I have flown over 10 different Business Class cabins on 6 continents, and I feel like it is time to give kudos to the ones who actually deserve it. My rankings are worst to best. To be more in-depth, I have been on several of them more than once. That allowed me to see if they are consistently providing the service that I experienced the first time.
#10 United Airlines
While most of my flying has been within the USA and Mexico on United, I feel that they could really do a better job of providing a more up-to-date physical product. Especially the small, narrow seats, since there is plenty of room to widen them, as seen on their Airbus A320 planes. But the 737-800 is not up to snuff! The staff seem to be nice enough, but could be more attentive. The food served has been marginal and not really anything special. Some chicken breast with sauce and vegetables is nothing special. The airport lounge has basic items that you would expect, like potatoes, scrambled eggs, meat, fruit, baked goods, and beverages. I have only been on their partner airlines internationally, so I look forward to seeing their product soon.
I decided to try Avianca Airlines because of an exceptional fare, but Avianca is based in Colombia, and most international flights must go through their hub in Bogota, Colombia. This adds some 5-6 hours of time to European flights, but time is not a problem for me. The first flight from Mexico City to Bogota was on the weird Business Class that is used throughout Europe. This means still 3 seats across, and the center one is simply blocked, in this case via a small table. This is not Business Class!
The next flight from Bogota to London, Heathrow was on a larger 787 Boeing aircraft, so there was the normal 1-2-1 configuration. The seats were comfortable with the usual bedding provided and installed when you wanted. The service was good, the food was marginal, and the amenity kit was what is normally expected. Nothing special, therefore my low rating.
My experience with Delta Air Lines has only been on their domestic or Mexico flights, which means smaller aircraft and fewer amenities. I am booked on a flight to Europe soon, so I will update this section. On the domestic side, not impressed because they are using very old airplanes with small 6″ screens, hard, narrow seats, and just seems like it has been used for a long time. And the real killer is that you do not have automatic access to their lounges unless you have status or are flying a particular overseas route.
#7 Air New Zealand
I flew Air New Zealand as part of my flight from the USA to Auckland, New Zealand, for my cruise to Australia. I flew from Puerto Vallarta to Los Angeles and continued on the nonstop flight to Auckland in Air New Zealand Business Class. The first thing you will notice is their completely different “herringbone” seat configurations, where your feet stick out from the seat into the aisle, instead of the usual foot compartment under your neighbor’s seat. There is a sort of footrest that is near the aisle, and that is where your feet now go. Being this way, it is absolutely the worst seat privacy, and you do not even face the window anymore!
The staff was excellent, and the food was served in courses and was quite good. The amenity kit was pretty small and nothing special. I would have to try to find an alternative airline if they continue to use this configuration layout for their seats.
First of all, Philippine Airlines has the most friendly staff, following their society as a whole. The flight I took allowed me to see their configuration in both a 787 and a 777, so it was nice to see the differences. Obviously, the 787 has the 1-2-1 configuration and allows for more privacy with plenty of storage on either side of the seat, depending on the location. You could either sit directly at the window or the aisle. I am sure this staggered effect created more seats, as your footwell was staggered as well.
The meal service was served in courses: appetizer, entree, and dessert. The menu choices were beef, shrimp, or chicken and were served hot and plentiful. A good selection of wines and other beverages was available. Snacks were provided, and then, before landing, breakfast was served. I was comfortable on both flights, even though the 777 was a 2-3-2 configuration; the center seat in the middle was not occupied, giving both aisle seats some extra space.
I have flown Aeromexico many times from Puerto Vallarta to Mexico City, not only for trips to the city, but as a hop-off point for many airlines to Europe. The flight in Business Class costs not much more than Economy by the time you add on the extras like a suitcase, so I just always upgrade. I did have the opportunity to fly all the way to Amsterdam with them, so I received the whole international Business Class experience.
My first comment is that the attendants are not as friendly as most airlines, not really personable, and seem to just be going through the motions of doing their jobs. Certainly efficient, just not bubbly. The seat was configured like everyone else on the 787, 1-2-1, and storage was similar. The screen was a nice size, but the selections were quite poor. Food service was similar with appetizer, main course, and dessert all served in courses. The snack bar was quite impressive, which was available between the meals.
