12 Best Business Class Airlines of the World for Luxury Flying
Long-haul travel doesn’t have to be exhausting anymore. Over the past decade, airlines have transformed business class from just “a bigger seat” into something close to a flying hotel suite. Today’s business class travellers enjoy sliding doors, dine-on-demand menus, Michelin-level chefs, onboard cocktail bars, and even luxury bedding that feels like home.
But with so many carriers upgrading their game, the real question is: who’s doing it best? From Middle Eastern giants to Asian hospitality leaders, here’s a guide to the best business class airlines of the world in 2025 — and exactly what makes each one stand out.
1. Qatar Airways
If there’s one airline that defines the phrase “game-changer,” it’s Qatar Airways with its famous Qsuite. Imagine sliding your suite door shut and entering your own private cocoon in the sky. Couples can transform two centre seats into a double bed, while colleagues can create a four-person suite for work or conversation mid-flight. It’s the kind of flexibility that makes Qatar’s business class feel closer to first.
The details make it even better: The White Company bedding, à la carte dining that arrives whenever you want it, and a wine list carefully matched to the altitude. With over 4,000 entertainment options on a massive 21.5-inch 4K screen, boredom simply isn’t an option. For many, Qatar Airways isn’t just one of the best business class airlines of the world— it’s the gold standard.
Business Class Highlights
- Seat: 21.5-inch wide, converts into a 79-inch fully flat bed
- Cabin Layout: 1-2-1 with sliding doors
- Entertainment: Oryx One, 21.5-inch 4K screens, 4,000+ options
- Dining: Dine-on-demand menus with Arabic mezze and international dishes
- Lounges: Al Mourjan Business Lounge, Doha — private pods, spa showers, à la carte dining
- Aircraft: A350-1000, B777, selected A380s
2. Singapore Airlines
Foodies, take note: Singapore Airlines is in a league of its own, and it’s no surprise it regularly appears on lists of the best business class airlines of the world. Their “Book the Cook” program lets you pre-order from an extensive menu that feels more fine-dining restaurant than airplane food. Think lobster thermidor, Japanese kaiseki, or even comforting local dishes like laksa. It’s one of the rare cases where you actually look forward to the meal service.
The seats are famously wide — so wide, in fact, that you stretch out diagonally when it’s time to sleep. Add plush bedding, attentive yet unobtrusive crew, and the KrisWorld entertainment system with hundreds of hours of content, and you’ve got a package that’s hard to beat. Singapore Airlines proves that luxury doesn’t have to be flashy — it can be thoughtful, precise, and consistently excellent.
Business Class Highlights
- Seat: 30-inch wide, bed length up to 78 inches
- Cabin Layout: 1-2-1, all-aisle access
- Entertainment: KrisWorld with 18–24-inch HD screens, 1,800+ channels
- Dining: “Book the Cook” with over 60 pre-order dishes
- Lounges: SilverKris Lounges; The Private Room in Singapore for premium passengers
- Aircraft: A350-900ULR, B777-300ER, A380
3. Emirates
Flying Emirates is like stepping into a glamorous sky club. Their A380 business class has an onboard lounge where you can sip cocktails with fellow passengers, complete with a bar counter and sofas. Seats transform into comfortable lie-flat beds, while the ICE entertainment system (with over 5,000 channels) is still the most extensive in the world.
Little extras add up — like chauffeur-driven cars in select cities and massive lounges in Dubai that feel more like premium hotels. Emirates often gets listed as one of the best business class airlines of the world for combining luxury, comfort, and a little bit of sky-high theatre.
Business Class Highlights
- Seat: 20.5–22-inch wide, 78-inch fully flat bed
- Cabin Layout: 1-2-1 on A380, 2-3-2 on some B777s
- Entertainment: ICE with 23-inch HD screens, 5,000+ channels
- Dining: Multi-course menus, Moët & Chandon champagne
- Lounges: Emirates Business Lounges in Dubai with spa services
- Aircraft: A380, B777-300ER
4. ANA (All Nippon Airways)
Step into ANA’s “The Room,” and you’ll wonder if you accidentally boarded a first-class cabin. These seats are among the widest in the sky, designed like private mini-living rooms with sliding doors. They convert into one of the longest lie-flat beds you’ll find anywhere, perfect for a proper night’s rest.
