Top 5 Airlines Where Business Class Offers You More Than Just a Nice Seat

Airlines that generate significant revenues from long-haul flights compete for business travelers and other passengers who expect a level of excellence in air travel. In this race to the top, business class amenities such as private pods, luxury toiletries and exclusive lounge access are just a few aspects that contribute to the airline’s competitive advantage.

1 Qatar Airways

The airline’s QSuite business class offering, which was introduced in 2017, has been highly appreciated since its launch. Qatar Airways has been honored with the 2023 Skytrax World Airline Award for World’s Best Business Class, enhancing its reputation for excellence in the business class cabin.

The airline has spared no expense in considering every aspect of the passenger experience. Available on select Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 aircraft on select routes, Qatar Airways offers four QSuites configurations – single, double, twin and quad cabin. Suites include doors with “Do Not Disturb” indicators. See our recent review of the QSuite experience for more details.

Photo: Qatar Airways

Additional on-board amenities include a la carte dining, so passengers can eat whenever they feel hungry on board. Passengers receive a set of pajamas and slippers from The White Company and an exclusive furnished toiletry kit from French brand Diptyque containing signature body and facial care products.

A business class ticket on Qatar Airways provides access to other privileges. Passengers traveling through Hamad International Airport can visit the new 80,000 square feet Al Marjan Garden Lounge dedicated to rest, refreshments and dining. The lounge offers Dior shower and spa suites. Qatar Airways also cooperates with other airlines to provide access to premium lounges to its passengers at various airports around the world.

2 The UAE

Emirates offers an exceptional business class experience on its Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft available on select routes. Regardless of the aircraft type, Business Class passengers can take advantage of premium privileges, including chauffeur service to and from the airport (free for up to a 50-mile drive) and access to Emirates Business Class lounges. While visiting the lounge, travelers can refresh at the Timeless Spa and receive a massage, facial or personal care.

Photo: Emirates

Emirates Airlines is making big inroads with bespoke amenity kits offered by Italian luxury brand Bvlgari. Men get the Aqua Pour Homme shaving foam set, and women get the Omnia Crystalline set. All toiletries needed to freshen up during the flight are provided, including a hand mirror, face and body moisturizers and a dental kit.

The airline also allows passengers in the business class cabin to pre-order their main course 14 days and up to 24 hours before their flight. Menu options feature regionally inspired gourmet dishes.

Business Class passengers on board Emirates Airbus A380 aircraft can have a snack in the exclusive on-board lounge and socialize with their fellow travellers.

3 Singapore Airlines

The airline offers premium business class service with reclining seats on its Airbus A350, A380 and Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft on selected routes. On the A350 and 777, passengers can take advantage of two new seating positions: Lazy Z, which centers and balances a person’s weight while seated, and Sundeck, a relaxed position that extends beneath the seat to mimic the experience of using an ottoman.

Photo: Singapore Airlines

Business Class passengers on Singapore Airlines can take advantage of the airline’s “Book the Cook” dining options, a menu featuring main courses prepared by chefs on the carrier’s international culinary committee. More meal options are available for pre-selection through ‘Book the Cook’ rather than the on-board menu. Passengers must book their preferred meal in advance (deadline depends on route). Moreover, meals are served to business class passengers in real China.

Additional onboard perks include complimentary slippers and eye shadow and the ability to save a playlist for future flights through the KrisWorld inflight entertainment system. Passengers can enjoy approximately 1,800 entertainment options via an 18-inch touch screen and noise-cancelling headphones located in their seats.

4 Hainan Airlines

The Chinese airline offers business class service on various aircraft in its fleet, and seat configurations vary widely. Many aircraft feature reclining seats in the business class cabin. However, the airline was awarded a Skytrax accolade for the world’s best business class amenities in 2023 for its outstanding comfort and dining offerings.

Photo: Hainan Airlines

Hainan is promoting a “High Dream” experience designed to enhance passengers’ ability to get good sleep on long-haul international flights. This entails full-sized pillows, mattress pads, comforters, pajamas, and slippers. The pillows and mattress covers are filled with feathers, and flight attendants provide a turndown service.

The airline also takes pride in the cuisine offered to passengers. Two meals are served on long-haul flights longer than eight hours, and there are four main course options, including authentic Chinese dishes.

Business Class passengers can take advantage of Hainan Airport’s VIP lounges at select Chinese airports as well as partner lounges at airports on other continents served by the airline.

5 Delta Airlines

Although the American airline’s Delta One cabin is not designated for business class, it is on our list due to its parity with the other airlines we have listed in terms of availability of long-haul international flights and amenities. It is worth noting that Delta One cabins include reclining seats, while the first class offer offered by the carrier is not provided on Delta One flights and does not include reclining seats. The Delta One experience is available on Airbus A330-900 and A350 aircraft.

Photo: Delta Airlines

Onboard amenities include seasonal and regional appetizers, fine wine pairings, and a variety of Thrive Farmers teas from around the world. Meal service is followed by a dessert cart with several dessert options. Additionally, the Delta One Amenity Kit features personal care products from Grown Alchemist.

Passengers flying Delta One have access to the Delta Sky Club network of lounges and a private Delta One lounge in the LAX lounge.

Business class services and amenities are subject to change by airline and can vary by route and aircraft type. Travelers are encouraged to check each airline’s services directly before booking a flight.