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The world’s best airlines for long-haul Business Class include Qatar, Emirates, Etihad, American, United, Delta, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Swiss, Lufthansa, and Cathay Pacific.
Unlike traveling in economy, a trip in Business Class is an enjoyable experience. The queues evaporate, you relax in excellent airport lounges, the staff really seem to care, your in-flight seat is comfortable and most probably turns into a lie-flat bed, and you will be treated to gourmet food and wine throughout.
The Middle Eastern carriers tend to offer the best Business Class and are my top choices. These include Qatar, which has recently introduced a First Class on their A380 (with onboard shower!).
Singapore Airlines is exceptional and comes in 4th in my list. The airline offers the widest in the world with direct aisle access in a 1-2-1 forward-facing cabin layout, and the food is restaurant-style and specially created by celebrated chefs.
Finnair’s Airbus A350 XWB (extra wide body) aircraft has an excellent long-haul Business Class product, a bright and spacious Business Class cabin with seating in a 1-2-1 layout.
Next, we pick Japan Airlines with its excellent JAL Sky Suites or pods. These pods offer an excellent night’s sleep with their airweave mattress, pillow, and some of the best Business Class food, with both Western and Japanese menus.
All American Airlines have recently introduced new Business Class cabins and seats. Elsewhere we have discussed which American Airlines has the best new Business Class separately. With their current offerings, they do not come at the top of the list, but a number of the current American Airlines seats that you can book beat British Airways, which currently offers a consistent but narrow “Club Class” seat (a new one is on its way but has not yet launched) with no direct aisle access. Virgin Atlantic has the edge over British Airways, although we feel Swiss has the edge over both with slick cabins and excellent food.
It is worth noting that your Business Class experience will not be consistent across airlines or even the carrier. For many American airlines, the experience varies vastly according to the aircraft you are traveling in, so it is worth working out which plane you will be flying on when booking your seat. This is my list of the world’s best airlines for long-haul Business Class:
It is worth reading tips on the top 10 Business Class Airlines. Find out the best airlines to fly to Europe in Business Class.
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