Service reflects Japan’s legendary omotenashi hospitality — polite, precise, and always thoughtful. Meals are a highlight too, whether you choose the kaiseki-style Japanese menu or Western fine dining. The combination of impeccable service, exceptional cuisine, and a calm, luxurious environment is what makes Japan Airlines one of the best business class airlines of the world.
Business Class Highlights
- Seat: 24-inch wide, 86-inch bed (among the longest)
- Cabin Layout: 1-2-1 with sliding doors
- Entertainment: 24-inch 4K screen, noise-cancelling headphones
- Dining: Japanese kaiseki meals and Western fine dining
- Lounges: ANA Lounges in Tokyo Narita and Haneda — sushi and noodle bars
- Aircraft: B777-300ER, B787-9 on select routes
5. Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific is all about balance — sleek design, privacy, and consistently good service. Their reverse-herringbone seats give every passenger space and direct aisle access without feeling boxed in. The bedding is plush, and the inflight dining offers both Western and Asian favourites, complete with premium teas.
On the ground, Hong Kong’s lounges are among the best anywhere. Picture yourself enjoying freshly made noodles at The Noodle Bar or relaxing in a private day suite at The Pier before your flight. Cathay may not shout about luxury, but it quietly delivers one of the most reliable premium experiences in the sky solidifying its reputation as one of the best business class airlines of the world.
Business Class Highlights
- Seat: 21-inch wide, 82-inch fully flat bed
- Cabin Layout: 1-2-1 reverse-herringbone
- Entertainment: StudioCX, 18.5-inch screen with 100+ movies
- Dining: Seasonal Asian and Western dishes, premium teas
- Lounges: The Wing & The Pier in Hong Kong with day suites and noodle bar
- Aircraft: A350-1000, B777-300ER
6. Etihad Airways
Flying Etihad feels sleek and stylish from the moment you board. The Business Studio features Poltrona Frau leather seating, clever storage, and a fully flat bed with direct aisle access. The cabin design feels modern and spacious, making it easy to work or unwind.
Meals are dine-on-demand, so you can enjoy a steak at 3 a.m. if that’s what you fancy. Abu Dhabi lounges take the experience further, with spa treatments and quiet zones. Etihad is ranked among the best business class airlines of the world for travellers who value both comfort and contemporary design.
Business Class Highlights
- Seat: 20-inch wide, 80.5-inch fully flat bed
- Cabin Layout: 1-2-1 staggered
- Entertainment: E-BOX with 18-inch touch screen
- Dining: Dine-on-demand, international chef-curated meals
- Lounges: Etihad Premium Lounges with spa treatments
- Aircraft: B787 Dreamliner, A380
7. Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines truly justifies why it deserves to be among the best business class airlines of the world. They actually have flying chefs onboard, preparing meals that start with Turkish mezze and end with decadent desserts. It’s an experience that feels far more restaurant-like than airline catering.
On newer aircraft like the A350 and B787, the 1-2-1 seating gives privacy and comfort, while older aircraft still offer generous space. The Istanbul Business Lounge is a destination in itself — complete with live cooking stations, a golf simulator, and even a cinema.
Business Class Highlights
- Seat: 22-inch wide, 78-inch bed
- Cabin Layout: 2-2-2 on A330, 1-2-1 on A350/B787
- Entertainment: Planet IFE with 18-inch screens
- Dining: Flying chefs, Turkish specialities, premium wines
- Lounges: Istanbul Business Lounge with showers, library, and games
- Aircraft: A350-900, B787-9, B777-300ER
8. EVA Air
EVA Air doesn’t rely on flashy gimmicks — it simply delivers quiet, reliable luxury. Its Royal Laurel Class features reverse-herringbone seats with lie-flat beds and plush bedding. EVA is also one of the few airlines to serve Dom Pérignon champagne in business class, a detail that travellers with refined tastes definitely notice. Amenity kits from Rimowa and Ferragamo further add a designer touch.
Service is attentive without ever feeling overbearing, creating an experience that’s sophisticated yet understated. It’s these thoughtful touches and consistent comfort that make EVA Air one of the best business class airlines of the world for travellers who prefer elegance without extravagance.
