The Best Business Class? We Compared 50 Airlines

Singapore Airlines Boeing 787 10 Business Class Cabin

At Travel-Dealz, we don’t only offer you flights to a wide variety of destinations, but we also offer a diverse selection of airlines that you could fly with. Nevertheless, many of these airlines are rather unknown for many readers, and one would actually like to know what to expect. After all, it’s not supposed to just be any business class flight, but a particularly great one!

That is why we have created a quick overview here, showing all differences that the business class has with regard to the aircraft type, seat pitch, alignment, formation, and have put those in a table with the facts about most business class seats. Below the table, we’ve gone into more detail for 28 of the 50 airlines.

AirlineAircraftPitchAlignmentFormation
Aer Lingus
Business Class
A330-200180°
lieflat
Classic1-2-1
A330-300180°
lieflat
Classic1-2-2
Aeroflot
President Class
777180°
lieflat
Classic2-2-2
A330Angled
angled
Classic2-2-2
Aeromexico
Clase Premier
787-8180°
lieflat
Classic2-2-2
787-9180°
lieflat
Rev. Herringbone1-2-1
Air Astana
Business Class
767180°
lieflat
Classic1-2-1
Air Austral
Club Austral
777180°
lieflat
Classic2-3-2
787180°
lieflat
Classic2-2-2
Air Belgium
Business Class
A340180°
lieflat
Classic1-2-1
2-2-1
Air Canada
Signature Class
Details
A330
767
180°
lieflat
Classic1-1-1
777
787
180°
lieflat
Rev. Herringbone1-2-1
Air China
Capital Pavillon
A330
777-300
787
180°
lieflat
Classic2-2-2
A350180°
lieflat
Rev. Herringbone1-2-1
Business Class747Angled
angled
Classic2-2
777-200Angled
angled
Classic2-2-2
Air Europa
Club Business
A330Angled
angled
Classic2-2-2
787180°
lieflat
Classic2-2-2
Air France
Business Class
Details
787180°
lieflat
Rev. Herringbone1-2-1
A350180°
lieflat
Others1-2-1
777VariousVariousVarious
A330180°
lieflat
Classic2-2-2
Air India
Executive Class
787180°
lieflat
Classic2-2-2
747Angled
angled
Classic2-2
Air New Zealand
Business Premier
777
180°
lieflat
Herringbone1-2-1
787180°
lieflat
Herringbone1-1-1
Alitalia
Business Class
Details
A330
777
180°
lieflat
Classic1-2-1
American Airlines
Flagship Business
Details
A330
777
787
180°
lieflat
Rev. Herringbone1-2-1
ANA
Business Class
Details
A380
777
180°
lieflat
Classic1-2-1
787180°
lieflat
ClassicVarious
Asiana Airlines
Business Smartium

