World’s best business class airlines 2023

Ensure your business class ticket offers the best seating and service possible.

When embarking on an international excursion that requires a long-haul flight, business class is the only way to fly. It affords travellers perks such as more personal space and comfortable seats that often lie flat, plus priority check-in and lounge access. Add to that complimentary alcoholic beverages and enhanced dining options, and suddenly that long-haul flight is looking like a holiday. However, not all business class seats are created equal, and not all airlines deliver an exceptional business class experience.

The Skytrax World Airline Awards 2023 were held at the Paris Air Show in June. Regarded as the ‘Oscars of the aviation industry’, the awards are an independent and impartial initiative voted on by customers across the globe. This year, the awards handed out titles for the best business class airlines, seats, lounges and dining.

WINNER: Qatar Airways Qsuite. © Qatar Airways

World’s Best Business Class Airlines 2023

1. Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways won the title of Best Business Class Airline for 2023, but also took out the top spots for World’s Best Business Class Seat, the Best Business Class Airline Lounge, and the World’s Best Business Class Lounge Dining. Featuring an elegant design, ambient lighting, Wi-Fi, an on-demand à la carte menu, Diptyque face and body care products with a travel-size signature fragrance, plus loungewear and slippers from The White Company – it’s no surprise that Qatar Airways won the title.

2. Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines provide fantastic services and access to the SilverKris Lounge to business class passengers. Business class cabins include lie-flat beds, ambient lighting, plenty of storage space and a chef-created menu. ht

3. Emirates

Emirates Business Class Lounge allows passengers to relax with a drink in hand, top up with a snack, take a shower or enjoy some last-minute pampering at the Timeless Spa. Onboard, business class passengers enjoy a 23-inch HD television, lie-flat leather seats, gourmet dining options and an onboard lounge.

4. ANA All Nippon Airways

Business class passengers of All Nippon Airways receive priority check-in and baggage delivery, fast-track security, priority boarding, and three different types of business class cabins across the fleet, all of which feature large LCD of 4K screens for in-flight entertainment.

5. Delta Air Lines

Delta One stands in place of the typical business class cabin on Delta Air Lines. Available on long-haul routes, the cabins include lie-flat beds, Delta Sky Club access, priority check-in, security and baggage handling services, and seasonal menu options.

Cathay Pacific Business Class © Cathay Pacific

6. Virgin Atlantic

Upper Class is the ticket option associated with the business class offering onboard Virgin Atlantic flights. The class includes extra large seats, two 32kg checked bags, a glass of bubbly upon arrival, a four-course dining experience, and access to Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses.

7. Air France

Designed to provide passengers with comfort and space, Air France business class includes a multi-purpose area with direct aisle access, a menu curated by a Michelin-starred French chef, lie-flat beds, a comfort kit and power outlets.

8. Hainan Airlines

A delicious Chinese menu, comfort products, spacious VIP lounges with a variety of snacks and amenities, plus lie-flat beds with easy-access power ports ensure you have everything you need to arrive at your destination refreshed after flying with Hainan Airlines.

9. Cathay Pacific Airways

Boasting award-winning seats, soft bedding, restaurant-style dining and a selection of Bamford skincare products, flying business class with Cathay Pacific is a dream.

10. Etihad Airways

It isn’t a surprise that Etihad Airways are in the top 20 best business class airlines list. Etihad’s business class lounges are some of the best in the world, while onboard passengers enjoy a la carte dining, reclining and lie-flat beds, Acqua Di Parma amenity kits and a selection of more than 1000 hours’ worth of television series, movies, podcasts, playlists and radio stations.

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11. Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines business class ticketholders get extra baggage allowance, and priority boarding, and will experience award-winning dishes, the latest in-flight entertainment systems, comfort sets from Coccinele, and exceptionally comfortable seating – plus complimentary noise-cancelling headphones.

12. EVA Air

Royal Laurel Class provides passengers with spacious sleeping arrangements, adjustable privacy panels, storage cabinets, and 18-inch HD touchscreens. EVA Air icketholders can also expect lovely amenity kits, noise-cancelling headphones, comfortable sleepwear and Fiji Water.

13. Qantas Airways

The world’s best business class airlines list wouldn’t be completed without mentioning Australia’s flagship carrier. Whether you’re flying for business or leisure, Qantas have a dedicated business class cabin, the freshest seasonal ingredients and Qantas Business Lounge access for ticket holders.

14. Oman Air

With Oman Air, the innovative layout of business class seats are comparable to many First Class cabins in the sky, with direct aisle access, adjustable privacy dividers, and a real bed. Furthermore, a 17-inch personal monitor and noise canceling headphones are controlled by the award-winning Touch Personal Media Unit to keep you engaged throughout your flight.

15. Japan Airlines

Travelling as a business class passenger aboard a Japan Airlines flight will afford you access to the lovely quiet lounge, comfortable seating, and elevated meals.

Singapore Airlines business class © Singapore airline

16. British Airways

Know as one of the world’s best business class airlines, British Airways provides lie-flat beds and sleeper service on select flights, a three-course meal including fine wines and champagne, plus seats with either window seats or direct aisle access.

17. Finnair

Finnair boasts business class benefits such as exclusive meal services paired with award-winning wines and beverages, and the option to bring one checked bag into the cabin, along with priority services at the airport and access the business lounges.

18. Swiss International Air Lines

The new Swiss business seat is a spacious workplace that converts into a two-metre flat bed at the touch of a button, and has an integrated massage function. Better yet, business class passengers have access to Swiss and Star Alliance Partner lounges all over Europe.

19. JetBlue Airways

The business class equivalent from JetBlue is known as Mint. This class features lie-flat beds, the largest TV on a U.S. airline, a sliding door for privacy, direct aisle access, and a memory foam pillow for nap time.

20. Iberia

Business class on Iberia varies between short, medium and long-haul flights. However, guests can expect excellent service from the cabin crew, new menus based on traditional Spanish flavours with wine pairings, premium lounge access and fast-track security.