Business Class comes with its perks, from exclusive lounge access to fast-track customs & immigration to elevated dining and complimentary Champagne – Business Class flying can be a treat or a necessity. But not all airlines follow the same product-naming conventions, which can sometimes confuse customers new to an airline.
To remove the mystery surrounding the different product names, we explore those airlines offering international Business Class travel using other product names and discover some of the perks to expect during a long-haul flight.
Airlines featured in this article:
Air Canada – Signature Class
Air India – Executive Class
Air New Zealand – Business Premier
British Airways – Club World / Club Europe
Delta Air Lines – Delta One
EVA Air – Premium Laurel Class
JetBlue – Mint
TAP Air Portugal – Executive Class
United Airlines – Polaris
Virgin Atlantic – Upper Class
The BusinessClass.com guide to 10 airlines with a branded Business Class:
Air Canada – Signature Class
Signature Class is Air Canada's premium class cabin. The national flag carrier of Canada operates from several main hubs at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport, Toronto-Pearson International Airport and Vancouver International Airport, with flights servicing Europe, Africa, Asia, South America, and Australia.
Enhanced services include select Porsche chauffeur services at Toronto and Vancouver airports, priority concierge check-in, speedy security, priority boarding, fast-track immigration, and 16 Maple Leaf Lounges across Canada, the United States and Europe. Two exclusive Signature Suites are located at Toronto and Vancouver International Airports, providing an elevated restaurant-style dining experience with menus created in collaboration with one of Canada's finest chefs David Hawksworth. The exquisite food is complimented by a selection of fine wines and Moët & Chandon Champagne.
The Star Alliance member offers Signature Class Executive Pods in a 1-2-1 configuration on its Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Boeing 777 aircraft with fully lie-flat beds of up to 203.2 centimetres (6 feet 7-inches) and lumbar support and seat massage functionality. The Airbus A330 has the older Classic Pods in a 1-2-1 or 1-1-1 herringbone configuration with fully lie-flat seats of up to 178 centimetres (70 inches).
Signature Class passengers enjoy pre-departure beverages, a "dine on demand" à la carte service with meals created by a panel of esteemed chefs, including David Hawksworth. Expect personalised service from the excellent flight crew, latest-generation in-flight entertainment, luxury amenities from Aqua di Parma with a designer bag and complimentary Champagne and beverages.
Read the BusinessClass.com review of Air Canada Business Class
Air India – Executive Class
Air India's Business Class product is known as Executive Class, with the airline's central hub and headquarters based at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. India's national flag carrier is a member of Star Alliance and was recently taken on by the Tata Group in a bid to end financial losses and provide essential hard and soft product upgrades to the Air India service.
Improvements include 30 newly leased aircraft, including 5 Boeing 777-200LR long-haul aircraft from Delta Air Lines serving North American destinations, with six additional long-haul Boeing 777-300s expected by mid-2023. These additions complement the airline's 470 Boeing and Airbus aircraft orders in what, to date, is the largest deal in aviation history.
Along with newly ordered aircraft, Air India plans to refresh the Business Class cabins of its existing long-haul fleet by introducing direct-aisle-access seating with the latest-generation seats as an alternative to the current 2-3-2 layout, plus providing new best-in-class entertainment. Passengers will have to wait until mid-2024 to see the newly configured aircraft – coinciding with the airline's merger with fellow Indian airline Vistara.
In the short-term, Executive Class passengers on the leased 777s from Delta will enjoy the Delta One Suites while the broader transition is implemented.
Read the BusinessClass.com review of Air India Business Class
Air New Zealand – Business Premier
Air New Zealand is a member of the Star Alliance with global partnerships, including ANA, Lufthansa, and United, where passengers can earn and redeem miles and brand its premium product as Business Premier. The airline's primary hub is in Auckland, with long-haul destinations also serviced from the south of the island in Christchurch.
