I’ve long published my rankings of the world’s best first class products and best first class lounges. In the past couple of years, I’ve tried to do the same for business class.
It’s kind of hard to truly rank business class products, simply because there’s so much variability in terms of the quality of products across aircraft, food and beverage service can vary significantly across flights, people prioritize very different things in business class, etc.
My list of the top business class products is essentially the airlines I generally most enjoy flying in business class, factoring in all the things that make a business class experience stand out. Before I get into this list, let me note a few things:
- This is highly subjective, and these choices are just my preferences, so if you have different picks, that’s totally reasonable, and I’d love to hear about them
- I’m attempting to factor in the overall business class experience, from seat, to food and drinks, to service, to amenities
- I’m generally going to be sorting the list starting with my favorite, though I could easily see myself switching many of these rankings by one or two spots
- I’ll always note which products I’m referring to with the rankings, since many airlines struggle with product consistency across the fleet
In separate posts I’ve written about the world’s best business class lounges, and the world’s best business class seats (which often aren’t airline specific). For that matter, going in the opposite direction, I’ve also written about the world’s worst business class seats.
With the above out of the way, below are my favorite business class products…
In this post:
Qatar Airways business class
Qatar Airways sets the standard for business class, plain and simple. The carrier is known for its Qsuites business class, available on select Airbus A350s and Boeing 777s. Boeing 787-9s also feature an awesome business class product, though it’s a bit different.
There’s simply not a more well rounded business class experience out there. Qatar Airways has thoughtfully designed seats with privacy doors, amazing dine on demand catering, impressive amenities (including pajamas), virtually unlimited entertainment, reasonably priced high-speed Wi-Fi (and free Starlink Wi-Fi is currently being rolled out), and more.
The airline even keeps one-upping itself, and now even offers caviar in business class on some routes, and has plans for a next generation Qsuites product. If I could only ever fly one airline again in business class, it would be Qatar Airways.
Japan Airlines business class
Japan Airlines recently debuted its Airbus A350-1000, which is the carrier’s new flagship, long haul aircraft. While Japan Airlines has long been great, this really takes the airline to the next level. For one, Japan Airlines is the launch customer for the Safran Unity seat, which is one of the most spacious and well designed business class seats we’ve ever seen. The tech is also awesome, with features we’ve never seen before, like headrest speakers.
Beyond that, Japan Airlines’ soft product is excellent, from friendly service, to delicious food, to free Wi-Fi, to excellent amenities, including comfortable bedding. It’s amazing how both of Japan’s major airlines now have among the best business class products in the world.
All Nippon Airways business class
All Nippon Airways has what’s probably the world’s best business class seat, known as “The Room,” on select Boeing 777s. This seat is even better than Qatar Airways’ Qsuites business class seat, and it honestly feels more like a first class suite than a business class seat. As you’d expect, service on ANA is to a very high standard as well (it’s Japan, after all!), with both Japanese and Western food and drinks, and solid amenities.
However, the tech isn’t quite as good as on Japan Airlines, and I also slightly prefer Japan Airlines’ soft product. Furthermore, neither Japanese carrier has a soft product that’s as well rounded as Qatar Airways.
Singapore Airlines business class
Singapore Airlines is one of the world’s most recognizable airline brands. Ironically enough, the carrier’s business class hard product is not cutting edge, whether you’re flying the Airbus A350, Airbus A380, or Boeing 777. And in some ways the carrier is lacking a bit when it comes to amenities, with no pajamas, very basic amenity kits, no dine on demand, etc.
However, in my opinion there’s not an airline that more consistently has exceptional service in business class than Singapore Airlines. There’s just so much pride that goes into service on Singapore Airlines, and I don’t think I’ve ever had a bad flight with the airline.
The airline also has a lot going for it beyond friendly service, including free Wi-Fi, endless entertainment through the KrisWorld system, and “Book the Cook,” which allows you to pre-order your food from a huge selection of options that might not be available on board.
