Aeromexico Rewards
Air Canada Aeroplan
Air France / KLM Flying Blue
Alaska MileagePlan
American Airlines AAdvantage
Azul Fidelidade
Delta SkyMiles
Etihad Guest
GOL Smiles
Jetblue TrueBlue
SAS EuroBonus
Turkish Miles&Smiles
United MileagePlus
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
Virgin Australia Velocity
Let’s be honest: for years, SkyTeam was the alliance you flew when you had to. It was the land of inconsistent cabins and a few standout carriers propping up a mixed bag of products. That era is over.
A quiet revolution has been happening inside the alliance. Air France is rolling out one of Europe’s best suites, Delta is building lounges that rival First Class terminals, and stylish disruptors like Virgin Atlantic are forcing the old guard to up their game. The race for the best seat within SkyTeam is more intense than ever.
But this creates a minefield for travelers. Book the right flight, and you get a state-of-the-art private suite. Book the wrong one, even on the same airline, and you could be stuck in a relic from a decade ago.
This isn’t just another ranking based on press photos. At AwardFares, we live this stuff. Thanks to an insane travel year (and the legendary SAS EuroBonus Millionaire challenge), we’ve personally put 16 of the 19 current SkyTeam member airlines to the test. That’s hundreds of hours comparing the seats, the service, and the lounges firsthand. This is your definitive guide built from that experience. We’ll show you which cabins are worth your points, which to avoid at all costs, and the insider tricks to book them.
Which Alliance is Best?
This guide focuses specifically on the best offerings within the SkyTeam alliance. For a broader look at how these cabins stack up against oneworld and Star Alliance, be sure to check out our definitive guide to the World’s Best Business Class Cabins (2026+).
Key Takeaways
- Europe’s Leader: Air France’s new suite is the undisputed champion in Europe, offering a stylish hard product with a privacy door and excellent lounges in Paris.
- USA’s Most Consistent: Delta One Suites provide the most reliable premium experience from a US carrier, backed by a growing network of exclusive Delta One Lounges.
- Hidden Gems: China Airlines offers a fantastic and often overlooked hard product, while Virgin Atlantic delivers unmatched style and flair in its unique “Clubhouses”.
- Aircraft Matters: The experience can vary dramatically based on the plane. A retrofitted 777 or a new A350 will almost always be better than older aircraft in the same fleet.
- Points Strategy is Key: Booking these top cabins is easiest through programs like Air France/KLM Flying Blue and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.
In This Guide
Who are the SkyTeam Alliance Members?
As of late 2025, the SkyTeam alliance consists of the following 19 member airlines:
- Aerolíneas Argentinas
- Aeromexico
- Air Europa
- Air France
- China Airlines
- China Eastern Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Garuda Indonesia
- ITA Airways
- Kenya Airways
- KLM
- Korean Air
- Middle East Airlines (MEA)
- Saudia
- SAS (Scandinavian Airlines)
- TAROM
- Vietnam Airlines
- Virgin Atlantic
- XiamenAir
How We Ranked The Cabins
Our rankings are based on a mix of our own experience, customer reviews, and industry awards from sources like SKYTRAX. We prioritize:
- The Seat (Privacy & Comfort): A lie-flat seat with direct aisle access is the minimum. Products with a privacy door and more personal space rank highest.
- The Service: We look for attentive, professional, and consistent service from the cabin crew that makes the journey memorable.
- The Ground Experience (Lounges): A great trip starts on the ground. We evaluate the quality, food, and amenities of each airline’s flagship business class lounges.
Best Business Class Cabins in SkyTeam (Our Top Picks)
1. Air France
The gold standard for European travel. Air France combines a stylish and private new suite with exceptional dining, making it the top choice in the alliance.
| Best Aircraft | Airbus A350, retrofitted Boeing 777 |
|---|---|
| Seat Name | Safran Versa Suite |
| The Good | Elegant design with a true privacy door, excellent food & wine. |
| The Bad | Rollout of the new seat is ongoing; some older planes still fly. |
Air France’s Business Class stands out with its elegant cabin design and spacious seating. Brand new 2-meter (6’5”) lie-flat seats are currently being deployed throughout its long-haul network. The French cuisine-inspired menu and fine wine selection are consistently praised by experts.
Lounge Experience: The ambiance of the lounge at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) reflects a modern, chic French elegance. It’s a calm and inviting space with high-quality dining options, including a Clarins spa for pre-flight treatments. On the not as bright side, cheap plastics find their way into premium cabins and they never, ever look good.