Business Premier passengers enjoy priority check-in and fast-track security lanes. Well-appointed long-haul Business Class Lounges can be found in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington, with additional dedicated lounges in Australia and the Pacific Islands. Air New Zealand operates a fleet of Boeing 777-300ER and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners for its long-haul destinations. It offers 44 seats over 11 rows in a 1-2-1 configuration on the Boeing 777s and either 18 seats over six rows or 27 seats over nine rows in a 1-1-1 herringbone configuration on the Dreamliners. All iterations have direct aisle access and two metre fully lie-flat beds with memory foam mattresses, pillows and comfortable duvets.
A new Business Premier seat will debut in 2024, offering more privacy, even longer lie-flat beds (204 centimetres), larger in-flight entertainment screens, Bluetooth and wireless charging. The front of the new cabins will also feature Business Premier Luxe Suites with more room, including a companion seat and greater privacy from sliding doors. Ultra-long-range aircraft will likely feature 42 Business Premier seats and eight Business Premier Luxe Suites – four at the front of each Business Class cabin.
Passengers enjoy excellent cuisine and wines with the "Dine on Demand" service and friendly customer service.
Read the BusinessClass.com review of Air New Zealand Business Class
British Airways – Club World / Club Europe
British Airways brands its long-haul Business Class as Club World offering superior levels of comfort and service. Passengers enjoy dedicated check-in desks, fast-track security and priority boarding. Stylish and spacious departure lounges around the globe provide relaxing space with complimentary food, quality wines and beverages and business facilities.
British Airways takes pride in offering reliable and friendly service while carrying the Union Flag to the farthest-flung corners of the globe. The airline's Business Class, branded as Club World, was one of the first to offer flat-bed seats, and the carrier continues to evolve its premium product.
Club World seats offer plenty of space and privacy. Passengers enjoy fully flat beds, stylish amenities and bedding from The White Company, delicious global cuisine using fresh, local ingredients, quality wines, spirits, and beverages – including the airline's own bespoke BrewDog beers, and snacks, and an in-flight entertainment screen with noise-cancelling headphones.
On selected flights, Club World cabins offer Club Suites in a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone configuration providing passengers enhanced privacy, direct aisle access, a larger 2-metre (79-inch) fully flat bed, digital seat functionality, high-speed Wi-Fi and a large 43-centimetre (17-inch) high-definition entertainment screen with the latest releases. Club Suites already feature on the airline’s newly delivered Airbus A350s and Boeing 787-10s, with the existing Boeing 777 fleet recently undergoing a retrofit.
Read the BusinessClass.com review of British Airways Business Class
Delta Air Lines – Delta One
Delta One is Delta Air Lines' premium service on international and transcontinental flights between New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco. The Atlanta-based airline is a founding member of SkyTeam and partners with 19 other airlines, including Virgin Atlantic, KLM and Air France, with whom passengers can earn or redeem miles for flights.
SkyPriority offers Delta One passengers with priority lane service, fast-track security and access to Delta Sky Club Lounges located in dozens of airports within the United States and numerous lounges overseas. Excellent lounge facilities include complimentary fresh food and beverages, bar service with Champagne, wines and spirits, workstations with Wi-Fi and charging, and showers and viewing platforms in some airport locations.
Delta has upgraded its fleet with the new Delta One Suites found on most of the airline's international Airbus A350 and A330-900 aircraft, with the former offering 32 suites while the A330 provides 29 suites, both in a 1-2-1 configuration. The suites offer enhanced privacy from sliding doors, fully lie-flat beds, luxurious bedding, pillows, sustainable amenity kits, and free Wi-Fi. The Boeing 767-400 aircraft offer customised Delta One seating comprising 34 seats in a 1-2-1 configuration over nine rows, with memory foam cushion seats, a large IFE screen and personal storage areas.
Delta One passengers enjoy elevated dining with fresh dishes featuring local, seasonal ingredients carefully curated with wines from around the globe, along with top-shelf spirits and beers.