Etihad Airways business class
Etihad Airways is really in a groove, with its new Airbus A350 business class suite. Etihad has reverse herringbone seats with doors, and the seats are comfortable and feature incredible tech (bluetooth audio, wireless charging, etc.), with lots of entertainment and solid Wi-Fi.
Etihad’s soft product is excellent as well, in particular thanks to the Armani / Casa collaboration. From great bedding, to dine on demand catering, to a great coffee selection, Etihad has come a long way in business class. Etihad has also introduced a new Boeing 787 business class, which is excellent as well.
EVA Air business class
Taiwan is blessed with three amazing airlines, with China Airlines and EVA Air being the two longstanding ones. EVA Air has the edge, and has an incredible business class soft product. The carrier’s business class seats are nothing special, and include reverse herringbone seats on the Boeing 777 or staggered seats on the Boeing 787, but it’s the food, drinks, amenities, and service, that set the airline apart.
From amazing champagne, to a collaboration with Din Tai Fung for food, to comfortable pajamas, EVA has one of my favorite soft products in the world. If you’re lucky, you can even fly on one of EVA Air’s Hello Kitty jets.
Starlux Airlines business class
Starlux Airlines is Taiwan’s newest long haul airline, and the company has started operating long haul flights with its Airbus A350s. Starlux’s business class is excellent. For one, the airline is the launch customer for the Collins Aerospace Elements product, which is without a doubt the world’s best reverse herringbone seat. This is an excellent hard product, with each seat having a door, a large footwell, and unbeatable tech.
Starlux’s soft product is quite good too, with free Wi-Fi in business class, pajamas, nice amenity kits and bedding, and an extensive selection of food and drinks. I’m excited to see this airline continuing to expand.
Cathay Pacific business class
Cathay Pacific recently debuted its new Aria Suite business class, which is being retrofitted on Boeing 777s. Much like on Starlux, Cathay Pacific selected a modified version of the Collins Aerospace Elements seat, which is stellar. But what’s great about the product goes beyond that.
For one, the seat’s tech is amazing, from the crisp entertainment screen, to the bluetooth audio and wireless charging. On top of that, the bedding is phenomenal, among the best you’ll find on any airline in business class. Cathay Pacific’s food and drink selection is also imaginative, from the signature Cathay Delight, to vegan and wellness oriented options.
Turkish Airlines business class
Turkish Airlines actually has a pretty mediocre business class hard product. Turkish’s Boeing 787 business class consists of staggered seats, while Turkish’s Boeing 777 business class has seven seats per row. Turkish does have some ex-Aeroflot Airbus A350s with an impressive hard product, and also plans to introduce a new business class seat soon.
So why do I rank Turkish Airlines so highly? Well, everything about the soft product is excellent. In my opinion, Turkish has the best food of any airline in business class, plus a great coffee selection. On top of that, I find hospitality on Turkish to consistently be genuinely hospitable and friendly.
Türkiye is an incredible country with so much to offer (that’s a statement about the food, culture, history, and people, and not about the government), so connecting through Istanbul is always a pleasure.
Emirates business class
Emirates is one of the most popular airline brands in the world, and the carrier has a huge halo effect from its A380 fleet. Emirates’ A380 business class definitely isn’t cutting edge, and on many aircraft, even looks quite outdated. The cabin is also huge, so service doesn’t feel that personalized.
However, there’s no denying that there are some things Emirates does really well, and people love flying the carrier’s A380. The seats are comfortable, having an onboard bar is awesome, the drinks are phenomenal (including cocktails), the entertainment is incredible, the Wi-Fi is free, and the amenities are great, with gorgeous amenity kits and even pajamas.
Air France business class
Many people may (correctly) observe that virtually all the carriers on my list are from Asia and the Middle East. Unfortunately that’s just the cookie crumbles, given the competitive landscape. So I want to add a wildcard to the list, which is Air France business class.