A350
A380
180°
lieflat
Classic
1-2-1
A330
Angled
angled
Classic2-2-2
767Angled
angled
Classic2-1-2
Austrian
Business Class
Details
767180°
lieflat
Classic1-2-1
777180°
lieflat
ClassicVarious
Avianca
Business Class
787180°
lieflat
Herringbone1-2-1
Azul
Business
A330180°
lieflat
Classic1-2-1
British Airways
Club World
Details
A380
777
180°
lieflat
Classic2-4-2
787180°
lieflat
Classic1-1-1
1-2-1
Club World Suite
Details
A350180°
lieflat
Rev. Herringbone1-2-1
Brussels Airlines
Business Class
A330180°
lieflat
Classic1-2-1
2-1-2
Cathay Pacific
Business Class
Details
A350
777
180°
lieflat
Rev. Herringbone1-2-1
A330180°
lieflat
Various2-2-2
Condor
Business Class
Details
767Angled
angled
Classic2-2-2
Czech Airlines
Business Class
A330180°
lieflat
Classic2-2-2
Delta
Delta One
Details
A350
A330neo
767
180°
lieflat
Classic1-2-1
A330180°
lieflat
Rev. Herringbone1-2-1
Edelweiss
Business Class
A330
A340
180°
lieflat
Classic1-2-1
2-2-1
Emirates
Business Class
Details
A380180°
lieflat
Various1-2-1
777VariousClassicVarious
Ethiopian Airlines
Business Class
A350180°
lieflat
Classic2-2-2
787Angled
angled
Classic2-2-2
Etihad
BusinessDetails
787
777
A380
A330
180°
lieflat
Classic1-2-1
EVA Air
Royal Laurel Class
777180°
lieflat
Rev. Herringbone1-2-1
787180°
lieflat
Classic1-2-1
Finnair
Nordic Business Class
Details
A350180°
lieflat
Rev. Herringbone1-2-1
A330180°
lieflat
Classic1-2-1
2-2-1
Garuda Indonesia
Business Class
777180°
lieflat
Classic1-2-1
Iberia
Business Plus
Details
A330
A340
A350
180°
lieflat
Classic 1-2-1
Icelandair
Saga Premium
Details
757
737
Recliner
recliner
Classic2-2
767Recliner
recliner
Classic2-1-2
Kenya Airways
Premier World
787180°
lieflat
Classic2-2-2
KLM
World Business Class
Details
777180°
lieflat
Classic2-2-2
787180°
lieflat
Rev. Herringbone1-2-1
A330VariousClassic2-2-2
Korean Air
PrestigeDetails
A330
A380
747
787
180°
lieflat
Classic2-2-2
777VariousClassicVarious
LATAM
Premium Business
A350180°
lieflat
Classic2-2-2
777180°
lieflat
Classic1-2-1
LOT
Business Class
Details
787180°
lieflat
Classic2-2-2
Lufthansa
Business Class
Details
A330
A340
A350
180°
lieflat
Classic2-2-2
747 unten180°
lieflat
Classic2-2-2
747 oben180°
lieflat
Classic2-2
Malaysia Airlines
Business Class
A380180°
lieflat
Classic2-2-2
Oman Air
Business Class
A330180°
lieflat
Classic1-2-1
787180°
lieflat
Classic2-2-2
Qantas
Business Class
Details
787
A330
180°
lieflat
Classic1-2-1
A380180°
lieflat
Classic2-2-2
Qatar Airways
Business Class
Details
A380
A350
787
180°
lieflat
Rev. Herringbone1-2-1
777180°
lieflat
Classic2-2-2
SAS
SAS Business
Details
A330
A340
A350
180°
lieflat
Classic1-2-1
Saudia
Business Class
A330180°
lieflat
Classic2-2-2
777180°
lieflat
Classic2-3-2
787180°
lieflat
Rev. Herringbone1-2-1
Singapore Airlines
Business Class
Details
A350
A380
777
787
180°
lieflat
Classic1-2-1
A330Angled
angled
Classic2-2-2
SWISS
Business Class
Details
777180°
lieflat
Classic1-2-2
A330
A340
180°
lieflat
Classic1-2-1
2-2-1
TAP Portugal
Executive Class
Details
A330 & A321LR180°
lieflat
VariousVarious
Thai Airways
Royal Silk
Details
A350
A380
180°
lieflat
Classic1-2-1
787180°
lieflat
Classic2-2-2
777VariousClassicVarious
747170°
angled
Classic2-2
Turkish Airlines
Business Class
Details
A330180°
lieflat
Various2-2-2
A350
787
180°
lieflat
Classic1-2-1
777180°
lieflat
Classic2-3-2
A340Angled
angled
Classic2-2-2
United Airlines
New Polaris
Details
767
777
787
180°
lieflat
Other1-1-1
1-2-1
1-2-1
Old Polaris
Details
757
767
777
787
180°
lieflat
Classic2-2
2-1-2
2-2-2
2-2-2
Domestic / Pacific
Details
777180°
lieflat
Classic2-4-2
Vietnam Airlines
Business Class
A350180°
lieflat
Classic1-2-1
787180°
lieflat
Rev. Herringbone1-2-1

What can you Expect in Every Business Class?

While there may be very big differences between the airlines regarding the seats, there are other aspects under which all airlines are similar. Almost every business class flight includes benefits like lounge access, better food, more baggage allowance, priority boarding & check-in, as well as usually access to a security “fast-lane” and preferred luggage handling. Even the seats have certain aspects that are quite standard by now, e.g. power sockets.

Where are the Biggest Differences?

Depending on when the business class seat was designed and installed by the airline, there may currently be enormous differences. For instance, British Airways was an absolute front-runner when it introduced lie-flat-seats 20 years ago. Today, those seats, often installed in a 2-4-2 formation, are mostly seen as small and old. Also, technology, e.g. the size of the screen, can quickly be outdated. The most important point, however, is usually if a seat can be converted into a flat bed.

Another hot topic nowadays is having direct access to the aisle from every seat – which is why the 1-2-1 formation is on the rise. The trend toward Suite seats (seats with a door) for more privacy has also been implemented by many airlines by now. While all seats were facing forward in the olden days (classic), the seats are now often diagonally facing the aisle (herringbone) or the window (reverse herringbone).

But not only the seat is decisive. The airlines also differ from each other in other details: noise-cancelling headphones, free Wi-Fi, a particularly good amenity kit and other extras are offered to make the flight especially comfortable.

Different Versions at the Same Airline

To keep up with the competitors, the technological innovations, as well as the passengers’ wishes, most airlines will renew their business class every 10-20 years. Nevertheless, installing a new business class is not a process that’s completed within a couple of days. It can easily take various years until all planes of the fleet get the new version. For some airplane types, which aren’t expected to be used for much longer, the airlines might often not even bother to switch to the new business class, thus reducing their expenses.

