Many airlines invest considerable time and money to continuously enhance their business class product and ensure premium customers receive the most exclusive service. With extra legroom, lie-flat beds, and lounge access, many passengers will opt for business class, especially when traveling on long transatlantic flights.
This year, there are over 30 airlines offering business class seats between the United States and Europe. This includes European, American, and even Asian carriers, each offering a unique product regarding onboard catering, seat configurations, extra amenities, and lounge services. Based on the 2023 Skytrax World Airline Awards, we will look at the top five airlines for business class flights between the US and Europe. Let’s get into it.
|
Bed width |
28 in (71.1 cm) |
|
Aircraft types (US) |
A350, B777, B787 |
|
Hand baggage |
Two items – 26.4 lb (12 kg) |
Flying from Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Air France currently serves about 14 destinations in the US. Air France’s business class is available on long-haul flights operated by its Airbus A330s, A350s, Boeing 777s, and 787s. Overall, it was voted the 7th best business class in 2023.
The new business class seats, currently deployed across its network, offer fully flat beds, direct aisle access, and an entirely private and comfortable space. The cabin also has personal storage space, a 20-inch anti-glare full HD 4K touch screen, universal powerpoints, noise-reducing headphones, an adjustable reading light, and a sliding door for enhanced privacy.
Photo: Air France
The airline also offers an exquisite gourmet experience for business customers. On daytime flights, passengers are offered a French-style 5-course gourmet meal, while on overnight flights, services are combined on a single tray to optimize sleep time. Air France premium customers also have access to top-class lounges with free WiFi, relaxation areas, and a selection of hot and cold meals. With SkyPriority, business customers also receive priority from check-in to boarding.
Simple Flying was flying on the Boeing 787-9 of Air France when a medical emergency occurred.
|
Bed width |
33 in (83.8 cm) |
|
Aircraft types |
A330, A350, B787 |
|
Hand baggage |
Two items – 35.2 lb (16 kg) |
Virgin Atlantic has scheduled passenger flights from 11 US airports this month. In 2023, it was voted the 6th best business class airline, ahead of its fellow SkyTeam member, Air France. The airline’s Upper Class is available throughout its fleet, but specific details differ depending on the aircraft.
All aircraft are equipped with fully flat beds. On its A350-1000s, which are deployed on multiple routes from the US, the beds are up to 6 ft 7 in (2 m) long and 20 in (51 cm) wide. The space is also equipped with two USB powerpoints, an AC US/UK plug, and an 18.5-inch touchscreen. However, Virgin’s 787-9s and A330-300s offer wider beds, measuring 33 inches.
Photo: Virgin Atlantic
Upon arriving at the airport, premium customers can relax in the carrier’s Clubhouse lounges, which are available at various airports, including Washington (IAD), New York (JFK), and San Francisco (SFO). In areas without a Clubhouse, passengers will have access to shared lounges. Getting through the airport is also easier with special check-in counters, priority baggage delivery, and boarding.
Virgin Atlantic offers a range of dishes over four delicious courses, with the main meal served soon after takeoff. Upper Class passengers are welcomed onboard with a complimentary glass of champagne or orange juice. These premium passengers also have access to onboard social spaces available on the following aircraft types:
Flying Upper Class on the 787 isn’t quite the A350 suite, but it’s pretty good.
|
Bed width |
20.5 in (52 cm) |
|
Aircraft types |
A330, A350, B767 |
|
No. of routes (Feb 2024) |
46 |
Delta Air Lines had the best business class in North America in 2023. It flies from 12 US airports to over 25 European destinations, offering the most travel options. The Delta One experience is available on long-haul international flights and select long-haul domestic flights, but the layouts also depend on the aircraft type.
Delta One offers 20.46-inch wide seats that recline into fully flat beds. The cabin is in a 1-2-1 configuration, offering each passenger aisle access. The seat comes with an oversized duvet, a large sleeping pillow, and a lumbar pillow that doubles as a mattress pad. On most A350s and A330-900s, the suite features full-height doors and dividers to offer more privacy.
Photo: Delta Air Lines
Premium customers also enjoy complimentary lounge access and SkyPriority benefits like accelerated check-in and priority boarding. Delta’s Sky Club lounge offers a seasonally-inspired menu with a wide range of dishes, cocktails, wines, beers, and Starbucks coffee. In addition to free WiFi, passengers can access Sky Club showers at select locations.
Delta serves chef-curated meals, including appetizers, warm nuts, and a wide selection of beers, wines, and spirits. Through Delta Studio, in-flight entertainment is available on a personal device or seatback screen with a pair of noise-canceling headphones.
|
Bed width |
18.5 in (47 cm) |
|
Aircraft types |
A380, B777 |
|
Extra features |
Onboard lounge |
Emirates is the first and only Middle Eastern carrier on the list. It offers non-stop flights between the US and Europe on two routes, so it might not be the best airline in terms of travel options. However, its business class product remains one of the best in the skies, being voted third in 2023. This month, the airline will deploy the B777 on the Newark-Athens route and the A380 on the JFK-Milan route.
Photo: Emirates
Emirates’ Airbus A380 offers a more exclusive business class product compared to the Triple Seven. The A380 has different layouts, but the business cabin is typically in a 1-2-1 configuration. However, before boarding the aircraft, your journey begins with a complimentary chauffeur-driven transfer to the airport and priority services.
Upon arrival at the airport, business passengers have access to lounges with a wide selection of meals, snacks, and beverages. They can also enjoy a massage and refreshing experience at the Timeless Spa in the business class lounge. Onboard the aircraft, Emirates offers over 6,500 in-flight entertainment channels.
For passengers wishing to experience the A380, Emirates flies it to 47 destinations worldwide.
It also offers an elevated dining experience with sweet and savory snacks, gourmet meals, and complimentary champagne. A wide range of meal options is available, including special cutlery made for Emirates by Robert Welch. However, one of the best A380 business features is the onboard bar and lounge, where premium passengers can socialize while enjoying drinks and cocktails.
|
Bed width |
34 in (86.3 cm) |
|
Aircraft types |
A350, B777 |
|
No. of routes |
Two |
Singapore Airlines was voted the second-best business class airline behind Qatar Airways. It currently flies from Houston to Manchester with the A350 and from New York to Frankfurt with the B777. Like Emirates, travel options are limited.
On both aircraft types, the cabin is typically in a 1-2-1 configuration, with the new seats offering two seating positions. The first is the Lazy Z, a cradling position that ensures weight balance when sitting. The second is the Sundeck, a lounging position that extends the base and foot of the seat, allowing you to stretch and rest your legs on the ottoman. All seats extend into fully flat beds.
Photo: Michael Doran I Simple Flying
Above the armrest is a side console that fits a laptop, allowing easy reach in both seat and bed mode. All seats are fitted with USB ports and powerpoints to charge devices. All aircraft are equipped with WiFi and offer over 1,800 entertainment options on an 18-inch HD screen. At the airport, business class passengers will have access to Singapore Airlines’ lounges or partner lounges, depending on the airport. In Houston, premium customers can access United’s Polaris lounge, and in New York, they can visit Virgin Atlantic’s Clubhouse.
Singapore Airlines also offers exquisite cuisine onboard its flights. When preparing meals, chefs pay attention to every detail, including how cabin pressure changes affect taste. Like all other airlines on the list, meals can be pre-booked at least two weeks before departure. Passengers can also view the menu onboard by connecting to the WiFi. According to the airline, access to the in-flight menu is free and will not deplete a traveler’s WiFi plan.
What do you think of this story? Perhaps you have flown in one of these business class cabins. Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments!
