Which Airlines Offer Business Class Worth the Upgrade? Our Editors Tried Them Out

Business class is no longer exclusively for executives hopping between meetings. In recent years, more leisure travelers have opted to upgrade on long-haul flights—partly due to a craving for extra space during the pandemic. This shift has spurred numerous new business class options on both domestic and international airlines, including the all-business-class airline La Compagnie, which operates between the USA and France at half the usual cost.

What draws travelers to the business-class cabin these days? Spacious seats, lie-flat beds, private pods, ample space, gourmet dining, superior service, and those sought-after pajamas. Naturally, these perks come at a price. Whether you pay in cash, points, or miles, it’s wise to know what type of seat you’re reserving and the benefits that accompany it. To help, our experienced editors and reporters have shared their personal insights on airlines' business-class offerings that they believe justify the upgrade. (We also have thoughts on commendable Premium Economy seats.)

Here’s our compilation of the top business-class seats available in the skies, listed in alphabetical order:

Air France

During a recent culinary journey to Paris, my exploration of French flavors commenced the moment I boarded the plane. I was welcomed to my seat—equipped with a spacious, plush footrest that would later convert into a bed—while sipping a glass of champagne.

Air France is renowned for its in-flight dining, frequently collaborating with Michelin-starred chefs like Anne-Sophie Pic (Maison Pic) and Arnaud Lallement (Assiette Champenoise). Dinner, fittingly, was a three-course experience starting with a lobster appetizer and concluding with a salad drizzled with balsamic and olive oil, accompanied by French cheeses and three delightful desserts (including a scrumptious chocolate macaron). For breakfast, we had the choice of a continental spread featuring exquisite pastries or an egg dish. Naturally, as a pastry enthusiast, I opted for the croissant. For those with an appetite in between meals, a selection of French snacks, including sablé biscuits and French chocolate bars, was available at a self-serve station.

The other amenities on the flight were impressive as well: a kit filled with Clarins products, a small compartment for personal items, complimentary noise-canceling headphones for the flight, and a large adjustable screen loaded with French films and shows (like Call My Agent), allowing you to transform your seat into a bed and relax to the sounds of la vie française. While the experience was already excellent, Air France is gradually introducing a new and enhanced business-class cabin featuring a pod-like design on its Boeing 777-300s. —Aislyn Greene, associate director, podcasts

Air New Zealand

In the past, I frequently took the longest of flights between New York-New Jersey and various destinations across Australasia, and whenever possible, I chose Air New Zealand. Their latest Business Premier private pods (available on all Boeing 777-300ER and 787-9s) are luxuriously comfortable: plush leather seats that convert into fully lie-flat beds, complemented by a memory foam mattress, two pillows, and a duvet that I may or may not contemplate ‘borrowing’ after enjoying a glass of New Zealand sauvignon blanc. On my first business trip a year after welcoming my first child, I managed nine uninterrupted hours of blissful, unmedicated sleep in Air NZ’s business class—better rest than I was getting at home.

Beyond the comfy bed, a plethora of Taika Waititi film selections, and exceptional meals (like apple hotcakes with fig and blueberry compote, lemon curd yogurt, and vanilla syrup, yum), Air NZ is known for its relaxed luxury. Flight attendants not only create a homely atmosphere but also make you feel like lifelong friends. The airline truly embodies its Māori philosophy—he tāngata, meaning “It is the people”—and its commitment to hiring “ambitious, helpful, proud, down-to-earth, caring individuals,” who look after over 13 million passengers each year and seem genuinely delighted to do so. Kia ora. Welcome aboard. —Laura Dannen Redman, digital content director

ANA

I haven't experienced it yet, but I’m eager to try ANA‘s business class, known as “The Room.” Unlike the usual curved designs of other airlines' business-class pods, The Room takes a bold, boxy approach, a retro style crafted by acclaimed architect Kengo Kuma (who is also behind the Toyama Glass Art Museum and Japan National Stadium—definitely worth checking out).

