There’s something about crossing the Atlantic that calls for a touch of luxury. Maybe it’s the idea of arriving well-rested, ready to hit the ground running in Paris or Rome. Or maybe it’s the little joys - sipping champagne at 35,000 feet, stretching out in a lie-flat seat, and feeling, just for a moment, like the journey is part of the destination.
But not all business class cabins live up to the hype. Some promise luxury and deliver… slightly nicer economy, to put it politely. Others, though, make you wonder how you ever flew any other way.
If you’re heading to Europe and want to do it right, this guide is here to help you separate the good from the exceptional to find the best airline to fly business class.
Let’s dive in.
Top Airlines for Business Class Flights to Europe
Here are our top picks when it comes to flying in style to Europe:
1. Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways’ Qsuite has redefined business class. This “premium business” offering includes your own private suite with sliding doors, a lie-flat bed covered in soft bedding, and enough storage to stash everything from your laptop to your in-flight pyjamas.
The service feels personal without being over the top, and the dine-on-demand menu lets you enjoy gourmet meals when you’re ready - not when the trolley rolls by.
Expect noise-cancelling headphones, thoughtfully designed spaces, and an overall experience that feels closer to first class.
Why Qatar Airways?
- Lounge Highlights: The Al Mourjan Business Lounge in Doha isn’t just a layover spot - it’s an experience. Think five-star dining, quiet nap pods, and a reflection pool. If you have time, this lounge can almost make you wish for a longer layover.
- Routes to Europe: Regular flights to all the big players including London, Paris, Berlin - you name it. The airline’s European network is extensive and dependable. In our opinion, Qatar really is the best way to fly business class to Europe.
- Drawback: Not all Qatar Airways aircraft are equipped with Qsuites, so it’s worth checking your specific flight details if you want to experience their most luxurious business class offering. If not, you’ll be stuck with their (still very good) regular business class offering.
2. Emirates
Emirates makes business class feel indulgent. The spacious seats come with minibars (yes, really), lie-flat beds, and plush duvets. The food rivals what you’d find in a fine dining restaurant, with multi-course meals served on bone china.
Let’s not forget ICE, their award-winning entertainment system, packed with enough movies, TV shows, and music to last a week in the air.
Why Fly Emirates?
- Lounge Highlights: The Emirates Lounge in Dubai is sprawling and luxurious, offering à la carte dining, quiet zones, showers, and a bar with premium drinks. It’s one of our favourite lounges and part of the reason why Dubai is one of the top airports for layovers.
- Routes to Europe: Non-stop routes to cities like London, Paris, and Amsterdam make Emirates a go-to for travellers seeking seamless connections to Europe.
- Drawback: Some of their older planes still have a 2-3-2 seating layout, which isn’t ideal for solo travellers, and, though their Airbus A380 business class seats feature personal minibars, their Boeing 777 aircraft may vary, so it’s worth checking the amenities on your specific flight. Always check the seating map when booking to ensure you get the full Emirates experience.
3. British Airways
British Airways has stepped up its game with the Club Suite. These cabins are a massive upgrade, featuring lie-flat beds, direct aisle access, and storage compartments for your essentials. The suite design feels chic and private, perfect for long-haul flights. The dining menu leans into British classics with a premium twist, and the attentive service ensures you’re well looked after.
All these things are what make BA one of the best business class European airlines.
Why British Airways?
- Lounge Highlights: Heathrow’s Galleries Lounge is a treat, offering champagne bars, hearty meal options, and quiet spaces to unwind. If you’re lucky enough to access the Concorde Room by being an Executive Club Member or Premier Card Holder, expect even more exclusivity and refinement.
- Routes to Europe: Ideal for US travellers flying to London, with an extensive network connecting to other European destinations.
- Drawback: Not all planes have been upgraded to the Club Suite yet, so double-check the aircraft before booking to avoid being stuck with the older layout.
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4. Lufthansa
Lufthansa brings a dependable mix of comfort and service. The seats are fully flat, well-padded, and perfect for a solid rest. Their menus lean towards hearty, satisfying meals with a touch of luxury, with a fair range of fine wines paired with perfectly plated dishes.
The onboard service is polished and professional, offering that signature German efficiency you’d expect from the national carrier.
Why Lufthansa?
- Lounge Highlights: The Senator Lounges in Frankfurt and Munich are among Europe’s best, with freshly prepared meals, quiet workspaces, and even nap rooms.