This leads to many airlines having different business class seats installed in their planes instead of a single version. This can sometimes lead to confusion, especially when different business classes can be found in the same aircraft type.

The soft product (food, amenity kit, etc.) should, however, always be roughly the same at the airline, no matter what year the seat has been designed in.

28 Airlines in a Detailed Comparison

Air Canada

The Canadian Star Alliance member Air Canada has three business class versions: an old one, which is mostly disappearing, and two modern versions. We can recommend the flights in the Boeing 787, as you’ll be guaranteed a business class experience which is up to the current expectations. Travel-Dealz founder Johannes flew from Copenhagen to Toronto with the 787-Dreamliner and was generally very satisfied.

Air Canada Boeing 787-9 Business Class Sitz Mitte
A business class seat in Air Canada’s Boeing 787
Seat angle180°, completely horizontal
lieflat
Alignment1-1-1 in the A330 & Boeing 767
1-2-1 / 2-2-2 in the Boeing 777
1-2-1 in the Boeing 787
Bed length191 cm in the A330 & Boeing 767
191 / 203 cm in the Boeing 777
203 cm in the Boeing 787
Width52 cm in the A330 & Boeing 767
52 / 53 cm in the Boeing 777
53 cm in the Boeing 787
ReviewsBoeing 787 (One Mile At A Time), Boeing 777 (The Points Guy), A330 (princeoftravel.com)
Baggage allowance 2 x 32 kg

Air France

Before Covid-19, Air France still had 4 different business class versions, but now, as the A380 & A340 have left the fleet, only 3 remain. The business class in the A380 was no longer up to today’s standards, unlike the business class that’s installed in the Boeing 787-Dreamliner and Airbus A350, which is modern and comfortable. This business class is now continuously being installed in other Air France planes as well.

Air France Business Class Airbus A350
© Air France
Seat angle180°, completely horizontal in the Boeing 787, Airbus A350, Airbus A330
175° / 180° in the Boeing 777
Alignment2-2-2 in the Airbus A330
2-3-2 / 1-2-1 in the Boeing 777
1-2-1 in the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350
Bed length196 cm in the Boeing 787
198 cm in the Airbus A330 & A350
196 / 200 cm in the Boeing 777
Width54 cm in the Airbus A330
55 cm in the Boeing 777 & 787
57 cm in the Airbus A350
Legroom155 cm
ReviewsBoeing 777 (thepointsguy.com), Boeing 787 (thepointsguy.com), A330 (thepointsguy.com)
Baggage allowance2 x 32 kg

Alitalia

The Italian SkyTeam member Alitalia manages to survive over and over again, and despite its questionable image, its business class is absolutely not bad. All Magnifica seats are roughly the same: very nice but possibly problematic for big people, as the seat only extends to a bed of 185 to 189 cm.

alitalia business class
© Alitalia
Seat angle180°, completely horizontal
Alignment1-2-1
Bed length185 / 189 cm in the A330
189 cm in the Boeing 777
Width53 cm in the A330
56 cm in the Boeing 777
Legroom110 / 145 cm in the A330
117 cm in the Boeing 777
ReviewsBoeing 777 (Travel Update), A330 (One Mile At A Time)
Baggage allowance2 x 32 kg

American Airlines

Even if American Airlines doesn’t enjoy a good reputation for many, its business class is very good. Every seat has direct access to the aisle and the service, as well as the food and the seat, are at a very high standard. Travel-Dealz founder Johannes tested the Boeing 777 and really enjoyed the flight.

American Airlines Business Class Sitz flach
180° flat seat in the American Airlines business class
Seat angle180°, completely horizontal
Alignment1-2-1
Bed length195 cm
Width52 cm in the A330
52 / 53 cm in the Boeing 777
53 cm in the Boeing 787
Legroom122 cm in the A330
152 cm in the Boeing 787
109 / 152 cm in the Boeing 777
ReviewsBoeing 777 (the Luxury Travel Expert), Boeing 787 (Point Hacks), A330 (Travel Codex)
Baggage allowance2 x 32 kg

ANA – All Nippon Airways

You’ll usually sit and lie in ANA‘s Business Staggered when flying from Europe to Japan. The seats are wide and offer ludicrous amounts of space for your personal items. Nevertheless, many of the seats are already over 10 years old, and it shows in some places. At least you always have direct access to the aisle, always either sitting right next to the window (recommended for more privacy) or directly at the aisle. Otherwise, many planes still have the old business class installed, which cannot be transformed into a completely flat bed, and then there’s the brand new THE Room class, in which the seat is unbelievably wide. Unbeatable for sleeping, sometimes unnecessarily wide for sitting. Additionally, they’ve installed a 24-inch 4K-screen and every other row is facing backward. As the seat is still only available on very select flights (from Frankfurt, London, and New York), we haven’t included it (yet) in our table.

