Your Guide to the Best Business Class Airlines Out There
by Ellie Smith / April 28, 2025
Estimated reading time: 17 minutes
What makes a business class truly “the best”? The title isn’t just a matter of plush seats or fine wine. It’s awarded by seasoned travelers, industry insiders, and authorities like Skytrax, the airline rating agency behind the World Airline Awards, which are often considered the gold standard in aviation rankings.
As experts in premium ground transportation, we at Blacklane know what elevated travel looks like from curbside to cabin. In this guide, we break down what defines a top-tier business class experience, spotlight the airlines leading the pack in 2025, and highlight several carriers offering a more affordable yet still elevated way to fly.
Table of contents
What Makes a Top Business Class Airline?
Business class is about turning travel into something you actually look forward to. The goal is to step off the plane refreshed and ready to go, not drained and disoriented. And for that, certain features are non-negotiable.
In the air, it starts with space and privacy. The best business class cabins don’t just offer extra legroom. They offer breathing room. A spacious suite with power ports, storage, and proper lighting. Lie-flat beds with direct aisle access are now the baseline. Sliding doors, suite-style layouts, and whisper-quiet cabins make all the difference for travelers who need to work or truly rest. Plush bedding, premium amenity kits, and sleepwear all play their part in delivering comfort without compromise.
Connectivity is a must. Fast, reliable Wi-Fi, large screens with Bluetooth pairing, and entertainment systems that actually work let passengers stay productive, unwind, or switch between the two.
Dining and drinks remain a dealbreaker. From à la carte meals served whenever you're ready to barista-level coffee and sommelier-approved wine lists, the culinary offering is part of the experience, especially when it includes a touch of the airline’s heritage.
The ground game is half the battle!
According to industry research, for most business travelers, what happens at the airport is just as important as what happens in the air. Lounge access is expected. The best ones offer quiet spaces to recharge, freshen up, take calls, or enjoy a proper meal before boarding. Think à la carte dining, spa-style showers, daybeds, and barista coffee.
The boarding and arrival experience matters just as much. Priority lanes, fast-track immigration, and smooth deplaning save time. And time is what top travelers value most.
As Sascha Meskendahl, Chief Revenue Officer at Blacklane, put it: “The biggest pain point for CEO and VIP travellers remains airports and delays. I recently lost one and a half hours to immigration at Chicago airport, missed my connection, and arrived a day later, also having missed an important business meeting. This is not an isolated experience.”
“Security at the departure and arrival airport is suffering from labour shortages. Arriving one hour ahead of a flight is no longer enough, making scheduling a nightmare for bookers. Every element of the journey, including chauffeurs, needs to build in flexibility and flight tracking in a world where flights are more often delayed than not.”
In short, the best business class airlines understand that for elite travelers, time and peace of mind are just as valuable as comfort. Read on for the best business class airlines in 2025, the ones that keep you efficient, comfortable, and ready for success, wherever you're headed next.
Best business class airlines in 2025
Qatar Airways
Why it’s great: Qatar Airways is having a moment, and not for the first time. Recently crowned World’s Best Business Class Airline and Best Business Class Seat by Skytrax, it’s also picked up Best Business Class Lounge for its flagship Al Mourjan Lounge in Doha. The secret behind all that recognition? The Qsuite.
Each Qsuite is a self-contained mini-cabin with high walls and a sliding door, offering genuine privacy at cruising altitude. And it’s more than just a seat with a door, the layout is cleverly modular. Couples can turn two middle seats into a double bed, while families or colleagues can transform a block of four into a shared space for dining or working. It’s thoughtful, flexible, and a major reason Qatar stays at the top of every business traveler’s list.
The suite design focuses on privacy, tranquility, and space. Cabin finishes feel refined, and the lighting is perfectly tuned to long-haul comfort. Select aircraft, like the A350 and 787 Dreamliner, are also equipped with advanced tech that reduces turbulence and keeps noise to a minimum.
On the ground, Qatar’s Business Class experience is just as refined. Travelers enjoy fast-track check-in, private immigration lanes, and access to a global network of premium lounges. The flagship Al Mourjan Lounge at Hamad International Airport features à la carte dining, a reflection pool, shower suites, and quiet zones, while the new Al Mourjan Garden Lounge adds natural light and lush greenery.
