I’ve long published my rankings of the world’s best first class products and best first class lounges. I’m now trying 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).
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 more. If I could only ever fly one airline again in business class, it would be Qatar Airways.
All Nippon Airways business class
All Nippon Airways has 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, ultimately the business class experience isn’t quite as customized as on Qatar Airways. I do think that Qatar Airways & ANA have the two best business class products at the moment.
Etihad Airways business class
Etihad Airways is really in a groove, with its new 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 will also soon introduce a new Boeing 787 business class.
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 A350s with an impressive hard product. 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.
Turkey 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.
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.
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.
Japan Airlines business class
Japan Airlines has Apex Suites in business class on select Boeing 787s and Boeing 777s, which is my favorite “generic” business class seat in the world (in other words, one not exclusive to a single airline). The window seats in this configuration are unparalleled in terms of privacy and space.
On top of that, Japan Airlines has friendly Japanese service, solid food, reasonably priced and fast Wi-Fi, and pretty good amenities.
Oman Air business class
Oman is one of the most interesting countries in the Gulf region, and Oman Air is very much a reflection of that. For one, Oman Air has a great business class seat — the airline has Apex Suites on most of its long haul aircraft, much like Japan Airlines, and those are hard to beat.
On top of that, the airline has excellent food and extensive amenities (including pajamas). It’s also interesting how Oman Air has a combination of local flight attendants and foreigners, which you won’t find on Emirates, Etihad, or Qatar.
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 and All Nippon Airways are definitely my favorites. 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?
My wife and I recently (March 2024) travelled from Toronto to Singapore on Turkish Airlines and Singapore airlines, and returned vis Taipei on Eva, so we got to experience three of your top choices.
I have to say that Turkish airlines is not in the same category as the others. The seats were frayed, and not very functional. The food was subpar (I had a piece of meat that was too hard to cut,...
My wife and I recently (March 2024) travelled from Toronto to Singapore on Turkish Airlines and Singapore airlines, and returned vis Taipei on Eva, so we got to experience three of your top choices.
I have to say that Turkish airlines is not in the same category as the others. The seats were frayed, and not very functional. The food was subpar (I had a piece of meat that was too hard to cut, let alone eat), and while the crew dressed like chefs while we boarded, they changed into regular clothes while serving dinner, and brought meals to your seat rather than have the chef serve you as they advertise on their website.
So strange and glaring is omission of Emirates. It makes some of your list look like economy class.
As many of us retire and no longer receive the company paying for flights , we have to downgrade to Economy class.
Can you do a survey on the best economy class ?
"Experienced' I retired as well after million and half miles flying the globe, and none of what I see here worth $4-6K for the experience. I think Delta and KLM provide a solid economy / premium product. Flying for $498 r/t from ANC to Europe this fall - with the savings I'll live it up in Paris at some nice restaurants. Also, quite disillusioned with the million miles I've saved - impossible to now use them as I hoped for upgraded class of service.
My favorite: Finnair
I was underwhelmed with SQ on SQ21, mainly because its such a pain to get the seat flat.
One day I will fly business class again. Did it once about 20 years ago but haven't been able to do it again due to disability as I can't work. One day I hope!
But what if you're flying to Europe from Boston or Miami, or anywhere on the East Coast that is not NY? These airlines aren't options.
That's what positioning flights are for.
My favorite:United ….. Not!!!
Jal apex seats is one of my least favorite. No storage, below average bedding. I could easily place Cathay Pacific’s seat and bedding above it.
I don’t know I would rank Turkish that high. Food is very high quality. I give you that. Service? Not so much when compare to SG, EVA, JAL. Turkish air’s service standard reminds me of Europeans complaining about US waiters…. They put on fake smile so they can get tips from you. Granted, Turkish airline staff doesn’t work for tips. But my experience flying with them is they put on a fake smiley face to...
I don’t know I would rank Turkish that high. Food is very high quality. I give you that. Service? Not so much when compare to SG, EVA, JAL. Turkish air’s service standard reminds me of Europeans complaining about US waiters…. They put on fake smile so they can get tips from you. Granted, Turkish airline staff doesn’t work for tips. But my experience flying with them is they put on a fake smiley face to get the job done… as soon as they turn around not facing you, you get a sense they can’t be bothered with your question or request. At least with the flight I took with them recently (maybe I got the b crew) that was the level of service I got in business class. It was def a leg below a lot of Asian airlines. I was disappointed after hearing all the great things on TA. Will I take them again to that part of the world? Yes. Better than US3 for sure. If JAL, SG, or EVA fly from US cities to IST nonstop, those three would def be my choice over TA.
You have to judge an airline for all aspects of the experience. In the case of Qatar their customer service is abysmal at best. If everything goes well it''s not a bad ride. But they changed aircraft and my spouse and I had our Honeymoon Seats switched - she got a regular business seat and they screwed up my ticket and cancelled it. I had to purchase a very expensive seat in row 44 (because...