- Book awards with: Flying Blue, SkyMiles, GOL Smiles, Flying Club, SAS EuroBonus.
2. Delta Air Lines
The best and most consistent business class from a US airline in SkyTeam. The Delta One Suite is a private, comfortable, and widely available product.
| Best Aircraft | Airbus A350, Airbus A330-900neo |
|---|---|
| Seat Name | Delta One Suite |
| The Good | Most private US airline seat, consistent service, great ground experience. |
| The Bad | Award redemptions via SkyMiles are often extremely expensive. |
If we must summarize Delta One in a single word it would be, solid. It offers a strong business class experience with a good balance of comfort and amenities. Delta is regularly considered to have the friendliest and most caring service among North American airlines.
Lounge Experience: With its consistent investments, Delta is opening exclusive Delta One lounges in key hubs like JFK, LAX, and Boston. These offer a true premium ground service with à la carte dining and premium amenities that compete with the best in the world.
- Book awards with: SkyMiles, GOL Smiles, Flying Club, SAS EuroBonus.
3. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
A dependable and charming European workhorse. While not as flashy as its French partner, KLM delivers a consistent product with delightful Dutch touches.
| Best Aircraft | Boeing 787, retrofitted Boeing 777 |
|---|---|
| Seat Name | World Business Class |
| The Good | Consistent fleet, great service, collectible Delft Blue houses. |
| The Bad | Hard product lacks a privacy door, Amsterdam lounge gets crowded. |
KLM’s Business Class earns its place through a combination of attentive service and built-in Dutch charm. Details like the signature blue color palette and the famous collectible Delft Blue gin houses make the experience memorable.
Lounge Experience: KLM’s non-Schengen Crown Lounge in Amsterdam (AMS) is regarded as one of the most beautiful lounges in the world, with multiple levels, an outdoor terrace, and excellent bar service. Unfortunately, its popularity means it can get very crowded during peak times, and the multi-level layout can be challenging with luggage.
- Book awards with: Flying Blue, SkyMiles, GOL Smiles, Flying Club, SAS EuroBonus.
4. China Airlines
The hidden gem of the SkyTeam alliance. China Airlines delivers a superb hard product that rivals and often exceeds many bigger names.
| Best Aircraft | Airbus A350, Boeing 777 |
|---|---|
| Seat Name | Premium Business Class |
| The Good | Excellent seat comfort, stylish cabin design, great food. |
| The Bad | Lacks a privacy door; brand recognition is lower than competitors. |
China Airlines Business Class is a hidden gem, offering an impressive blend of comfort, design, and service on its A350 and 777 aircraft. The interiors exude a modern and elegant Taiwanese aesthetic, and passengers usually highlight the delicious onboard dining.
Lounge Experience: China Airlines’ Dynasty Lounge in Taipei (TPE) deserves a special mention. It offers a relaxing ambiance, a broad selection of both Taiwanese and international food, and excellent amenities like shower suites, making for a superb pre-flight experience.
- Book awards with: SkyMiles, Flying Blue, SAS EuroBonus.
5. Virgin Atlantic
The boutique hotel of the skies. Virgin Atlantic excels with its stylish flair, social spaces, and a fun, unstuffy atmosphere that sets it apart.
| Best Aircraft | Airbus A330-900neo |
|---|---|
| Seat Name | Upper Class Suite / Retreat Suite |
| The Good | Fantastic ground experience (Clubhouse), onboard social spaces. |
| The Bad | High taxes and fees on award tickets; footwells can be tight. |
Known as Upper Class, Virgin Atlantic stands out with its vibrant design and conceptually different travel opportunity. Passengers enjoy features like the onboard social space and high-quality entertainment screens.
Lounge Experience: The journey starts in Virgin Atlantic’s iconic Clubhouses, which feel more like a private members’ club than a typical airport lounge. They offer table service, a fantastic range of food and cocktails, and even wellness facilities like Peloton bikes at London Heathrow (LHR).
- Book awards with: Flying Club, Flying Blue, SkyMiles, SAS EuroBonus.
6. Korean Air
A Skytrax Five-Star airline where exceptional service is the main event. A recent hard product upgrade is now bringing the seat up to the same high standard.
| Best Aircraft | Boeing 787-10, new Boeing 777-300ER |
|---|---|
| Seat Name | Prestige Suite 2.0 |
| The Good | World-class service, excellent food, modern new suite with door. |
| The Bad | New suite is only on a few aircraft so far; older seats are less private. |
Korean Air’s Business Class, known as “Prestige Class,” is praised for its exceptional service, characterized by warm Korean hospitality. The onboard service is excellent, with attentive flight attendants and a pre-bookable menu featuring delicious Korean specialties.
