Which is the best airline to fly to Europe in Business Class? I have picked United Airlines, American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, and Delta as the best airlines to travel transatlantic in Business Class.
Wherever you decide to fly, book your hotel stay via our luxury travel concierge. We offer free upgrades, free breakfasts, and free perks at hotels, including Four Seasons, Aman, Belmond, Hyatt, Ritz-Carlton, Marriott, InterContinental, and more. You also get your usual Marriott Bonvoy, Hyatt, Hilton, and other loyalty points and status benefits when you book with our concierge.
Many airlines are now introducing new Business Class seats on transatlantic flights, which offer more comfort and convenience for travelers. These seats typically feature lie-flat beds, adjustable headrests, and adjustable leg rests, as well as larger seat widths and greater recline angles. Some airlines offer USBB ports, power outlets, and tablet holders for added convenience. Additionally, these seats also come with improved entertainment systems, such as flat-screen TVs, enhanced sound systems, and a wider selection of movies, TV shows, and music. Finally, travelers can also enjoy complimentary meals, snacks, and drinks while in their seat.
United is my first choice with its Polaris seat, and American Airlines comes in second with their Super Diamond seat. Virgin takes spot 3, and the inconsistent Delta Business Class product comes in 4th, British Airways, used to come in at number 5 with its thin, uncomfortable seats, but it’s new Business Class seats are so much better that it is now placed in number 4 in this listing.
1. British Airways
British Airways has recently rolled out its new business class seats on its transatlantic flights. The new seats feature a fully flat bed, direct aisle access, increased storage space, and a unique dining experience. Customers can also make use of the in-seat power and USB charging points and a built-in massage feature. In addition, the airline has enhanced its in-flight entertainment selection with a larger range of movies, TV shows, music, and games.
British Airways does not publish exact numbers for the number of transatlantic flights that feature their new business class seats. However, British Airways has recently renovated their First and Business Class cabins across their entire fleet of long-haul aircraft, so most of the transatlantic flights operated by British Airways should feature the new business class seats.
2. American Airlines
American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta are the three main North American airlines flying from major American airports to Europe. All three have recently launched a new, upgraded business class soft and hard product, with improved seats, food, and service on flights to Europe. At this time, American Airlines has not yet released any information regarding the number of transatlantic flights that feature their new business class seats. On American Airlines, whether passengers will be able to enjoy the new business class seats depends on which aircraft you are flying.
3. United Airlines
I have discussed in more detail which of these new Business Class suites is best. In my opinion, the United Polaris Business Class Pod cabins are probably the best looking of the three seats, and the fact that these cabins are complemented by matching ground facilities means that this entire product is more of a complete experience than the American Airlines or Delta offerings.
4. Delta Airlines
Delta’s new seats have been installed on around a fifth of its new fleet, which means that when you book a Delta Business Class ticket, the chances are you may never experience their Delta One product. Having said that, all the Delta seats are a reasonable size.
5. Virgin Atlantic
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are the two main British airlines that fly from North America to Europe, between New York and London, along with a number of other American cities. Both airlines feature in my top 10 best airlines for long-haul Business Class and I have also compared them directly in my best transatlantic airline for Business: British Airways vs. Virgin Atlantic.
Virgin’s The Clubhouse lounge is fun and has better food than BA’s Galleries lounges. Virgin’s onboard food offering is more generous, the old seat is more comfortable for sleeping, and it has an onboard bar. But at this time, following our research it seems Virgin Atlantic does not offer any transatlantic flights featuring their new business class seats.
Below you will find my reviews of my recent experiences on each airline – you may want to draw your own conclusions.
Features
United Airlines Long Haul Business Class Flight Reviews
I have flown with United Airlines a number of times and have reviewed their long-haul Business Class and First Class flights. My trip reports can be found below. Read More.
American Airlines Long Haul Business Class Flight Reviews
I have flown with American Airlines a number of times and have reviewed their long-haul Business Class and First Class flights. My trip reports can be found below. Read More.
Virgin Atlantic Long Haul Business Class Flight Reviews
I have flown with Virgin Atlantic a number of times and have reviewed their long-haul Business Class or Upper Class along with their Premium economy. My trip reports can be found below. Read More.
Delta Airlines Long Haul Business Class Flight Review
I have reviewed Delta One which is Delta’s new long-haul Business Class product which can be found below. Read More.
British Airways Long Haul Business Class Flight Reviews
I have flown with British Airways many times and have reviewed their long-haul business class flights in First and Club World as well as Premium Economy. My trip reports in Business Class can be found below. Read More.
Consider The Specific Plane As Well As The Airline When Making Your Choice
It is worth noting that for all the airlines mentioned above, it is not just the airline that should skew your choice, but also the plane you will be traveling on. Virgin, for example, offers an updated and an older Upper Class seat, depending on the plane – the latter older seat being rather shabby.
United have launched their new Polaris seats, which have been routed onto the flights to Europe. American Airlines have also launched Super Diamond Business Class, but again it is not on all planes, and neither is the new Delta One seat.
The three American carriers, therefore, offer excellent Business Class products if you can book into a flight that features their newer seats. The new seats, in my opinion, beat the older British Airways Club Class (with no direct aisle access) and older Virgin Atlantic products (which are tatty) hands down. BUT if you fly on an older plane from these American carriers, you will not get this upgraded experience.
Book wisely, and you are in for a treat, particularly if you get the complete United Polaris or American Super Diamond experience. These two are the winners and are the best airlines to fly to Europe In Business Class.
It is worth reading my tips on how to find cheap First or Business Class flight tickets to and from North America for a way to save money on your next First or Business Class flight booking. If you can’t stretch to Business Class, I have also outlined the best airlines to fly to Europe in Premium Economy.
COPYRIGHT 2014 - 2023 LUXURY TRAVEL DIARY. DUPLICATION OUTSIDE OF LUXURYTRAVELDIARY.COM IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN.
Note: Benefits offered correct at the time of writing but may be amended at discretion of the vendor. Posts may be sponsored by the proprietor or brand being appraised. All opinions remain our own & are in no way influenced.