If you have been researching the best airlines for business class, you’re going to want to stop here! I’ve flown a lot over the years. I’ve tried out so many airlines, types of planes, and cabin classes, and I have to say that business class is one of my favorite ways to fly. That’s why I’m covering the seven best airlines for business class.
For all those long-haul flights where you just don’t know what to do with yourself, business class offers every comfort of home right there on the plane with you. There are the lie-back seats and the private suites. Then you have the complimentary food, the stellar service, and access to the business class lounges at the airports. It all comes together to form one surefire way to love the way you fly to any destination in the world.
Of course, we can’t forget the whole point of business class: to cater to those who want to get some work done as they fly! Whether you’re a travel blogger like me or a busy executive embarking on a business trip, sometimes, you need a quiet place to work. A place where you don’t have to worry about anything. That’s why business class is there.
If you’ve never flown business class before, I have you covered. Here, I’m going to show you the best airlines for business class. I’ll review airlines from all over the world, so that wherever you are, you’ll know who the big players are in your area. Let’s get moving!
Quick tip on finding cheap tickets for the best airlines for business class
Before we get into the top business class airlines, I want to tell you about a money hack I found a few years ago that’s really been helping me to save money on flights. That hack is Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going). It’s a website that’s dedicated to getting cheap airline tickets in the hands of consumers.
The way it works is really simple. You sign up for an account and then put in where you want to fly and where you’re leaving from. Scott’s will send you free email alerts letting you know about all of the crazy-cheap airfare that’s available for your chosen route. These prices come from mistake fares and other, already discounted tickets. You won’t believe the costs you see for some of these flights.
Now, Scott’s Cheap Flights also has a premium version of its service. It costs $49 a year and sends you more emails more often. The whole point of the upgrade is to give you access to those cheap flights before anyone else knows about them. That way, you won’t lose out on the cheap flights you really want.
The site also has an elite membership that’s just perfect for business class. That one costs $199 a year and saves you thousands of dollars on business class flights. You’ll be the first to know about those discounted flights, and you can choose how often you get emails.
Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going) has kept thousands of dollars in my pocket over the years. I know it can do the same for you. So as you look for the best business class airlines, keep Scott’s in mind!
Use my discount code Jon20 to save 20% when you join!
Best airlines for business class: the 7 best options
So, without further ado, I’m going to show you which airlines have the best business class. No matter where you are in the world, you should be able to access at least one of these amazing airlines!
1. Singapore Airlines
I would be remissed not to mention Singapore Airlines first here. This has to be one of the best overall airlines in Asia. The airline is mythic in the world of business class cabins, and for good reason. Singapore has a few versions of its business class. They differ a little by airplane type, so while you don’t get the exact same offerings across every single plane, you still get the best in the world for business class.
You’ll find the absolute hallmarks of comfort and convenience onboard the carrier’s largest planes: its Boeing 777s and Airbus 380s. Business class seats on these aircraft are 30 inches wide. I’ve heard some people claim these seats are so generous with their space that they border on being too wide for one person. But that’s the whole point of these wide-body planes: providing lots of luxurious room to passengers!
Each seat has aisle access, meaning the rows are set up with one seat on each window side and two in the middle. The seat backs are designed to envelop you as much as possible, providing you with the maximum amount of privacy at the back and sides. Those seats recline to become beds, perfect for those long-haul flights.
Your personal space in this business class is all decked out, too. You get plenty of storage space, an 18-inch touchscreen and headphones for in-flight entertainment, speedy wifi, a swiveling reading light, access to the finest in-flight meals, and of course, a table for working.
I can’t recommend Singapore Airlines highly enough as one of the best business class airlines.
2. Cathay Pacific
Next on the list of the best business class airlines is Cathay Pacific, based out of Hong Kong. Like Singapore Airlines, Cathay is another carrier that consistently ranks highly on lists like this one. That’s likely because its offerings in business class are not only all-inclusive, but also time-tested.