Lounge Experience: The Korean Air Prestige Class lounges at Seoul-Incheon (ICN) are known for being spacious, clean, and quiet. While they may not have the over-the-top amenities of some rivals, they offer a serene and comfortable environment with solid food and beverage options to relax before a flight.
- Book awards with: Korean Air SKYPASS, SAS EuroBonus, SkyMiles, Flying Blue.
7. Vietnam Airlines
A solid and modern airline offering a comfortable journey with a taste of authentic Vietnamese culture and cuisine.
| Best Aircraft | Boeing 787, Airbus A350 |
|---|---|
| Seat Name | Business Class |
| The Good | Modern fleet, excellent food, good seat comfort. |
| The Bad | Service can be less personalized than top-tier carriers. |
Vietnam Airlines operates one of the youngest and most modern fleets in Asia. Onboard, business class seats offer direct aisle access and lie-flat beds. The cuisine reflects the country’s culture with fresh, delicious, and well-presented food.
Lounge Experience: The Lotus Lounges in Hanoi (HAN) and Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) offer a comfortable space with a good selection of Vietnamese food, including made-to-order Phở stations. While they may not feel as luxurious as some competitors, they provide a solid and authentic local experience.
- Book awards with: SkyMiles, Flying Blue, SAS EuroBonus, Lotusmiles.
8. Saudia
Offers a surprisingly spacious and comfortable seat, providing a culturally rich and unique travel experience, especially for those interested in the Middle East.
| Best Aircraft | Boeing 787, Boeing 777 |
|---|---|
| Seat Name | Super Diamond Seat |
| The Good | Extremely spacious seat, often larger than competitors. |
| The Bad | Strictly alcohol-free, which may not appeal to all travelers. |
Saudia Airlines Business Class offers a comfortable and culturally rich travel experience. Their Super Diamond seats are notably spacious, and the cabin design reflects the airline’s heritage. A key feature is that all services are alcohol-free.
Lounge Experience: The Al Fursan lounges in Jeddah (JED) and Riyadh (RUH) are large and well-appointed, showcasing Saudi hospitality. They feature a wide variety of hot and cold food options, prayer rooms, and quiet relaxation areas.
- Book awards with: SAS EuroBonus, AlFursan, SkyMiles, Flying Blue.
9. Garuda Indonesia
A former Skytrax Five-Star airline known for its high level of service and spacious seats, though the hard product is starting to show its age.
| Best Aircraft | Boeing 777, Airbus A330neo |
|---|---|
| Seat Name | Super Diamond / Solstys Seat |
| The Good | Excellent service, great food, very private window seats. |
| The Bad | Inconsistent hard product; some seat types are less private. |
Garuda Indonesia’s Business Class is known for its high level of service and spacious seats. The exquisite cuisine offers many options curated by five-star chefs that include traditional touches.
Lounge Experience: The Garuda Indonesia Business Class Lounge at Jakarta (CGK) is well-regarded for its comfortable seating, shower facilities, and a good variety of Indonesian and Western food options, providing a relaxing start to the journey.
- Book awards with: SAS EuroBonus, SkyMiles, Flying Blue, Flying Club.
10. Aeromexico
Offers a comfortable and reliable hard product on its flagship Dreamliner aircraft, making it a strong choice for flights to and from Mexico.
| Best Aircraft | Boeing 787-9 |
|---|---|
| Seat Name | Clase Premier (Super Diamond) |
| The Good | Comfortable seat, attentive service, onboard bar on the 787-9. |
| The Bad | Ground experience, particularly the Mexico City lounge, is lacking. |
Aeromexico’s Premier One Business Class on its Boeing 787 aircraft features comfortable lie-flat seats and attentive service. The menu offers a pleasant mixture of Mexican and broader cuisine.
Lounge Experience: This is the airline’s weak point. The Salón Premier lounge in Mexico City (MEX) is often described as a poor experience overall. It tends to be crowded, with limited food options, and is not well-lit.
- Book awards with: Aeromexico Rewards, Flying Blue, SkyMiles.
11. China Eastern
A functional choice with a modern hard product on its best aircraft, but inconsistent service holds it back from ranking higher.
| Best Aircraft | Airbus A350, Boeing 777 |
|---|---|
| Seat Name | Thompson Vantage XL |
| The Good | Modern suite with a privacy door, excellent lounge in Shanghai (PVG). |
| The Bad | Service quality can be very inconsistent. |
Business Class on China Eastern’s long-haul routes includes modern lie-flat beds with privacy doors. While the hard product is competitive, reviews of the crew service are often mixed.
