seats. British Airways stands out with this unique orientation, as very few other products offer such an alternate seating arrangement.
- Etihad Business Studio
Etihad Airways offers their flagship business class product on the 787 and A380. While renowned for their prestigious Etihad Residence (the top international first class product), Etihad also excels in business class.
Etihad designates these seats as the Business Studio, setting them apart from their other offerings. These seats are luxuriously cushioned and considered among the most comfortable in the world. Expect excellent service, impressive amenities, and satisfying catering.
The seat configuration is ideal for couples, as half of the middle seats are positioned side by side. This arrangement is highly appreciated by most couples, contributing to the high ranking of Etihad’s Business Studio on this list.
- Japan Airlines Apex Suites
Japan Airlines offers specially designed seats called Apex Suites in their business class, providing privacy and spaciousness.
Every detail of the flight experience has been carefully considered. One of the standout features is the selective privacy of Apex Suites. When you wish to converse with your companion, you can do so. And when privacy is desired, a motorized privacy partition can be raised.
These seats provide direct aisle access, and despite fitting 7 seats in a row, they still feel more spacious than reverse herringbone seats.
The innovative design includes a front-sliding tray table with inflight controls located on the side, eliminating the need for a side table. This translates to increased seat width and more space for passengers.
- Oman Air 787 Apex Suites
Oman Air may not offer direct flights to the United States, making it relatively inaccessible for U.S.-based travelers. However, this boutique airline provides an outstanding business class experience.
Oman Air lives up to the renowned reputation of luxurious premium products, akin to Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways. The airline’s Apex Suites, available on the 787, are truly fantastic. With super comfortable seats, selective privacy options, direct aisle access, and excellent amenities, the overall experience is truly remarkable.
- Korean Air Apex Suites
Korean Air is renowned for its exceptional first class experiences; however, their business class offerings can be somewhat inconsistent, particularly regarding the different products available.
Among their business class options, the Apex Suites on Korean Air are an excellent choice for couples. These suites are incredibly spacious, with a minimum width of 21 inches and a bed length of 80 inches. If you have a penchant for Asian cuisine, Korean Air’s offerings will surely impress.
Areas for improvement include the inflight entertainment, Wi-Fi, and lounge offerings. Korean Air’s lounge experience is diluted by allowing access for Priority Pass holders. Nevertheless, Korean Air’s Apex Suites, found on the 747-8, 777-300ER, 787, and A330-300 aircraft, present a fantastic option for couples traveling together.
- EVA Air
EVA Air is one of the most underrated airlines of all time, offering a spectacular experience with its flagship business class, Royal Laurel.
From the privacy of their reverse herringbone seats to the outstanding catering from Din Tai Fung, the luxurious Rimowa amenity kit, Apujan pajamas, and even the delightful Hello Kitty livery, EVA Air ensures that every aspect of your journey is enjoyable.
EVA Air ranks among the best business class products worldwide, and this holds especially true for couples. With their minimalist design, the seats provide a generous width of 26 inches and a bed length of 78 inches. This is notably 4-6 inches wider than standard reverse herringbone seats.
For couples traveling together, the middle seats are ideal, and both you and your partner will receive pajamas as well as Rimowa/Salvatore Ferragamo amenity kits when flying with EVA Air. The inflight service is superb, with a gracious and proud crew. Moreover, award availability is generally abundant, making it even more enticing for travelers
- China Airlines
China Airlines, the national carrier of Taiwan and a strong competitor of EVA Air, is renowned for its exceptional business class product and impressive premium economy seats.
When flying with China Airlines, you can expect thoughtful details that make a significant difference, such as providing Evian water bottles, offering The North Face amenities, serving delicious food, and showcasing beautiful cabin finishes. The inflight monitors on their reverse herringbone seats are notably large, measuring an impressive 23 inches.
These reverse herringbone seats are arranged in a standard 1-2-1 configuration. While reviews generally praise China Airlines, it’s worth noting that the service has recently shown some inconsistency. Nevertheless, China Airlines remains an excellent choice for couples seeking a remarkable business class travel experience.
- Vietnam Airlines
Vietnam Airlines often flies under the radar as one of the most underrated airlines. It’s understandable if you’re unfamiliar with them since they have yet to establish a comprehensive route network in America.
As the flag carrier of Vietnam, a rapidly growing country with a GDP growth rate of around 7%, there are abundant business opportunities, and the tourism industry is experiencing remarkable growth.
Vietnam Airlines offers excellent amenities and a great food and beverage program. However, one area where they receive some criticism in their business class is the inconsistency in the quality of service flight attendants provide.