However, The Room is not just about aesthetics; it’s equipped with the right features: impressively wide 37.7-inch seats that transform into lie-flat beds and sliding doors for near-perfect privacy. If I travel with someone, I prefer the two center seats, which have a movable partition that allows me to enjoy dinner together but then retreat into my own space when it’s time for sleep. —Billie Cohen, executive editor

Japan Airlines

One of my favorite business class experiences globally is with Japan Airlines (JAL) due to their meticulous attention to detail. Expect exceptional personalized service from the crew, a thoughtfully stocked amenity kit in collaboration with French brand Maison Kitsuné, cozy slippers, and, most importantly, a remarkable selection of food and beverages.

If you're a fan of Japanese cuisine and have never savored a Japanese set meal at 35,000 feet, you're in for a delightful experience. Additionally, long-haul flights on Japan Airlines come with a mattress pad—available in hard or soft options—and luxurious Shiseido amenities in the restroom. To me, flying business with JAL is genuinely worth the upgrade. —Chris Dong, Dinogo contributor

KLM

It’s the collectible houses that keep me coming back. While KLM’s business class offers all the essentials—comfortable seating, excellent service (I appreciate the brisk Dutch friendliness), tasty food, and a distinctive drink selection featuring Amsterdam’s Bols distillery—the real draw for me is the Delft Blue houses. The airline's lounge at Schipol is spacious and well-designed, making connections effortless, but that’s not why I’ll go out of my way to fly KLM up front.

As the flight nears its conclusion, I listen for the familiar sound of the trolley, signaling that the flight attendant is about to offer KLM’s unique souvenir: a house-shaped china keepsake filled with Dutch gin. Each year, the airline unveils a new design of these Delft Blue collectibles (there are 103 total), inspired by real houses and gifted to business-class passengers on intercontinental flights. I’ve even downloaded the enthusiasts’ app to keep track of the ones I have (18 so far) and those I desire (#95, the Heineken Brewery; #100, the Royal Palace Huis ten Bosch, home to King Willem-Alexander and his family; and #48, the Rembrandt House). The cabin crew is always eager to sift through the boxes to help me find a favorite. I display mine prominently on my mantel, serving as both decor and a conversation starter—fellow travel enthusiasts recognize them right away.

And yes, I'm aware that resellers sell them online at a markup, but where's the excitement in that? I need a reason to keep treating myself to a KLM seat in the front. —Mark Ellwood, Dinogo contributor

Oman Air

Based in Muscat, Oman Air may not have the same flight volume as its Middle Eastern rivals, yet its outstanding business-class experience rivals—and arguably exceeds—that of Emirates and Etihad Airways (though Qatar Airways' Q-Suite remains unmatched; see below).

On a recent trip from Frankfurt to Muscat, I indulged in my elegant flatbed suite, relishing 82 inches of seat pitch (standard on Oman Air’s long-haul flights), sipping Taittinger champagne and mojitos, enjoying an exquisite five-course meal that felt more like fine dining than typical airplane fare, and catching up on movies via the advanced in-flight entertainment system.

I was particularly impressed by the Japanese toilets on my Boeing 789 (though they aren't available across the entire fleet) and glad to find that every seat offers direct aisle access (this is consistent across the long-haul fleet). The flight attendants were friendly and attentive, providing a genuine five-star experience in the air—a quality that has been evident on every Oman Air flight I've taken so far. —Paul Rubio, Dinogo contributor

Qatar Airways

Qatar’s Qsuite is often hailed as one of the most opulent business-class seats globally—in fact, Skytrax consistently ranks it as the top offering in the front cabin. Each seat features a private pod design with 52-inch walls and a sliding door, enhancing the sense of privacy. It also includes generous storage, a 21.5-inch screen, a pull-out table, and an amenity kit stocked with Diptyque products, known for their luxury fragrances and body care.