Read the BusinessClass.com review of Delta Business Class
EVA Air – Premium Laurel Class
Taiwan's leading independent airline EVA Air brands its Business Class cabin as Premium Laurel Class with flights across the globe. Premium Laurel passengers enjoy priority check-in, enhanced baggage allowance, and priority drop-off. Premium Laurel Class customers can access The Infinity Lounge at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, complete with business facilities, shower suites, delicious Western and Chinese buffet dining and a bar. Other lounges can be found at Kaohsiung International Airport and Bangkok International Airport.
Seats in Premium Laurel Class do not lie flat but recline to an "almost flat" position with a pitch of 157 centimetres (62 inches). Seats are encased in a hard shell with adjustable headrests, footrests and electronic lumbar support. Premium Laurel Class is only available on the airline's Airbus A330-300, with 30 seats in a 2-2-2 configuration over five rows, and on the A330-200, offering 24 seats over four rows. The single-aisle A321-200 has eight 'Business Class' seats over two rows.
Other seat features include an HD touchscreen in-flight entertainment system with additional remote-control operation and a luxury overnight amenity kit with skin products and other essentials. Passengers have a wide range of world cuisine to choose from, served on fine china tableware exclusively designed for the airline.
JetBlue – Mint
JetBlue is a low-cost airline with headquarters at JFK, New York. Established in 2000 and now with over 100 flight destinations within the United States, Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean, Paris – France, and London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports in the United Kingdom.
The airline uses Airbus A320 aircraft on shorter routes, while non-stop transatlantic flights from Boston Logan and JFK airports are serviced by the airline's narrow-body Airbus A321LR (Long Range) aircraft, providing 24 Mint Suites in a 1-1 configuration, including two exclusive Mint Studios at the front of the cabin offering even greater comfort.
The Mint Suites feature full lie-flat beds with vegan leather upholstery, a 43-centimetre (17-inch) HD IFE screen, noise-cancelling headphones, free unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi, wireless charging, and sliding doors providing optimum privacy. Added comfort is provided by memory foam bedding, duvets and sleeping kits from Tuft & Needle bedding specialists, a wellness kit from Wanderfuel, direct aisle access, and each suite has the advantage of windows.
The two front cabin Mint Studios dubbed "apartments in the sky" have greater space at 2.1 square metres, with a companion seat that can merge with the lie-flat bed to make a one-metre-wide bed. They also have a 56-centimetre (22-inch) in-flight entertainment screen.
In-flight menus have been created by Delicious Hospitality Group featuring small plates from NYC hotspots Charlie Birds and Pasquale Jones and a custom playlist from Legacy Records to go with each meal. Beverages have also received special treatment with a specially curated wine list, including French sparkling wine and two international white and red wines. Handcrafted cocktails, beers and spirits are also available.
TAP Air Portugal – Executive Class
TAP Air Portugal brands its Business Class as Executive Class and flies to over 80 destinations in more than 30 countries. The Portuguese flag-carrying Star Alliance member allows members to earn and redeem miles with partner airlines, including Lufthansa, Thai Airways and United. The airline operates a fleet of Airbus A330-900neo and the narrow-body A321LR aircraft for its long-haul destinations. The flexibility of the A321LR allows the airline to explore markets in North America from its hubs in Lisbon and Porto.
The Executive Class experience begins on the ground with stress-free dedicated check-in desks, fast-track security and exclusive lounge access. The Premium Lounge in Lisbon offers substantial buffet options, including the national dish pastel de nata and a bartender service for cocktails, wines and spirits. Facilities include business centres with free Wi-Fi, quiet areas and showers.
The Airbus A330-900 neo provides 34 fully lie-flat beds with direct aisle access in a 1-2-1 configuration over nine rows. The Recaro seating provides 56 centimetres (22 inches) of seat width and a pitch of 107 centimetres (42 inches) and 2 metres in the lie-flat bed position. Side tables on the window seats alternate between being closest to the window or aisle. The A321LR offers 16 Business Class seats in alternating rows of 2-2 and 1-1 configurations, with the latter being the prized 'throne' seat, most popular with single travellers. Other perks include large anti-allergy pillows, soft wrap-around duvets, luxurious amenity kits and high-quality IFE screens with noise-cancelling headphones.
