A long flight is a serious test for the body. Lack of movement, limited food options, proximity to other passengers, and noise all lead to irritation and fatigue. And if important matters await you immediately after leaving the airport, you need to take maximum care of yourself. The best investment in well-being is business class tickets. Yes, they are significantly more expensive than economy class, but the level of comfort is entirely different. The amount spent will be returned in the form of good mood, energy, and pleasant impressions of the flight.
However, business class varies. The quality and quantity of services provided during the flight depend on the carrier. We have compiled the best options in this material. Besides, you can even find good tickets for corporate trips.
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines is the national airline of Singapore and one of the largest in Asia. It operates flights to more than 30 countries on 5 continents from Changi Airport, which is quite unusual and deserves attention in itself.
What does Singapore Airlines offer passengers who have purchased business class tickets? It depends on the type of aircraft. The A380 has several advantages. The main feature of the natural leather seats from Poltrona Frau is the ability to unfold them into a comfortable bed with the push of a button. Seats in the central row are suitable for couples. They are equipped with a full-length divider, but it can be lowered if you do not want to part from your neighbor. Each passenger receives personal slippers and a sleep mask, and there is a set of Penhaligon’s toiletries in the restroom.
Perhaps this is the most expensive business class on a plane.
Thanks to the convenient arrangement of shelves and drawers, all necessary items will be nearby – hand luggage can be placed under the seat, and a laptop on the side. Nearby are two reading lamps for sitting and lying. You won’t get bored either – in front of you is an 18-inch high-resolution touchscreen monitor along with noise-canceling headphones. You can choose from over 1,000 movies, games, songs, and apps loaded into the KrisWorld entertainment system. You can even sign up for the system and save playlists for future flights.
The meals offered on the flight can be studied in advance in the digital menu or directly on the plane by connecting to Wi-Fi (available on all aircraft except the Boeing 737-800NG). Dinner is served on the finest porcelain along with champagne and wines from famous vineyards around the world.
The A350 and 787 aircraft have slightly different types of seats, but they also recline thanks to the tilting backrest. On other aircraft, business class passengers are offered a third type of seat. They have two positions: a rocking chair and one with increased space for the body and legs. Additionally, they can also be easily transformed into a bed. Linen blankets and pillows are included. Items can be stored in the side console. The main advantage of these types of aircraft is the onboard restaurant. Order the main course no later than 24 hours before departure and eat it at a table in a comfortable setting.
Emirates Airlines
This is one of the largest airlines in the world, with its main base in Dubai. By the way, we tell you here how to have fun in this city without breaking the law. A distinctive feature of Emirates Airlines is the large number of Boeing 777 aircraft. Business class in them has several advantages. By the way, you can view the cabin in realistic 3D mode on the company’s official website.
Wide seats are separated from each other by a high partition. A pleasant surprise: it has a built-in personal minibar! The seats easily transform into a comfortable bed. And right in front of the passenger is a screen with hundreds of content options loaded. For greater comfort, personal toiletry kits are prepared, which can help you freshen up at any time. There are even personal clothing sets for rest and sleep.
Business seats are definitely worth their money.
They have also taken the food seriously. The business class menu considers the specifics of different regions. Book your dinner on board no later than 24 hours before departure, so you are guaranteed to get the desired dish. A bonus is the free “personal chauffeur” service for transfers to and from the airport and a separate waiting lounge for those who have purchased a business class ticket.
The A380 aircraft offer the same business class capabilities. An interesting feature is the presence of a relaxation area where you can meet other passengers and sit at a common table, sampling snacks from the chef.
Qatar Airways
The national airline of Qatar, headquartered in Doha, has won many prestigious awards. By the way, we talked about the most interesting places in the capital in this article. The high standards are also met by the business class – in 2023, it was recognized as the best in the world by the Skytrax World Airline Awards. What attracts people to it?