The seat can recline to a full 180 degrees, converting into a lie-flat bed. When it’s time to rest, flight attendants provide a turn-down service, which includes adding a quilted mattress, pillows, and a blanket, giving you a chance to slip into the complimentary pajamas. Meals are served at your convenience; just press a button to order. The extensive menu features both Arabic and Western options, along with a selection of fine wines and spirits. —Bailey Berg, associate news editor

I completely agree: Whenever the chance arises to experience a Qsuite on Qatar Airways, seize it! There’s a reason it was awarded “World’s Best Business Class 2022” by Skytrax. The sheer luxury of having a cabin door that you can close is unmatched, and I particularly appreciate the private access to customs and immigration upon arrival in Doha. Plus, pre-departure visits to the fabulous Al Mourjan Lounge have me arriving at the airport much earlier than usual. —Joe Diaz, Dinogo cofounder

Swiss

The Swiss experience begins with the inviting decor: light wood and stylish tweed seat cushions that evoke a cozy living room vibe, transforming into a lie-flat seat offering 79 inches (around 6.5 feet) of space. This is among the most generous in business class, though United Polaris, Qatar Airways, and Lufthansa offer slightly more, with Lufthansa reaching an impressive seven feet.

The seat's massage feature deserves a shout-out, along with the delightful selection of wine, cheese, and chocolate. In 2023, Swiss Air began showcasing wines from the Lake Biel region and meals crafted by Michelin-starred chef Marc Joshua Engel from Aux Trois Amis. Passengers can indulge in several courses before bedtime or choose to savor meals over two to three hours. The entire experience is, dare I say, exquisite. —LDR

Turkish Airlines

I recently traveled from New York to Istanbul aboard Turkish Airlines’ 777-300 aircraft. Although the 777 business-class setup has been in use since 2010 and doesn’t compare to the more modern offerings on Turkish's 787 and A350—which provide all-aisle access and enhanced privacy—the experience was still commendable.

Despite missing out on the upgraded aircraft, I found three standout features that make Turkish Airlines worth recommending: exceptional and friendly service, outstanding food and beverage options onboard, and an incredible lounge in Istanbul. Arriving early for your flight home is truly worth it; the chefs prepare homestyle meals right before your eyes, making your mouth water.

I’ve had the pleasure of visiting many excellent airport lounges, but I can confidently say that the Turkish Airlines lounge is my favorite. It excels in warmth, comfort, and food that makes arriving at the airport two hours early a delight. —Greg Sullivan, Dinogo cofounder

United Airlines

While it's common to criticize American domestic airlines, I proudly admit my fondness for United’s Polaris international business class. Launched in 2016, United plans to finish installing Polaris business class (along with United Premium Class) seats across its international wide-body fleet by fall 2023.

There are three key aspects I appreciate about Polaris: every seat is oriented forward (and naturally, they all convert to fully flat beds—essential in today’s landscape). Each seat offers some level of privacy, thanks to partitions that shield you from prying eyes. Personally, I’m not overly concerned with privacy; I live in an NYC apartment where my neighbors have a front-row seat to my life. Still, I prefer not having a stranger next to me critiquing my movie choices (which tend to get a bit embarrassing at 30,000 feet) or observing my sleeping habits.

Most importantly, every seat provides direct aisle access. This is a game-changer for me. I can’t stand the thought of being 'trapped' in my seat while the person next to me, with easy aisle access, reclines all the way back and dozes off. Do I dare to crawl over them to reach the restroom? How long will they stay asleep? Are they really out cold? These are the dilemmas I prefer to avoid.

United boasts some excellent Polaris airport lounges at its hub locations, along with nice amenities onboard, like a cooling gel pillow, and above-average meal service. However, these factors aren't my primary concern. For me, it's all about the seating. Plus, Polaris isn't as pricey as some of the ultra-luxurious suites. I can earn Star Alliance miles when I pay, and occasionally I use my MileagePlus miles for purchases or, even more rarely, upgrade from Premium Class to Polaris using United’s Plus Points. —GS