The rows here are 1-2-1, meaning everyone gets aisle access. The business cabins onboard Cathay flights feature seats that are more like pods. They wrap around the seat area as much as possible for premium comfort and privacy. On long flights, your seat will lie flat to become a bed. Together with in-flight entertainment and noise-canceling headphones, the best in Hong Kong cuisine, and exceptional service, the Cathay Pacific business class is among the best in the world.
As with other carriers offering business class, you should note before you buy tickets what kind of flight you’re taking. The business cabins on larger planes will differ slightly from those on smaller planes.
3. Emirates
Emirates is on deck on this list of the best airlines for business class. This one is known for being particularly fancy in its business class offerings, so let’s see what’s in store here.
Emirates is one of the flag carrier airlines of the United Arab Emirates. That should already be a plus for this airline, since you know it has the resources to be the best it can be. The Emirates business class appears on its long-haul A380 and B777 flights. While the offerings are mostly the same on each type of plane, there are some differences. For example, the A380 offers aisle access to all passengers, while the B777 does not.
Overall, however, all the amenities you would expect from a business class airline are here. Your seat reclines to become a fully flat bed. On the A380 flights, couples can use the two seats in the center to form one singular bed. You also get an in-flight entertainment screen, plenty of space to work, an onboard lounge, and the finest in regional food offerings. Emirates also provides a pleasant amenity kit that includes hand mirrors, shaving cream, and lip balm.
All of these features, plus the business class lounge at the carrier’s headquarters in Dubai, make flying business class with Emirates an experience to remember!
4. British Airways
With the flag carrier of the United Kingdom, you’d expect the business class to be out of this world. And with British Airways, it is!
In addition to the standard business lounge access, British Airways offers a few varieties of its business class flights. If you’re only flying a short trip within Europe, you’ll sit in the carrier’s Club Europe business class offering. The seating is more standard here, although you do get a separate cabin at the front of the plane with the middle seat always open. With full meals served, two bags allowed onboard with you, and access to Club Europe check-in desks at most airports, Club Europe is an enjoyable business class cabin.
Then there’s Club World, the business class for when you’re flying well beyond Europe. This is where the airline’s business class really shines. You’ll have your own check-in desk and lounges at the airport. Onboard, your seat will transform into a flat bed with comfortable bedding, you’ll have ample space to work, and you’ll get a 12-inch flatscreen for entertainment, along with noise-canceling headphones. You’ll be pleased to know the beds come with mattress toppers, duvets, and blankets.
Certain flights go above and beyond this by offering you Club Suite. This is a larger, more private version of business class. This private cabin has a door, larger beds, more storage, and larger flatscreens for in-flight entertainment.
When you want the best of the best business class flights, go with British Airways.
5. Air France
We now move to neighboring France for this next item on our list of the best airlines for business class. This time, it’s Air France, the flag carrier of the country. The airline offers business class on its long-haul flights so you get the most use out of the amenities on offer here.
It all starts at the airport. There, you’ll have access to Air France’s SkyPriority check-in area. You get your own service desks, boarding lines, and baggage collection. Then, of course, there are the business class lounges. They’re luxurious, serene, and set away from the noise of the rest of the airport. Perfect for chilling out during layovers.
Of course, this is all just the lead-up to the main event: the onboard business class cabin. Because you’re going to be here for a good long time, Air France has pulled out all the stops and gone for the best in this department. Whatever you’re after on a business class flight from Air France, you’ll get it.
Your seat becomes a fully flat bed of almost 6.5 feet in length (with a pillow and comforter!) Every passenger has aisle access. Your seating area is your own space to use as you like, whether that’s to eat, sleep, chill out, or get some work done. Speaking of food, did you know that meal designs in Air France business class are products of Michelin-rated French chefs?
Then there are the small conveniences. The personal storage space. The charging stations. The amenity kit. I love flying in Air France’s business class because it’s just so comprehensive. All of these elements together make Air France one of the best business class airlines in the world.
