World's Best Business Class Cabins (2026 Edition)

The Seat

Revealed at Farnborough 2024 for the 777-9, Qsuite Next Gen refines the original with higher walls, upgraded tech (including larger OLED displays), and keeps the family-friendly Quad concept. Entry into service is tied to the 777-9 timeline; expect a phased rollout from mid-decade.

The Seat

Debuting on new Airbus A350-900s from late 2025 and scaling through 2026, the Senses cabin is part of the Allegris family of seats. It will offer a variety of seating options, including classic seats, extra-long beds, double seats for couples, and fully enclosed suites with sliding doors, wardrobes, and personal minibars. While our recent review focused on their exceptional First Class, the airline’s reputation for precision is expected to shine in the new ‘Senses’ cabin.

The Seat

Rolling out on new Boeing 787s and Airbus A321XLRs, the standard Polaris seats will be enhanced with privacy doors. The real news is the front-row Polaris Studio suites, which we covered in detail here. These seats are approximately 25% larger, featuring a companion ottoman for buddy dining, a massive 27-inch 4K screen, and of course, a full sliding door. It’s a clear move to compete with products like Delta One and JetBlue Mint Studio.

Expected Rollout

Deliveries begin late 2025, with retrofits and new routes expanding throughout 2026.

The Seat

As part of their ambitious global expansion, Alaska is establishing a Seattle 787-9 hub and launching a true international business class. The cabin will feature 34 enclosed suites with fully lie-flat seats and privacy doors. While some early long-haul flying leverages Hawaiian’s 787s during integration, Alaska’s own 787 operation will scale through 2026.

Expected Rollout

The inaugural 787 route to Seoul launches in September 2025, with the European expansion to London and Rome beginning in Spring 2026.

The Seat

Inspired by their upcoming Boeing 777-9 interiors, Singapore Airlines is retrofitting its long-haul A350-900 fleet with brand new business class seats. The key upgrade is the sliding privacy door, bringing them in line with modern standards.

Expected Rollout

The first refitted A350 enters service in Q2 2026, with the full retrofit program running toward 2030. The new product is expected to be aligned with the 777-9 cabin.

The Seat

The new Crystal Business Class is a massive leap forward. Built on the Safran Unity platform, it will feature a 1-2-1 layout with fully enclosed suites with doors, high walls, and modern tech.

Expected Rollout

777-300ER retrofits are set to begin in the 2025/2026 window, and new A350 deliveries will also feature the Crystal seat.

The Seat

LOT is installing the popular Recaro CL6720 seat in a 1-2-1 configuration on its Boeing 787-8 fleet. This means every passenger gets direct aisle access, a sliding privacy door, and modern tech.

Expected Rollout

Upgrades to the Recaro CL6720 seats start from 2026, with the program rolling forward into the out-years.

The Seat & Start Date

Qantas will feature staggered suites with sliding doors on its Airbus A350-1000s for “Project Sunrise” flights, which are scheduled to start in 2027, connecting Sydney to New York and London first.

The Seat

Rolling out on their Boeing 787s, the new cabin is based on Safran’s Visa seat in a 1-2-1 herringbone layout. The standard Business Premier seats offer lie-flat beds and retractable privacy shields but, notably, do not have a full sliding door. For the ultimate experience, you need to book one of the four front-row Premier Luxe suites. These offer a wider space, buddy dining, a 24-inch screen, and the all-important sliding privacy door.

Expected Rollout

Began in late 2024 and the full fleet retrofit is set to finish by the end of 2026.

The Seat

The front-row Business Elite suites will feature massive 32” 4K screens and Devialet headrest speakers. The main business cabin will also have private suites with doors.

Expected Rollout

The airline is slated to launch in late 2025, with its network expanding through 2026.

The Seat

Now flying on their Munich-based Airbus A350s, Allegris is a family of five different seat types in a single cabin. All have direct aisle access, but that’s where the similarities end. You can choose from: a classic window seat, an extra-long bed (2.2m), a seat with extra space and a large work surface, a double seat for couples, and the front-row Business Class Suite with higher walls, a privacy door, and a personal minibar.