The elegant and spacious interior design of the cabin allows you to spend the flight as comfortably as possible, and the decorative lighting creates a calming atmosphere. Passengers are offered free onboard Wi-Fi on the A380, A350, B787, A319, and some B777, A330, and A320 aircraft. Let’s talk separately about the food. The à la carte menu can satisfy even the most discerning travelers.
As for the best class on the plane, it’s up to you to decide.
And interesting leisure is provided by the entertainment program in the Oryx One system on the A350, A380, and B787 aircraft. It has an intuitive touchscreen interface with a dual screen – this allows you to multitask on a portable device while enjoying a movie on an individual screen. You can also relax with an exclusive perfume set from Diptyque, found at passengers’ seats. Inside: body and face care products and branded perfumes, packaged in branded cosmetic bags.
On some types of Qatar Airways aircraft, business class is equipped under the special Qsuite program. It provides an even greater level of comfort. The main difference is the ability to choose one of four types of seats: a single cabin, a double cabin, a double cabin with separate beds, or The Quad (you can study them in detail on the official website with a virtual tour).
The business class cabin can look like this.
The sections are separated from neighbors by doors. Inside the cabin, there is decorative lighting, a bed, and a compartment for items. The most unusual section, The Quad, is a cabin with 4 seats facing each other. An excellent option for a family or a group of friends. On long-haul and night flights, everything necessary for sleep is provided: pillows, a quilted mattress, a soft down blanket, pajamas, and slippers from The White Company.
Etihad Airways
Another airline from the UAE is the national carrier headquartered in Abu Dhabi. The business class here is maximally thought out (you can get to know it in detail in the virtual tour on the website). Ticket holders in this section of the plane can use a chauffeur-driven car from the company for a trip to the airport. And at the airport, a porter will meet you and help deliver your belongings to the counters in a separate registration area. If you have enough time, visit the special waiting lounge. Here you can have a delicious meal, drink at the bar, relax, and take a shower. By the way, more interesting facts about planes are collected here.
Business class is located at the front of the cabin.
Business class on Etihad Airways aircraft differs even in design. The famous designer Giorgio Armani contributed to the design of the cabins. The inspiration came from the traditions of the Emirates. Flight attendants greet passengers with a drink of their choice – from juice to champagne. Comfortable flight is ensured by adjustable seats with headrests, back support, and seat firmness regulation. Additionally, they have a large recline angle and plenty of free leg space.
And in wide-body aircraft, they transform into a full-fledged bed. To make sleep on long-haul flights even more pleasant, each business class passenger receives an Acqua di Parma travel set as a gift. It includes an eye mask, earplugs, socks, and perfume. Upon request, a flight attendant will bring a shaving kit and a comb.
Now you know what business class on a plane looks like
If you do not plan to sleep during the flight, Wi-Fi is always available – unlimited onboard access from $9.99 or a free package for Etihad Guest program members. But even without the internet, there is plenty to do. For example, watch a movie, listen to music, or dive into an interactive game in the E-BOX system. For gourmets, a full three-course meal is provided. The menu includes national recipes from the UAE and other countries, as well as healthy snacks. Additionally, a passenger can request sandwiches and desserts at any time.
Cathay Pacific
Our list concludes with the flagship airline of Hong Kong. If you are interested in this city, read our material about interesting street food. In the Cathay Pacific business class cabin, passengers can relax to the maximum. Privacy is ensured by partitions, and adjustable lighting and seat adjustments help you settle in very comfortably. The cabin also monitors pressure and humidity levels, which has a great impact on well-being.
Slippers, a mask, and cotton bedding from Bamford will help you get a good sleep. And a travel set from the same company will help you freshen up. It includes natural care products that protect and nourish the skin during the flight.
To have enough strength for a long flight, try the dishes from the business class menu. It includes international cuisine, Hong Kong recipes, and healthy snacks, as well as non-alcoholic and strong drinks. By the way, food is served at any convenient time for you. Entertainment is provided by a modern multimedia system with an individual touchscreen. The database of movies, TV shows, and music is updated every month, and Wi-Fi is also available onboard.