While Air France business class isn’t quite to the level of some of the above, I’d argue that the carrier’s new Airbus A350 business class and Boeing 777 business class are by far the best in Europe. The planes have comfortable reverse herringbone seats with doors, excellent tech, and amazing bulkhead seats.
On top of that, I find Air France’s business class soft product to be a cut above the competition. Crews are generally friendly, food and drinks are tasty, entertainment is excellent, and Wi-Fi speeds are quite good (with free Starlink Wi-Fi being on the way). In Europe, Air France is among my favorite airlines in business class.
ITA Airways business class
Let me add another wildcard to the list, especially since it’s not an Asian (or Middle Eastern) airline. I’m a huge fan of Italy’s ITA Airways, and I don’t care whether I’m flying the carrier’s Airbus A321neo, Airbus A330neo, or Airbus A350.
It’s not that the hard product is necessarily that amazing, but instead, it’s that the food and drinks are top notch, as you’d expect from an Italian airline. I’ve also found the service to be exceptional. So while there are areas where ITA doesn’t match other top carriers in business class, on balance, I enjoy my flights with the airline immensely.
Bottom line
It’s amazing how far business class has come over the years, especially when it comes to seats. Many business class seats are now better than first class seats 15 years ago.
Since we’re all looking for different things, there’s not a single business class product that we’ll all agree is the best. The above are my favorites, and Qatar Airways, Japan Airlines, and All Nippon Airways, are definitely my top three. However, there are lots of other lovely products as well that I really enjoy.
What are your favorite airlines you’ve flown in business class?
Is Virgin Atlantic better than Air France?
I'm new to flying in general but I have my first VS J A350 flight with an AF J A350 return. I know VS gets pajama points, but I'm interested to see which service and crew I'll like better.
I agree that the service you get on the Asian carriers like ANA, Singapore, EVA and even Thai sets them apart from others. Long haul flights are a treat. I like the wide seats on Singapore for sleepjng, it's easier to turn over than in the reverse herringbone style.
I have only flown Turkish once, on a 777, and while I fiunf the seats old, they were nice to sleep on. The food, though, was a big disappointment.
I’m not sure why Singapore Airlines’ business class seat is ranked among the top 10. If it isn’t at the bottom of the list, it certainly deserves to be ranked much lower. It seems to me that the brand value is overshadowing a more honest evaluation.
The seat is wide for no reason, as there’s little to support your arms. The screen is too close , which creates a claustrophobic feeling. Additionally, it isn’t a...
I’m not sure why Singapore Airlines’ business class seat is ranked among the top 10. If it isn’t at the bottom of the list, it certainly deserves to be ranked much lower. It seems to me that the brand value is overshadowing a more honest evaluation.
The seat is wide for no reason, as there’s little to support your arms. The screen is too close , which creates a claustrophobic feeling. Additionally, it isn’t a touch screen, and since you're not seated directly in front of it, you naturally end up hitting your shoulder against the side wall.
The seating arrangement also makes it impossible to lounge, as there’s no space in front for your feet. The awkward little offset means that you end up watching the in-flight entertainment with your body tilted, which isn’t ideal. The sleeping position is uncomfortable to the point where it almost serves as an example of what not to do.
While the food is good, the portions are smaller compared to, for example, Emirates (EK) or Qatar Airways (QR). Moreover, there seems to be a noticeable lack of staff, and drink refills are consistently delayed. On every flight I’ve taken, I’ve had to ask for refills and wait for quite some time. They still serve food on trays but struggle to keep up with the service demands.
Starlux gets my vote over EVA. Their connecting flights in single aisle flights have the most awesome seats in business class and inflight service the best in intra-Asia flights over any other carrier (even over SQ)
Same. I fly enough with EVA to be Gold in their program, and I’ve flown lots of intra-Asia segments on Starlux J, plus a handful of long haul (I’m based on the East coast, so really have to go out of my way to fly them), and Starlux has both better soft products and more consistent service imo.