You have to judge an airline for all aspects of the experience. In the case of Qatar their customer service is abysmal at best. If everything goes well it''s not a bad ride. But they changed aircraft and my spouse and I had our Honeymoon Seats switched - she got a regular business seat and they screwed up my ticket and cancelled it. I had to purchase a very expensive seat in row 44 (because of covid tests had to get on the flight). Even during a 6 hour layover in Qatar the reallocation desk refused to honour their email with all the details of our flight. To this very day they still refuse to refund Y ticket. How the customer is treated is extremely important so Qatar goes to the bottom of the pile.
Air Canada is not on your list. But when it comes to customer service they go out of their way to make sure that you get the seat you paid for. That ranks them high on my list.
I totally agree - we had aircraft switched last minute on our entire 4 leg European trip AGAIN and they have never responded to me asking for the qsuite seat monies refunded - and let’s not forget their out station sub par lounge offerings and the bus and stair arrival and departure experience in Doha- 5 star I think not
I agree with Jason - all American Airlines are below any standards and they are basically a national disgrace. On top of that they are very expensive - quite often double price compared to European airlines, for instance. And they do not offer first class ( AA is a joke, right? ). Personally I avoid them like a plague ( I live in London ). Same with airports. Total embarrassment.
I agree with best business class list.
There is a difference flying BA LHR-JFK/EWR compared to AA Flagship or UL Polaris?
Turkish food is one of my favs when flying with them, so I’m on board with your comments 100%. Would also love to see an upgrade in their soft product, but the crew goes out of their way to make up for it, and that always makes it an enjoyable experience.
I agree about the food and the service.
I'm no doubt the outlier here, but I don't mind the 7 across on the 777. Sure, it's nice to have aisle access, but I love how there is no footwell, just a straight bed. I fell asleep easily and that's worth a lot.
Flew Turkish Airlines to Cairo this year, and hoping to fly them again in 2024 for a vacation in Turkiye!
I guess my experience was an outlier but I was not impressed at all by the food. Apps and dessert was good the entree was one of the worst I've had in business. Fortunately the food in Istanbul is amazing so it was good to arrive with a healthy appetite
Service was ok but nothing like ANA or Singapore. Hard product was also one of the worst I've experienced in business, no personal space...
I guess my experience was an outlier but I was not impressed at all by the food. Apps and dessert was good the entree was one of the worst I've had in business. Fortunately the food in Istanbul is amazing so it was good to arrive with a healthy appetite
Service was ok but nothing like ANA or Singapore. Hard product was also one of the worst I've experienced in business, no personal space and the person seated next to me spilled their drink on me. I'm sure I'll give them another try as they have decent availability but based on experience I'd take United over Turkish any day of the week
Your “anti-asian” bias is on full steam… LMAO
Probably spot on.
I have flown business class only on EVA which is on the list and Japan Airlines, British Airways, Qantas, American, Lufthansa, which are not on the list.
Hmmm.....Ben this is a cool list but it does seem to me you should do a separate post on the best business class among US airlines. Or maybe not "the best" but the key differences and pro/cons among them. I get that no US airlines compete at the top level, but a lot of us do have to fly disproportionately on them for international travel.
Have to fly on them? I can't remember the last time I flew International on a U.S. carrier.
The U.S. airlines should be ashamed of the international business class products they provide. They deserve no recognition or reviews whatsoever. They obviously have zero intention of legitimately competing in the international business class market, so they richly deserve to be 100% ignored. Their executives are so greedy and bonus-obsessed that they don’t even try to compete, because competing with excellence actually costs money. They have no interest in that, only in the bonuses they...
The U.S. airlines should be ashamed of the international business class products they provide. They deserve no recognition or reviews whatsoever. They obviously have zero intention of legitimately competing in the international business class market, so they richly deserve to be 100% ignored. Their executives are so greedy and bonus-obsessed that they don’t even try to compete, because competing with excellence actually costs money. They have no interest in that, only in the bonuses they can finagle by being cheap and offering the lowest cost product they can contrive. The U.S. flight wardens often appear to be psychologically incapable of providing kind, caring, warm or gracious service, as if it would be some kind of personal affront to do so. More commonly, they provide something more like a prison experience, with constant orders and threats of federal penalties for noncompliance with capricious commands. I always love how the U.S. flight wardens want the galleys and cabins all closed and locked up 2 hours before arrival, with everyone sitting upright in landing position an hour before touchdown. There’s much less work for them to do that way. One will never experience that kind of control freakishness on international carriers. All in all, the U.S. airlines are authoritarian basket cases and embarrassments.
US Govt employees (and maybe contractors that bill back to a US Govt agency) probably have to fly domestic carriers.