Most airlines in the past few years have been improving their onboard premium cabins, notable their business classes, at the expense of both economy and first class. Some airlines have removed first class altogether, and others have limited First class to certain niche markets. This has meant that business class has improved substantially. I have had a chance to try a few of the newest business class products, but there are so many out there that I can’t imagine being able to try them all. There are a few that I have been meaning to try for a while. Alongside my First Class products I want to try, here are the business class products I plan to fly soon:
Qatar Airways QSuites
I am surprised I haven’t tried this product yet, since I have flown Qatar Airways three times since their Q Suites product launched. The airline flies 777s with QSuites to a select few routes, and all new A350-1000 routes. It was the first fully enclosed suite business class that took to the skies. Since then, Delta Airlines launched their Delta One Suites, which are similar (more on that later). I’ve read up on what to expect from QSuites, and it seems to up the ante on what I already consider to be the best business class out there.
Delta One Suites
As I mentioned before, Delta also launched a new business class product on their A350. Their fully enclosed suites are a game changer in the American business class market. The airline has slowly been retrofitting their 777s with the new business class, but as of now it is mainly available on their A350s. Delta has what many consider the best business class soft product in the US. Although I believe that the only place they edge out United Polaris is on the amenity kit. I would like to try them, and see for myself if it is worth changing from an American loyalist to a Delta elite.
South African Airways A330
As I mentioned in my article about the countries I would really like to visit, I am dying to visit South Africa. What better way to get there than to fly the country’s flag carrier. South African Airways flies two types of business class seats. The one on their A340s is quite dated in a 2x2x2 configuration. Their A330s, however, are configured with a Vantage XL seat with all aisle access. This is the same seat SAS has on their new business class. The biggest driver for me to try this seat soon is the fact that South African Airways is in a precarious financial situation.
EVA Air Business Class
EVA Air is a member of Star Alliance. Although they are often eclipsed by their larger, more widely known partner Singapore Airlines, EVA Air has a claim to fame all their own. The airline has excellent reverse herringbone seats, offers quality amenity kits, and top notch meals. The airline has a growing network out of their hub in Taipei-Taoyuan, and as they continue to expand, there will be more opportunities to try them out.
Singapore Airlines 787-10 Business Class
Singapore Airlines has been lauded as one of the world’s best airlines. They offer an amazing first class experience, and a quality long-haul business class. Yet, the one I want to try the most is the airline’s new regional business class on their 787-10s. As far as regional business classes go, this seat is probably the best one out there. The 1x2x1 configuration and a very spacious seat make it a contender for a business class on long haul routes.
Landing Thoughts:
I have a few airlines that I want to try soon. The list is very short, and if I have a chance to try other airlines I will, but these are the ones that I am most interested in. Business class has become the new first class, and economy has gone from bad to worse. Hopefully, competition will lead to lower fares and push airlines to make business class a bit more accessible. In the meanwhile, I will try to fly these airlines using miles and points, because that’s the easiest and best way to travel.
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