I will always fly Aeromexico to Mexico City, but as they partner with other airlines going onward, I prefer to use their partner. The hassle is the retrieval of luggage and change of terminal, which makes things a bit tricky, and you must allow plenty of time in Mexico City. I missed one flight once because Viva Aerobus was so late getting there.
Due to some very good deals and reasonable pricing, I have flown in Iberia Business Class several times. They use the Airbus A330 and A350 planes and are similar to the Boeing 787 in terms of configuration. However, I found the Airbus planes are a bit quieter, even the huge Airbus A380 that other airlines use. Iberia has a stepped Business Class, meaning it has the seat on every other row toward the window or toward the aisle. It probably is worthwhile to investigate that before you select your seat because next to the window can be a bit claustrophobic.
The food and beverage were very much like other airlines, and they do serve the meal in courses: appetizer, main, and then dessert. Snacks are available throughout the flight as well. The service staff was also friendly and efficient.
I have to give kudos to American Airlines because they provide a really nice Lounge experience, especially in their new Admirals Club. It is a large area with a wine/champagne bar, a food buffet area with smaller chafing dishes so things are more frequently replenished, and an action station. The menu is unique and has a sit-down restaurant feel to its choices. It is important to note that American has 2 different lounges: the regular Admirals Club and the upgraded Flagship Lounge. The Flagship Lounge is definitely a step above, with champagne poured as you enter, upgraded beverages, and upgraded food. There is even a restaurant, Flagship First Dining, that can be booked in advance when flying in First Class.
Now getting to the actual plane, it was the commonly used 787 with the 1-2-1 seat configuration in Business Class. The seats were adequate, and the large sectional storage bin was great! The 18″ TV was paired with a set of noise-cancelling Bang & Olufsen headphones and provided several new releases that had just been in the theaters. I am starting to see airlines provide Bluetooth wireless connections from your own headphones to their systems. This is a great new thing! The walls around were not very high, so privacy was not possible like in other airlines with doors.
The food service was more consistent with the usual American Airlines Business class. It was served via trays altogether; however, the quality was good, and it was hot. Dessert was served later and included a Häagen-Dazs hot fudge sundae!
I flew this for the first time from Dallas to Tokyo for another connection to Manila, so this was one of my longest flights at about 13 hours. Being on the newer Airbus A350-1000 aircraft provided me with its latest business class offering. The seat was ample wide, including the foot well area, and even had headrest speakers. It also provided an armrest that could be lowered for sleeping. I find this feature very useful, but not always available. Nice touches, such as plenty of storage, including a mini wardrobe, which made things very nice.
Staff were very attentive, and yet with the closable door, you could get your privacy if you so desired. The larger 24″ TV screen was nice, especially since you could connect your own wireless headphones to their system via Bluetooth. Connections for charging were all covered: 220v, 110v, USBa, USBc, and even wireless.
Food service options provided both Western and Eastern styles, and the selection of seabass or beef tenderloin as those options. Extensive premium alcoholic beverages and even a nice selection of teas and Asian beverages.
When they mean “chef on board,” they do not lie in their advertising. I was excited to try them, and from Mexico, they fly every day from Cancun and Mexico City to Istanbul. This makes an easy transfer to most European destinations. Then they offer perks if you lay over for any length. More than 4 hours includes a free tour of the city, and longer than 8 hours gets you a free hotel room with transfers back and forth to the airport. These are wonderful perks! First of all, their special Business Class check-in area in Istanbul is worth the experience by itself! Lounge area with low-seated counters, private security screening, and beverages to start.
The plane is a 787 and is the normal 1-2-1 configuration in Business Class with large comfortable seats, plenty of storage, a good-sized touchscreen, and Denon noise-cancelling headphones. The biggest aspect of their flight is the food and beverage service with rolling carts for appetizers and desserts. The entree comes directly from the hot oven. A unique item is their dinner rolls that are crafted from seeds that are Anatolian einkorn and emmer wheat, said to be from a 12,000-year-old region in Turkey, per Turkish Airlines. The beverages are high-end, including Taittinger Champagne.
As you can see, my favorite is Turkish Airlines, and after 3 flights, I still like them the best! Nobody is doing what they are doing, and the whole experience is unique and quite fun.
If you liked my Business Class comparisons, check out my other blogs of travels around the world!
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