6. Delta Air Lines
We’re rounding the corner here, folks. Now it’s time for a few United States-based business class airlines. First up is Delta Air Lines, one of the major U.S. carriers. Let me get straight to the point here: Delta’s business class offerings are among the best I’ve ever flown. They go above and beyond, and there are a few major differences here from the other ones I’ve mentioned so far.
First of all, Delta calls its business class Delta One, just so there’s no confusion here. At the airport, you’ll have access to the business lounge, called the Delta Sky Club. Then we have the return of SkyPriority from our days traveling with Air France (they’re both members in the international SkyTeam airline alliance).
The main factor to point out about Delta One’s business class seats (on the A350 and A330neo planes) is that each one is its own little cabin with a sliding door that closes all the way for total privacy. It’s really not unlike a train compartment. Then, of course, you have the lie-flat seats that will allow you to sleep on those long-haul flights. Bring the seat back up to work at your workstation or enjoy some delicious hot meals. When you want to pass even more time, there’s always the in-flight entertainment to watch on your personal screen.
From the lounge to the seating to the amenity kits, Delta One® is top-notch. That makes Delta Air Lines one of the best airlines for business class.
7. American Airlines
At last, we come to American Airlines. This is obviously another of the largest and most successful airlines in the United States. So you can expect it also to be one of the top business class airlines specifically, for its offerings to be nothing short of spectacular.
Well, it is pretty good. American offers business class on its long international flights, transcontinental flights, and even on short international flights, such as from the United States to Canada. As you might expect, the upgraded treatment begins at your origin airport. Business class passengers can check in using their own lines and security checkpoints. If you upgrade to Flagship Business class, you can enjoy the Admirals Clubs and Flagship Lounges in various airports around the world.
With American Airlines, as with the other business class airlines listed here, the exact setup of your seats will depend on the type of plane you have. The larger the plane, the more spacious the business cabin will be. For example, business class seats on larger American planes all have aisle access, while those on smaller planes don’t. However, all business class seats recline into flat beds so you can relax on those long flights (with pillows and blankets!). You also have access to premium dining, complimentary drinks, in-flight entertainment, and wifi.
There are certain carriers whose business class presentations are more robust than American’s, but what’s here is good and just what you would expect from a premium cabin. If you’re looking at which airlines have the best business class, don’t count out American Airlines.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the best airlines for business class
When I write posts like this on the blog, I always keep in mind the travelers who are still new at something and need a little direction. Some people are old hands at flying in business class. They fit right in. Others are trying it for the first time and want to be informed well before they get to the airport, the lounge, or the business class cabin. It’s quite a different experience if you haven’t been exposed to it before.
So that’s why I’m here, to help. Below, I’m going to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about finding the best business class flights.
What is business class on airlines?
Business class is a premium cabin class offered by many airlines, typically positioned between economy class and first class. It provides passengers with a more luxurious and comfortable experience than economy class, while not reaching the extravagant level of first class.
Business class cabins are designed to offer travelers more space and privacy than economy class, with wider seats that recline further and have more legroom. Some airlines also offer lie-flat seats or even fully flat beds, allowing passengers to get some quality sleep on long-haul flights. Additionally, business class passengers often have access to premium airport lounges, where they can enjoy comfortable seating, complimentary food and drinks, and other amenities before their flight.
In terms of in-flight service, business class passengers typically receive enhanced meal options, with multi-course menus and premium wine and champagne selections. They may also have access to a personal entertainment system with a larger screen and a wider selection of movies, TV shows, and music.
Business class is a popular option for corporate travelers, as it provides a more comfortable and productive workspace during flights. Many airlines offer amenities such as power outlets, USB ports, and in-flight Wi-Fi to help passengers stay connected and get work done while flying.
