The Business Travel Index from Tipalti has analyzed factors such as lounge facilities, wifi, food and drink options and comfort to reveal which airlines offer the best airport lounges and inflight service.
The airlines with the best business-class lounges:
Rank | Airline | Lounge Comfort Score | Lounge Catering Score | Washroom and Showers Score | Internet and Wifi Score | Lounge Staff Service Score | Overall Score |
1 | Oman Air | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
1 | Cathay Pacific Airways | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
1 | EVA Air | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
1 | Qatar Airways | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
1 | Asiana Airlines | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
1 | Kenya Airways | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
1 | Gulf Air | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
1 | Turkish Airlines | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
9 | Japan Airlines | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.8 |
9 | Qantas Airways | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.8 |
9 | Emirates | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3.8 |
There are eight airlines all tying in first place for the best business-class lounge: Oman Air, Cathay Pacific Airways, EVA Air, Qatar Airways, Asiana Airlines, Kenya Airways, Gulf Air, and Turkish Airlines. All eight of these airlines scored 4/5 for their business-class lounges.
Only two airlines scored 5/5 for any part of their business-class lounges: Asiana Airlines for their wifi and Kenya Airways for their washrooms/showers.
Before flying with Asiana Airlines to destinations such as Delhi, Tokyo, and Manila, guests can work in the study area of the lounge or relax on one of the full-body massage chairs.
For those flying to one of Kenya Airways’ 53 destinations from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you can relax in one of the two African landscape-themed business-class lounges.
The airlines with the best inflight business-class service:
Rank | Airline | Inflight Food & Beverages Score | Inflight Entertainment Score | Inflight Staff Service | Value for Money Score | Avg. Inflight Score |
1 | Singapore Airlines | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
1 | Vistara | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
1 | Japan Airlines | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
1 | EVA Air | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
1 | Qatar Airways | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
6 | Cathay Pacific Airways | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.8 |
6 | Asiana Airlines | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3.8 |
8 | Oman Air | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3.5 |
The airlines offering the best business-class inflight experience, with an average score of 4/5, are EVA Air, Vistara, Qatar Airways, Japan Airlines, and Singapore Airlines.
Those flying with Japan Airlines from both Tokyo airports can enjoy food prepared by top chefs, including Mishina Jun, the Japanese restaurant Ren Mishina, and Namae Shinobu, the French restaurant L’Effervescence.
As well as providing guests with a range of delicious appetizers, main meals, and desserts, Qatar Airways also offers afternoon tea, complete with traditional finger sandwiches, warm scones, and delicate pastries. A cheese board is also available, consisting of a range of cheeses, grapes, dried fruits, and chutneys.
Those flying business class with Vistara start their journey with a refreshing welcome drink before enjoying a delicious 3-course meal of both Indian and International cuisine, served on fine bone china. Passengers can also enjoy a warm cup of Starbucks coffee or choose from a range of soothing teas.
FURTHER FINDINGS
- Oman Air has the most comfortable business-class seats,with innovative layouts, direct aisle access, adjustable privacy dividers, and spacious beds.
- Topping the list of best business-class airlines is Oman Air. The airline is based at Muscat International Airport and travels to over 50 destinations, including the likes of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt.
- Japan Airlines offers one the best business-class inflight experience,and those flying from Tokyo airports can enjoy food prepared by top chefs.