EVA can be much more inconsistent these days, and while I’ve only had one actually below par...
Same. I fly enough with EVA to be Gold in their program, and I’ve flown lots of intra-Asia segments on Starlux J, plus a handful of long haul (I’m based on the East coast, so really have to go out of my way to fly them), and Starlux has both better soft products and more consistent service imo.
EVA can be much more inconsistent these days, and while I’ve only had one actually below par flight, 50% of them I would categorize as mediocre by Asian standards, while 50% of Starlux flights I would classify as stellar service. Also the lounge, the staff really do try to go above and beyond.
The problem with NH is that so few planes and routes feature the Room. NH’s non-Room business class hard product ranges from average to terrible (on many of the Asian routes). Additionally, their meal service timing and lack of pre departure drinks is surprising for what is considered a premium airline.
When Qatar was voted as the best airline, it reflected on the hard work of ground and air staff. But if you have to deal with office staff, namely online customer service but not over the phone, it is subpar. Also, Middle East is in Asia. But there is a huge difference, if not opposite, between west and east Asia, in terms of history, culture and cuisine. Lastly, the journey has never been my emphasis...
When Qatar was voted as the best airline, it reflected on the hard work of ground and air staff. But if you have to deal with office staff, namely online customer service but not over the phone, it is subpar. Also, Middle East is in Asia. But there is a huge difference, if not opposite, between west and east Asia, in terms of history, culture and cuisine. Lastly, the journey has never been my emphasis on travel but I cannot
see the importance of having a door in premium seats. If privacy matters to you, there is another mode of transport available but remotely affordable, it is called "private jet".
Regarding access to rows 1 and 10 on the newer AF a350-900, Ben and others have noted limiting booking access to FlyingBlue elites prior to 72 hours.
Checked on an Oct PHX-CDG reservation made in Feb, saw a newer J-cabin a350-900 had been subbed for the “less new” a350-900 version, with an alert about a seat change (moved from R2 to 4).
I was surprised to find that all of the seats in rows 1/10 were available to a basic Flying Blue member.
I flew Singapore Airlines business class for the first time last August from JFK to FRA and must admit to being a bit disappointed. The service was more robotic than warm and the seats are oddly aligned, so you have to sleep almost at an angle. The food though was superb
Ben, one thing that always surprises me about your blog is you don’t cover the whole experience. For those of us who travel non-stop, we often hit ‘snags’. And I’m often shocked by how some of these “paper tigers” completely fall apart the minute anything goes wrong. I was in love with Qatar and Turkish. Until a missed connection on both sent their staff into total incapable of managing anything kind of tailspin. Same situations...
Ben, one thing that always surprises me about your blog is you don’t cover the whole experience. For those of us who travel non-stop, we often hit ‘snags’. And I’m often shocked by how some of these “paper tigers” completely fall apart the minute anything goes wrong. I was in love with Qatar and Turkish. Until a missed connection on both sent their staff into total incapable of managing anything kind of tailspin. Same situations on Singapore and Cathay? Easy peasy, you’re booked on the next flight sir.
I’d love to see you write a column about which business classes can actually handle the kind of chaos that often happens in modern business travel.
I've also experienced the same with Qatar. I would fly them regularly from 2018 up until last year (not boycotting them or anything, just haven't flown them since). Qatar is an amazing airline on paper if everything goes right. The minute something goes wrong, they have so many issues compared to other "legacy" top airlines. A couple examples of things I don't like:
- Their over-the-top phone identity verification questions. A couple questions is fine,...
