When you talk about business class, till some time back, a big seat, good legroom, easy access to the aisle, cocktails and upgraded meals were something that you could expect. But with competition getting fierce, airlines started offering more to their customers as part of the new ‘Business Class’ (and some of these ‘old’ options are now available as part of premium economy ).
Soon, fully flat beds, expanded menu choices and infinite entertainment were provided to the flyers. Some airlines also have a bar at the galley it make flying more fun. Some airlines now also provided customized services, such as chauffeur service to and from the airport.
Here are top 10 airlines that offers the best in business class.
Singapore Airlines
Impressive seats (according to SeatGuru, are the world’s widest). The cabin also features ample room between each seat, and, thanks to the 1-2-1 layout, gives every passenger direct access to the aisle. The culinary offerings are just stellar and flight attendants are just delightful, also known for their thoughtful and intuitive service. Some frequent flyers feel that Singapore’s business class is even better than first class on most other airlines. You get an almost queen-size bed, turndown service and proper linens. singaporeair.com.
Oman Air
Flagship airlines from the Middle East, it has been giving traditional players across the globe a run for their money in recent years. It comes third for Best Business Class Airline Seat and was offered the second best business class overall as per the 2013 World Airline Awards survey. The service is exemplary as well, Oman Air also offers door-to-door service with complimentary chauffeur-driven airport transfers in select destinations such as Paris, London, Muscat, Oman, and Mumbai, India. omanair.com.
Qatar Airways
Already the winner of Skytrax’s Best Business Class Overall award in 2013 and ranking second in Best Business Class Lounge for its luxe facility in Doha, Qatar, the business-class service offers the world’s first dual-screen interfaces (on B787s), which enable passengers to play games on handheld devices while waiting for movies to load. The airline was also the first to offer different wine selections; and it’s the only airline to offer rose Champagne in business. qatarairways.com.
British Airways
This veteran airline offers innovative features like its Elemis amenity kits and an onboard “Club Kitchen,” where fliers can graze between meals. Its lie-flat seats extends to 6 ft, 6″ making it ideal for watching movies.
The carrier’s lounges has also garnered top marks as per most surveys; Galleries Arrivals lounge features an Elemis Travel Spa, 94 shower rooms, cabanas with infinity bathrooms and a garment-pressing service. britishairways.com.
Etihad Airways
Flagship carrier of the United Arab Emirates, has been winning several awards (and even the hearts of travelers). The Pearl business-class cabin features 6-foot-1-inch flat beds, food and beverage managers for each passenger. On the ground, get pampered in the business lounge’s Six Senses Spa. There’s also speedy services – ironing and shoe polishing—you can cue up while you shower. etihad.com.
Swiss International Air Lines
Expect out-of-the-box touches like all-veggie menus from Zurich’s ‘Haus Hiltl’, the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant. Seating configuration is innovative, provides privacy when you need it and the ability to travel and talk with a partner if you desire, and offers better access to the aisle. swiss.com.
Virgin Atlantic
Has modern planes, an upbeat staff and loads of perks in the “Upper Class”, which also has an onboard galley bar. Their main attraction is the flagship London Heathrow Clubhouse (on the ground of course). virgin-atlantic.com.
Cathay Pacific
Though other airlines may have forged ahead (it last won the Skytrax Airline of the Year award in 2005), the Hong Kong carrier still offers excellent passenger comfort, with one of the world’s widest business-class seats, highly regarded food and beverage program and legendary service. cathaypacific.com.
Qantas
It flies on some of the longest in the world, and thankfully Australia’s pride and joy does provide a superior flying experience in business class. Award-winning Mark Newson-designed Sky Beds with massage options, dishes conceived by Sydney’s star chef Neil Perry, and its wines, are some of the highlights. Recently, they have intriduced Chauffeur Drive (on certain international flights) luxury car transfers both ways. qantas.com.au.
Emirates
This Dubai-based airline continues to offer top quality cabin comfort, thanks to lie-flat seats (on all A380 aircraft) and restaurant-quality meals. It also has one of the youngest fleets in the sky. emirates.com.