Business Class Highlights
- Seat: 21-inch wide, 81-inch fully flat bed
- Cabin Layout: 1-2-1 reverse-herringbone
- Entertainment: Star Gallery with 18-inch HD screen
- Dining: Taiwanese and Western fine dining, Dom Pérignon champagne
- Lounges: The Infinity Lounge in Taipei — buffet and showers
- Aircraft: B777-300ER, B787-10
9. Japan Airlines (JAL)
Japan Airlines offers business class that feels like an extension of Japan itself — calm, elegant, and incredibly thoughtful. Japan Airlines has every reason to be among the best business class airlines of the world. First comes the private Sky Suites, second the Nishikawa bedding, and third the kaiseki-inspired meals that make each flight unforgettable.
Dining is a highlight, with kaiseki-inspired Japanese meals presented beautifully alongside premium sake. Service is warm and attentive but never intrusive — the kind of care that makes you feel looked after without even having to ask.
Business Class Highlights
- Seat: 20.5-inch wide, 78-inch fully flat bed
- Cabin Layout: 1-2-1 Sky Suite on newer aircraft
- Entertainment: MAGIC-VI with 23-inch HD screens
- Dining: Kaiseki menus, sake and premium wines
- Lounges: Sakura Lounge with Japanese cuisine and showers
- Aircraft: B777-300ER, B787-9
10. Lufthansa
Lufthansa might not have the flashiest product, but it offers something many travellers value: consistency. That’s why it’s counted among the best business class airlines of the world. Its new business class seats finally bring direct aisle access, while bedding is comfortable enough for solid rest. Meals lean European, with hearty portions and a good wine list.
Lounges in Frankfurt and Munich make transfers easier, with showers, work zones, and quiet areas for relaxation. If you want reliability with a touch of understated luxury, Lufthansa is a solid choice.
Business Class Highlights
- Seat: 20–22-inch wide, 78-inch fully flat bed
- Cabin Layout: 1-2-1 in new cabins, 2-2-2 on older aircraft
- Entertainment: 17–18.5-inch HD screens
- Dining: European multi-course meals, premium wines
- Lounges: Business & Senator Lounges in Frankfurt and Munich
- Aircraft: B747-8, A350-900, B787-9
11. British Airways
British Airways’ Club Suite is a huge step forward for the airline, with sliding doors, lie-flat beds, and more storage than ever before. Add bedding from The White Company, and you’ll feel genuinely comfortable on long-haul flights.
The ground experience is just as strong, especially at Heathrow, where the Concorde Room remains one of the most exclusive lounges in Europe. And yes, you can still enjoy a proper afternoon tea in the sky — a small but charming British touch.
Business Class Highlights
- Seat: 21-inch wide, 79-inch fully flat bed
- Cabin Layout: 1-2-1 Club Suite with door
- Entertainment: 18.5-inch HD touch screens
- Dining: Multi-course menus, traditional afternoon tea
- Lounges: Galleries Club Lounges, Concorde Room at Heathrow
- Aircraft: A350-1000, B777-300ER, B787-9
12. Air France
If you love all things French, you’ll adore Air France’s business class. The design is chic and understated — navy and white tones, elegant finishes, and a seat that converts into a long, comfortable bed.
But the highlight is, of course, the dining. Menus are created by Michelin-starred chefs, and the wine and champagne list reads like a Parisian cellar. Lounges at Paris CDG offer Clarins spa treatments and freshly prepared French cuisine before you even board. It’s a little taste of Paris in the sky.
Business Class Highlights
- Seat: 21.5-inch wide, 79-inch fully flat bed
- Cabin Layout: 1-2-1 direct aisle access
- Entertainment: 18.5-inch 4K screens
- Dining: Michelin-starred chef menus, champagne and French wines
- Lounges: Air France Lounge at CDG with Clarins Spa
- Aircraft: B777-300ER, A350-900
Conclusion
From Qatar Airways’ private Qsuites to Air France’s Michelin dining and Emirates’ onboard bar, the competition to be named among the best business class airlines of the world in 2025 is fierce. Some airlines stand out for privacy, others for food, and a few for their lounges — but all deliver experiences that make long-haul travel something to savour, not survive.
The real question isn’t whether business class is worth it — it’s which of these incredible airlines you’ll choose for your next trip.
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