ANA Business Room 1
@ ANA
Ana Business Room 2
@ ANA
Seat angle170° / 180° in the Boeing 777
180° in the Boeing 787
Alignment2-3-2 / 1-2-1 in the Boeing 777
1-1-1 / 1-2-1 in the Boeing 787
Bed length185 / 190 cm in the Boeing 777
190 cm in the Boeing 787
Width49 / 65 cm in the Boeing 777
49 cm in the Boeing 787
Legroom111 / 165 cm in the Boeing 777
111 cm in the Boeing 787
ReviewsBoeing 777 (UpgradedPoints), Boeing 787 (One Mile At A Time)
Baggage allowance2 x 32 kg

Austrian Airlines

The Austrian business class may not be known by many, but all seats are at a consistently high standard. The Boeing 767, as well as the Boeing 777, are both equipped with the same seats, which are not only comfortable but also offer a good sleeping experience. The catering is also said to be especially good.

Seat angle180°, completely horizontal
Alignment1-2-1 in the Boeing 767
1-2-1 / 2-2-2 in the Boeing 777
Bed length2 m
Width51 cm
Legroom112 cm
ReviewsBoeing 777 (the Luxury Travel Expert), Boeing 767 (Airline Reporter)
Baggage allowance2 x 32 kg

British Airways

British Airways was the first airline to offer lie-flat seats – over 20 years ago. Sadly, many seats are still from that time and no longer reach today’s standards in other aspects. Especially in the Boeing 747, the seats were extremely narrow. Furthermore, it is unusual that every other seat is facing backward. If you, however, fly in a plane that has the new Club World seats installed, you’ll be flying in a much better product, sometimes even with Suite seats that offer a lot of privacy. A general downside at British Airways: there is no free seat reservation, which is unusual for a business class.

British Airways Club Suite Seat 5
British Airways Club Suite
Seat angle180°, completely horizontal
Alignment1-2-1 in the A350
Alternating 1-1-1 and 1-2-1 in the Boeing 787
2-4-2 in the A380 (Main Deck) & Boeing 777
2-3-2 in the A380 (Upper Deck)
2-2-2 in the Boeing 767
Bed length200 cm in the A350
183 cm in the A380, Boeing 787, 777 & 767
Width69 cm in the A350
63 / 51 cm in the Boeing 787
63 cm in the A380, Boeing 777 & 767
Legroom201 cm in the A350
183 cm in the A380, Boeing 787, 777 & 767
ReviewsBoeing 747 (The Points Guy), A350 (One Mile At A Time)
A380 (youngtravelershongkong.com), Boeing 787 (theluxurytravelexpert.com), Boeing 777 (godsavethepoints.com)
Baggage allowance2 x 32 kg

Cathay Pacific

Hong Kongese airline Cathay Pacific started equipping its planes with a new business class in 2011. By now, this process has been completed. Therefore, you’ll always sit in a modern seat, which can naturally also be converted into a flat bed (as long as you’re not sitting in a regional flight). Nevertheless, the business class is still only slightly above average – as Travel-Dealz author Dennis was able to find out. Especially the food and the service was surprisingly disappointing.

Cathay Pacific Business Class Sitz
Cathay Pacific Business Class Cabin
Seat angle180°, completely horizontal
Alignment1-2-1 in the A350 & Boeing 777
2-2-2 in the A330
Bed length191 cm
Width51 cm in the A350
52 cm in the A330
75 cm in the Boeing 777
Legroom114 cm in the A350
152 cm in the A330
191 cm in the Boeing 777
ReviewsBoeing 777 (Travel-Dealz), A330 (One Mile At A Time), A350 (UpgradedPoints)
Baggage allowance2 pieces – total of 40 kg

Condor

If you’re making a business class comparison of various airlines, then Condor will under no circumstances end up in the upper half of the standings but rather near the bottom. Neither the seat nor the catering is outstanding in any way. If there are other alternatives to fly to your destination and your looking for outstanding comfort, Condor will hardly be your first choice.

Condor Business Class Kabine
© Condor
Seat angle170°, angled
Alignment2-2-2
Bed length180 cm
Width50 cm
Legroom152 cm
ReviewsBoeing 767 (One Mile At A Time)
Baggage allowance2 x 32 kg to USA/Canada – otherwise max. 30 kg

Delta Air Lines

If you’re travelling to North America, Delta is surely not a bad choice, especially if the route is operated with an Airbus plane. The seats in the Boeing 767 are good, but already quite old. The seats in the A330 and especially the A350, however, are on an extremely high level. All A330neo and A350 planes already have the Suite seats installed, which offer maximum privacy.

