So what are the 2nd best and 3rd best business classes, who gets the silver and bronze medal in the business class Olympics?
I would be tempted to give Qatar's regular business class 2nd place, the seat which is on the Airbus A380s and A350-900s. It's really got everything you could ask for if you like that angled 1-2-1 layout. 3rd place, maybe Etihad's 'Business Studio' from the A380 and Boeing 787?
It gets pretty subjective especially given the preponderance of Rockwell Super Diamond and Thomson Vantage XL seats across a number of airlines meaning the hard products are very similar. It would probably be easier to develop a Top 10 and, were you to do so, I think both VA and QF would make appearances.
1st would most definitely be QSuites as you mentioned, but the 2nd is actually British Airways first class. It might not actually be business class, but the hard product certainly makes you think so, the soft product is excellant with freindly service and caviar. From there, I guess any plane with a 1-2-1 config and decent soft product would be good like QF, DL, United Polaris, CX, etc.
Interesting question. Qatar's A380 business class is really great, I'd agree that Etihad's A380 business class is the only one which could give it a run for its money so maybe there are your 2nd and 3rd medal winners right there. Now 4th place and beyond would be tricky. I would put Qantas' Boeing 787 Business Suite in there, followed by Cathay Pacific's A350. Haven't flown any of the Japanese airlines but here good things about ANA's latest business class too.
VA A330 or 777 great food, fantastic amenities, unparalleled service and amazing 1-2-1 reverse herringbone private and comfortable with lots of storage seats
Would have to disagree with Etihad Business as their cost cutting has really taken a toll. The hard product is still good, however found the seat to be a little firm (even after adjusting the firmness) and lack of kneeroom was prevalent. I would argue that VA is quite good because of their hard and soft product, but it is available on very few routes. JAL should be next, along with Eva Air, United Polaris, Delta, ANA, Singapore and Cathay in that order.
I suspect the OP meant international business, which makes REX ineligible...I'd say EK a380 business if we're sticking to seats that are actually sold as business. But QF first is really just business these days when compared to QSuite. So QF first is my vote for 2nd place, made in the same vein as djtech has done for BA first.
1st would most definitely be QSuites as you mentioned, but the 2nd is actually British Airways first class. It might not actually be business class, but the hard product certainly makes you think so, the soft product is excellant with freindly service and caviar. From there, I guess any plane with a 1-2-1 config and decent soft product would be good like QF, DL, United Polaris, CX, etc.
More of the usual BA bashing. This ridiculous line that gets trotted out repeatedly - that BA F is the world's best Business class - just shows that the people saying it have no experience of BA F. But they're very experienced in drinking the anti-BA Kool-aid!
I would have to say that I am very impressed with the new Qantas Business Class seat on their Airbus A330 and Boeing Dreamliner. I have just taken two flights with this product and am impressed - much better than the product on the A380 or Jumbo in my opinion (despite the wonderful legroom the shell design provides). I also like the Qantas service - personally, I am not one for over-attentive cabin crew that ask every 30 minutes if I am OK - if I need something I will get up out of my seat and ask or will use the call button. Mind you, I see a plane as a method of transport to get from A to B - it is not meant to be a hotel room, so I do not necessarily look for cabin suites, on-board showers etc (but fair call to those who seek such amenities) so my comments reflect that view.
John Odlum
John Odlum
Member since 13 Sep 2016
Total posts 15
reeves35
reeves35
Member since 24 Aug 2011
Total posts 79
It gets pretty subjective especially given the preponderance of Rockwell Super Diamond and Thomson Vantage XL seats across a number of airlines meaning the hard products are very similar. It would probably be easier to develop a Top 10 and, were you to do so, I think both VA and QF would make appearances.
djtech
djtech
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 02 Sep 2018
Total posts 375
1st would most definitely be QSuites as you mentioned, but the 2nd is actually British Airways first class. It might not actually be business class, but the hard product certainly makes you think so, the soft product is excellant with freindly service and caviar. From there, I guess any plane with a 1-2-1 config and decent soft product would be good like QF, DL, United Polaris, CX, etc.
smit0847
smit0847
Member since 30 Aug 2013
Total posts 148
I would say the Etihad Business studio.
Saab34
Saab34
Member since 08 Sep 2018
Total posts 12
Etihad A380. In all classes probably the beat aircraft in the sky.
Bob Burgess
Bob Burgess
Member since 13 Sep 2016
Total posts 49
Interesting question. Qatar's A380 business class is really great, I'd agree that Etihad's A380 business class is the only one which could give it a run for its money so maybe there are your 2nd and 3rd medal winners right there. Now 4th place and beyond would be tricky. I would put Qantas' Boeing 787 Business Suite in there, followed by Cathay Pacific's A350. Haven't flown any of the Japanese airlines but here good things about ANA's latest business class too.
Mjudd
Mjudd
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 14 Dec 2016
Total posts 57
Its hard to look past the new Singapore airlines a380 product
Timmy22bc
Timmy22bc
Member since 18 Oct 2015
Total posts 16
JQ star class for sure, or the old red seats from Virgin...
Morgan27
Morgan27
Member since 27 May 2017
Total posts 13
VA A330 or 777 great food, fantastic amenities, unparalleled service and amazing 1-2-1 reverse herringbone private and comfortable with lots of storage seats
Bruce777
Bruce777
Aegean Airlines - Miles & Bonus
Member since 17 Sep 2017
Total posts 26
Would have to disagree with Etihad Business as their cost cutting has really taken a toll. The hard product is still good, however found the seat to be a little firm (even after adjusting the firmness) and lack of kneeroom was prevalent. I would argue that VA is quite good because of their hard and soft product, but it is available on very few routes. JAL should be next, along with Eva Air, United Polaris, Delta, ANA, Singapore and Cathay in that order.
cooper81
cooper81
BA Gold
Member since 01 Apr 2012
Total posts 75
JAL Apex suites. Direct aisle access for all. Forward facing. Very private. No silly rabbit hutches or crevices to fit your feet into.
tommygun
tommygun
Delta Air Lines - SkyMiles
Member since 16 Oct 2017
Total posts 282
I suspect the OP meant international business, which makes REX ineligible...I'd say EK a380 business if we're sticking to seats that are actually sold as business. But QF first is really just business these days when compared to QSuite. So QF first is my vote for 2nd place, made in the same vein as djtech has done for BA first.
John Phelan
John Phelan
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 28 Oct 2011
Total posts 261
More of the usual BA bashing. This ridiculous line that gets trotted out repeatedly - that BA F is the world's best Business class - just shows that the people saying it have no experience of BA F. But they're very experienced in drinking the anti-BA Kool-aid!
xtfer
xtfer
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 14 Mar 2017
Total posts 159
Oman Air/JAL. It's the same seat.
MuzzH
MuzzH
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 22 Dec 2015
Total posts 27
I would have to say that I am very impressed with the new Qantas Business Class seat on their Airbus A330 and Boeing Dreamliner. I have just taken two flights with this product and am impressed - much better than the product on the A380 or Jumbo in my opinion (despite the wonderful legroom the shell design provides). I also like the Qantas service - personally, I am not one for over-attentive cabin crew that ask every 30 minutes if I am OK - if I need something I will get up out of my seat and ask or will use the call button. Mind you, I see a plane as a method of transport to get from A to B - it is not meant to be a hotel room, so I do not necessarily look for cabin suites, on-board showers etc (but fair call to those who seek such amenities) so my comments reflect that view.