I've also experienced the same with Qatar. I would fly them regularly from 2018 up until last year (not boycotting them or anything, just haven't flown them since). Qatar is an amazing airline on paper if everything goes right. The minute something goes wrong, they have so many issues compared to other "legacy" top airlines. A couple examples of things I don't like:
- Their over-the-top phone identity verification questions. A couple questions is fine, but they want to know all of the following (not exaggerating): my full name, birthday, origin, destination, date of departure, date of return, type of payment used (card type and company, e.g. Amex), and the time and date that I booked my ticket (how am I supposed to know that off the top of my head? And with the time difference, I don't even know if they mean local time, time based on departure point, or Doha time, and they won't even tell me when I ask them). If you answer anything wrong, they hang up the phone, and you have to call in and wait in the queue again.
- Applying flight credits: I had two flights credits with QR that I wanted to use on my last trip with them. One was in another volatile currency which was worth 2/3 of what it was when I paid for the ticket (but I was charged in USD on my credit card), so I had already lost a lot of value. I wanted to use both credits for one booking. Online, the system won't allow you to do that. So, I call in and ask them how to do it. They said they have to book it by phone. My credits were worth $1037 USD. They were originally worth $1300 USD when I paid for the original tickets that were cancelled. Apparently they charge different fares over the phone (saver fares are only available online - thanks QR), so the ticket I was trying to book online for $1200 USD is now $1550 USD. Now I'm paying an additional $500 for that ticket out of pocket just to use cash that I already gave the airline. The currency issue isn't their fault, but the antiquated online booking system is (but maybe that's intentional). And their phone reps also aren't always the most knowledgeable (depends on who you get). I've tried calling in to book last minute flights for family emergencies, and the reps are sometimes very helpful, and other times extremely unhelpful and downright condescending.
I have flown on about half of these carriers in business class, including Emirates, Qatar and ANA. I'm just wondering why you haven't included Oman Air. I know that you have experienced variable service, but for me those Apex Suites plus bedding and even standard service are an absolute winner. They were better on the A330s but on the Dreamliners it is still an excellent product.
No mention of LH new Allegris business class? I thought you rated it highly.
Just had 4 legs with QR in their 777 QSuite, 787-9 Suite and probably their oldest 333 (still wayyy better than the current LH / OS C, e.g).
Service was from overly amazing ("I saw you videocalling your wife, so here is a amenity kit and pajama ad a gift" - from the purser) to ok-ish (well, in the end it's all human beings with good and bad days ;-)
For me the most important...
Just had 4 legs with QR in their 777 QSuite, 787-9 Suite and probably their oldest 333 (still wayyy better than the current LH / OS C, e.g).
Service was from overly amazing ("I saw you videocalling your wife, so here is a amenity kit and pajama ad a gift" - from the purser) to ok-ish (well, in the end it's all human beings with good and bad days ;-)
For me the most important thing actually is a wide and long seat for a good sleep. Mattress pad a plus, soft (and plenty ;-) pillows more than welcome.
So as much as I value the privacy I have in suites, I would prefer a wider seat with a proper ottoman like e.g. in LO's 787 or the "old" TK 777's.
Anyway, I've flown QR, EY, TG, LH, LX, OS, OZ, TK, AC, CA, UA, BA, AA, NH, NZ, CX, EK, SQ, WY, AF, KL, KE, AI, FI, SA, TP, IB (sure I forgot some) in the last years and clearly I look most forward to fly again with QR, followed by TG, NH and (on good days) WY and AF.
And yeah, your @Ben comparison for F and J for couples would be most interesting!