Delta One Business Class Boeing 767 400
© Delta Air Lines
Seat angle180°, completely horizontal
Alignment1-2-1
Bed length196 cm
Width55 cm in the A350
53 cm in the A330 & Boeing 767
Legroom193 cm in the A350
203 cm in the A330
194 cm in the Boeing 767
ReviewsBoeing 767 (Business Traveller), A330 (onemileatatime.com), A350 (forbes.com)
Baggage allowance2 x 32 kg

Emirates

There’s a brutal difference between the business class that Emirates offers in its two aircraft types. While the business class in the Airbus A380 offers a special experience, one really cannot recommend the Boeing 777 business class. In the Boeing 777, you’ll mostly not even have lie-flat seats and 3 seats in the middle section – this could be better! In the A380, which you’ll see in most Emirates advertisements, you’ll be offered more. Not only are the seats more modern and luxurious, but there’s even a lounge area with sofas and a bar. You need to be careful, however, when selecting your seat in the A380 as the seats at the window are clearly bigger than those at the aisle. In one aspect, however, Emirates is the clear number 1: The in-flight entertainment with over 1,000 movies and various live TV channels is unbeatable.

emirates woman on business class listening to music w1280x960
@ The Emirates Group
Seat angleAngled or 180°, completely horizontal in the Boeing 777
180°, completely horizontal in the A380
Alignment2-3-2 / 2-2-2 in the Boeing 777
1-2-1 in the A380
Bed length200 cm (window & middle) in the A380
178 cm (aisle) in the A380
roughly 183 cm in the Boeing 777, depending on the version
Width46 / 52 cm in the Boeing 777
47 cm in the A380
Legroom119 / 152 / 183 cm in the Boeing 777
144 cm in the A380
ReviewsBoeing 777 (Simple Flying), A380 (One Mile At A Time)
Baggage allowance40 kg

Etihad

Even though Etihad’s seats are very good (big legroom, direct aisle-access, etc.), they often look a bit worn out. Nevertheless, Etihad offers its business class passengers some services that are rather rare, e.g. you can decide at which point of the flight you’d like to eat. In the Airbus A380, there’s even a Lobby area, where you can relax with a drink during the flight and chat with some other passengers.

Etihad Business Class
Seat angle180°, completely horizontal
Alignment1-2-1
Bed length205 cm in the A380 & Boeing 787
185 cm in the A330 & Boeing 777
Width51 cm in the A380, A330 & Boeing 777
56 cm in the Boeing 787
Legroom185 cm
ReviewsBoeing 787 (One Mile At A Time), Boeing 777 (Sam Chui)
Baggage allowance40 kg

Finnair

Finnair, the Oneworld member from Northern Europe, offers a very modern and comfortable business class in its Airbus A350. Their A330 product is comfy, but the seats do show their age. A remarkable thing about Finnair is that they’re planning to introduce a Light fare (on some routes), which doesn’t include luggage – an absolute novelty for this travel class.

finnair nordic business class asian woman full flat data
© Finnair
Seat angle180°, completely horizontal
Alignment1-2-1 in the A350
Alternating 1-2-1 and 2-2-1 in the A330
Bed length200 cm
Width53 cm in the A350
51 cm in the A330
Legroom198 cm in the A350
114 cm in the A330
ReviewsA350 (One Mile At A Time), A330 (Live And Let’s Fly)
Baggage allowance2 x 32 kg
To Japan: 3 x 32 kg

Iberia

Iberia is one of the few airlines that has the same product across its entire long-haul fleet. A positive is that every seat has direct access to the aisle. The seats which are directly next to the window (in every 2nd row) offer especially high privacy. In total, it’s a very good product, as Travel-Dealz founder Johannes could witness on his short test flight on an A340.

Iberia Business Class
Seat angle180°, completely horizontal
Alignment1-2-1
Bed lengthAlmost 2 m
Width66 cm
Legroom198 cm
ReviewsAirbus A340-600 (Travel-Dealz)
Baggage allowance2 x 23 kg

Icelandair

It’s actually questionable if Icelandair should even be mentioned in this comparison, as the Saga class is more of a premium economy class than a business class. It especially shows when you look at the seat, which doesn’t even come close to meeting today’s standards for a long-haul business class. Even the in-flight entertainment is nothing special. You do have to consider, however, that the prices of the Saga Class are also closer to premium economy prices than business class prices, with tickets from Europe to North America sometimes being available starting at €700. Other positives include the catering and the lounge in Reykjavík.

icelandair business class
© Icelandair
Seat angle111° – Recliner seats
Alignment2-1-2 in the Boeing 767
2-2 in the Boeing 757 & 737
Bed length
Width52 cm
Legroom101 cm
ReviewsBoeing 757 (One Mile At A Time), Boeing 767 (liveandletsfly.com)
Baggage allowance2 x 32 kg

KLM

By now, modern seats have also become the norm at KLM. Its business class is definitely not a bad choice, also thanks to the good service. Like many other airlines, the Boeing 787 always has the newest business class seats installed.