In Doha, arriving Business Class passengers can also access dedicated First and Business Class Arrival Lounges, complete with showers, dining, and workstations.
Qatar’s international lounges span key hubs like London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Singapore Changi, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, and Beirut. As a member of the Oneworld alliance, Qatar also extends lounge access and elite travel benefits across its global network of partner airlines.
Highlights:
Lie-flat Qsuite with sliding doors and convertible double or quad seating
21.5-inch 4K entertainment screen with Oryx One and Bluetooth pairing
Diptyque amenity kits and pajamas from The White Company
Free Wi-Fi and ample in-suite storage on most long-haul aircraft
Just note: You’ll find Qsuite on most Airbus A350-1000s and Boeing 777-300ERs, as well as some A350-900s and 777-200LRs. But the 787 Dreamliners don’t currently feature it.
Singapore Airlines
Why it’s great: Recently crowned Asia’s Leading Airline by the World Travel Awards, Singapore Airlines continues to prove why it’s also a Skytrax favorite, delivering a long-haul business class experience that’s precise, polished, and deeply considered. On long-haul routes aboard the A350-900, 777-300ER, and A380, Business Class passengers enjoy wide seats that convert into fully flat, separate beds.
Dining is another standout. “Book the Cook” lets you preorder everything from lobster thermidor to regional classics like chicken rice. Meals are served on porcelain tableware, with curated wine selections to match your menu choice.
On the ground, Business Class guests get fast-track check-in, priority security, and access to SilverKris Lounges. The flagship lounge at Changi Terminal 3 now includes barista-made coffee, à la carte dining, private nap pods, and spa-style showers. SilverKris lounges are also available at international hubs including London Heathrow, Sydney Kingsford Smith, Hong Kong International, and San Francisco International.
As a member of the Star Alliance, Singapore Airlines Business Class passengers also have access to other Star Alliance member airline lounges worldwide.
Highlights:
Lie-flat seat with dedicated bed mode, duvet, and helpful setup from the crew for restful sleep
18-inch HD screen with KrisWorld entertainment and extensive content library
Le Labo amenity kits on flights over 6 hours (includes face mist, lip balm, and hand cream)
Free unlimited Wi-Fi for Business Class passengers
All Nippon Airways (ANA)
Why it’s great: ANA’s THE Room has redefined business class design. Found on select Boeing 777-300ERs, these seats feel more like curated living spaces than traditional business class cabins. Created by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the design channels kanso: simplicity, serenity, and just the right amount of luxury.
Service is intuitive and discreet, with menus that balance high-end washoku and global flavors. ANA also serves premium sake and, on select routes, top-shelf Japanese whiskies like Hibiki or Yamazaki.
When flying Business Class with ANA, the ground experience is enhanced with fast-track check-in and priority security. Passengers also gain entry to ANA’s dedicated Business Class lounges at Tokyo Haneda and Narita airports. These lounges are characterized by their minimalist aesthetic and offer amenities such as à la carte meal options, a selection of Japanese sake, and shower facilities. Furthermore, ANA Business Class travelers benefit from access to the extensive network of Star Alliance partner lounges globally.
Highlights:
Ultra-wide 38-inch lie-flat seat with full sliding door for complete privacy
24-inch 4K entertainment screen with HDMI input and noise-reducing headphones
Globe-Trotter amenity kits featuring premium skincare and travel essentials
Complimentary Wi-Fi available on most international routes
Emirates
Why it’s great: Emirates Business Class was named Best International Airline by the Forbes Air Travel Awards, and it delivers a premium experience across its fleet. While both the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 offer Business Class, the A380 stands out with its spacious cabin and extra perks.
On the A380, passengers get lie-flat seats with direct aisle access, personal minibars, and enough space to unwind. There’s also the signature Business Class lounge at the back of the upper deck, where cocktails, canapés, and conversation are on tap mid-flight. A feature that helped Emirates earn Best In-Flight Cocktail Lounge.
The 777 Business Class cabin varies. Some aircraft still have a 2-3-2 layout, while newer versions feature a more private 1-2-1 setup.
