Which airline does business class best?
Not all business classes are created equal. From Qantas to Emirates and Air New Zealand to Singapore Airlines, we compare the leading premium cabins in the skies.
With global travel growing to new heights, airlines are in tight competition to offer guests the best experience.
The result is an arms race of luxurious touches, with carriers such as Air New Zealand, Qantas and Singapore Airlines unveiling lavish refurbs of their business class offerings.
Qantas has given its Airbus A380s business class cabin a refresh, upgrading its on-board lounge and giving seats new, larger screens and a decor update.
A removable centre partition is a key feature of Singapore Airlines’ revamped A380 business class seating, with the centre seats reclining into a double bed for those travelling as a couple.
We may have to patiently wait to experience some of these new business class options, however. Air New Zealand’s new Dreamliners will be rolled out in 2024 and include Business Premier Luxe suites complete with closing door and dining room for two.
Not all business class seats are created equal. Travel + Luxury writers have rounded up some of the best new, and existing offerings from airlines flying out of Australia.
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QANTAS
Business Class on Qantas Airbus A380.
Pre-flight experience: The airline’s Business Class lounge was slated to begin its much anticipated renovation in 2019, but the project is still yet to have a new start date. The busy lounge could do with a refresh, but with delicious food options from Neil Perry, complimentary Wi-Fi and ample seating, it's still a very pleasant way to kick off an international flight.
Baggage allowance: Two pieces checked luggage with maximum weight of 32kg each, with more allowed depending on Frequent Flyer status.
Seat: The aircrafts’ recent refurb now allows for direct aisle access for all business class suites, with seats reclining to a 203cm fully flat bed, with a 116cm pitch. If you’re in the mood for a chat, the revamped 10-seater on-board lounge is also available to business class passengers.
Entertainment and amenities: Each suite’s 30cm screen has been upgraded with a larger 41cm HD screen, with AC and USB ports for other electronics. Qantas’ new amenity kits celebrate its centenary, with six amenity kits inspired by different decades. Sustainability is a focus, with contents free of single-use plastic. And we can’t forget the complimentary pyjamas, which are a popular perk.
Menu: A plant-based menu has been recently added to the business class dining selection, along with its standard menu designed by Neil Perry. Currently on offer is Zucchini and basil soup with parmesan croute, Jiangxi-style Humpty Doo barramundi with seasonal greens and rice, and mid-flight snacks such as dip with crudités and Croque monsieur, washed down with Australian wines or a Qantas sky spritz.
Price: $10,581 return from Sydney to Los Angeles.
Read more Qantas Business class reviews:
- Sydney to Seoul on Qantas A330-300
- First look: Qantas' new A350-1000 cabins
- Sydney to Singapore Qantas A330-200 review
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AIR NEW ZEALAND
Business Class on Air New Zealand’s 777-300ER.
Pre-flight experience: Passengers have access to the Air New Zealand lounge and priority check in.
Baggage allowance: Three pieces of checked luggage, up to 23kg each.
Seat: Arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, seats are 55.9cm wide and convert into a 2m long bed – one of the longest business class beds of any airline.
Entertainment and amenities: Each seat features a 28cm personal TV screen and noise-cancelling headsets, in-seat power and USB ports plus an amenity kit containing Ashley & Co beauty products, socks, sleep mask and dental kit.
Menu: The on-board dinner menu features mains including chermoula rubbed salmon with spiced cauliflower and cardamom couscous and spicy Korean chicken with pickled white radish, steamed rice, sesame and chilli vegetables, and for breakfast choose from a zucchini and pimiento omelette with pork sausage, ginseng and chicken congee and banana blueberry pancakes.
Price: From $10991 Sydney to Los Angeles return.
Read the full review: Onboard Air New Zealand's 777-300ER
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EMIRATES
Emirates Airbus A380 Business Class.
Pre-flight experience: It’s hard to beat the exceptional pre-boarding experience with Emirates, with a chauffeur service to and from selected airports, as well as fast track immigration and priority boarding. Lounges in Perth, Sydney and Melbourne are up and running, but Brisbane's is still yet to reopen.
Baggage allowance: Two pieces up to 32kg each.
Seat: Seats are pitched at 111cm and extend to form flat beds in a 1-2-1 configuration and controlled by a touch screen seat controller. Centre seats also have a privacy panel.
