Top 6 Airlines With the Coolest Business Classes

When a traveler spends a lot of money on a business class flight, they want to be sure they'll get a solid return on that investment. Travel Leisure tells about the best business class offers on airplanes.

British Airways took flying comfort to new heights in March 2000 when it introduced the first ever lie-flat seat, giving business class passengers the luxury of a bed in the sky.

Most major airlines have repositioned this service as their premium offering. Advanced technology and design have led to a sort of space race among carriers. Each airline strives to outdo the competition when it comes to comfort and aesthetics in this part of the plane.

Now, berths are the bare minimum. More and more often, travelers can count on their own cozy suite with direct access to the aisle.

Qatar Airways A350 Qsuite

Qatar Airways is generally considered one of the most luxurious airlines. The Business Class configuration on its wide-body A350 lives up to that reputation. Each of the 46 luxurious seats is surrounded by 132cm high walls, including a sliding door. So you can enjoy complete privacy in your suite.

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Your personal space has plenty of storage space. Everything has been thought out to the smallest detail. You have access to your personal belongings even when strapped in. Meals are carefully selected and paired with high-quality wines and champagnes, including drinks from Charles Heidsieck. You can enjoy all this in soft pajamas and slippers, which will be provided to you upon takeoff.

ANA 777-300ER The Room

Just how dated first class is is highlighted by All Nippon Airways' newest business class product, which consists of suites designed by legendary Japanese architect Kengo Kuma.

Its minimalist design uses wooden surfaces to evoke a sense of kanso, or “simplicity.” The seats are upholstered in high-quality material and are extra wide, measuring 96 cm.

The dining options are decidedly more luxurious than most American carriers. Umami-rich proteins, pickled vegetables, and piping hot miso soups are served on patterned china. The food is placed on a large tray in the center of the suite, directly in front of a 24-inch 4K screen.

Singapore Airlines A350-900ULR Business Class

SQ21 from Newark, New Jersey to Singapore is the longest commercial flight on earth, spending nearly 19 hours in the air. Luckily for Singapore Airlines business class passengers, it’s one of the most comfortable. The seat reclines into what the airline calls a “bed mode,” which has almost the same level of cushioning you’d expect from a mattress at home.

The bulk of the bed is quite wide at 71cm. The middle section curves towards a small footwell, meaning you'll have to position yourself diagonally to find the perfect sleeping position.

Food can be ordered individually at your desired time.

The airline offers one of the most extensive menus in the sky, including farm-fresh salads and Singaporean delicacies. For a wider selection of dishes, you can use the airline's Book The Cook service. To get a wider selection of dishes, you must pre-order online 24 hours before departure.

This airline has been recognized as No. 1 in the world for 27 years in a row.

Delta One A350 Suites

Delta Air Lines prides itself on being the first airline to introduce an all-inclusive Business Class back in 2016. Since then, it has slowly rolled out the product across its growing fleet of A350 aircraft.

Each suite has a door, a cleverly designed tray table, and a work station. The suites are equipped with customizable lighting. The food and wine selection is extensive and varies depending on the season and the specific route. Vegetarian and vegan options are standard on every flight. As far as the commercial flying experience in America goes, this is probably the best there is.

JetBlue A321LR Mint Studio

The only US product that could compete with Delta One Suites is Mint Studio, which JetBlue introduced in late 2021.

These suites, with their doors closed, are surprisingly spacious. Especially considering they are built into an Airbus A321, a narrowbody aircraft.

The 114cm wide bed is big enough to let you toss and turn while you sleep. The adjoining seat allows you to invite a guest from another capsule for in-flight socialising

There’s a lot of attention to detail here, with a wireless charging pad within arm’s reach and an adjustable TV screen. Food and drink options are a cull of trendy New York bars and restaurants. The only downside is that flights are currently limited to London and some places in Central and South America.

Emirates A380 Business Class

Emirates is largely associated with luxury aviation. And for good reason – the airline packs all the bells and whistles into its premium products. Before you even sit down, you’ll have to admire how beautiful it all looks. Leather seats and gold-plated wood panels covering every corner of your cabin will enhance any journey.

There are also many advantages to lying down. The side consoles by the window can be used as a minibar. They provide passengers with soft drinks and water. On the table next to the bed is a tablet that can be used for work or entertainment during the flight.

An odd seat has extra privacy closer to the window. And don't forget to take advantage of the airline's chauffeur service. All business and first class passengers receive a complimentary black car that picks them up within a 80-mile radius of the airport.