On the ground, Business Class travelers benefit from priority check-in desks and fast-track security lanes at many airports, allowing for a smoother airport experience. They also enjoy access to Emirates lounges in over 30 airports, including Dubai International (awarded Best International Airline Lounge), London Heathrow, New York JFK, and Sydney Kingsford Smith.
Highlights:
Fully lie-flat seats with direct aisle access on the A380
Award-winning ICE entertainment system with over 6,500 channels
Bulgari amenity kits and pajamas on long-haul overnight flights
Complimentary Wi-Fi for Skywards members
Chauffeur-drive service in select cities for airport transfers
Cathay Pacific Airways
Why it’s great: Cathay Pacific’s new Aria Suite on select Boeing 777-300ERs raises the bar for Business Class design. These fully enclosed suites offer sliding doors, a calming neutral color palette, wireless charging, and personalized seat and lighting controls. There's a discreet "Do Not Disturb" mode and lavatory occupancy indicator on the screen, for those who like to travel with minimal interruption.
Meals are thoughtfully presented, with an award-winning wine list and a menu that balances international favorites with wellness-inspired options.
On the ground, Business Class travelers benefit from dedicated check-in counters and fast-track security lanes. Cathay’s lounges at Hong Kong International Airport, especially The Pier and The Wing, are as sleek as they are serene, with à la carte dining, a tea house, noodle bar, daybeds, and spa-style showers stocked with Bamford products. Business Class passengers can access Cathay Pacific lounges at London Heathrow and Vancouver International, as well as partner lounges worldwide through the airline’s Oneworld alliance membership.
Highlights:
Lie-flat Aria Suite with sliding door and personal lighting controls
24-inch 4K entertainment screen with Bluetooth audio and wireless charging
Bamford amenity kits and plush bedding on long-haul flights
Complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi on most international routes
Etihad Airways
Why it’s great: Etihad’s Business Studio blends sleek design with high-tech comfort. Found on the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787, each suite features a lie-flat bed, sliding privacy doors, and a 1-2-1 layout that gives every passenger direct aisle access. A collaboration with Armani/Casa brings a touch of Italian elegance to the cabin, with refined dinnerware and luxurious bedding. Passengers can enjoy dine-anytime service, with menus ranging from traditional Emirati dishes to international cuisine.
On the ground, the experience is equally impressive. At Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, Business Class passengers benefit from dedicated check-in counters, fast-track immigration, and access to the expansive Etihad Business Class Lounge. This lounge spans three floors and includes amenities such as à la carte dining, a well-stocked bar, shower suites, relaxation rooms with daybeds, family rooms, and even a games room. Etihad also operates lounges in several major international airports, including London Heathrow, New York JFK, and Washington Dulles, with amenities like gourmet buffets, business centers, and spa services.
Highlights:
Fully lie-flat seat with sliding door in a reverse herringbone layout
18.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth audio and wireless charging
Amenity kits by Giorgio Armani featuring ESPA skincare essentials
Wi-Fi available on most long-haul aircraft
Japan Airlines (JAL)
Why it’s great: Japan Airlines has elevated its Business Class experience with the introduction of the Airbus A350-1000, featuring the innovative Safran Unity seat. These suites offer sliding doors, generous personal space and headrest speakers that let you enjoy wireless audio without the need for headphones. The design emphasizes privacy and calm, with clever touches like a "Do Not Disturb" mode and a lavatory occupancy display on the entertainment screen.
On the ground, Business Class passengers benefit from dedicated check-in counters, priority baggage handling, and access to fast-track immigration and security lanes at key airports, including Tokyo Haneda, Narita, and select international hubs.
JAL’s Sakura Lounges offer a tranquil, minimalist escape with refined Japanese cuisine, shower suites, and peaceful seating areas. The flagship lounge at Tokyo Haneda sets the standard, and as a member of the Oneworld alliance, JAL also provides access to premium lounges around the globe.
Highlights:
78-inch lie-flat bed with premium bedding and full sliding doors
24-inch 4K screen with Bluetooth audio, wireless charging, and curated content
Curated amenity kits for long-haul flights
Complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi
Delta Air Lines
Why it’s great: Delta One has become a benchmark for American business class, thanks to its balance of privacy, polish, and practical comfort. The Delta One Suite, available on Airbus A350-900s and A330-900neos, features full-height sliding doors, lie-flat memory-foam beds, and customizable ambient lighting. On Boeing 767-400ERs, while the suites lack doors, they still provide a private and comfortable experience with direct aisle access.
