Simple Flying was flying on the Boeing 787-9 of Air France when a medical emergency occurred.
4 Virgin Atlantic
11th best business class globally
Bed width
33 in (83.8 cm)
Aircraft types
A330, A350, B787
Hand baggage
Two items – 35.2 lb (16 kg)
In 2024, Virgin Atlantic scored 11th best business class in the world, a fall from its sixth place last year. Virgin Atlantic, which is 49% owned by Delta Air Lines, connects several destinations in the United States to its hub at London Heathrow. It was the brainchild of business magnate Sir Richard Branson.
All aircraft are equipped with fully flat beds. On its A350-1000s, which are deployed on multiple routes from the US, the beds are up to 6 ft 7 in (2 m) long and 20 in (51 cm) wide. The space also has two USB powerpoints, an AC US/UK plug, and an 18.5-inch touchscreen. However, Virgin’s 787-9s and A330-300s offer more expansive beds, measuring 33 inches.
Photo: Virgin Atlantic
Upon arriving at the airport, premium customers can relax in the carrier’s Clubhouse lounges, which are available at various airports, including Washington (IAD), New York (JFK), and San Francisco (SFO). In areas without a Clubhouse, passengers will have access to shared lounges. Getting through the airport is also easier with special check-in counters, priority baggage delivery, and boarding.
Virgin Atlantic offers a range of dishes over four delicious courses, with the main meal served soon after takeoff. Upper-class passengers are welcomed onboard with a complimentary champagne or orange juice. These premium passengers also have access to onboard social spaces available on the following aircraft types:
The Booth: Airbus A350 The Bar: Airbus A330; Boeing 787 The Loft: Airbus A330neo; A350
Flying Upper Class on the 787 isn’t quite the A350 suite, but it’s pretty good.
3 Delta Air Lines
8th best business class globally
Skytrax voted Delta Air Lines the 8th best business class in the world for 2024 and the best business class in North America for 2023 and 2024.
Bed width
20.5 in (52 cm)
Aircraft types
A330, A350, B767
No. of routes (Feb 2024)
46
It flies from 12 US airports to over 25 European destinations, offering the most travel options. The Delta One experience is available on long-haul international flights and select long-haul domestic flights, but the layouts also depend on the aircraft type.
Delta One offers 20.46-inch wide seats that recline into fully flat beds. The cabin is in a 1-2-1 configuration, offering each passenger aisle access. The seat has an oversized duvet, a large sleeping pillow, and a lumbar pillow that doubles as a mattress pad. On most A350s and A330-900s, the suite features full-height doors and dividers to offer more privacy.
Premium customers enjoy complimentary lounge access and SkyPriority benefits like accelerated check-in and priority boarding. Delta’s Sky Club lounge offers a seasonally-inspired menu with various dishes, cocktails, wines, beers, and Starbucks coffee. In addition to free WiFi, passengers can access Sky Club showers at select locations.
Delta serves chef-curated meals, including appetizers, warm nuts, and a wide selection of beers, wines, and spirits. Delta Studio offers in-flight entertainment on a personal device or seatback screen with a pair of noise-canceling headphones.
2 Emirates
World’s 4th best business class airline
Bed width
18.5 in (47 cm)
Aircraft types
A380, B777
Extra features
Onboard lounge
Emirates is the first and only Middle Eastern carrier on the list. It offers non-stop flights between the US and Europe on two routes, so it might not be the best airline in terms of travel options. However, its business class product remains one of the best in the skies, being voted third in 2023. This month, the airline will deploy the B777 on the Newark-Athens route and the A380 on the JFK-Milan route.
Emirates’ Airbus A380 offers a more exclusive business class product than the Triple Seven. The A380 has different layouts, but the business cabin is typically in a 1-2-1 configuration. However, before boarding the aircraft, your journey begins with a complimentary chauffeur-driven transfer to the airport and priority services.
