Best Business Class to Europe: Top 5 Airlines

Many airlines invest significant time and money to continually enhance their business class offerings and ensure that their premium customers receive the most exclusive service. With more legroom, a flat bed, and lounge access, many passengers will choose business class, especially when traveling on long-haul transatlantic flights.

This year, more than 30 airlines are offering business class seats between the U.S. and Europe. This includes European, American, and even Asian airlines, each offering unique offerings in terms of in-flight meals, seating configurations, additional amenities, and lounge services. Here’s a look at the top five airlines for business class flights between the US and Europe, based on the 2023 Skytrax World Airline Awards. Let’s get started.

Five air france

No. 7 business class airline

Air France operates from Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and currently serves approximately 14 destinations in the United States. Air France Business Class is available on long-haul flights operated by the airline’s Airbus A330, A350, Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft. Overall, it was named #7 Best Business Class of 2023.

The new Business Class seats, now being rolled out across the company’s network, offer a completely lie-flat bed, direct aisle access, and total privacy and comfort. The cabin also features personal storage space, a 20-inch anti-glare Full HD 4K touch screen, universal PowerPoint, noise-reducing headphones, adjustable reading lights, and sliding doors for added privacy.

Photo: Air France

The airline also offers a great gourmet experience for business travelers. On daytime flights, passengers are treated to a five-course gourmet French-style meal, while on overnight flights he has the service combined on one tray to optimize sleep time. Air France premium customers have access to a top-class lounge with free WiFi, relaxation areas and a wide range of hot and cold meals. With SkyPriority, business customers also have priority access from check-in to boarding.

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Four virgin atlantic airlines

No. 6 business class airline

Virgin Atlantic has scheduled passenger flights from 11 U.S. airports this month. In 2023, it was ranked the 6th best business class airline, ahead of fellow SkyTeam member Air France. The airline’s Upper Class is available across its fleet, but specific details vary by aircraft.

All aircraft are equipped with a fully flat bed. On the A350-1000, which is deployed on multiple routes from the United States, the bed can be up to 6 feet 7 inches (2 meters) long and 20 inches (51 centimeters) wide. This space is also equipped with two USB power points, an AC US/UK plug, and an 18.5-inch touchscreen. However, the beds on Virgin’s 787-9 and A330-300 are wider at 33 inches.

Photo: Virgin Atlantic

Once premium customers arrive at the airport, they can relax in the airline’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 a shared lounge. Special check-in counters, priority baggage delivery, boarding procedures and more make your journey through the airport easy.

Virgin Atlantic offers a variety of cuisines across four delicious courses, with mains served shortly after takeoff. Upper class passengers will receive a complimentary glass of champagne or orange juice. These premium passengers also have access to onboard social spaces available on the following aircraft types:

• booth
  :Airbus A350
• bar
  : Airbus A330; Boeing 787
• loft
  :Airbus A330neo. A350

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3 delta airlines

No. 5 business class airline

Delta Airlines won North America’s best business class in 2023. The company flies from 12 airports in the United States to more than 25 destinations in Europe, offering the most travel options. The Delta One Experience is available on long-haul international flights and some long-haul domestic flights, and layouts also vary by aircraft type.

Delta One features a 20.46-inch wide seat that reclines into a completely flat bed. The cabin has a 1-2-1 configuration, with aisle access for each passenger. The seat comes with an oversized duvet, a large sleeping pillow, and a lumbar pillow that doubles as a mattress pad. On most A350s and A330-900s, suites feature full-height doors and partitions for more privacy.

Photo: Delta Airlines

Premium customers also enjoy complimentary lounge access and SkyPriority benefits such as expedited check-in and priority boarding. Delta’s Sky Club Lounge offers a wide selection of seasonal dishes, cocktails, wine, beer and Starbucks coffee. In addition to free WiFi, passengers have access to Sky Club showers in select locations.

Delta offers chef-selected meals, including appetizers, warm nuts, and a wide selection of beers, wines, and spirits. Through Delta Studio, in-flight entertainment is available on your personal device or on your seatback screen with noise-cancelling headphones.

2 emirates airlines

No. 3 business class airline

bed width	18.5 inches (47 cm)
Aircraft type	A380, B777
Additional features	Onboard lounge

Emirates is the first and only Middle Eastern airline on the list. It may not be the best airline in terms of travel options, as he offers direct flights between the US and Europe on two routes. However, its business class product remains one of the best in the airline industry, ranking third in the 2023 poll. This month, the airline plans to introduce B777s on the Newark-Athens route and A380s on the JFK-Milan route.

Photo: Emirates

Emirates’ Airbus A380 offers a more premium business class product compared to Triple Seven. The A380 comes in a variety of layouts, but the business cabin is typically in a 1-2-1 configuration. However, before you board your plane, your journey begins with complimentary chauffeured airport transfer and priority service.

Upon arrival at the airport, business travelers have access to a lounge with a wide selection of food, snacks and beverages. You can also enjoy a massage or a rejuvenating experience at the Timeless Spa in the Business Class Lounge. Onboard, Emirates offers more than 6,500 in-flight entertainment channels.

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You’ll also enjoy an elevated dining experience with sweet and savory snacks, gourmet meals and complimentary champagne. We offer a wide range of dining options, including exclusive cutlery created for Emirates by Robert Welch. However, one of the A380’s best business features is the onboard bar and lounge where premium passengers can socialize while enjoying a drink or cocktail.

1 singapore airlines

2nd best business class airline

bed width	34 inches (86.3 cm)
Aircraft type	A350, B777
Number of routes	two

Singapore Airlines was ranked second as the best business class airline after Qatar Airways. Currently, we fly from Houston to Manchester with the A350 and from New York to Frankfurt with the B777. As with Emirates, travel options are limited.

In both types of aircraft, the cabin is typically in a 1-2-1 configuration, with the new seats offering two seating positions. The first is Lazy Z, a cradle position that ensures weight balance when seated. The second is the sundeck. This is a relaxing position where you can stretch out the base of the seat and your feet and put your feet up on the ottoman. Extend all seats to create a fully flat bed.

Photo: Michael Doran I Simple Flying

There is a side console above the armrest that can hold your laptop and is easily accessible in both seat and bed mode. All seats are equipped with USB ports and power points to charge your devices. All aircraft are equipped with WiFi and offer more than 1,800 entertainment options on 18-inch HD screens. At the airport, business class passengers have access to Singapore Airlines lounges or partner lounges, depending on the airport. In Houston, premium customers have access to United’s Polaris lounge, and in New York, they have access to Virgin Atlantic’s clubhouse.

Singapore Airlines also serves delicious food on board. When preparing meals, chefs pay attention to every detail, including how changes in cabin air pressure affect the taste. As with the other airlines on the list, meals can be pre-booked at least two weeks before departure. Passengers can also connect to his WiFi and check the in-flight menu. According to the airline, access to the in-flight menu is free and will not exhaust the traveler’s WiFi plan.

What do you think about this story? You’ve probably flown in one of these business class cabins. Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments!