Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Travel

Best in class: World’s best business class cabins

If you want luxury, try these when flying business class

By
Qantas A380 Business Class
Qantas

Most mortal men think of airline “upgrades” in terms of how many free bags of peanuts they can score or whether they can finagle a free Heineken from the flight attendant. However, if you’re the sort of hotshot who demands more, there’s a good chance you only fly business class or better. After all, who wants to fly in cramped economy seating when they can spread out and actually relax and arrive at their destination?

If you’ve had the chance to fly in a top-of-the-line business class seat, you know what we’re talking about. It’s worth the splurge if you haven’t, especially on a long flight.

Recommended Videos

To help you choose, we’ve compiled a list of some of the world’s best business class cabins that will get you to your destination in style.

Related

The world’s best business class cabins

Singapore Airways business class

Business class Singapore seat
Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airways business class is among the best in the world. Each seat is a cocoon-like carbon composite shell that features Poltrona Frau upholstery and plenty of privacy. Inside is a generous 25-inch-wide seat with 50 inches of pitch that folds into a 78-inch-long bed. Business class passengers in the center row of seats can connect their pods together to form a single bed, which is ideal for couples and families traveling together. There’s also an 18-inch touchscreen entertainment screen, and every gourmet meal service is plated on Narumi chinaware.

Emirates business class

Business class Emirates cabin
Emirates

Dubai is a model for excess, consumerism, and an almost absurd level of luxury. So, it’s fitting that their official airline, Emirates, is no different. The brand has long been considered “the gold standard” for airline service and amenities worldwide. Their business class cabins are second to none — luxurious spaces where every passenger has a lie-flat bed, a premium, private cocktail bar, industry-leading in-flight entertainment options, and even complimentary chauffeur service to/from the airport. If that isn’t enough, their Mercedes-Benz-inspired First Class Suites are like mini-luxury hotel rooms in the sky.

Etihad Airways business class

Etihad Airways business class
Etihad Airways

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways continues to nip at the heels of Emirates with a business class cabin that’s almost as good. The airline boasts business studios on its fleet of superjumbo jets, including the Airbus A380 and Boeing 787. The semi-private seats incorporate an 18.5-inch touchscreen entertainment system, a fold-flat bed with built-in massager, and a boutique hotel-inspired lobby lounge where A380 passengers can mingle among fellow one-percenters.

Qatar Airways business class

Qatar Airways business class bed
Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways has often been crowned “The Best Airline in the World,” and they have the business class cabins to prove it. Passengers receive access to on-demand gourmet dining, a lie-flat bed, and a dual-screen multimedia entertainment system (play a game on one while watching a Bond flick on the other) with over 3,000 TV shows, movies, and songs. There are even branded amenity kits from Italy’s Castello Monte Vibiano Vecchio and plush cotton sleepwear when all the luxury and pampering are too much for you to bear.

The best of the rest

First class vs. business class
Aris Group / Shutterstock

Many major airlines are upgrading their business class experience in an effort to grab higher-paying travelers, so this list is sure to keep growing over the years. Here are some more business class suites worth checking out.

All-Nippon Airways: “The Room”

The offering from Japan’s All-Nippon Airways is aptly named because all of the suites come with a door for privacy, giving you your own personal room. Inside, you’ll find extra-wide tables, a 24-inch screen, and a huge amount of personal space to stretch out and relax.

Air France: La Première

Air France has recently overhauled its La Première class, upgrading the suites to be reportedly the longest in the world. This is great for flyers who value their personal space. But this is less like an airline seat than it is a flying lounge. These suites come with not only the expected luxury seat, but also feature both a sofa and a fully flat bed, so if you really wanted to, you could have your neighbors over. But let’s face it, you’re just going to use all of that space yourself, and who would blame you?

Editors’ Recommendations

Mike Richard
Mike Richard
Contributor
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Passport vs. REAL ID: Which one do you need and when?
Not sure if you need a passport or REAL ID? Let’s clear it up
Passport and plane ticket

Have you been hearing about the REAL ID program for quite some time now but aren’t really sure what all the fuss is about? That was my situation, too, until I realized the deadline to get a REAL ID was fast approaching, and I needed to get up to speed, especially if I wanted to fly anywhere. That got me wondering – what’s the difference between a passport vs. REAL ID? And when do I actually need each one? If you’re asking the same questions, here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know so you can decide what works best for you.
What is a passport?

A passport is your ticket to international travel. It’s an official government document that proves your identity and citizenship. And without a passport, you’re not getting far beyond U.S. borders.

Read more
How much is a first-class flight? Here’s the breakdown
This is the true cost of flying first class (and how to save)
First class on an airplane

Have you ever found yourself wondering, how much is a first-class flight? I know I did. Before I had the chance to experience it myself, first class always felt like a luxury that was just out of my reach. But now that I know what it actually costs, I’m here to share what I’ve learned about the true price of flying first class. So, here’s how much a first-class flight really costs.
Factors that affect the price of first-class flights

First things first, the price of a first-class ticket can vary depending on the different factors at play. But there is a general range, so let’s break it down a bit.
The airline and route
The cost of a first-class ticket depends mainly on the airline and the route you’re taking. For example, on a popular international route like New York to London, a first-class ticket can range from $4,000 to $7,000, sometimes even more. If you’re flying from Los Angeles to Tokyo, that price tag can jump to $14,000 or more. These prices fluctuate based on the airline’s pricing structure and the demand for seats on that specific flight.
The flight duration
Another big factor is the length of the flight. The longer the journey, the more expensive the first-class ticket tends to be. A shorter domestic flight might cost somewhere in the range of $1,000 for a first-class seat, while international flights that can last 10 hours or more could easily push into the $8,000-$15,000 range for first class. 
When you book your flight
Timing also plays a big role in the cost of your first-class ticket. The Luxury Travel Expert recommends booking your flight as early as possible to secure the best deals. So if you book months in advance, you’ll probably find better fares. However, airlines do occasionally offer last-minute discounts or promotions to fill seats, although this isn’t always the case. It’s always best to plan ahead, but keep an eye out for any deals, especially during off-peak travel seasons.
The time of year
Airline ticket prices also vary depending on the time of year. Traveling during peak times, like the holidays or summer vacation, will typically result in higher prices. Airlines usually raise prices to accommodate the increased demand during these periods.
What do you get for the price of first class?

Read more
These are the best wine regions to visit in Europe
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Bordeaux tops the list
Bordeaux

Are you dreaming of sipping wine in a sun-drenched vineyard somewhere in Europe? With hundreds of celebrated wine regions across the continent (each offering its own varietals, history, and charm) it can be tough to narrow down where to go. Luckily, a new analysis by Emerald Cruises offers some guidance. The company evaluated wine tasting experiences across Europe, factoring in the number of top-rated tours (those with at least 4.4 stars on Google), the total volume of five-star reviews, and the general sentiment of traveler feedback to compile a definitive list of the 10 best wine regions to visit.

Taking the top spot, perhaps to no one’s surprise, is Bordeaux. Located in southwest France, Bordeaux is one of the most iconic wine regions in the world. But it’s not just famous, it’s beloved. With a total score of 96 out of 100, Bordeaux boasts 112,063 five-star reviews across nine standout wine tasting experiences, making it the clear winner in both popularity and quality.

Read more