1. Qatar (QSuites) - still my favorite.
2. JAL (350-1000) - wish they had the air vents, otherwise, it's perfect.
3. ANA (the Room) - food and drinks are better than JAL.
4. EVA Airlines - excellent overall.
5. ITA - absolutely amazing food/ coffee/ drinks, but seats could feel little cramped for tall passengers.
6. Air France - those front row seats are the bomb!
7. Cathay (Aria...
1. Qatar (QSuites) - still my favorite.
2. JAL (350-1000) - wish they had the air vents, otherwise, it's perfect.
3. ANA (the Room) - food and drinks are better than JAL.
4. EVA Airlines - excellent overall.
5. ITA - absolutely amazing food/ coffee/ drinks, but seats could feel little cramped for tall passengers.
6. Air France - those front row seats are the bomb!
7. Cathay (Aria Suite) - brilliant, but not cheap.
8. Thai - very good
9. SQ tied with Emirates - those angle seats suck! still flying those old config.
10. Etihad - it's okay, nothing bad, but nothing great either.
I have not flown with China Airlines, Sky Lux and Turkish J class yet so can't comment.
I think most would agree that business class is mostly about the hard product. Seat is the biggest differentiator. Space, comfort and privacy.
So I personally would not put EVA, Cathay, Turkish or any other airline that lacks some degree of privacy.
Or maybe we need to have 2 separate lists. One for the hard product and the other for the soft product.
I disagree. I didn't feel the need for a door when I flew EVA for the first time, and I still don't feel the need for a door when I fly, whether it's F or J. It's entirely a marketing gimmick unless you're in one of the floor-to-ceiling suites. Unless somebody's flying an incredibly aged regular herringbone product or an angled-flat seat, my take is that the difference between seats is marginal. Probably the only...
I disagree. I didn't feel the need for a door when I flew EVA for the first time, and I still don't feel the need for a door when I fly, whether it's F or J. It's entirely a marketing gimmick unless you're in one of the floor-to-ceiling suites. Unless somebody's flying an incredibly aged regular herringbone product or an angled-flat seat, my take is that the difference between seats is marginal. Probably the only noticeable difference for me has been storage in the seat itself without needing the overhead, but even then most have enough space for my shoes, backpack, and a spot for my phone, kindle, and charger. I do care more about the food, drink, flight attendant attentiveness and responsiveness, bedding, etc.
I agree about the door. It's nothing more than a gimmick to me. Although, on my last flight on QR to DOH with Q-Suites, I changed into my PJs at my seat. So there's that...
If I am travelling in First, I don't want a door. I want you to be able to look at me with envy as I revel in my First cabin away from the great unwashed.
JD, whenever I fly F, it is easy to observe the once in a lifetime first timers, the narcissistic poseur and schwanz kopf.
The door becomes a very useful tool for keeping them out of my sight line, especially when they are eating like pigs at a trough.
I agree that the hard product is most important, unless other matters are subpar. A very large part of our flights are TATL, with one leg overnight during which we sleep. Service and food do not really matter while you're asleep. Better food for the return leg is nice, but how much difference can one meal make?
I recently had China Airlines J that was remarkably good. However I have also experienced their J on the 330 which was not so good.
Which brings me to another comparison, how would you change the rankings if you compared the average between the world's best business class and each carriers average between their best and worst per airline.
I love Emirates a380 J and is my personal favorite but combined with their...
I recently had China Airlines J that was remarkably good. However I have also experienced their J on the 330 which was not so good.
Which brings me to another comparison, how would you change the rankings if you compared the average between the world's best business class and each carriers average between their best and worst per airline.
I love Emirates a380 J and is my personal favorite but combined with their 777J and the average, EK might not make this list
Why is this important- well aircraft swaps happen all the time and you don't get your money back
Thai airways J blows out of the water TK J any day with service , food and drinks …
Are you listening, Lufthansa?
I may be in a minority here about the Singapore Airlines business seat but I really love it for the fact that it’s wide and spacious. Granted I am not 6 feet 4 inches tall so have no problem sleeping at an angle.
But as Ben pointed out, it’s really the service that stands out. It’s like the cabin crew has 4 eyes and 4 legs or they have monitors in the galley. And it comes out as very genuine.
The more I fly Emirates A380, the more I think it's the world's best business class. And with monthly if not twice a month flights between Asia and Europe or North America I came to understand that the seat is only a part of the equation (but of course the most instagrammable one)!
