Best Business Class seats for travelling with a companion

Often times, when booking a Business Class seat, privacy is one of the most important factors.

But that’s not always the case. Whether you’re travelling with a friend, loved one, or work colleague, having the ability to see each other, converse, and work together can make a flight productive, enjoyable, and even romantic.

However, not all business class products are made the same; with numerous seat types, configurations and features it can be hard to know which seats will be best suited to you and your companion’s needs.

To help you when booking your next flight, we have compiled a list of the best Business Class seats for when you’re travelling with company.

1. Lufthansa

Lufthansa’s angled business class seats Lufthansa’s new Business Class seats were finally retrofitted on its entire fleet in 2015, meaning all Lufthansa A330s, A340s, A380s, and 747-8s feature Lufthansa’s new Business Class product. And this product is perfect for travelling with a mate as all seats are paired and angled toward one another. This makes it easy to have a conversation with your travel partner without having to lean forward, which is the problem with many ‘honeymoon’ seats. The only problem will be arguing over who gets the window seat.

2. British Airways

Face your companion in BA's Club World (Business Class) seat Though the configuration varies slightly on different aircraft, BA’s Business Class (Club World) seats are an attractive choice for when travelling with company. Configuration is usually either 2-3-2 or 2-4-2, depending on your aircraft, but as neighbouring seats face each other, if you book a pair by the window you’ll be able to gaze into the eyes of your companion throughout.

3. Etihad

Etihad’s Business Class cabin is configured in a staggered 1-2-1 layout, meaning the two middle seats (E and F), known as ‘honeymoon seats’, are ideal for when you are travelling with a partner.

Etihad's ‘honeymoon seats’

Both seats are forward-facing and separated from the aisles by large armrests on either side. This results in a shared secluded space, perfect for getting work done or enjoying some quality time with a loved one with minimal distractions. There is also a central divider which can be deployed for privacy from your neighbour.

4. Qatar Airways

Qatar also employs a 1-2-1 configuration on its A380s, A350s and 787s, and a 2-2-2 configuration on its 777s. Again, the two middle seats (E and F) in a 1-2-1 layout would be better suited to those travelling with a partner, and any pair would suffice in a 2-2-2 layout.

Qatar Airways’ Business Class on its Airbus A350 We would, however, advise you not to sit in a row directly next to the central bar/socialising area, which would be rows 6 and 7 on the A350, and rows 5 and 6 on the 787. On the A380, row 10 is at next to the toilets at the front of the aircraft, while row 22 is closest to the rear toilets and onboard bar, so both are worth avoiding if privacy and peace are required.

Interestingly, Qatar has recently revealed plans for a brand new “Super Business Class” seat for their B777s and A350s. It was not confirmed if the suite-like “Super Business Class” seat will also be introduced on the A380, but it was confirmed that it will be unveiled at the annual ITB Berlin travel trade show, which begins on March 8, with rumours of a "Business Class bedroom" floating around. A new new seat is also being developed specifically for the B787.

5. Emirates

Emirates offers an impressive Business Class seat on board its A380, with the cabin arranged in a staggered 1-2-1 configuration. Again, the best seats for chatting with a friend or partner are the middle 'honeymoon' seats (E and F) on odd-numbered rows where the two seats are right next to each other rather than separated by arm rests.

Emirates' A380 Business Class

On board Emirates’ 777-300ERs, however, the business class cabin is somewhat less thrilling, being a number of years old and fairly outdated. It is configured in a 2-3-2 layout, meaning window pairs (A/B and F/G) are better suited for keeping company during a flight. But be aware, seats 7A 7K have no window, so avoid these unless looking at a blank wall is your idea of entertainment.

6. Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines' Business Class seat

Singapore Airlines is a fine example of forward facing ‘honeymoon’ Business Class seats that require you to crane your neck forward in order to interact with your neighbour. On the A380 and 777-300ER, they are arranged in a 1-2-1 layout that is neither herringbone nor staggered. They are, however, pretty sizeable, with a width between 28-30 inches wide depending on the aircraft.

7. Asiana

Asiana's Business Class on board its A380

Asiana’s new Business Class product is available on board its A380s and some 777-200ERs. Seats are laid out in a staggered 1-2-1 configuration, meaning ‘honeymoon’ seats on odd rows aren’t separated by an armrest and are therefore most convenient for conversing. On the 777, seats in rows 5 and 7 are even slightly angled toward each other.