What makes a business airline the best? There’s a world of difference between economy class, premium economy, and business class seats, but less distinction from business class booking to the next. 

First class service was once the gold standard, but many airlines have dropped first class, opting instead for luxurious business class seats at a far more reasonable price point. And in some cases, it’s hard to distinguish between the dreamy extravagance of first class and the plush comfort of the new business class offerings.

As businesses battle it out to offer the most bang for that lucrative business buck, the clear winner is business travelers. You can find a great deal on luxurious business class flights.

When considering what makes an airline the best, we looked at:

• Seats and personal space
• Cabin layout and number of seats in the business class cabins
• Amenities
• Quality of service
• Menus
• Overall experience 
• Availability: United States airports where you can depart to international destinations

We also factored in the Skytrax World’s Best Business Class Awards 2019 – and although there is some crossover, we wanted to showcase airlines with a lot of international destinations, rather than routes that only go to a hub, like Qatar Airways. Fantastic airline, no argument there. You can even book a Qatar Airways Qsuite with a double bed. But Qatar departure cities and destinations are extremely limited. Singapore Airlines, Japan Airlines, Qantas, Etihad Airways, Emirates and other airlines with limited destinations to and from the United States were also skipped, even though they offer the highest levels of luxury and service.

Lufthansa Airlines

The Lufthansa experience is all about comfort and relaxation. They’re well known for their outstanding service and luxurious perks. 

Seats and personal space

The new Lufthansa business class seats are easily converted into a lie flat bed which is 20” wide and 76” long. There’s plenty of dedicated storage space for personal belongings.

Cabin layout and seats in the business class cabins

Cabins are open plan and seats are in a 2-2-2 formation which means direct aisle access isn’t always possible. 

Amenities

Luxury Jil Sander Navy brand amenity kits include an eye mask, socks, a toothbrush and toothpaste, lip balm, skin cream, headphone covers and ear plugs.

Quality of service

Lufthansa are rightfully proud of their excellent service record. All the staff are chosen for their welcoming, friendly and professional demeanor.

Menus

Seasonal menus are updated every 2 months. They are heavily influenced by customer surveys and feedback is welcomed. 

Overall experience

Choosing Lufthansa will ensure you feel relaxed and well looked after throughout your journey. They’re listed in the top ten airlines in the SKYTRAX 2019 awards.

Airport lounges

Your business class tickets allow you access to Lufthansa lounges and Star Alliance partner lounges. Whichever you choose, you’ll find buffets filled with fresh foods and beverages, and well equipped office areas should you need to work while waiting for your flight. 

Lufthansa USA Cities

Lufthansa international flights serve these US cities:

Delta Air Lines

Delta has really raised the bar for business class travel, with a variety of options to choose from. We’ll look specifically at Delta One Suites for this article.

Seats and personal space

The 21” wide seat converts to a 78” fully flat bed and comes with closable doors for complete privacy. Ample dedicated bin storage is available for your personal belongings. Your seat is a fully equipped business studio with wifi, outlets, and an armrest desk. The level of comfort and privacy makes Delta One Suites one of the best business class seats available.

Cabin layout and seats in the business class cabins

Every Delta seat has direct aisle access.

Amenities

Delta offers TUMI amenity kits containing eyeshades, socks, dental hygiene kit, LE LABO lotion and LE LABO lip balm. 

Quality of service

Delta One’s dedicated in-cabin flight attendants are known to be among the very best in the business with exceptional service. 

Menus

Chef-curated meals are served on restaurant style tableware and a wide selection 

of complimentary beers, wines and spirits are available.

Overall experience 

You’ll be comfortable and relaxed with first class service and a luxury duvet and pillow.

Airport lounges 

Lounges are zoned for comfort. A large variety of fresh food and beverages is available.

Delta Air Lines USA Cities 

Delta flies round trip from the USA to 242 destinations:

British Airways

BA serves a huge variety of routes connecting the US to Europe and other global destinations

Seats and personal space

With fully adjustable headrest and lumbar support, the wide seats extend into fully flat 183cm (6ft) beds. 

Cabin layout and seats in the business class cabins

Direct aisle access from every seat and in the new Club Suite, a door for enhanced privacy. Giving you plenty of room for all of your luggage.

Amenities

Club World offers luxury amenity kits from The White Company’s Restore and Relax Spa collections. Each item is specially selected for long haul air travel.

Quality of service

BA is renowned for their wonderful British service and has dedicated flight attendants.

Menus

BA’s restaurant style dining experience includes locally sourced, seasonal produce. Catering supplied by DO&CO.