klm business 787 sitz header
Seat angle175° / 180° in the A330
180°, completely horizontal in the Boeing 787 & 777
Alignment2-2-2 in the A330 & Boeing 777
1-2-1 in the Boeing 787
Bed length190 / 207 cm in the A330
207 cm in the Boeing 787 & 777
Width51 cm
Legroom152 cm in the A330
107 cm in the Boeing 787
160 cm in the Boeing 777
ReviewsBoeing 787 (onemileatatime.com), Airbus A330 (theluxurytravelexpert.com), Boeing 777 (onemileatatime.com)
Baggage allowance2 x 32 kg

Korean Air

On cannot speak of a single Korean Air business class, as there are 4 versions. The newest version has mainly been installed in the Boeing 747-8 and the A330. There, you’ll fly in a modern and comfortable seat. The special part: Even though the seats are aligned in a 2-2-2 formation, everyone still has direct access to the aisle. The seats are not right next to each other, thus creating a corridor to the window seat – a great idea for wide planes like the Jumbo! In the A380’s upper deck, you’d fly in an older business class version, but Korean Air has a bar area where you can comfortably sit on the couch drinking a cocktail. The worst business class version is still being used on less prominent routes on some older Boeing 777 planes – with a row of three in the middle and angled seats.

Korean Air First Class Sleeper
Korean Air First Class © Korean Air
Korean Air Business Class Prestige Suite
© Korean Air
Seat angle180° / 170° in the Boeing 777
180°, completely horizontal in the A330, A380 & Boeing 747
Alignment2-2-2 in the A330, A380 & Boeing 747
2-2-2 / 2-3-2 in the Boeing 777
Bed length190 cm
Width51 cm in the Boeing 747
54 cm in the A380
55 / 54 cm in the A330
51 / 54 / 55 cm in the Boeing 777
Legroom188 / 198 cm in the A330
188 / 152 cm in the Boeing 777
187 in the A380
191 cm in the Boeing 747
ReviewsBoeing 747 (onemileatatime.com), A380 (travelcodex.com), A330 (executivetraveller.com), Boeing 777 (onemileatatime.com)
Baggage allowance2 x 32 kg

LOT

The Polish airline LOT only has one long-haul aircraft type, the Boeing 787 (Dreamliner) – thus every flight will have the exact same seats. Everything is slightly above average, except the seat alignment (2-2-2), which doesn’t offer direct access to the aisle for the window seats. A further disadvantage of flying with LOT: There’s no Wi-Fi, even if you’d be willing to pay for it. So, if you intend to work (with internet access) during the flight, you should choose a different airline. LOT is, however, very generous with its baggage allowance (3 x 32 kg).

lot business class press
© LOT
Seat angle180°, completely horizontal
Alignment2-2-2
Bed length200 cm
Width53 cm
Legroom190 cm
ReviewsBoeing 787 (One Mile At A Time)
Baggage allowance3 x 32 kg

Lufthansa

Many of our readers may have already experienced Lufthansa’s business class. Generally, Travel-Dealz writers and readers are not big fans of the Lufthansa business class, even though it is definitely not bad. One reason for that is that the service is too inconsistent: From extremely friendly and quick to unfriendly and slow – everything is possible with Lufthansa, even in business class.

Lufthansa Business Class Sitz A340
Seat angle180°, completely horizontal
Alignment2-2-2 in the A330, A340, A350, A380 & Boeing 747-8 (main deck)
2-2 in the Boeing 747 (upper deck)
2-3-2 in the Boeing 747-400 (upper deck)
Bed length198 cm
Width51 cm in the A330, A340, A350 & Boeing 747-8
50 cm in the A380 & Boeing 747-400
Legroom163 cm in the A330, A340, A350, A380 & Boeing 747-8
145 cm in the Boeing 747-400
ReviewsBoeing 747-400 (Travel-Dealz)
Baggage allowance2 x 32 kg

Qantas

At Qantas, a comfortable seat with much privacy awaits you, though the seats are not exactly new anymore. You can see the age of the seats, e.g. by looking at the screens that are no longer up to today’s standards. The seats, however, are great for sleeping, and the crew is also usually very friendly. In the A380, much older seats are installed (which really don’t match the modern standards), but thanks to Corona, these planes won’t be used by Qantas in the following years.

Qantas Airbus A330-200 Business Suite
Seat angle180°, completely horizontal
Alignment1-2-1 in the A330 & Boeing 787
2-2-2 in the A380
Bed length2 m
Width58 cm in the Boeing 787
55 / 58 cm in the A330
55 cm in the A380
Legroom117 cm in the Boeing 787
185 / 198 cm in the A330
198 cm in the A380
ReviewsA330 (ctm), Boeing 787 (Business Traveller), A380 (Flatbeds)
Baggage allowance2 x 32 kg

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways undoubtedly offers one of the best business class products, if not even the best. Especially the new Qsuite is almost on a first class level, but sadly not yet installed in every plane. A short while ago, however, Qatar Airways published a very negative update to their business class conditions: Lounge access is no longer included in their cheapest business class fare.