- Routes to Europe: With hubs in Frankfurt and Munich, Lufthansa is a great choice for flying directly into Germany or connecting to a broad network of European cities. Lufthansa is where you’ll see some of the most affordable business class to Europe flights.
- Drawback: While reliable, their older aircraft still feature seats that feel a bit outdated compared to newer competitors.
5. Turkish Airlines
If in-flight dining matters to you, Turkish Airlines is a game-changer. Onboard chefs prepare gourmet meals that feel like a restaurant experience, offering a mix of Turkish and international cuisine served on elegant tableware.
The seats are spacious, with generous recline and plenty of legroom, making even long flights enjoyable. Add warm, attentive service, and you’ll feel genuinely cared for.
Why Turkish Airlines?
- Lounge Highlights: The Turkish Airlines Lounge in Istanbul is an attraction in its own right. With multiple live food stations, a golf simulator (yes, really!), private napping suites, and showers, it’s almost a shame when your layover ends.
- Routes to Europe: Istanbul is a perfect hub for connecting to nearly every major European city, from Paris and Rome to smaller destinations across the continent.
- Drawback: Layovers in Istanbul can be long, but the lounge makes the wait more than bearable. On older planes, the business class cabin can lack some of the polish seen in newer fleets, but it’s still one of the leaders of the pack!
6. Delta Airlines
Delta One is sleek, comfortable, and reliably premium. Fully flat seats come with privacy dividers and plush Westin Heavenly bedding that makes napping at 35,000 feet feel like home. Dining is another strong point, with well-curated menus and fresh ingredients.
Service is warm without being intrusive, and the cabin has a polished, modern feel, making it the best airline to fly from the US to Europe in our opinion.
Why Delta?
- Lounge Highlights: Delta Sky Clubs in the US set the bar high with solid food options, premium drinks, and spacious seating areas. Their European lounge partners don’t always match up, but they still offer decent facilities for a pre-flight refresh.
- Routes to Europe: Delta connects US travellers to major European cities like London, Paris, and Amsterdam, with a solid reputation for reliability. However, many travellers will have to transfer via their hub in Atlanta.
- Drawback: While the Delta One cabin is excellent, the ground experience in Europe doesn’t always match the high standard set in the US, particularly in terms of lounges and extras.
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What to Look for in a Good Business Class Flight to Europe:
Not all business class experiences are created equal, and the details can make or break your flight. Here’s what to keep an eye out for when choosing your airline:
• Comfortable seats
A lie-flat seat is the bare minimum for business class, but the real thing to look out for is the design. Look for airlines that offer direct aisle access, plenty of privacy, and enough storage for your gadgets, shoes, and the novel you’ll pretend to read. Bonus points if the seat layout feels like your own little cocoon instead of a row of slightly fancier recliners.
• Top-notch dining
Forget the mystery meat of economy class. A good business class cabin offers meals that taste as good as they look, complete with wine pairings and mid-flight snacks you’ll actually want. The best airlines even let you dine on demand, so if that’s important to you, look out for this option!
• Entertainment and Connectivity
We all know that flights are the perfect opportunity to catch up on that TV show everyone’s been talking about or tackling emails (if you must). Top-tier airlines offer their business class fliers large personal screens, noise-cancelling headphones, and Wi-Fi that not only works, but actually works reasonably well, all things considered.
• Luxury lounges
A great lounge can turn a layover into a treat. Look for airlines that offer lounges with proper meals, showers, and quiet spaces where you can unwind before your flight. If they throw in a massage or a glass of bubbly, even better.
• Extra value
Yes, business class is a splurge unless you follow our top tips for finding budget seats, but the best airlines make it feel worth every penny or point. Look for carriers that go the extra mile with perks like chauffeur services, complimentary stopovers, or loyalty programs that actually feel rewarding.
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FAQs About Flying Business Class to Europe
Which airline has the best business class seats for flights to Europe?
Qatar Airways’ Qsuite is widely considered the best, offering private suites with sliding doors, lie-flat beds, and unmatched privacy. Emirates’ offering is also impressive, with spacious seats and personal minibars, while British Airways’ Club Suite provides excellent direct aisle access.
If top-tier dining matters, Turkish Airlines adds an edge with its exceptional onboard catering.
When is the best time to book business class flights to Europe?
The ideal time to book is 2-4 months ahead, especially for off-peak seasons like spring and fall when demand is lower. Major sales events like Black Friday or Cyber Monday often include discounted business class fares. Set up alerts on platforms like Google Flights to catch sudden price drops or flash sales.
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