Overall experience 

While the hard product may be slightly dated, their service and soft products make the BA business class experience one of the best in the skies.

Airport lounges 

British Airways is a oneworld alliance partner with 30 personal departure lounges and over 100 partner lounges worldwide.

British Airways USA Cities 

British Airlines flies business class from many major U.S. cities:

United Airlines

United Airlines have improved their Business class experience to compete with the very best.

Seats and personal space

In the new Polaris Business class decks you’ll find private suites with 23” wide seats 

which convert to 6’6” lie-flat beds designed for work, relaxation or sleep.

Cabin layout and seats in the business class cabins

Each seat in the five rows of 1-2-1 formation has direct aisle access.

Amenities

Featuring custom products from luxury skincare line Sunday Riley, along with a signature 

padded eye mask, earplugs, cozy socks, toothbrush, toothpaste and a tissue pack. Slippers and pajamas are available upon request for long-haul passengers.

Quality of service

United Airlines have recently been awarded a 3-star airline rating from SKYTRAX.

Menus

New menus every month offer a multi-course in-flight dining experience featuring fresh, 

seasonal ingredients and bold international flavors. 

Overall experience 

With a special focus on in-flight sleeping, United Airlines aim to provide an experience which exceeds your needs.

Airport lounges

There are United Polaris lounges at Chicago O’Hare, Houston Intercontinental, Los 

Angeles, New York/Newark and San Francisco, with several more coming soon. United 

Airlines is a Star Alliance partner for when you’re departing from other airports.

United Airlines USA Cities 

United is the world’s largest airline, flying to 108 international destinations in 73 countries. United Airlines U.S. hubs are located in:

American Airlines

Seats and personal space

The lie-flat seats offer a full 82″ in length. The seat itself is a bit 

narrow at 21″ wide, but there is an additional 6.5” width extension for comfortable 

sleeping.

Cabin layout and seats in the business class cabins

American Airlines’ seats are configured in a reverse herringbone 1-2-1 seat map, which 

ensures extra privacy. You can recline and relax in privacy to get some sleep or enjoy in-flight entertainment.

Amenities

Leather Amenity kits designed by This is Ground contain products by skincare and 

lifestyle brand Allies of Skin, plus a dental kit, eye mask, socks, earplugs, mouthwash, 

pen, tissue pack and mints.

Quality of service

American Airlines has a 3-star rating from SKYTRAX. 

Menus

Delicious, healthy snacks and dishes created by elite chefs in association with the James Beard Foundation.

Overall experience

American Airlines concentrate on luxury and personalised service. 

Airport lounges 

AA is a Oneworld Alliance partner, so you’ll be welcomed into luxurious lounges in most 

major airports

American Airlines USA Cities 

American Airlines flies from every major airport in the US to 95 international destinations in 55 countries.

American Airlines U.S. Hubs:

Air Canada

Air Canada has been awarded the Skytrax Best North America Business Class for seven years in a row. Recently, they rebranded from International Business Class to the Air Canada Signature Class. You can get the full experience when flying to and from Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and South America on Air Canada’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner, 777 and 767 aircraft and Airbus A330.

The Air Canada Signature Service begins at the dedicated check in counter. Airport perks include expedited security clearance, priority boarding lanes, and priority baggage handling.

Seats and personal space

Executive or Classic Pods including seats with lumbar support and massage function which convert to fully flat 6’7” beds.

Cabin layout and seats in the business class cabins

Direct aisle access from every seat in a 1-2-1 formation

Amenities

Air Canada supply WANT Les Essentiels amenity kits which contain vitruvi skincare products 

Quality of service

Air Canada Signature Service makes things easier for you at every step, from the minute you arrive at the airport. 

Menus

Menus vary depending on destination. Award winning chefs use local cuisine to create dishes inspired by international travel. Flexible meal times encourage you to eat whenever you’re ready.

Overall experience 

Ranked the best airline in North America, you can be sure your overall experience will be top quality with Air Canada. 

Airport lounges 

Air Canada’s exclusive Maple Leaf Lounges are located in 16 airports across Canada, the United States and Europe. At other airports you’ll be able to access Star Alliance or contract partner lounges.

Business Class Resources

• Business Class Flight Deals
• Business Class Flight Deals to Europe
• Best Business Class Airlines
• British Airways Business Class Deals
• Lufthansas Business Class Deals
• Business Class vs First Class

Business Class Flight Deals

• Cheap USA Business Class Flights
• Cheap Business Class Flights from Chicago 
• Cheap Business Class Flights from NYC
• Cheap Business Class Flights from Boston
• Cheap Business Class Flights from  Atlanta