Would you pay $15,000 for a plane ticket if it came with VIP pre-boarding lounges, luxurious air cabins decked out with flat screens and exquisite, chef-made cuisine to snack on? What about $20,000? Or $64,000? These numbers based on actual flight costs might be mind-boggling to the average air traveler but when it comes to offering the best experiences in the air money can buy, the sky’s the limit (literally).
Named one of the “World’s Top Travel Experts” by Conde’ Nast Traveler and writer for View from the Wing, Gary Leff has made a name for himself as a reputable resource in offering insight over the topic of frequent business travel. Leff has been flying business class for over 19 years and we had the pleasure of discussing with him some of the best business class services out there today. According to Leff, “business class is all about the seat. You should have access to enough decent food not to go hungry, and plenty of water. A productive place to wait for your flight is helpful (power, wifi, ample seating) and lounges need showers. But ultimately nothing compensates for a poor seat and a great seat trumps the rest. A modern business class seat should be fully flat and each seat should have access to the aisle without climbing over another passenger. “
So it seems as though it takes a combination of things in order to create a top-of-the-line business class experience and with the help of Less, we’ve broken down a list of a few of the top airlines to look out for the next time you have to travel for work.
Singapore Airlines
2015 Winner of Overall Best Business Class Airline by SKYTRAX World Airline Awards
Singapore Airlines has made claim to offering the best business class seat money can buy- and with a price tag to match. As with most business class services you can skip those long check-in lines and head straight to their SilverKris lounge designed to look and feel like you’re right at home. While waiting for boarding to begin you can sit back, relax and enjoy a selection of premium food and beverages. Singapore Airlines is also known for having delicious meals in the air, Leff says their Laksa soup was the best thing he’s ever eaten in the sky!
Turkish Airlines
2015 Winner of Best Business Class Airline Lounge by SKYTRAX World Airline Awards
If luxury is what you’re after, it’s hard to beat what Turkish Airlines has to offer. Their expanded and refurbished lounge in Istanbul has earned a reputation for being one of the most luxurious business class lounges in the world. While waiting to board your flight you can check out their tea garden and sip on fresh Turkish mint tea or even experience a virtual car rally in their miniature model of Istanbul. In the lounge you will also find an impressive offering of unique Turkish dishes to satisfy any craving.
Qatar Airways
2015 Winner of Best Business Class Airline Seats by SKYTRAX World Airline Awards
As Leff mentioned earlier, having a good seat is of utmost importance when flying business class. This can make or break your experience and if you will be traveling on a long journey, having the most comfortable seat is worth the expense. Qatar Airways offers one of the most comfortable experiences in the air, as their cabins are designed around a combination of comfort, spaciousness and technology. While flying Qatar, you can lie down and take a nap or play games and watch current movies on their dual-screen interface.
Austrian Airlines
2015 Winner of Best Business Class Airline Catering by SKYTRAX World Airline Awards
With choices ranging from Viennese schnitzel to Japanese delicacies or even an array of tapas, Austrian Airlines offers some of the highest quality meals within the airline industry. All of their catering is provided by DO & CO which is a premier a la carte catering service that provides chef services for restaurants, hotels and lounges as well. When dining on an Austrian aircraft not only will the food be delicious but the presentation is something handled with great care and detail. Leff agrees that Austrian Airlines has the best meal services in the US and Europe and that their coffee is also delicious!
Qantas Airlines
2015 Winner of Best Business Class Comfort Amenities by SKYTRAX World Airline Awards
Qantas customers not only get premium service while up in the air, but their amenity kits are something to envy. These amenity kits include luxurious Australian-made spa products by Aurora Spa packaged in designer Kate Spade (for the ladies) and Jack Spade (for the men) kit bags. Upon arrival your amenity kit will contain a variety of goodies ranging from sweet orange & shea hand cream to an ultra-hydrating face moisturizer. It doesn’t end there though, all business class customers also receive a pair of Peter Morrissey designer pajamas to ensure the most comfortable flight experience. Leff suggests trying some of their Aussie wines as well, as they have quite a selection.
If you aren’t already bursting at the seams to purchase your next business class ticket, Less has some last tips and advice for all you frequent business travelers out there:
- Focus on one airline to fly when possible so you can earn enough miles to become an elite member of their program.
- Consider getting their co-brand credit card for perks like priority boarding so you don’t have to gate check a bag.
- Know your reward goals. Earn enough points in one program until you reach that goal and then diversify.
- Bank transferable points are better than a single airline’s miles. You want to be able to move points to a variety of different airlines both to top off an account, or to simply put your points into the program that has the award seats you want. Ex: Chase, American Express, and Citi ThankYou Rewards.
- Track your miles in one place. I use AwardWallet.com. That also helps you keep track and prevent points from expiring.
In a nutshell, it is important to always know what benefits you’re entitled to with the company you travel for. If you find yourself traveling often, you might want to consider looking into a credit card with travel rewards, which in the long run can open up many possibilities to tap into upgrades and luxury flight options.