Long-haul Business Class Explained and Compared

What can I expect in Business Class?

Business Class is found mostly on international routes and planes that are configured for long-haul travel. This class of service offers significantly more comfort and amenities than standard Economy, Premium Economy, and Domestic First Class, which usually include:

• Double the seat pitch (legroom) compared to Economy
• 2-3 extra inches of seat width compared to Economy
• More degrees of recline compared to Economy
• Electric seat controls to adjust recline position, legrest and lumbar support
• Larger personal TV screens and more viewing options
• Laptop Power Ports
• Premium Food and Wine Service
• Increased cabin staff to passenger ratio
• Amenity kits including socks, eye masks and toiletries

What are the different types of Business Class seats?

While in-flight amenities, service and entertainment available in Business Class are often comparable across airline carriers, the type of seat offered can vary significantly. Business Class seats can be categorized by one of the following descriptions:

Recliner Seats: These seats do not offer the significant recline of the Lie-flat and Flat Bed Seats, but still offer excellent space and comfort.

Lie-Flat Seats: While airlines often market these seats as having 180 degrees of recline, in their fully reclined position they are slightly angled and do not lay completely horizontal. Passengers often find these seats to be extremely comfortable for relaxing and working, but not conducive to sleep when in the fully reclined position because of the awkward angle.

Flat Bed Seats: When fully reclined, these seats are completely horizontal, creating a bed that is fully flat. These seats always receive high accolades for being comfortable both as seats and beds.

Suites: These seats offer the utmost in privacy and comfort. Each suite is essentially its own mini-cabin which includes a fully-flat bed, work station and television.

Business Class Comparison Chart

The table below can be sorted by any column. Simply click a column header (i.e. Airline) to re–sort the table. Clicking the header a second time will reverse the sort. Have questions? See the Chart Key.

Comparison Chart Key

Aircraft Type:

The aircraft manufacturer, aircraft model, and three digit aircraft identification code.

Seat Pitch:

The distance between two rows of seats, this is the best indicator of legroom. More is better.

Seat Width:

The distance between the armrests of a single seat. More is better.

Seat Type:

Identifies the seat as either a Suite, Lie-flat, Flat Bed, or Standard Seat. More Information.

Video Type:

Describes the video service available on the plane:

• Personal TV: The best type, you'll have an individual video screen with multiple channels at your control.
• Overhead TV: Better than nothing, there are main video monitors located throughout the cabin.
• None: You should bring a book... there's no video offered on this plane.

Laptop Power:

Denotes if power outlets for laptops are available: (Read our In-Seat Laptop Power Guide)

• All Seats: Every seat on the plane in this class of service features a power outlet.
• Some Seats: Only certain seats offer a power outlet, consult the seatmap for the exact locations.
• None: Bring your extra battery, there are no power outlets offered on this plane.

Power Type:

If laptop power exists, denotes the type of adapter required:

• AC Power: No adapter needed, this is just like plugging into a regular outlet at home.
• DC Power: This plug, also known as a cigarette style, is the same one you'll find in your car.
• EmPower: A special adapter that has a small head and four connecting prongs.
• None: Bring your extra battery, there are no power outlets offered on this plane.