The meal service is taken seriously on TAP Air Portugal as it brings the finest Portuguese cuisine to Executive Class passengers with dishes and wines from the country's top 12 chefs – including Michelin-starred from different regions, with each chef creating a regional menu using the highest quality ingredients.
Read the BusinessClass.com review of TAP Air Portugal Business Class
United Airlines – Polaris
Major United States airline and a founding member of the Star Alliance, United Airlines operates flights across six continents from its many hubs in the U.S., with Chicago O'Hare being the headquarters. The airline's Business Class product, United Polaris, offers passengers premium check-in, fast-track security, and access to United Polaris Lounges for the exclusive use of long-haul international Polaris Business Class passengers.
United Polaris Lounges are located at six airports across the States and offer buffet and full meal service options with private dining, complimentary bar service, comfortable seating, and spa-like shower facilities with exclusive Sunday Riley amenities. Passengers departing from airports without the flagship United Polaris Lounges can use United Club lounges with comfortable seating, complimentary snack, bar and beverage service.
United operates a fleet of different Boeing aircraft to its long-haul destinations, and seat configurations vary depending on the aircraft type, so check your seat details before you fly. The Boeing 767-400s are the last remaining aircraft to receive the Polaris makeover, which is anticipated to be complete by the middle of 2023. The newer Boeing 787 Dreamliners offer up to 48 fully lie-flat beds with nearly 2 metres of sleeping space in a 1-2-1 configuration, with some aircraft offering two Polaris cabins. Onboard luxuries include bedding from Saks Fifth Avenue, mattress cushions and designer amenity kits with Sunday Riley skincare products, slippers and pyjamas on flights longer than 12 hours.
Full in-flight dining comes with sealed food options, and complimentary beverages include wines, beers and spirits. The passenger-favourite Ice Cream Sundae post meal service has returned after being withdrawn during the pandemic.
Read the full BusinessClass.com review of United Airlines Business Class
Virgin Atlantic – Upper Class
British airline Virgin Atlantic does not have Business Class or First Class cabins but instead offers Upper Class, being a compromise between the two. With hubs at London Heathrow and Manchester, the Upper Class experience begins at the dedicated Upper Class Wing of Heathrow with dedicated check-in and its own fast-track security area. Upper Class customers can access exclusive lounges – with the flagship Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse Lounge at London's Heathrow regarded among the best Business Class lounges in the world, complete with a concierge welcome, buffet and à la carte menus and vast cocktail bar with top-shelf spirits and Champagne. Other facilities include showers, workstations, and an outdoor viewing area.
The airline operates various long-haul Airbus aircraft – the A350, A330 and A330neo, and Boeing 787 Dreamliners. There are two distinctly different seat offerings – Upper Class – found on the Boeing 787 and A330 aircraft, and the newer – Upper Class Suites – on the A350 and A330neo aircraft with increased space and privacy from retractable screens. All Upper Class seats and suites have direct aisle access and fully flat beds of 182 centimetres (72 inches) on the A330-200, while the other aircraft have beds of 198 centimetres (78 inches).
Virgin's newest A330neo aircraft also boasts two unique Retreat Suites at the front of the cabin – offering unparalleled space on Virgin flights – with ottoman seating and enough room for up to four passengers to socialise or dine together in private with the central divider lowered between the two suites. The A350 and A330neo aircraft also have relaxing social areas and an open bar.
Upper Class customers receive a four-course à la carte meal with carefully curated wines, beers, spirits, and soft beverages. Mid-flight snacks are available from the Extra Bite Menu, and breakfasts on overnight flights.
Read the BusinessClass.com review of Virgin Atlantic Business Class
Related: The World's 12 Best Business Class Seats
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