10 Airlines With The Worst Business Class Experience & 10 That Offer Incredible Ones
Some Airlines Mean Business—Others Don't
Flying business class is supposed to feel like a reward, not a regret. Yet somehow, some airlines manage to turn extra legroom into extra eye-rolls. Luckily, not all carriers fumble the luxe life. And if you’re going to drop serious money on a ticket, you deserve to know which airlines will give you more than a warm towel. So, first, here are ten airlines that completely miss the mark when it comes to business class.
1. Air India
Many Air India aircraft still feature outdated angled-flat seats, making comfort feel like an afterthought. Passengers frequently report worn upholstery on older planes, even though some B777s have seen interior upgrades. Entertainment options are limited, and malfunctioning screens don’t help the experience.
2. TAP Air Portugal
While most of TAP Air Portugal’s fleet delivers modern, lie-flat business class seats, one lingering A330-200 clings to outdated recliners that lack privacy. Crew service on long-haul routes can feel more procedural than personable, with attentiveness varying from one flight to the next.
3. EgyptAir
EgyptAir’s business class experience leaves much to be desired for travelers expecting premium perks. Alcohol isn’t served onboard due to national policy, which can surprise some flyers. To top it off, service reports often cite inattentive or absent crew.
4. ITA Airways
Despite its fresh rebrand, ITA Airways carries the baggage of its Alitalia past. Many inherited aircraft feature inconsistent cabin standards, and the interiors often show their age. With a limited route network, ITA struggles to compete with more established global carriers.
5. Saudia
Saudia’s business class experience lands a bit short of its Gulf rivals’ glamour. The no-alcohol policy limits the full-service appeal for many international travelers. Service quality shifts noticeably between domestic and international routes, leaving consistency up in the air.
6. United Airlines
Step onboard United Airlines expecting consistency, and you might be in for a surprise. The Polaris business class experience is unevenly deployed, with some aircraft flying the outdated 2-2-2 layout. Catering continues to divide opinion, landing somewhere between decent and disappointing.
André Du-pont (Mexico Air Spotters) on Wikimedia
7. Air China
Comfort takes a backseat on Air China’s older aircraft, where business class means recliner-style seats and limited rest. Meals often miss the international mark, lacking flavor and flair. Add inconsistent cabin cleanliness, and the experience feels more basic than business.
8. Philippine Airlines
Expectations rise with a business class ticket, but Philippine Airlines doesn’t always meet them. Lie-flat seats are limited to select aircraft, while seating remains cramped even in premium cabins. On long-haul routes, delays and service inconsistencies only add to the frustration.
RM Bulseco from Davao City, Philippines on Wikimedia
9. Czech Airlines
Calling it business class might be generous when, in many cases, it’s just an economy seat with the middle blocked off. Post-restructuring, Czech Airlines flies to only a handful of long-haul destinations, and the experience onboard hasn’t kept pace. Some departure airports don’t even offer a dedicated lounge.
10. Kuwait Airways
Kuwait Airways’ business class starts off with a limitation—no alcoholic beverages onboard, which immediately narrows its premium appeal. On the ground, lounge facilities fall below the standards expected in international business class.
Now, let’s consider ten airlines that make flying feel like the experience you hoped for when you hit that “upgrade” button.
1. Qatar Airways
Qsuite gives passengers real privacy with sliding doors and even a double-bed option in some cabins. The dine-on-demand menu includes high-quality gourmet meals. You’ll also find pillow-top bedding, Wi-Fi, a touchscreen entertainment system, and amenity kits stocked with Diptyque or Bric's products.
Konstantin von Wedelstaedt on Wikimedia
2. Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines features extra-wide, lie-flat seats finished with premium materials. Business class passengers enjoy gourmet meals curated by a panel of celebrity chefs, with the option to pre-order dishes in advance. Lastly, access to world-class KrisFlyer lounges adds to the overall premium experience.
3. Emirates
Business class on Emirates begins with a chauffeur drive in many major cities, extending luxury beyond the airport. Onboard the A380, passengers can socialize at the dedicated bar and lounge. Interestingly, its ICE system provides access to over 5,000 entertainment channels.
4. ANA (All Nippon Airways)
ANA’s Business Class features extra-wide seats with sliding privacy doors that create a personal cocoon. Cabins stay ultra-quiet, enhanced by silk-touch bedding for added comfort. The cabin design reflects sleek, minimal Japanese aesthetics, paired with advanced technology throughout the experience.
5. Cathay Pacific
Privacy takes center stage with Cathay Pacific’s reverse herringbone seats, angled to keep each traveler in their own quiet zone. Personalized meal service comes with an award-winning wine list, and the airline’s flagship lounge, The Pier in Hong Kong, adds another layer of refinement.
Md Shaifuzzaman Ayon on Wikimedia
6. Japan Airlines
Japan Airlines begins the experience with its Sky Suites—among the widest in the industry—delivering generous space that doesn’t compromise on privacy. That sense of thoughtful design extends to the large entertainment screens. Lastly, to ensure deep rest, “airweave” mattresses are provided.
7. EVA Air
EVA Air’s Royal Laurel Class combines comfort and ambiance with mood lighting and fully lie-flat seats designed for long-haul ease. Moreover, the experience brings a playful twist on select routes with Hello Kitty-themed aircraft and service items.
8. Turkish Airlines
The culinary presentation defines the Turkish Airlines business class experience, starting with onboard chefs who serve meals in an elegant, candlelight-style setting. On the ground, the airline’s Istanbul lounge provides private suites and showers.
9. Lufthansa
Lufthansa’s new “Allegris” Business Class introduces a flexible layout, offering multiple seating options to match different travel styles. Furthermore, each seat includes personal wardrobe space and privacy partitions for a tailored, comfortable experience.
10. Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines sets the tone with its Delta One Suites, each featuring full-height privacy doors that create a fully enclosed space. With strong North American coverage and access to SkyClub lounges, the airline ensures consistency both in the air and on the ground.
Mark Winterbourne | P H O T O G R A P H Y from Leeds. West Yorkshire, United Kingdom on Wikimedia