Booking It (The Smart Way)

This cabin is a puzzle. Different seats come with different price tags (in both cash and miles). You have to study the seat map carefully. As a Star Alliance carrier, you can book with partner miles like Air Canada Aeroplan or United MileagePlus. For a deep dive into booking strategies, check out our full guide on how to book Lufthansa Allegris with points.

The Seat

Now flying on refurbished Boeing 777-300ERs, the Aria Suite is a customized version of the excellent Collins Aerospace Elements platform, a major update we covered upon its launch. It’s an enclosed suite with a sliding privacy door, a massive 24-inch 4K screen with Bluetooth audio, and wireless charging. The bedding is phenomenal. Remember to verify the aircraft, as the A350 keeps the previous reverse-herringbone seat for now.

The Experience

Cathay’s legendary lounges, The Pier and The Wing in Hong Kong, remain destinations in themselves. The service is polished and the food is excellent, as we experienced in our review of their London to Hong Kong service.

The Seat

As the launch customer for the Collins Aerospace Elements seat (the same base model as Cathay’s Aria Suite), Starlux’s A350 business class is fantastic. Every seat has a privacy door, a large footwell, wireless charging, and a beautiful design aesthetic.

The Experience

Starlux aims for a luxury experience from start to finish, with free Wi-Fi, pajamas, nice amenities, and an extensive food and drink menu.

The Seat

American’s new Flagship Suite brings a door, lie-flat bed with chaise-lounge mode, larger personal storage, wireless charging, and an upgraded headrest/pillow system. It’s the step AA needed to compete with Delta One Suites and United’s upcoming Polaris Studio.

Routes & Rollout (2025)

• Launch: June 5 — ORD ↔ LHR
• Summer/Fall Adds: PHL ↔ LHR, PHL ↔ ZRH, DFW ↔ BNE (from Oct 26)
  Fleet growth continues as more 787-9s arrive; future A321XLR and 777-300ER retrofits will extend the product.

The Seat

Debuting on their new Boeing 787-10s, the new Prestige Suite is built on the Collins Aerospace Horizon platform. It’s a 1-2-1 layout with full sliding doors and larger 4K screens. The center seats feature an alternating “honeymoon” arrangement, perfect for couples.

The Experience

Korean Air is a Skytrax Five-Star airline for a reason. Service is typically flawless and professional.

The Seat

Found on select Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 aircraft, the Qsuite is a personal cocoon. The 1-2-1 layout features fully enclosed suites with sliding privacy doors, but its genius is its modularity. Center seats can form a double bed, and four suites can become a shared “quad” space.

Booking It (The Smart Way)

Use Qatar’s own Avios (transferable from other Avios partners like BA and Iberia) or book through partners like American AAdvantage. For more strategies, read our guide to booking Qsuites with AAdvantage miles.

The Seat

Found on select Boeing 777-300ERs, “The Room” features enormous, forward-and-rear-facing seats that are more like comfortable sofas. Each suite has a closing door, a giant 24-inch 4K monitor, and an incredible amount of personal space.

Booking It (The Smart Way)

The best value is often through Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, where a one-way ticket can be as low as 45,000 points. The catch? You’ll pay high fuel surcharges.

The Seat

The prize is on their latest Airbus A350-1000. This aircraft features the incredible Safran Unity Suites in a 1-2-1 configuration with high sliding doors for ultimate privacy. It’s a beautifully designed, functional, and deeply comfortable seat. While not as private, their older Sky Suites on the 777 are still an excellent product, as we found in our full review.

Booking It (The Smart Way)

Use partner programs. A legendary sweet spot is booking JAL from the US West Coast to Tokyo for as low as 60,000 Atmos Rewards (formerly Mileage Plan) points one-way.

