When it comes to air travel, business class passengers know a thing or two. If they say an airline works for them, those that turn right rather than left are likely to remain hopeful that economy class will be more than satisfactory too. But it’s good to dream. Which of the world’s airlines impressed frequent fliers this year to make the grade as the world’s best airlines in business class?
Updated: for the 2019 ranking, please check our article about the best business class airlines in 2019.
1. Qatar Airways Business Class
In 2017, that honour goes to Qatar Airways. Always worthy of their own tagline “a high tech oasis”, in May this year the airline’s QSuite was unveiled and will be rolled out at a rate of one plane a month.
This exciting development rivals the first class offering of many of its competitors, with fully customisable spaces that make a double bed a possibility as well as the facility to combine four individual suites into one sociable entertaining space for four.
This innovative approach from Qatar’s most successful start up (this national carrier was born in 1993) is clearly going to ensure brand loyalty from even the most discerning of business class passengers.
2. ANA Business Class
With such a strong contender for the top spot, the battle for second place was always going to be fierce, and it’s no surprise that three strong Asian carriers jostle for the accolade. In the end, ANA pipped Singapore Airlines and Etihad for the spot. ANA’s staggered seating configuration ensures passenger privacy in the air and their service, food and amenity bag win glowing reviews from those privileged enough to enjoy them.
3. Singapore Airlines Business Class
4. Etihad Business Class
5. Lufthansa Business Class
Lufthansa is the highest ranking European airline to make the list, coming in at a respectable number five. Business class passengers rate the comfort of their fully reclining seats, which are set to become even more generous following the airline’s recent revelation of plans for 7 foot long beds which will debut in 2020. In the meantime, Lufthansa’s loyal fan base rate the airline’s service, comfort and food highly, as well as an emphasis efficiency we’ve come to expect from all things German.
6. Turkish Airlines Business Class
Rounding off the top ten are some old hands and some surprising newcomers. Turkish Airlines make number six on the list. That’s in part a response to the wow factor created by the lounge at its busy hub, Istanbul. Business class passengers can while away the time until their flight playing golf on its realistic simulator, or perhaps a game of pool. There are plenty of games to keep the kids occupied until they’re called for boarding – though good luck dragging them away – and there are numerous other little touches like serving popcorn at the lounge cinema. It’s attention to detail like this which will ensure Turkish Airlines remains high on the world’s best airlines list for years to come.
7. Garuda Indonesia Business Class
Garuda Indonesia occupy the seventh spot, while Cathay Pacific and Emirates show that they’re not complacent and have come in at #8 and #9 respectively.
8. Cathay Pacific Business Class
9. Emirates Business Class
10. EVA Business Class
EVA Air rounds off the top ten, holding back the likes of Qantas, Virgin Australia and Air France – for now, at least.
What’s your preferred airline when you’re travelling business class? Will any of these high ranking airlines persuade you to switch carrier or is your loyalty assured?
The list in full:
- Qatar Airways
- ANA All Nippon Airways
- Singapore Airlines
- Etihad Airways
- Lufthansa
- Turkish Airlines
- Garuda Indonesia
- Cathay Pacific
- Emirates
- EVA Air
- Japan Airlines
- Hainan Airlines
- Qantas Airways
- Austrian
- Virgin Australia
- China Airlines
- Air France
- Swiss
- Asiana Airlines
- Oman Air
Based in Barcelona when she’s not traveling, Jen is a travel blogger and photographer. She loves inspiring people to travel and discover the world. An ex-flight attendant, Jen has expertise in the airline industry.
