These Airlines Have Some of the Best First- and Business-class Seats in the Skies Right Now

There’s plenty of glamour to be had in the world of aviation these days — as long as you’re willing to pay for it. A new generation of premium cabins have seats and suites that deliver the comfort of a five-star hotel, thanks to features such as sliding privacy doors, plush mattress-style seat toppers, and seemingly endless personal space.

“I’ve been in this job for nine years,” says Lufthansa Group CEO Carsten Spohr. “But this is the first year my team has told me we need to grow first class. I never thought I would hear that.” Lufthansa, which is part of Star Alliance, along with Singapore Airlines and United Airlines, recently unveiled a $2.7 billion program, called Allegris, that aims to reimagine long-haul flying. “It’s a new travel experience in all classes on our long-haul routes,” says Björn Becker, the Lufthansa executive leading the charge.

While coach and premium economy passengers will see some upgrades — including more legroom — the real showstopper will be Lufthansa’s first-class suites. Some of them will have twin seats that can be made up as a double bed, a large table — whether for work or for meals — and a massive entertainment screen. (Other suites, with single seats along the windows, will be ideal for solo travelers.) They’ll debut on the airline’s Airbus A350 jets next year. 

Meanwhile, Air France is preparing to unveil a refreshed La Première, its first-class product. The new version will have suites that will be the longest in the world (read: even more personal space), with a seat, a sofa, and a fully flat bed. Air France is also upgrading its long-haul business-class seats, each of which will have direct aisle access and a privacy door, plus a six-foot-five-inch bed. 

La Compagnie, another French airline, has also upped its game. The carrier, recently voted the top international airline in T+L’s World’s Best Awards, is known for its business-class-only planes with 76 lie-flat seats. It now exclusively operates Airbus A321neo jets, which are quieter and more fuel-efficient than older models, on flights between Newark Liberty and Milan, Paris, and Nice, France.

Other carriers are making small but mighty changes. Etihad Airways, for example, has been adding Bluetooth connectivity to its newest jets, which allows passengers to link their wireless headphones with seat-back screens. “In the next five to seven years this functionality will be commonplace,” predicts Eduardo Matos, Etihad’s director of customer care.

While international airlines are leading the way, U.S. carriers aren’t resting on their laurels. Next year, American Airlines will launch a “Flagship Suite,” with a fully flat bed and a privacy door. Delta Air Lines plans to open new lounges reserved only for its Delta One passengers, in a bid to give business-class fliers an even more elevated experience.

The Next Best Thing

Looking for a lie-flat bed but willing to forgo other niceties? The Japanese low-cost carrier Zipair Tokyo, a subsidiary of Japan Airlines (JAL), has dreamed up the perfect compromise. Its no-frills “Zip Full-Flat” offering is a bit like basic economy meets premium cabin, giving passengers the option to buy à la carte services on flights between the U.S. and Tokyo. A fully flat seat is included — as is the in-flight Wi-Fi — but choosing where you sit, checking a bag, and even ordering a meal all come at an extra cost. Fares start at about half what you’d pay for a business seat on JAL.

A version of this story first appeared in the October 2023 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline "It's Better up Here."