On the ground, Delta One passengers benefit from Sky Priority services, including expedited check-in, security, and baggage handling. The exclusive Delta One Lounges at JFK, LAX, and Boston Logan offer full-service dining curated by renowned chefs, spa-like wellness areas with massage chairs and shower suites, and serene spaces to relax or work before your flight. Future Delta One Lounge locations are planned for Seattle and Salt Lake City.
Highlights:
Lie-flat memory-foam bed with plush bedding and sliding privacy doors
18-inch high-definition entertainment screen with Bluetooth audio
Amenity kits by Someone Somewhere with wellness essentials
Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi for SkyMiles members, expanding across international routes
Turkish Airlines
Why it’s great: Service is where Turkish Airlines truly shines. In fact, it won the Best Business Class Onboard Catering title in 2024. From the moment you board, you're met with restaurant-level meals prepared by flying chefs, with menus that spotlight both Turkish and international cuisine.
One fun standout? Turkish Airlines now serves what's proudly called the world’s oldest bread, made from ancient wheat grown in Anatolia, an ingredient with roots tracing back 12,000 years to the dawn of bread-making.
The Business Class product varies across the fleet, but the best experience can be found on the Airbus A350-900s and Boeing 787-9s, where you’ll find lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 layout with direct aisle access and sleek, modern finishes. Other aircraft, like the Boeing 777-300ER and A330, still offer lie-flat seats but with older 2-3-2 or 2-2-2 configurations (worth checking when booking).
On the ground, Business Class passengers benefit from dedicated check-in counters and priority security lanes at many airports. Guests can also unwind in Turkish Airlines’ flagship lounges at Istanbul Airport. The Business Lounge and Miles&Smiles Lounge offer gourmet dining, nap rooms, private suites, shower facilities with premium toiletries, and even a golf simulator. International lounges at Tokyo Narita (the airline’s largest outside of Istanbul), New York JFK, Miami International Airport, Suvarnabhumi Airport, and other major cities extend the premium experience well beyond Turkey.
Highlights:
Lie-flat seat with 76–78 inches of bed length (configurations vary by aircraft)
18-inch entertainment screens in newer cabins
Amenity kits by Lanvin with skincare and travel essentials
Wi-Fi available on most long-haul aircraft
Top budget-friendly business class options
For travelers looking for comfort without the fare of a top-tier international airline, these carriers offer a solid business class experience. While they may skip some of the bells and whistles, they get the fundamentals right.
JetBlue Mint
Why it’s worth it: JetBlue Mint makes luxury feel refreshingly unstuffy. On select A321LR aircraft, you’ll find Mint Suites with lie-flat seats, sliding privacy doors, and techy perks like wireless charging and adjustable seat firmness.
Onboard, expect curated meals, espresso drinks, and bar-quality cocktails, along with amenity kits that change depending on where you’re flying.
Highlights
Tuft & Needle kits on U.S. routes, Dr. Dennis Gross kits in Caraa pouches on European flights
Free high-speed Wi-Fi on all Mint routes
Priority check-in, security lanes (where available), and baggage handling
JetBlue lounges launching at JFK and Boston in 2025, with access for Mint passengers on transatlantic flights
Pricing*: JetBlue Mint offers a comfortable experience with one-way fares starting around $1,000 for U.S. coast-to-coast routes and approximately $2,500 for transatlantic flights to Europe. While these fares are subject to dynamic pricing, JetBlue occasionally offers promotional deals that can provide significant savings.
La Compagnie
Why it’s worth it: La Compagnie is a unicorn in the airline world, an all-business-class boutique airline that skips the chaos and cost of legacy carriers. No wonder it was named Best Small Airline by the Forbes Air Travel Awards 2024. Operating nonstop from Newark to Paris, Milan, and Nice, it offers lie-flat seats, French-inspired meals, and a calm, intimate cabin environment.