- Air France 777-300ER
Regarding Air France, it’s important to note that they operate various aircraft and frequently make changes, making it challenging to guarantee booking the best business class product with absolute certainty.
Even on the 777-300ER, typically equipped with their flagship business class seat, there is a risk of being assigned an angled-flat 2-3-2 seat, such as on the Atlanta (ATL) to Paris (CDG) flight (AF 681).
However, if you manage to secure the right flight in business class, you’re in for a delightful experience. Air France delivers an enjoyable journey with reverse herringbone seats arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, accompanied by excellent French dining and consistently good service.
- Virgin Australia
Virgin Australia offers a stellar business class experience, with standout features including delicious food, top-notch bedding, and comfortable seating. The only slight drawback is that while the service is excellent, it lacks any particularly memorable “X factor” elements.
Booking Virgin Australia flights using Virgin Points is possible, although award availability can be challenging to find. Alternatively, if you are based in Oceania, you can aim to accumulate Virgin Australia Velocity points.
- Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific has long been renowned for its exceptional first class product, while its business class is considered average.
Part of the reason for this perception is the exceptionally high expectations set by its first class offering, coupled with cost-cutting measures. In Cathay Pacific business class, you’ll find a cabin featuring reverse herringbone seats in a 1-2-1 configuration. These seats are of average size for their category, but the overall product has remained unchanged for quite some time.
For instance, amenities like a mattress pad or pajamas are not provided. However, the positive aspect is that, compared to economy flights, Cathay Pacific business class still provides an excellent way to travel.
- Xiamen Airlines
Xiamen Airlines provides an excellent business class option for flying to China. As a member of the SkyTeam alliance, it is known for delivering a well-rounded business class experience that surpasses other Chinese airlines.
The seats are comfortable and spacious, while the service is commendable. With a generous seat width of 26 inches and a bed length of 78 inches, Xiamen Airlines ensures ample space for reclining, stretching out, and even lying down.
Although a mattress pad is not included, the bedding is plush and inviting. A notable advantage is the complimentary Wi-Fi, a significant perk many travelers appreciate.
- Air Canada
Air Canada excels in providing consistently impressive premium cabin products. The seat, featuring a reverse herringbone layout, is of average size, while the food and beverage program is of decent quality.
The service stands out for its warmth, and the bedding is a highlight of the experience. With the inclusion of a mattress pad and high-quality furnishings, passengers can easily indulge in luxury and comfort at their seats.
- Delta One Suites
When it comes to making a splash in the U.S. commercial aviation industry, no other business class product has made a bigger impact than Delta One Suites by Delta Air Lines. These suites, offering sliding doors for enhanced privacy, were first introduced internationally by a U.S. airline.
The standout feature of Delta One Suites is undoubtedly the sleek and brand-new hard product. Delta has also strongly emphasized their food and beverage program, consistently earning high praise—a departure from the typical reputation of U.S. airlines.
Securing a pair of middle seats allows you and your seatmate to enjoy a private pod-like space. However, the seats are separated by large armrests, limiting the closeness between you and your partner.
- Singapore Airlines 777-300ER
Singapore Airlines operates the 777-300ER on select routes, including from:
Los Angeles (LAX) to Tokyo-Narita (NRT) to Singapore (SIN)
San Francisco (SFO) to Hong Kong (HKG) to Singapore (SIN)
Upon experiencing this product, the first thing that strikes you is the sheer size of the seats. It is truly impressive with 28 inches of seat width in business class.
Couples can enjoy occupying a pair of middle seats, providing a delightful experience. These middle seats are particularly appealing for couples as they offer ample personal space while allowing easy interaction with your seatmate.
Singapore Airlines also offers the fantastic Book The Cook service, enabling a degree of customization for your meals. Overall, the business class product has maintained its quality over time, but it is recommended to reserve a bulkhead seat. Otherwise, you may have limited footwell space and the need to sleep diagonally.
- Asiana Airlines
Asiana Airlines completes the business class ranking for couples with its impressive offering. As one of the prominent airline carriers in South Korea, Asiana Airlines presents a compelling choice for flying in business class.
The “honeymoon seats” provide a spacious yet intimate experience, making the journey highly enjoyable. When embarking on a long-haul flight, being close enough to converse with your travel companion is crucial.
The superjumbo aircraft is only available on one Los Angeles (LAX) – Seoul-Incheon (ICN) flight: OZ 201. While the amenity kit, food, and beverages are average, the service provided by Asiana Airlines is a notable redeeming factor.