Entertainment and amenities: A personal mini bar filled with refreshments and impressive 58cm HD touch screen makes the Emirates business class in-flight experience pretty exceptional, not to mention its luxe Bulgari amenity kits. Its entertainment system includes access to more than 4000 channels and has been dubbed ‘best in the world’ by Skytrax fourteen years in a row. USB ports and complimentary Wi-Fi are also available.
Menu: Meals are served on Royal Doulton bone china and you’ll find a selection of authentic Arabic dishes and contemporary international cuisine to choose from, including Bzar chicken with rice, fried onions and pistachios, tofu poke bowls and Pan-fried beef tenderloin. Canapes and drinks are also available in the on-board business class lounge.
Price: Sydney to Dubai return from $8749.
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SINGAPORE AIRLINES
Business Class on Singapore Airline’s flagship Airbus A380.
Pre-Flight experience: The Airbus A380 operates one daily service from Sydney to Singapore. Business class guests can relax in the airline’s SilverKris Business lounge in Sydney, but the airline’s recently renovated flagship at Changi is not to be missed if you have the chance.
Baggage allowance: Two pieces checked luggage with maximum weight of 32kg each, with extra allowance for PPS Club and KrisFlyer members.
Seat: Seats are 63.5cm wide with a seat pitch of 127cm and are arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, but if you’ve decided to take a trip with significant other, then make sure to secure seats in the centre row; they not only recline but transform into a comfy double bed. In-flight work is also made easy, with reading lights, ample USB ports, laptop charging points, plenty of storage and a large, backed shell for privacy.
Entertainment and amenities: Each seat features a 45cm HD screen and a personal vanity mirror for pre-arrival touch ups. Unlike many other airlines, vanity kits are provided upon request so as to prevent waste, but with the recent introduction of products by British luxury fragrance brand Penhaligon’s including facial mist, hand cream and lip balm, it’s definitely worth asking for.
Menu: Not one, but seven chefs from around the world consulted on this business class menu, including Australia’s Matt Moran. Fliers can pre-order from the airline’s ‘Book The Cook’ menu up to 24 hours prior to boarding, with lobster thermidor, salmon in wild lime butter and beef in green peppercorn sauce among the dishes available. If you’re after a wine, on board sommeliers can advise the best complementary drop.
Price: Return flights from Sydney to Singapore start at $4219.
Read more Singapore Airlines Business class reviews:
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UNITED AIRLINES
Polaris Business Class on United Airlines Boeing 787-9.
Pre-flight experience: In United’s US hubs such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Houston, Chicago and Washington, early arrival is worthwhile with access to the luxurious Polaris Lounge. Elsewhere, enjoy entry to United Club Lounges or those belonging to Star Alliance partners.
Baggage allowance: Two pieces of checked luggage, up to 32kg each.
Seat: A 1-2-1 seat configuration gives everyone aisle access, while separate seat pods or ‘suites’ offer privacy. The seats are 56cm wide, and recline 180 degrees into a 198cm lie-flat bed. Housed within the suite is a cabinet with a mirror, and a side table with a lamp.
Entertainment and amenities: USB ports and a powerpoint make the pod a comfortable working space, but WiFi will set you back around $35. A 40cm screen makes viewing the extensive library of new releases, classic films and TV a highlight, with noise-reducing headphones available. Custom luxury bedding comes courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue, while suitcase-makers Away have provided a miniature version of their design to house the amenities kit. Inside is a sleeping mask and dental kit, as well as face cream, lip balm and hand cream by Sunday Riley.
Menu: Meals including beef with mashed potatoes, pan-seared salmon with capsicum, and carrot and onions in a coconut red curry. Salads are impressively fresh, and dessert comes with a choice of ice cream sundae, custard tart or cheese plate. Snacks are offered throughout the flight, while an express dining option is offered for meals on request.
Price: Sydney to Los Angeles from $12,022 return.
Read the full review: United Airlines Business Class Review
AMERICAN AIRLINES
Flagship Business Class on American Airlines Boeing 787-9.
Pre-flight experience: “Priority privileges” means express passage through check-in, security and immigration. Access to the Flagship lounge at LAX is a major drawcard. The relaxed space offers excellent buffet food, cocktails and hot showers, before heading off for priority boarding.
Baggage allowance: Two pieces of checked luggage, up to 32kg each.
Seat: Private pods in a 1-2-1 configuration provide peace and quiet. The seats are a comfortable 56cm wide and lie completely flat at the touch of a button, with room for storage compartments on either side.
Entertainment and amenities: The pod comes equipped with a powerpoint and USB charger, with WiFi available for a fee. High-quality Bang & Olufsen headphones are handed out to block out the aircraft noise, but are collected back before arrival. Large personal TV screens house a 300-strong library of movies and TV enhanced by access to Apple TV+. Bedding is supplied by US retailer Casper, while toiletries are provided by Shinola.
Menu: Working in partnership with James Beard Foundation, the food onboard helps support a more sustainable and equitable culinary industry in the US. For dinner, there’s a choice of grilled beef fillet, roasted chicken, tortelloni with corn, and pappardelle with shrimp in citrus cream sauce. Breakfast is served either ‘American’ or ‘continental’, with the option to request meals on demand throughout the flight. Wines are sourced from around the world, with French sparkling, white wine from Australia and New Zealand, and reds from California and Italy.
Price: Sydney to Los Angeles return from $7053.
Read the full review: American Airlines Business Class Review
BRITISH AIRWAYS
Club World Business Class on British Airways Boeing 777-300ER.
Pre-flight experience: On arrival, jump the queue at dedicated ClubWorld check-in desks, while BA hubs at London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports offer security fast-tracking. The airline’s membership of the oneworld alliance means guests can access the Qantas lounge in Sydney. Stopping over in Singapore, freshen up at the stylish British Airways lounge.
Baggage allowance: Two checked bags at up to 32kg each.
Seat: The Club suite impresses with subtle innovations: a mirror in the side table vanity, sliding doors for privacy, and seats arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration that feel private even with the door open. The seat itself is designed with a fully adjustable headrest and lumbar support, and reclines into a 183cm fully flat bed.
Entertainment and amenities: The 47cm entertainment screens are a delight, loaded with films from new releases to classics, foreign films and documentaries, and a comprehensive range of TV shows. Noise cancelling headphones are handed out, and while WiFi is free for those travelling in First Class, it will cost Club World passengers around $9 an hour or $42 for the whole flight. Built into the side table is a USB port for charging devices.
A warm duvet from The White Company is provided, while the amenity kit holds an eye mask and a ‘relax’ potion of lavender, clary sage and peppermint. Also included are lip balm and hand cream from The White Company, plus a toothbrush, toothpaste, socks and a pen.
Menu: Club World shows off with Taittinger Champagne pre-flight, before a choice of fresh seared tuna, grilled beef fillet with brandy mustard sauce or a vegetable and coconut curry for lunch. For breakfast, there’s a choice of bacon, eggs and sausage; baked eggs; or pancakes with syrup and berries. Cocktails such as Buck’s Fizz and Kir Royale are on offer, while the airline has a ‘Master of Wine’ on the books to ensure each meal has the perfect accompaniment.
Price: Sydney to London Heathrow from $10,866.
Read the full review: British Airways Club World Review
FINNAIR
Business Class on Finnair A350.
Pre-flight experience: Passengers departing from Helsinki have access to the Finnair Business lounge, a cosy space offering buffet meals and hot showers. Elsewhere, travellers are left in the hands of partner airlines’ lounges, which can be more of a lottery, but priority check-in, security and boarding are on offer.
Baggage allowance: Two pieces of checked luggage at 32 kg each, though passengers travelling to or from Japan are allowed three.
Seat: As part of a major overhaul of its long-haul business class cabins, Finnair has recently begun rolling out stylish seats in a navy and white colour scheme. Organised in a 1-2-1 configuration, the seats’ pitch ranges between 82 to 90 cm depending on the aircraft, and they convert to lie-flat beds with ease. The ‘AirLounge’, as they are known, comes with ample storage compartments and a small shelf for shoes.
Entertainment and amenities: Noise-cancelling headphones are housed in one of the seat’s cupboards, while charging options are plentiful. There are USB A and C ports, a powerpoint under the seat and a wireless charger on the side table. The amenities kit is an exclusive design by Finnish design house Marimekko, and includes an eye mask, bioplastic toothbrush, toothpaste, ear plugs, and face cream and lip balm by L.A. Bruket. Any unused items are collected by cabin staff and donated to women's shelters.