Qatar QSuite
QSuite Business Class © Qatar Airways
Seat angle180°, completely horizontal
Alignment2-2-2 in the Boeing 777
1-2-1 in the A350, A380 & Boeing 787
Bed length198 cm in the Boeing 777
200 cm in the A350, A380 & Boeing 787
Width55 cm in the Boeing 777
56 cm in the A350, A380 & Boeing 787
Legroom198 cm in the Boeing 777
129 cm in the A380
127 cm in the A350 & Boeing 787
ReviewsBoeing 777-300ER (One Mile At A Time), A380 (Travelin For Miles), A350 (One Mile At A Time)
Baggage allowance40 kg

SAS

Scandinavian airline SAS has very big and comfortable seats, each offering direct access to the aisle. There’s a lot of storage room and also a very big desk which is perfect to work. The seats alternate between either being directly next to the window or directly at the aisle. Another upside of flying SAS: Free unlimited Wi-Fi! The SAS business class is therefore definitely not a bad choice for hard-working businessmen.

SAS Business Class
© SAS Scandinavian Airlines
Seat angle180°, completely horizontal
Alignment1-2-1
Bed length196 cm
Width61 cm in the A330
58 cm in the A340
56 cm in the A350
Legroom196 cm in the A330
155 cm in the A340
198 cm in the A350
ReviewsA350 (thepointsguy.com), A340 (Andy’s Travel Blog), A330 (onemileatatime.com)
Baggage allowance2 x 32 kg

Singapore Airlines

If you fly in Singapore Airlines’ new business class, like Travel-Dealz founder Johannes, you’ll get a very convincing product, but even the older seats still offer high comfort. A notable aspect (especially with the older seats) is the width – the seats are extremely wide. Singapore Airlines’ main upside, however, is the service. The so-called Singapore Girls are really very friendly and attentive. The in-flight entertainment, however, is mediocre.

Singapore Airlines Boeing 787 10 Business Class Seat Window
Singapore Airlines Boeing 787 10 Business Class Seat
Seat angle180°, completely horizontal
Alignment1-2-1
Bed length193 cm in the A380
198 cm in the A350 & Boeing 777
Width64 / 76 cm in the A380
71 cm in the A350
71 / 76 cm in the Boeing 777
Legroom127 / 140 cm in the A380
152 cm in the A350
130 / 140 cm in the Boeing 777
ReviewsAirbus A350 (Travel-Dealz), Boeing 787-10 (Travel-Dealz)
A380 (UpgradedPoints), Boeing 777 (the Luxury Travel Expert)
Baggage allowance40 kg
USA: 2 x 32 kg

SWISS

With SWISS, it very much depends on the specific seat, as SWISS has a throne seat in every row. While the double seats share a platform in the middle, the throne seat has its own platform on each side, which you won’t have to share with anyone. Those seats thus offer privacy and comfort to an extent that the other seats cannot compete with. Therefore, you may be disappointed if you don’t get one of the throne seats, even if the other seats obviously also have a very high standard.

swiss business class a340
Seat angle180°, completely horizontal
AlignmentAlternating 1-2-2 and 2-2-1 in the Boeing 777
Alternating 1-2-1 and 2-2-1 in the A340 & A330
Bed lengthOver 2 m in the A340 & Boeing 777
2 m in the A330
Width52 cm in the A340 & Boeing 777
57 cm in the A330
Legroom152 cm
ReviewsBoeing 777 (Travel-Dealz)
A330 (One Mile At A Time)
Baggage allowance2 x 32 kg

TAP Portugal

Not too long ago, TAP’s Executive Class was infamously subpar. By now, however, all planes have been equipped with new seats that can be converted into fully flat beds and offer quite a high comfort. The service is also said to be very friendly.

tap business throne seat a321
Seat angle180° in the A330 & A321LR
Alignment2-2-2 / 1-2-1 in the A330
2-2 / 1-1 in the A321LR
Width57 cm in the A321LR
51 / 52 cm in the A330
Legroom112 cm in the A321LR
107 / 152 cm in the A330
ReviewsA330 (The Points Guy), A321LR (onemileatatime.com)
Baggage allowance2 x 32 kg

Thai Airways

Thai Airways‘ business class is satisfactory. You’ll get everything that a business class has to offer: better food, friendly service, and you can sleep well. You shouldn’t, however, expect much more. Most planes that are used for flights to Europe have the newest business class, so you won’t need to worry about that.

