Let’s dive into some of top international business class airlines, and see if they are worth the splurge.

We’ve all been crammed into an economy flight seat, some time or the other in our lives. I’m sure there’s not a soul on this planet who’d really need any convincing to fly business class. I mean who wouldn’t want to reach the airport in a chauffeur-driven car or stretch out and sleep comfortably during their flight. If you’ve ever been curious about the best international business class airlines, then I’m here to enlighten you.

As icing on the cake, how’d you feel if along with all the above, you could also get access to your airline’s private airport lounge when you fly business class. These lounges offer everything from private showers, massages, and international cuisines, to spa treatments, and in rare cases, even a wine cellar to explore. 

Now arrive at your destination fully rejuvenated when you fly these 5 top international business class airlines on your next trip.

1. Qatar Airways

With Qatar Airways’ QSuite, you’ll feel nothing less than floating in the clouds. The fully lie-flat seats and the comfortable bedding in this business class let you sleep like a baby. The airlines’ fantastic catering and top-notch services give stiff competition to other airlines. 

The QSuite not only makes perfect sense for solo travelers, but is also a favorite with families. Here’s why. If you’re traveling as a group or with your family, the QSuite in the middle can be converted into a 4-person cabin. How cool is that!

The suites are fully customizable. For complete privacy, you can opt for a window seat, or you can choose a double bed in the center section. For a group or family, you can book the ‘quad’ to create a large suite. 

With Qatar Airways’ unprecedented level of luxury and style, passengers can expect to receive a first-class experience during their flight. The QSuite is only available on select routes and aircraft (A350-1000s).

2. Emirates

Glamorous and glitzy — two apt words to describe the Emirates’ Business Class. From state-of-the-art entertainment system, to Bulgari amenities, power shades, personal mini bar, and a spacious seat, the Emirates’ Business Class has it all. 

This tech-enabled airline ensures its passengers have a comfortable and relaxed journey. With the staggered 1–2–1 configuration, each passenger has direct access to the aisle with adequate privacy. But, passengers of the Business Class cabins have to manage with the 2-3-2 configuration. 

In-flight entertainment is ‘big’ and the bar on the upper deck is the perfect place to enjoy a few sips of your favorite drink. Super big amenity kits have all the essentials you can think of with bedding that is not too fancy, but comfortable enough to catch a few hours of sleep. 

The food menu is not extensive but enough to satiate your hunger pangs. If you’re flying from Dubai, you just can’t give the Emirates Dubai First Class Lounge at the airport a miss. No, you can’t. The international selection of dishes at the lounge has almost everything on it. You name it, and they’ll likely serve it. 

And believe it or not, they even have a wine cellar. Yes, a wine cellar! You can view, taste, and buy from a wide range of wines that have been sourced from across the world, before you rush off to catch your flight. 

A ride on the mega plane is a must for any traveler. It flies all major international routes.

3. Turkish Airlines

If you’ve not flown Business Class with Turkish Airlines, you’ve sure missed a great deal. Imagine being treated to a 4-course meal, more than 30,000 feet in the air. 

The catering service of Turkish Airlines is unmatched by any other airline. Chefs take care of your personal choices and the cabin crew display the appetizer course and the entire dessert range on trolleys. This allows you to see and order anything and everything on offer. 

Catch sound sleep in the lie-flat business class seats in a 2-3-2 layout. They are comfortable, but could do with a little more privacy. The airline recently did announce its plan to move to the 1-2-1 seating configuration for its Boeing 787/Airbus A350 fleet. 

Just like the airline’s catering, the amenities provided (amenity kit, headphones, bedding, etc.) are top-notch too. Business Class passengers can avail free Wi-Fi. The entertainment section has dozens of decent movies and TV shows to choose from. 

As a business class flyer, you also get access to the Turkish Airlines CIP Lounge, where you could enjoy massages, live music, and fresh oven-baked Turkish breads.

4. Singapore Airlines

The business class luxury of Singapore Airlines does not give you a single reason to turn your nose up. In a 1–2–1 layout pattern, the business class seats are ultra-wide and recline to lie-flat beds. On the newer A380s, the center seats convert to become double beds. 

But if sleep’s not on your mind, check out the airline’s extensive menu created by a panel of internationally celebrated chefs. You can also opt for its ‘Book the Cook’ service. The airline offers a fine restaurant-style setting with food items you can’t afford to miss.

Surprisingly, Singapore Airlines does not provide amenity kits in business class. The  superfast Wi-Fi is a treat, especially if you’re streaming video content. Alternatively, try the airline’s 18″ in-flight monitor that comes with phenomenal in-flight entertainment. 

While still waiting to board your flight (if it’s taking off from Singapore), you can walk into the SilverKris Lounge at the Singapore Changi Airport. 

Modeled as a ‘home away from home’, the SilverKris Lounge boasts of a wide variety of lounge food from around the world.

5. Cathay Pacific

Stylish cabin finishes and award-winning cuisines make flying Business Class in the Cathay Pacific an event worth savoring for long. The reverse herringbone seats in a 1-2-1 configuration ensure complete privacy, and the lie-flat seats provide further ease and relaxation. 

The Hong Kong-based airline features Hong Kong classics such as dim sum, wonton noodles, or seafood chow mein. An international menu ensures all kinds of cuisines are included for Cathay Pacific passengers flying from different parts of the world. 

The Jurlique amenity kits carry all the essentials, and there are decent storage options to put away your belongings, especially all your digital items.

There are plenty of entertainment options to go for. To make sure you have maximum comfort, noise-canceling headphones have been provided. 

Don’t miss a visit to the Pier Business Class Lounge at the Hong Kong International Airport.

You know before the business class flight, there’s a business class lounge so check out my article on a few of my favorites from around the world.