Business class passengers get a complimentary hour of WiFi, which is then $11.10 an hour or $34.90 for the flight. The built-in 46 cm screen holds a collection of movies and TV that is not as expansive as some airlines, but full of hits. Also accessible are travel guides for a range of destinations and a number of newspapers from around the world.
Menu: After a glass of Joseph Perrier Cuvee Champagne on takeoff, guests are offered a selection of exquisite choices from menus designed to champion Nordic cuisine, and is tailored to each of the destinations to which Finnair flies. For flights to Helsinki, the menu changes so regularly that it’s not published on Finnair’s website, but highlights have included the shrimp and chive pie, braised beef short ribs, panna cotta with raspberry coulis and a selection of cheeses for dessert. Breakfast is just as involved, with fresh fruit, yoghurt, a Waldorf salad and a selection of pastries. All meals are served on dinnerware designed exclusively by Iittala and come with an extensive selection of award-winning wines.
Price: Singapore to Helsinki from around $6715 return.
Read the full review: Finnair Business Class Review
SRILANKAN AIRLINES
Business Class on SriLankan Airlines A330-300.
Pre-flight experience: After making it through Colombo airport’s rigorous security screening, guests can enjoy access to SriLankan Airlines’ small Serendib lounge overlooking the tarmac.
Baggage allowance: Business passengers travelling to or from North and South America are entitled to two pieces of checked bags at 32 kg each, while passengers from other destinations are allowed a total of 40 kg across two checked bags.
Seat: The cabin is made up of seats in private pods arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration. In a sitting position the seats have a comfortable pitch of 119 cm, before converting to 198 cm flat beds.
Entertainment and amenities: An Aigner amenities pack complete with toothbrush and toothpaste, hand cream, lip balm, a hairbrush, tissues and earplugs, as well as socks and an eye mask, are handed out. The touchscreen is almost 40 cm, while you can keep your own devices charged with a universal plug point and a USB socket. WiFi is on offer, with 400MB for the whole flight around $38, and the in-flight entertainment has 120 films and dozens of TV programs.
Menu: Across four meal choices, including lamb pie with grilled vegetables and hollandaise, SriLankan Airlines’ offerings are modest. The wine options are limited to two Australian options: an Alkoomi chardonnay and a Yalumba Galway Vintage shiraz, while the cabin bar also offers Piper Heidsieck Champagne and a short selection of spirits. Breakfast is a standout, showcasing local Sri Lankan flavours, including idli (rice cake), masala dosa (a crisp crepe) and imbul kiribath (milk rice with coconut and treacle).
Price: Sydney to Colombo from around $4540 return.
Read the full review: SriLankan Airlines Business Class Review
AIR CANADA
Signature Service Premium Business Class on Air Canada 787 Dreamliner.
Pre-flight experience: Entering the US via Vancouver with Air Canada is a stress-free alternative to the chaos that is LAX. Air Canada passengers crossing the border are not required to collect their bags in Vancouver, leaving more time to spend in the award-winning Signature Suite lounge. The lavishly outfitted space offers guests the choice between buffet food or an extensive a la carte menu overseen by chef David Hawksworth, with exquisite options such as mushroom risotto, Hamachi crudo, beef tenderloin and seared foie gras. Other perks include priority check-in, security, boarding and baggage handling, as well as access to Air Canada’s concierge services in 37 airports around the world.
Baggage allowance: Two checked bags at 32 kg each.
Seat: The comfortable Executive Pod seats offer lumbar support and a massage function, before converting into 203 cm fully-flat beds.
Entertainment and amenities: Toiletries come courtesy of Want Les Essentiels, while a CleanCare+ kit with mask, hand sanitiser and antiseptic wipes is handed out. Cosy grey slippers, high-fidelity headphones and a water bottle are handed out before departure. The large entertainment touchscreen gives access to hundreds of hours of movies and TV, while guests also get access to the PressReader app, with more than 7000 magazines and newspapers.