The Seat

The Delta One Suite is a modified version of the Vantage XL seat with a full privacy door. Found on their A350s and A330-900neos, it’s a comfortable and private space. Delta has been investing heavily in its cabin products, and as we found in our hands-on review of the Delta One Suite on the A330-900neo, the experience is polished and premium.

The Experience

Delta’s soft product is consistently strong for a US airline, with good bedding, decent food, and professional crews.

The Seat

Avoid the 777 with its 2-3-2 layout. The A380 is the experience you want, featuring a staggered 1-2-1 layout. The seats lack a privacy door and the finishes can feel a bit gaudy, but they are comfortable.

The Experience

The onboard bar at the back of the A380 is a genuine social space and a huge highlight. The entertainment system is second to none, and the Wi-Fi is free.

The Seat

Found on their new Airbus A350s and retrofitted Boeing 777s, this is a top-of-the-line reverse herringbone seat with a privacy door and excellent tech. The bulkhead seats are especially spacious.

The Experience

As you’d expect from France’s flag carrier, the food and wine are a cut above the competition.

The Seat

Etihad’s “Business Studio” is a fantastic product, especially on their Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. These are arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, offering direct aisle access to all passengers.

Booking It (The Smart Way)

Etihad Guest can offer great value with their fixed-price “GuestSeats,” but you must book well in advance.

The Seat

Reverse herringbone seats on their Boeing 777s. Comfortable and private, but no closing door.

The Experience

This is where EVA shines. From Salvatore Ferragamo amenity kits and Jason Wu pajamas to amazing, rotating prestige cuvées of champagne and a collaboration with Din Tai Fung, the soft product is exceptional.

The Seat

A customized version of the Collins Aerospace Super Diamond seat, the Club Suite is a reverse herringbone seat with a full privacy door. It’s now found on their A350s, 787-10s, and most retrofitted 777s.

Booking It (The Smart Way)

Using British Airways’ own Avios program often incurs high surcharges. Transferring Avios to Iberia Plus or booking via partners like Cathay Pacific Asia Miles can sometimes offer better pricing.

The Seat

Their best product is on the Airbus A330-900neo, which features suites with sliding privacy doors. The front-row “Retreat Suites” are even better. The Airbus A350 features “The Loft,” a social area for passengers.

Booking It (The Smart Way)

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club uses dynamic pricing, so you have to hunt for deals. Setting an alert on AwardFares is essential here.

The Seat

The AirLounge is more of a spacious cocoon or sofa than a traditional seat. It doesn’t recline; instead, you use panels and pillows to create different lounging positions or a large, flat bed. It’s incredibly private and spacious, but some find the lack of recline odd. It’s a bold design choice.

Booking It (The Smart Way)

As a oneworld member, you can book with Avios, AAdvantage miles, or Atmos Rewards (formerly Mileage Plan).

The Seat

KLM is retrofitting its Boeing 777 fleet with a new 1-2-1 reverse herringbone seat, bringing it in line with their modern 787s. We recently put their comfortable 787-9 business class to the test on a unique fifth-freedom flight and found it to be a solid, reliable product.

Booking It (The Smart Way)

Use the Flying Blue program, which is one of the easiest to earn points in thanks to its many transfer partners.

The Seat

Their newest A350s feature Recaro suites with sliding doors. Older aircraft are more standard lie-flats. It’s perfectly comfortable, but not spectacular.

Booking It (The Smart Way)

This is where Iberia shines. Off-peak, one-way business class from the US East Coast to Madrid can often be found from ~34,000 Avios plus moderate fees, which is an insanely good deal.

The Seat

SAS offers a solid Thompson Vantage XL seat in a 1-2-1 configuration on its long-haul fleet. The A350 features a quieter, more private ‘mini-cabin’ at the rear. We recently reviewed their A321LR business class on the hop from Copenhagen to New York as they transitioned to their new alliance home.

Alliance

SAS is now a member of SkyTeam (since Sep 1, 2024). Partner redemption options via Flying Blue, Virgin Atlantic, and Delta are expanding as integrations mature.