Emirates A380 has a solid seat and uniquely takes real care of you from your home or office by picking you...
The more I fly Emirates A380, the more I think it's the world's best business class. And with monthly if not twice a month flights between Asia and Europe or North America I came to understand that the seat is only a part of the equation (but of course the most instagrammable one)!
Emirates A380 has a solid seat and uniquely takes real care of you from your home or office by picking you up and drops you off at your destination, with plenty of excellent hospitality, great food and wines, great amenity kit, etc etc. And the lounges in Dubai are superb, with direct boarding to the A380. The attention is second to none, including QR, whose Q-Suites are nothing special to a solo business traveler (give me a reverse herringbone A350 over the Q-Suite one any day, or, even better, an EK A380).
Speaking of halo effect, how can you avoid talking about Qatar's horrendously small, crammed and claustrophobic Q-Suites on the 787? Coupled with that aircraft's horrendous window tinting, that was one of my worst business class flights ever. If you're knocking Emirates down due to the old 777 (deservedly so), you cannot put Qatar as #1 given its 787 situation.
@ Mary -- Agree with you that Emirates is great. Regarding Qatar Airways, obviously we have very different perceptions there, because I think the Adient Ascent seat on the 787-9 is excellent, and don't find it to be cramped. It's going to be an increasingly common business class seat, as it's also what American has selected as its new long haul product.
Why does this sound like it was written by the Emirates PR department?
Not many people have flown all of the airlines so that affects comparison. I do like EVA Air. It's better than Japan Airlines, which is not bad at all. None of the "premium" US carriers, like Delta or United, come close. That shows that they are aspiring premium, not true premium.
VS should be on the list and high up as well. That AF and ITA are there is somewhat of a travesty.
Not with their awful seats on the A330’s.
No mention of how uncomfortable the SQ J seats are?
@ Angetenar -- The seat is definitely on the hard side, and I've covered that quite a bit in my reports of the product. Singapore Airlines business class is great in spite of the seat, in my opinion.
I would not consider SQ for a long-haul flight thinking about having to try and sleep on a rock hard slab. Worse, they have had more than a decade to fix this and yet continue to offer it. So sad for such a once-great airline.
No PJs is a deal breaker for me when talking about ranking. And yes SQ, I am looking at you. And I have had better satay on MH, BTW. While SQ's J is good, it is showing its age, but I will give them top marks for consistency.
VS was pretty baller. Awesome lounge, seat was pretty comfy (339) and I ate very well. Made the 10 hour flight from London to Orlando a very pleasant, and I can't think of a better option that exists currently flying into Orlando or Tampa right now.
Helped my parents book ITA J just yesterday. Neither has flown in a lie-flat seat before, nor experienced a soft product anywhere near that level
To give them an idea of what to expect, I shared one of your reviews. My mom couldn’t stop complimenting your thoroughness and attention to detail in the review. Figured you’d appreciate that!
@ 305 -- Hah, you're too kind, thanks! I hope your parents have as good of an experience as I've had on ITA.
Hey Ben, I would really appreciate your rating of business class products for couples.
@ finerd -- That's a great topic for another post, let me see what I can come up with!
That is a great idea! 90% of the time I travel in long-haul business I am with my partner so an individual window seat isn't what I typically choose.
@Andrew -- same here. Would be a useful article.
SQ and ANA are my favourites.
I flew ANA "The Room" recently and I must say I wasn't as impressed as all the raving reviews. Getting in and out while having a flat bed is not the easiest and the seat is quite hard, to mention some minuses. But overall experience is just wow.
SQ may not have the best seats in the industry anymore, still good enough though. Compared to the LH group...
SQ and ANA are my favourites.
I flew ANA "The Room" recently and I must say I wasn't as impressed as all the raving reviews. Getting in and out while having a flat bed is not the easiest and the seat is quite hard, to mention some minuses. But overall experience is just wow.