Menu: Air Canada works with Vancouver-based chefs Vikram Vij and David Hawksworth, as well as Canadian sommelier Véronique Rivest to formulate its impressive menu and wine list. Options include smoked duck, slow-cooked lamb shoulder and barramundi in Kombu butter sauce, accompanied by a comprehensive selection of old and new world wines. Breakfast involves a hearty omelette with sausage, potato and spinach, or pancakes with apple sauce.
Price: Sydney to Vancouver from $9450 return.
Read the full review: Air Canada Business Class Review
QATAR AIRWAYS
Qatar Airways’ Q Suite Business Class 777-300ER.
Pre-flight experience: Q Suite passengers have access to Qatar’s lavish Premium Lounges across the world, as well as partner lounges, which means the Qantas lounge in Australia. At Qatar’s Al Mourjan Business Lounge, dining options include a continental or oriental brasserie, plus a deli and patisserie. Wellness treatments are available, designed to mimic the experience of a spa resort.
Baggage allowance: 40 kg total.
Seat: The Q Suite pods are arranged in a 1-2-1 format and provide privacy for individual travellers or versatility for couples and families with centre pods able to be linked into double beds. Alternate rows face backwards, which gives a novel experience at takeoff. Buttons move the seat to predetermined settings, including upright for takeoff and lie-flat, as well as allowing customisation of angle, height, tilt and reach. Included in the suite are a shelf for bulky items, a deep storage bin, and a movable spotlight with four brightness settings.
Entertainment and amenities: The heavily tech-focused suite comes with USB ports as well as an HDMI slot and an NFC reader to accommodate guests’ own devices, or else there’s a 55cm touchscreen. The noise-cancelling headphones eliminate much of the engine noise. WiFi is free for the first hour, or a reasonable $15 for the whole flight. In-flight entertainment offerings are impressively diverse, from Hollywood to Bollywood, Arabic, African and World cinema.
Amenities include dental and shaving kits, cotton pyjamas from London’s The White Company, and leather toiletries kits by Italian brand Bric, with Castello Monte Vibiano Vecchio skincare products.
Menu: Dinner onboard is an elaborate five-course affair, starting off with a mezze plate of three dips and flatbread, followed by coconut herb soup. Options for mains range across chicken, seafood and vegetarian options, accompanied by an impressive wine list, followed by rich desserts. The snacks served throughout the flight are a real highlight. Afternoon tea involves finger sandwiches, warm scones with jam and cream, served with a choice of two Champagnes, a non-alcoholic sparkling wine, five mocktails, coffee and a vast selection of teas. Breakfast offers a choice of granola, omelette, oats or indulgent pastries, plus a refreshing smoothie.
Price: Melbourne to Doha from $11,610 return.
Read more Qatar Q Suite reviews:
JETSTAR
Business class on Jetstar Boeing 787-8.
Pre-flight experience: Heading off from Melbourne’s Tullamarine airport, Jetstar doesn’t have dedicated Business class check-in, with passengers instead contending with self-serve kiosks. Passengers can then purchase the Business Max bundle for $220 to gain lounge access.
Baggage allowance: 30kg of checked baggage.
Seat: With 21 seats in a 2-3-2 configuration, it’s possible to end up in the middle seat, plus cabin walls in row one reduce the amount of legroom. Otherwise, seats are a spacious 96cm wide, compared to 78cm in economy, and recline to roughly a 45-degree angle.
Entertainment and amenities: Business class seats come with USB and universal plug points, and a 27cm screen. There is no onboard WiFi, but the in-flight entertainment has over 50 films, and the Jetstar-branded headphones manage to cut through the plane noise. The amenities kit comes with hand cream, lip balm, ear plugs, socks, an eye mask, a pen and an inflatable pillow. Bedding is limited to a black felt blanket.
Menu: The generous drinks service begins at boarding with orange juice, water and sparkling wine on offer, before quality Australian wines flow freely throughout the flight. The food selection is modest but good quality, with a choice of lamb shank and mashed potatoes, salmon with shiitake mushrooms, and vegetarian ravioli. Lunch is a smaller affair, with a choice between a chicken quesadilla and a pumpkin and feta pie.
Price: Melbourne Tullamarine to Phuket from $1932.
Read the full review: Jetstar Business Class Review
Reviews by Susan Kurosawa, Denise Cullen, Graham Erbacher, Robyn Ironside, Penny Hunter, George Epaminondas, Jeremy Bourke and Kendall Hill.