Business Class A350 Thai Airways
Thai Airways’ business class in the A350 (© Thai Airways)
Seat angle180°, completely horizontal in the A350, A380 & Boeing 787
170° in the A330 & Boeing 747
180° / 170° / 163° in the Boeing 777
Alignment1-2-1 in the A350 & A380
2-2-2 in the A330 & Boeing 787
2-2-2 / 1-2-1 in the Boeing 777
2-2 in the Boeing 747
Bed length187 cm in the A350
190 cm in the A330, A380, Boeing 747 & 777
198 cm in the Boeing 787
Width53 cm in the A350 & Boeing 787
51 cm in the A330, A380, Boeing 747 & 777
Legroom104 cm in the A350
152 cm in the A330, Boeing 747 & 787
152 / 155 / 221 cm in the Boeing 777
188 cm in the A380
ReviewsBoeing 777 (Young Travelers Of Hong Kong), Boeing 787 (Cahill), Boeing 747 (liveandletsfly.com), A350 (One Mile At A Time)
Baggage allowance40 kg

Turkish Airlines

In theory, the Turkish Airlines business class is very good – there’s good food, very friendly service, free & unlimited internet, a lot of storage room, quite comfortable seats – but there is a pretty big downside: The seats are rather cramped. Not only is the bed length a bit short, but they even have 3 seats in the middle of the Boeing 777 – completely unacceptable nowadays! While a new business class has been installed in the Boeing 787, with the modern 1-2-1 alignment, there have been many complaints that the seats are uncomfortable – which is why this new business class is going to be changed again. We’ll have to wait and see how the 787 business class will end up being in the end – in the other planes the seats will stay good, but small.

Turkish Airlines neue Business
© Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines Business Class
Seat angle180°, completely horizontal
Alignment2-2-2 in the A330
2-3-2 in the Boeing 777
Bed length188 cm
Width56 cm in the Boeing 777
51 cm in the A330
Legroom155 cm in the A330
198 cm in the Boeing 777
ReviewsBoeing 777 (the Luxury Travel Expert), A330 (Travel Codex)
Baggage allowance40 kg

United Airlines

United has clearly upgraded its business class in the past years since they’ve announced the so-called Polaris business class. The new seats especially offer high privacy and comfort, which barely any other airline can keep up with.

Nevertheless, United also uses the term Polaris for flights with the old seats. On United.com/Polaris, you can check which planes were already refurbished. Currently, a big portion of the Boeing 767 and Boeing 777 planes have the new seats, while the chances are rather low for the Dreamliner.

You have to be especially careful with flights on a Boeing 777-200. Some of those have a 2-4-2 alignment in business class, which results in narrow seats. Luckily, these planes are mainly used within the USA on transcontinental flights, as well as to Hawaii and Guam. Occasionally, however, they do use them for transatlantic flights.

United Polaris Bewertung Sitz mit Utensilien

United Polaris Bewertung Lie Flat Bett

To give you a better overview, we’ve divided the United business class in three separate sections:

New United Business Class – “Real” Polaris

When we talk about the Polaris business class on Travel-Dealz, we mean the new hard product, which has been introduced in 2016.

Especially in the Boeing 777 and 767-300, there’s a good chance that you’ll get one of these seats. Furthermore, all new Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners will also have the new business class.

United Polaris Business Class
© United Airlines
Seat angle180°, completely horizontal
Alignment1-1-1 in the Boeing 767
1-2-1 in the Boeing 777 and 787
Bed length2 m
Width52 cm in the Boeing 767
56 cm in the Boeing 777
52 cm in the Boeing 787
ReviewsBoeing 767 (One Mile At A Time)
Baggage allowance2 x 32 kg

Old United Business Class – “Fauxlaris”

As previously mentioned, United also calls the old business class “Polaris business class”, despite it already being many years old. Jokingly, many call it Fauxlaris.

At least you’ll get the same soft product as the Polaris business class, e.g. with a cushy blanket and a great pillow. This old business class will gradually be replaced by the new one.

United alte Business Class
© United Airlines
Seat angle180°, completely horizontal
Alignment2-2 in the Boeing 757
2-2-2 in the Boeing 787
2-1-2 in the Boeing 767
Bed length193 cm in the Boeing 757
198 cm in the Boeing 787
190 cm in the Boeing 767
Width52 cm
ReviewsBoeing 787 (GodSaveThePoints)
Baggage allowance2 x 32 kg

United Business Class Pacific / Hawaii / Domestic (Boeing 777)

The special High-Density-Version of the Boeing 777 is mostly used for flights within North America, especially on the long routes to Hawaii. Furthermore, it is also used on the routes to Guam, e.g. Guam – Honolulu or Guam – Tokyo. Sometimes, however, United will use them on touristic routes to Europe.

At least these seats are also lie-flat and comfortable. This is, however, not a modern business class.

United Business Class 2 4 2
Seat angle180°, completely horizontal
Alignment2-4-2 in the Boeing 777
Bed length198 cm in the Boeing 777
Width52 cm
Legroom198 cm in the Boeing 777
ReviewsBoeing 777 (Live and let’s Fly)
Baggage allowance2 x 32 kg

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  1. Kramers Midtown says:

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