There are no doubt about the benefits of flying in the pointy end of the aircraft – priority check-in, lounge access and, best of all, a lie-flat bed so you can actually get some sleep on that long haul flight to Europe. But which one is the best? Below we’ve taken a look at five of the most popular options.
Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand’s Business Premier class is a real treat. Their 22” wide leather chair converts to a lie-flat 6’6’’ bed, making it one of the longest in the sky at the moment. You’ll also get a thicker mattress, fluffy blanket and full sized pillow to make you extra comfortable. Kiwis are known for their cuisine and Air New Zealand has embraced this. An amazing a la carte menu is available as are round-the-clock snacks. Lounge access, on-demand entertainment on a 12” screen and exclusive amenities pack are also included.
Singapore Airlines
It’s hard to fault Singapore Airline’s long haul business class offering. Your personal space is guaranteed with leather seats that measure at least 30” wide and fully recline to a flat bed with a dedicated sleeping surface for added comfort. A light duvet, fresh linen and large pillow are also included. Singapore Airlines’ Book the Cook service allows to you pre-order your main courses prepared to your specifications. All the entertainment features you would expect are here too.
Etihad
Starting out in 2003, Etihad is the flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates. Etihad’s Pearl Business class was voted Best Business Class by Skytrax in 2009 and is the perfect was to mix business with pleasure. Your seat easily converts to a full 6’1” flat bed and has in-built massage. The cabin has a dedicated Food and Beverage Manager and “Kitchen Anytime” and a la carte dining options, and mood lighting to ease jet lag. Other perks include a 15” screen, noise cancelling headphones and lounge access (which includes a Six Senses Spa and Snooze Room so you can catch up on some sleep).
Qatar Airways
Next is Qatar Airways. Qatar has all the usually offerings of a fully lie-flat seat, 5-star cuisine with on demand dining and an elegant and sophisticated cabin. They also offer in-flight Wi-Fi, on air mobile service and the world’s first duel-screen interface so you can watch a movie and play a game at the same time. Designer sleepwear and luxury linen ensure you won’t want the flight to end.
Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class is pure luxury. Start with a limousine transfer to the airport and after check-in head straight to the Clubhouse. Treat yourself to a spa treatment while you’re there. Your seat on board is 22” wide and turns into a 33” wide 6’6” long fully flat bed at the touch of a button. And to top it off, some of Virgin Atlantic's aircraft now have a bar so you can treat yourself to a cocktail at 33,000 feet.
But what do you think? Have we missed your favourite airline? Tell us about it in the comments below.
For more information about a range of airlines and their cabins visit our Airlines Guide, send us an email or search for flights here.
