Business class travel is highly competitive with airlines competing for the best product. While delicious meals, stylish amenity kits or pyjamas in business class are nice extras, it is the seat that is the most important aspect of a business class flight. We take a look at the world’s best business class seats in 2019, according to Skytrax’s World Airline Awards, the “Oscar” equivalent for the aviation industry.
1. Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways’s business class has been rated best business class airline in the world in 2019. So it’s perhaps no surprise that Qatar Airways also has the world’s best business class seats. The innovative customisable Qsuites have taken business class travel to a new level, allowing passengers to create the space they need when they need it. From a double bed to a meeting space or a private zone for sleeping or relaxing. Qatar Airways also provide pyjamas in business class.
In June 2019, Qatar Airways’s seats were also acclaimed by APEX, the Airline Passenger Experience Association. The airline won 4 out of 6 awards, including “Best Seat Comfort in the Middle East” a notoriously competitive regions for airlines.
2. Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines also offers the ability to convert seats paired together into a double bed. The seats are spacious and give passengers plenty of privacy. A comfortable and relaxing cabin make this a very pleasant experience. Singapore Airlines was voted 2nd best airline in the world in 2019 by Skytrax, right behind Qatar Airways which was voted best airline in the world in 2019. If you wonder whether Singapore Airlines provide pyjamas in business class, check out our review on which airlines provide pyjamas in business class.
3. Japan Airlines
At first glance, Japan Airlines Apex Suites don’t look particularly special. The design is not overly stylish but what they lack in style they certainly make up for in space. On many business class flights, you’ll find your feet tucked up on a foot-well in the rear of the seat in front of you, but this isn’t the case with the Apex Suites as they are incredibly spacious. The window seats even have their own walkway leading to them. With a partition built in, these are some of the most private business class seats of all. Japan Airlines business class is ranked #14 in the best business class airlines ranking.
4. Etihad Airways
The seats on an Etihad Airways business class flight are as stylish as they are spacious. Attention to detail with the level of finish really stands out, and all seats have direct aisle access and plenty of space.
5. Oman Air
With a 1-2-1 configuration, travelling business class with Oman Air offers passengers a spacious seating area. While they lack the high-tech features that some other business class seats benefit from, they are very comfortable with plenty of storage space.
6. United Airlines
United Airlines introduced its Polaris business class product a couple of years ago and it has proved to be very popular. The seating is staggered, there are some great window seats offering a good level of privacy and the center seats are designed for couples, allowing ease of communication.
7. Delta Air Lines
For travelers looking for privacy on their flights, Delta Air Lines offers suites with doors. Inside your suite, you’ll find a good sized seat and plenty of space around you.
8. China Airlines
There’s a feeling of luxury when you travel business class with China Airlines. The materials used and the details, such as the vintage style lamp and the large counter space add a certain touch of refinement to the seat and make it very practical if you’re working during your flight. There’s a lot of storage available and plenty of legroom too.
9. Emirates
The burled wood finish of the Emirates business class seats does divide opinion. You may find these seats ultimately glamorous, or simply over the top. However, the seats are large, comfortable, and convert into a bed at the touch of a button.
10. Korean Air
Interestingly, when you fly business class with Korean Air, you’re getting the exact same seat as the first class passengers. While the seats are a good size and are comfortable, not all seats offer direct aisle access and privacy is not ideal with just a small divider between two side-by-side seats.
See also: best business class airlines 2019
Emily is an avid writer with a passion for the travel industry. She also loves learning and writing about nutrition and healthy living. Emily is based in the UK.