Upon arrival at the airport, business passengers can access lounges with a wide selection of meals, snacks, and beverages. They can also enjoy a massage and refreshing experience at the Timeless Spa in the business class lounge. Onboard the aircraft, Emirates offers over 6,500 in-flight entertainment channels.
For passengers wishing to experience the A380, Emirates flies it to 47 destinations worldwide.
It also offers an elevated dining experience with sweet and savory snacks, gourmet meals, and complimentary champagne. A wide range of meal options is available, including special cutlery made for Emirates by Robert Welch. However, one of the best A380 business features is the onboard bar and lounge, where premium passengers can socialize while enjoying drinks and cocktails.
1 Singapore Airlines
2nd best business class airline two years in a row
Bed width
34 in (86.3 cm)
Aircraft types
A350, B777
No. of routes
Two
Singapore Airlines was voted the second-best business class airline behind Qatar Airways two years in a row. It flies from Houston to Manchester with the A350 and New York to Frankfurt with the B777. Like Emirates, travel options are limited.
The cabin is typically in a 1-2-1 configuration on both aircraft types, with the new seats offering two seating positions. The first is the Lazy Z, a cradling position that ensures weight balance when sitting. The second is the Sundeck, a lounging position that extends the base and foot of the seat, allowing you to stretch and rest your legs on the ottoman. All seats extend into fully flat beds.
Above the armrest is a side console that fits a laptop, allowing easy reach in both seat and bed mode. All seats are fitted with USB ports and powerpoints to charge devices. All aircraft are equipped with WiFi and offer over 1,800 entertainment options on an 18-inch HD screen. At the airport, business class passengers will have access to Singapore Airlines’ lounges or partner lounges, depending on the airport. In Houston, premium customers can access United’s Polaris lounge; in New York, they can visit Virgin Atlantic’s Clubhouse.
Singapore Airlines also offers exquisite cuisine onboard its flights. When preparing meals, chefs pay attention to every detail, including how cabin pressure changes affect taste. Like all other airlines on the list, meals can be pre-booked at least two weeks before departure. Passengers can also view the menu onboard by connecting to the WiFi. According to the airline, access to the in-flight menu is free and will not deplete a traveler’s WiFi plan.
While not in the top five, there are a few more airlines that deserve a notable mention:
Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines continues to dominate the transatlantic market to Turkey from its hub in Istanbul, with more routes to and from the region than any other airline. Turkish Airlines deploys its Boeing 777, 787, and A350 for its long-haul services and connects Istanbul Airport directly to Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York (JFK and Newark), Seattle, San Francisco, and Washington Dulles. Turkish Airlines was voted the world’s tenth-best business class for 2024.
Photo: Turkish Airlines
British Airways
Achieving 15th world’s best business class, BA connects London Heathrow to an extensive list of US destinations, and its business class is renowned for genuinely British service. Club World looks to transport travelers to their ‘favorite armchair.’ When traveling in business, you are treated to various delicious foods from local ingredients, luxury bedding, and inflight entertainment. The seat converts to 6ft fully flat and has a 12″ flat screen with noise-canceling headphones.
United Airlines
Chicago-based United Airlines is a Star Alliance founding member and the only other US carrier on the list. Achieving the 17th best business class globally, United Polaris is an elevated service that provides all seats direct aisle access, noise-reducing headphones, and personal charging ports. Amenity kits designed by Therabody will provide passengers with eye serum, facial spray, hand cream, socks, and more to make sure you arrive looking fresh.
Photo: United Airlines
Iberia
At 19th world’s best business class, Iberia, the flag carrier of Spain, rounds out the list. From its home at Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD), the airline serves these US destinations:
Boston Chicago O’hare Dallas Los Angeles Miami New York JFK San Francisco and Washington Dulles (seasonally)
Business on Iberia offers a fully flat bed of six and a half feet long and a distinctively Spanish food and drinks menu.
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Publish date : 2024-07-21 07:00:00
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