SQ may not have the best seats in the industry anymore, still good enough though. Compared to the LH group the whole thing is at completely another level. And recently, to my surprise, also price-competitive.
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Turkish has by far the worst ground handling of any major airline in the World.
I was sort of shell-shocked by the new (not so new any more) Istanbul airport -- so huge. The lounge is huge too, and hard to find your way around, and very crowded. I had a 2 hour layover and there was not enough time to have a shower.
Also, the food on the flight from Mexico was pretty bad. Yes, it is an outstation, but there is good Mexican food in Mexico (duh),...
I was sort of shell-shocked by the new (not so new any more) Istanbul airport -- so huge. The lounge is huge too, and hard to find your way around, and very crowded. I had a 2 hour layover and there was not enough time to have a shower.
Also, the food on the flight from Mexico was pretty bad. Yes, it is an outstation, but there is good Mexican food in Mexico (duh), just not on Turkish airlines out of Mexico (and also not good Turkish food).
Overall of course still fine, but not a top-tier experience.
Terrible service and IST is a mess. I avoid TK at all costs.
…. What, No mention of BA?
Force protection measures are in place to deflect incoming!
Good point, everyone knows that the British Airways First is the best business class in the world!
Worst business class ever! Never flying with them again.
The BA business class suite is pretty wonderful with its large screen, door, slick dark color theme and overall comfortable seats. Their food and service is usually good although inconsistent.
"Turkish has the best food of any airline in business class"
I'd say the food on Qatar, EVA, JAL, and ANA are all better. And I'd put ITA, Austrian, and Singapore on the same level as Turkish.
"Let me add a wildcard to the list"
You mean "another wildcard", since you already said Air France was a wildcard...
One has to admit Aron, TK is our regular LHR-IST carrier when we are paying.
One has to admit Aaron, TK is our regular LHR-IST carrier when we are paying.
Sincere apologies Aaron, I misspelled your name twice!
You miss Austrian Airlines. I think their service and food are spectacular, while their hard product is improving now that they have new 787s coming online.
I know you love Turkish but I've had terrible flights on them in business, and I hear that more and more from too many people. I had bad service on IST-IAD, found the seats on the 787 confining and uncomfortable, and the food didnt stand out in any...
You miss Austrian Airlines. I think their service and food are spectacular, while their hard product is improving now that they have new 787s coming online.
I know you love Turkish but I've had terrible flights on them in business, and I hear that more and more from too many people. I had bad service on IST-IAD, found the seats on the 787 confining and uncomfortable, and the food didnt stand out in any way.
For me, in Europe, Air France and Austrian are standouts, while I think KLM holds its own.
I've only ever had great service on Turkish, so YMMV. My issue with TK is that in the countless flights I've had with them, maybe 2 ever have actually departed on time.
I have never had good service on Turkish. They serve you your food, don't personalize anything, and it's nothing special.
Found the 787 seat shoulder-level narrow as well on TK. Was not baffled by good service either: Only 1 FA conveyed genuine warmth. The others were going through the motions while thinking of their next workout session.
Arguably that comes down to individuals, but when you are growing as aggressively as Turkish is, that's what will sting you first and foremost.
I also find most airlines have bad catering from outstations. Are there any that...
Found the 787 seat shoulder-level narrow as well on TK. Was not baffled by good service either: Only 1 FA conveyed genuine warmth. The others were going through the motions while thinking of their next workout session.
Arguably that comes down to individuals, but when you are growing as aggressively as Turkish is, that's what will sting you first and foremost.
I also find most airlines have bad catering from outstations. Are there any that are consistently good no matter what direction you're flying ?
well, this should be fun
What are you anticipating DT?
TD extolling the virtues of DL J?
Alternately people like me who love winding up the colonials by gibbering on about BA?
Either way, as you quite rightly point out …. “This should be fun”.