Overall, business class provides a premium travel experience that can make a long-haul flight more enjoyable and comfortable. However, the cost of business class tickets is significantly higher than economy class, making it a more exclusive option for those willing to pay the extra price.
Which airline has the biggest business class?
The honor of the biggest business class flights would have to go to Singapore Airlines, which I mentioned above. Their business class seats are 30 inches wide, making them the largest such seats in the world. Those are available on some of the carrier’s largest planes, the Boeing 777 and Airbus 350. The next time you have a long-haul flight in that part of the world, try a large and luxurious business class flight with Singapore Airlines.
Is business class more luxurious than first class?
Business class and first class on airplanes are similar in the sense that the feeling of luxury is apparent. Each of them is definitely several steps up from economy, but there are some main differences between business and first. Most business class cabins don’t give you private rooms or suites. You get your own private space, but you’re still in the open-air cabin. In first class, you may get your own private room, suite, or other wholly private area. The food might also be of a finer quality in first class. Overall, though, if economy is not for you, but you don’t want to pay the higher costs of first class, business class could be perfect.
Is business class worth it over economy?
The answer to this question depends on what you’re after when you fly. To save the most money on your flight, economy is a no-brainer. The tickets cost the least, and you still get the basics that you would expect, such as the ability to purchase meals on long flights. But if you know you’re going to be on a long-haul flight, and you want a lot more comfort, go with business class. In that sense, business class is absolutely worth it over economy. You get more leg room, a private space, a better entertainment setup, and better food.
What kind of money hack can I use to save on business class airlines?
I say this all the time. The best way to save money on business class flights is to use Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going). It’s a site where you input where you want to fly and where you’re coming from. Scott’s will then email you cheap ticket offers that you won’t believe. It’s free to use, but you can also pay $49 a year for the premium version. That one will send you more emails more often so you can jump on those cheap tickets before anyone else. For business class, there’s the Scott’s Cheap Flights elite membership. It costs $199 a year and sends you cheap ticket offers on business class and the other upper tiers. Scott’s has saved me thousands over the years. If you fly a lot and want to start saving money on it, go with Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going).
What airline has only business class?
There are several airlines around the world that offer an exclusive all-business-class service. These airlines cater to a niche market of business travelers who prioritize luxury and comfort over price and are willing to pay a premium for it.
One such airline is La Compagnie, a French airline that operates between Paris and New York City. Launched in 2014, La Compagnie offers an all-business-class service with just 76 seats on its Boeing 757 aircraft. The airline’s mission is to offer an affordable yet luxurious alternative to traditional business-class products. The seats on board are fully lie-flat and come with individual Samsung tablets loaded with entertainment options.
Another airline that offers an all-business-class service is Qatar Airways’ Qsuite. The Qsuite is a unique product that features individual seats that can be converted into a double bed, making it ideal for couples or business travelers who prefer to work and sleep in the same area. The Qsuite also comes with a door for complete privacy, adjustable mood lighting, and a dining table that can be converted into a workspace.
Singapore Airlines also offers an all-business-class service on its Airbus A350-900 ultra-long-range aircraft. The airline’s Business Class seats are designed for maximum comfort and privacy, with a 28-inch wide seat that can be converted into a fully flat bed. Each seat also comes with a personal 18-inch touchscreen monitor and noise-cancelling headphones.
Other airlines that offer an all-business-class service include British Airways’ Club World London City, which operates between London City Airport and New York’s JFK Airport, and Lufthansa Private Jet, which offers a custom-tailored charter service on its Bombardier jets.
What salary do you need to fly business class?
The salary required to fly business class varies depending on factors such as the airline, the destination, and the time of year. However, generally speaking, you don’t necessarily need a specific salary to fly business class. Instead, you can purchase business class tickets with cash or points earned through credit card rewards programs or frequent flyer programs. Some airlines also offer discounted business class tickets during sales or promotions. So, while a higher salary may make it easier to afford business class travel, it’s not a requirement.