Lounge Experience: The No. 36 VIP lounge in the airline’s Shanghai (PVG) hub is a highlight. It is very well equipped, with services ranging from small meeting rooms to massaging sofas, a broad selection of food, and extensive seating space.
- Book awards with: SkyMiles, SAS EuroBonus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
SkyTeam Business Class FAQ
Which SkyTeam airline has the best Business Class overall?
For the best all-around experience combining a modern seat, excellent dining, and a premium lounge, Air France is our top pick. However, the “best” can depend on your priorities:
-
For Consistency & US Flights: Delta Air Lines and its Delta One Suite are the most reliable choice.
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For Style & Ground Experience: Virgin Atlantic is unmatched with its unique flair and iconic Clubhouses.
-
For a Hidden Gem: China Airlines offers a fantastic hard product that often gets overlooked.
What is the best US airline in SkyTeam for Business Class?
Without a doubt, Delta Air Lines is the best US-based airline in SkyTeam for business class. The introduction of the private Delta One Suite set a high standard for privacy and comfort. This, combined with their investment in exclusive Delta One Lounges and consistently professional service, makes them the clear leader for premium travel within the US and abroad.
Which SkyTeam airline is known for the best service?
Korean Air consistently ranks as the top SkyTeam carrier for service. Their cabin crew are renowned for their professionalism, attentiveness, and a standard of hospitality that feels closer to a First Class experience. Garuda Indonesia is also frequently praised for its incredibly warm and personable service.
Which airline has the best business class lounge in SkyTeam?
The new gold standard is the Delta One Lounge, which offers an exclusive, restaurant-quality experience in key hubs like New York (JFK) and Los Angeles (LAX). Other top-tier options include:
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Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse: The best for style, cocktails, and a fun, unstuffy atmosphere (especially at LHR and JFK).
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KLM Crown Lounge (AMS): Architecturally stunning and massive, but can be very crowded.
-
Air France Lounge (CDG): Excellent for its French cuisine and complimentary Clarins spa treatments.
Which SkyTeam business class seats are the most private?
The seats with a full, floor-to-ceiling sliding door offer the most privacy. For 2025/2026, your best options are:
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Delta One Suite
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Air France’s new Safran Versa Suite
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Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class Suite (on the A330-900neo)
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China Eastern’s Thompson Vantage XL Suite
How can I get a business class upgrade on SkyTeam?
Upgrades are handled by individual airlines, not the alliance. Your best bets are:
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Using Miles: Most programs let you upgrade cash tickets, but often only on more expensive economy fares.
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Elite Status: Holding SkyTeam Elite Plus status gives you the highest priority for operational upgrades (when a flight is oversold) and is a requirement for some mileage upgrade routes. On Delta, high-tier Medallion members are eligible for complimentary domestic First Class upgrades.
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Bidding for Upgrades: Airlines like KLM have systems where you can bid cash for last-minute upgrades.
What's the best SkyTeam airline for flights to Amsterdam?
KLM is the definitive choice. As Amsterdam (AMS) is its home hub, it offers the most direct flights globally and the most seamless connection experience. Flying with them guarantees access to their flagship Crown Lounge.
What's the best SkyTeam airline for flights to Buenos Aires?
You have two excellent choices. Delta Air Lines provides a very consistent Delta One Suite experience on its route from Atlanta (ATL). Alternatively, Aeromexico offers a great hard product on its 787 Dreamliner via Mexico City (MEX), a route we reviewed in detail here.
How to Find Award Flights in Business Class with AwardFares
AwardFares is your best friend to quickly find the best available award flights in these cabins. Simply follow these steps:
- Go to AwardFares.
- Select your favorite Loyalty Program (e.g, FlyingClub).
- Select the airline Airline (e.g., Virgin Altantic).
- Add Business Class in the Cabin filter.
- Choose a desired route and date.
- That’s it! AwardFares will do its magic and show you the available flights in the list below, including details such as the prices per cabin, number of stops, total travel time, aircraft used, and more!
The Easiest Way To Find Award Flight Availability
Did you know that AwardFares lets you explore award flights on SkyTeam airlines in just seconds? Try it for free and see how easy it is! For access to even more powerful features like unlimited daily searches, alerts, seat maps, and flight schedules, explore our Gold and Diamond membership tiers.
Our guides have all the information you need to be a pro travel hacker and explore the world on points. Here are some related posts you might enjoy:
