Best Business Class To Europe: 5 Top Airlines

When you are traveling next, would you consider upgrading to business class? Many of the world’s leading airlines spend time and money developing and enhancing their business class products to ensure their premium customers receive only the best service in the sky. 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, over 30 airlines offer business class seats between the United States and Europe, and this list includes airlines from both sides of the pond and even Asia. Each offers 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.

5

Air France

7th best business class airline for two years running

Air France not only received seventh place in 2023 but held steady for 2024.

Air France, which operates from Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), currently serves up to 16 destinations in the US. Its business class is available on long-haul flights operated by its Airbus A330s, A350s, Boeing 777s, and 787s.

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.

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 can access top-class lounges with free WiFi, relaxation areas, and hot and cold meals. With SkyPriority, business customers also receive priority from check-in to boarding.

Related

Flight Review: Air France Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Economy Class From Atlanta To Paris

Simple Flying was flying on the Boeing 787-9 of Air France when a medical emergency occurred.

4

Virgin Atlantic

11th best business class globally

In 2024, Virgin Atlantic scored 11th best business class in the world, a fall from its sixth place last year. Virgin Atlantic, which is 49% owned by Delta Air Lines, connects several destinations in the United States to its hub at London Heathrow. It was the brainchild of business magnate Sir Richard Branson.

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 also has two USB powerpoints, an AC US/UK plug, and an 18.5-inch touchscreen. However, Virgin’s 787-9s and A330-300s offer more expansive 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 champagne or orange juice. These premium passengers also have access to onboard social spaces available on the following aircraft types:

• The Booth: Airbus A350
• The Bar: Airbus A330; Boeing 787
• The Loft: Airbus A330neo; A350

Related

Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787 Business Class Review Las Vegas to London and Johannesburg

Flying Upper Class on the 787 isn’t quite the A350 suite, but it’s pretty good.

3

Delta Air Lines

8th best business class globally

Skytrax voted Delta Air Lines the 8th best business class in the world for 2024 and the best business class in North America for 2023 and 2024.

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 has 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.

Premium customers 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 various 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. Delta Studio offers in-flight entertainment on a personal device or seatback screen with a pair of noise-canceling headphones.

2

Emirates

World’s 4th best business class airline

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.

Emirates’ Airbus A380 offers a more exclusive business class product than 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 can access 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.

Related

Flight Review: Emirates A380 Business Class Dubai To Mauritius

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.

1

Singapore Airlines

2nd best business class airline two years in a row

Singapore Airlines was voted the second-best business class airline behind Qatar Airways two years in a row. It flies from Houston to Manchester with the A350 and New York to Frankfurt with the B777. Like Emirates, travel options are limited.

The cabin is typically in a 1-2-1 configuration on both aircraft types, 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.

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; 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.

While not in the top five, there are a few more airlines that deserve a notable mention:

Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines continues to dominate the transatlantic market to Turkey from its hub in Istanbul, with more routes to and from the region than any other airline. Turkish Airlines deploys its Boeing 777, 787, and A350 for its long-haul services and connects Istanbul Airport directly to Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York (JFK and Newark), Seattle, San Francisco, and Washington Dulles. Turkish Airlines was voted the world’s tenth-best business class for 2024.

Photo: Turkish Airlines

British Airways

Achieving 15th world’s best business class, BA connects London Heathrow to an extensive list of US destinations, and its business class is renowned for genuinely British service. Club World looks to transport travelers to their ‘favorite armchair.’ When traveling in business, you are treated to various delicious foods from local ingredients, luxury bedding, and inflight entertainment. The seat converts to 6ft fully flat and has a 12″ flat screen with noise-canceling headphones.

United Airlines

Chicago-based United Airlines is a Star Alliance founding member and the only other US carrier on the list. Achieving the 17th best business class globally, United Polaris is an elevated service that provides all seats direct aisle access, noise-reducing headphones, and personal charging ports. Amenity kits designed by Therabody will provide passengers with eye serum, facial spray, hand cream, socks, and more to make sure you arrive looking fresh.

Photo: United Airlines

Iberia

At 19th world’s best business class, Iberia, the flag carrier of Spain, rounds out the list. From its home at Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD), the airline serves these US destinations:

• Boston
• Chicago O’hare
• Dallas
• Los Angeles
• Miami
• New York JFK
• San Francisco and Washington Dulles (seasonally)

Business on Iberia offers a fully flat bed of six and a half feet long and a distinctively Spanish food and drinks menu.