These Airlines Feature Some of the Top First- and Business-Class Seats in the Sky Today

The aviation world offers a wealth of luxury these days—if you're ready to invest in it. A new wave of premium cabins showcases seats and suites that rival five-star hotels, complete with sliding privacy doors, plush mattress-style seat toppers, and ample personal space.

“I’ve been in this role for nine years,” says Lufthansa Group CEO Carsten Spohr. “This is the first year my team has mentioned the need to expand first class. I never expected to hear that.” Lufthansa, a member of Star Alliance alongside Singapore Airlines and United Airlines, recently introduced a $2.7 billion initiative named Allegris to transform long-haul travel. “We’re creating a new travel experience across all classes on our long-haul flights,” states Björn Becker, the Lufthansa executive spearheading the project.

While economy and premium economy travelers will enjoy some enhancements—including increased legroom—the highlight will be Lufthansa’s first-class suites. Some suites will feature twin seats convertible into a double bed, a spacious table for dining or working, and a large entertainment screen. Other suites, with single seats by the windows, are perfect for solo flyers. These will be introduced on the airline’s Airbus A350s next year. 

In the meantime, Air France is set to launch an upgraded La Première, its first-class offering. The new suites will be the longest globally, providing even more personal space, along with a seat, a sofa, and a fully flat bed. Air France is also enhancing its long-haul business-class seats, ensuring each has direct aisle access, a privacy door, and a bed measuring six feet five inches. 

La Compagnie, another French airline, has also raised its standards. Recently named the top international airline in T+L’s World’s Best Awards, it specializes in business-class-only flights with 76 lie-flat seats. The airline now operates exclusively Airbus A321neo jets, which are quieter and more fuel-efficient than older models, on routes from Newark Liberty to Milan, Paris, and Nice, France.

Other airlines are implementing impactful upgrades. Etihad Airways, for instance, has introduced Bluetooth connectivity on its latest aircraft, enabling passengers to connect their wireless headphones to the seat-back screens. “In the next five to seven years, this feature will be standard,” forecasts Eduardo Matos, Etihad’s customer care director.

While international airlines are paving the way, U.S. carriers are also stepping up. Next year, American Airlines will debut its “Flagship Suite,” featuring a fully flat bed and a privacy door. Delta Air Lines plans to open exclusive lounges for its Delta One passengers to enhance the business-class experience.

The Next Best Thing

If you're seeking a lie-flat bed and can skip some extra comforts, the budget-friendly airline Zipair Tokyo, a subsidiary of Japan Airlines (JAL), has the ideal solution. Their no-frills "Zip Full-Flat" service blends basic economy with a touch of premium cabin perks, allowing travelers to purchase additional services individually on flights from the U.S. to Tokyo. A fully flat seat and in-flight Wi-Fi are included, but options like seat selection, baggage check, and meal orders come at an added price. Fares are roughly half of what you'd pay for a business class seat on JAL.

This article first appeared in the October 2023 issue of Dinogo under the title "It's Better up Here."