The Airbus A321neo is configured in a 2-2 layout, so not every seat has direct aisle access, but the tradeoff is a relaxed, private experience with fewer passengers and thoughtful service. Meals are paired with curated French wines, and unlimited Wi-Fi makes staying connected effortless throughout the flight.
Highlights
76 lie-flat seats in a quiet configuration
Touchscreen entertainment system with noise-canceling headphones
Unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi included for all passengers
Pricing: La Compagnie offers an all-business-class experience with one-way transatlantic fares starting around $2,500. Prices vary depending on travel dates and booking conditions, with peak days seeing higher rates.
TAP Air Portugal
Why it’s worth it: TAP’s Business Class blends comfort with a strong sense of place, offering travelers a welcome dose of Portuguese hospitality. The Airbus A330-900neo is the sweet spot, with lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 layout and direct aisle access for everyone. Other aircraft like the A321LR and older A330-200s vary, with “throne” seats and some 2-2 configurations.
Onboard, meals feature regional dishes and Portuguese wines, served with polished service.
Highlights
Lie-flat seats in 1-2-1 layout on A330-900neo; mixed configurations on other aircraft
Amenity kits featuring Portuguese brand Benamôr
Wi-Fi available on most long-haul aircraft
Access to TAP’s Premium Lounge in Lisbon and partner lounges at major international airports
Pricing: While TAP Air Portugal was once known for ultra-competitive pricing, current one-way Business Class fares start around $400–$450 on short-haul European routes like Lisbon to London or Paris. For long-haul routes like Lisbon to New York, prices typically begin around $2,000. Promotional sales do still pop up from time to time, offering lower fares, but they’re not as frequent or widespread as they once were.
LATAM Airlines
Why it’s worth it: LATAM’s Premium Business cabin is a smart choice for travel within and beyond South America, especially if you’re flying on their newer Boeing 787s. These aircraft feature lie-flat Recaro R7 seats in a 1-2-1 layout, with direct aisle access for all passengers. Older jets still operate with 2-2-2 seating.
Service includes South American-inspired meals, and wine pairings selected by a master sommelier.
Highlights
Lie-flat seats with direct aisle access on Boeing 787s, older layouts vary
Amenity kits featuring L'Occitane skincare and regional design details
Wi-Fi available on newer aircraft, limited or unavailable on older long-haul jets
Access to VIP lounges in major South American hubs like Santiago, São Paulo, and Bogotá
Pricing: LATAM’s Premium Business fares typically start around $1,500 for travel between South and North America, and around $2,000 for routes connecting South America with Europe. Prices vary depending on route, season, and aircraft type, with newer 787s often commanding higher fares.
Icelandair
Why it’s worth it: Icelandair’s Saga Premium is a solid pick for travelers who want more comfort than economy without the full business class price tag. While seats don’t recline fully flat, they’re noticeably wider, with more legroom and deeper recline, ideal for shorter transatlantic hops. The onboard experience includes full meal service and complimentary drinks, and you can even squeeze in a stopover in Iceland at no extra airfare.
Highlights
2-2 or 2-3 seat layout with wider seats and deeper recline
In-seat entertainment with a curated media selection
Wi-Fi available on most flights
Lounge access at Keflavík and partner lounges at select airports
Pricing: Icelandair's Saga Premium offers a comfortable transatlantic experience with one-way fares starting around $1,000 for routes between Iceland and North America, and approximately $860 for flights between Iceland and Europe. Prices fluctuate based on travel dates, booking timing, and seasonal demand.
Your business-class experience continues on the ground
Flying business class is only part of the journey. What happens after you land can make or break your travel experience. That’s where Blacklane comes in. Our professional chauffeur service is built around the same principles as top business class airlines: privacy, reliability, and comfort. When you step off a long-haul flight, Blacklane is there with seamless airport transfers that include flight tracking, meet-and-greet service, and flexible waiting times. All delivered in quiet, clean vehicles by chauffeurs who respect your time and space.
Apart from airport transfers, if you're heading from meeting to meeting or planning a day of leisure, Blacklane offers ride options that let you move at your own pace. Our city-to-city rides also provide a calm, uninterrupted alternative to short-haul flights or trains.
* Fares were checked independently and were accurate at the time of writing. Prices may change and are not guaranteed by the airlines.
