Vote for your favorite business and first class!
USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
It's easy to forget you’re on an airplane at all when flying in these 20 airlines’ premium cabins, nominated by an expert panel as the best in the industry. They offer luxe amenities such as lie-flat beds, widescreen TVs for personal entertainment, and multi-course meals prepared by onboard chefs.
Which airline's business or first class would you most like to book? Vote once per day until polls close on Monday, September 16 at noon ET. The 10 winning airlines, determined by your vote, will be announced on Wednesday, September 25.
Read the official Readers' Choice rules.
It's easy to forget you’re on an airplane at all when flying in these 20 airlines’ premium cabins, nominated by an expert panel as the best in the industry. They offer luxe amenities such as lie-flat beds, widescreen TVs for personal entertainment, and multi-course meals prepared by onboard chefs.
Which airline's business or first class would you most like to book? Vote once per day until polls close on Monday, September 16 at noon ET. The 10 winning airlines, determined by your vote, will be announced on Wednesday, September 25.
Read the official Readers' Choice rules.
It's easy to forget you’re on an airplane at all when flying in these 20 airlines’ premium cabins, nominated by an expert panel as the best in the industry. They offer luxe amenities such as lie-flat beds, widescreen TVs... Read More
Best Business & First Class Nominees
Photo courtesy of Air Canada
Air Canada
Out of all North American Business Class-level cabins, Air Canada's Signature Service is the only cabin in which passengers receive lie-flat seats on international flights. Signature Service also includes dedicated check-in counters, expedited security clearance, lounge access, exclusive boarding lanes, priority baggage handling, and more.
Air France
Business class passengers on Air France can enjoy a multi-purpose seating area that serves as a desk, dining table, or even a full-flat bed, all while maintaining direct aisle access. La Première, Air France's first class cabin, offers even more luxuries like personalized service, private cabins, and food from Michelin-starred chefs such as Glenn Viel, Philippe Rigollot, or Dominique Crenn, depending on route.
All Nippon Airways (ANA)
All Nippon Airways (ANA) offers Business class passengers roomy seats with direct aisle access, plus priority boarding and inflight amenities which vary by route and time of year. The airline's First Class cabins include fully flat seats and closets for storage, a premium wine selection, and exquisite Japanese cuisine crafted by prominent chefs.
Photo courtesy of Jacob Wackerhausen / iStock Via Getty Images Plus
American Airlines
When flying in First class on American Airlines, travelers enjoy priority check-in and boarding, roomier seats, premium dining options, and exceptional service on and off the airplane. Business class passengers receive these benefits too, specifically on shorter-distance international flights. Plus, Business class offers airport lounge access, as well as lie-flat seats, depending on aircraft.
Photo courtesy of andreswd / E+
Austrian Airlines
Austrian Airlines allows each Business Class passenger to bring two carry-on items plus two checked bags at no additional cost. Passengers can also enjoy free airport lounge access, an exclusive inflight dining menu, and the ability to earn extra travel miles.
Photo courtesy of British Airways
British Airways
British Airways offers a dedicated check-in for its Business Class passengers. On the plane, each seat in the Business cabin features a lie-flat bed and fully adjustable headrest for superior lumbar support, plus a 12-inch flat-screen TV and noise-canceling headphones. When flying First Class, passengers can relax in a personal suite with on-demand dining and free Wi-Fi.
Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific passengers fly comfortably in both Business and First classes, with flat beds, nice linens, and plenty of extra space. First class passengers enjoy extras like 600-thread-count sheets, refined dining options, Bamford skincare amenities, 18.5-inch TVs, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Delta Air Lines
Delta One is Delta’s premium offering for long-haul international flights and some long-haul domestic flights. Delta One offers passengers 180-degree flat-bed seats, which usually have direct aisle access, and are outfitted with artisan-made amenity kits made by Someone Somewhere. Domestic First class seats offer 8 inches of extra legroom, seasonal food and beverages, and personalized service.
Photo courtesy of Emirates Airline
Emirates
Emirates Business Class offers flat-bed seats, widescreen TVs, personal minibars, and onboard lounge access. First Class passengers get even more luxury, complete with private cabins, on-demand dining, personal lighting and temperature controls, and onboard shower spas on A380 aircraft.
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways offers lie-flat seats, dining on demand, chauffeur service, and airport lounge access for both Business and First classes, though First Class passengers fly in a private suite. The airline's most premium offering really shines; The Residence is a three-room suite akin to an apartment, complete with a shower, private bedroom, and separate living area.
Photo courtesy of jacoblund // Getty Images
Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines' Premium Cabins — which are beautifully decorated in earth and sea tones — feature supremely comfortable seats, two USB ports, an AC power outlet, and privacy screens for those flying solo. Passengers also enjoy cuisine from Hawaii's top chefs, watching inflight entertainment on large, adjustable tablets, and amenities from NOHO HOME.
JetBlue
JetBlue Mint is a premium travel offering on all transatlantic flights and select coast-to-coast, Latin American, and Caribbean routes. Dining options feature small plates from quintessential New York City restaurants like Charlie Bird, Pasquale Jones, and Legacy Records. Mint seats lie fully flat and come with Tuft & Needle bedding.
Photo courtesy of anyaberkut / iStock Via Getty Images Plus
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines' Business Class passengers receive priority check-in, a glass of champagne upon boarding, meals curated by top chef Jonnie Boer, and an iconic Delft Blue collectable miniature house. Passengers on long-haul flights can have an especially restful experience, complete with full-flat seats and intercontinental-flight amenity kits.
Korean Air
Korean Air affords its First and Prestige class passengers privacy, lie-flat sleeper seats, and large entertainment screens. Passengers are provided an in-flight amenity kit from Atelier Cologne, high-quality multi-course meals, plus snacks and assorted beverages. Passengers aboard the A380 can even enjoy craft cocktails in the Celestial Bar.
Lufthansa
Lufthansa offers its Business Class passengers flat-bed seats on long-haul flights, plus an open cabin design that creates a fresh and spacious environment. First Class passengers are greeted by a personal assistant at their destination airport, and they can enjoy seats featuring comfortable mattresses and temperature-regulating duvets. For added luxury, Allegris-First Class offers passengers the privacy and comfort of a personal suite.
Qatar Airways
Qatar’s Business Class includes on-demand dining, amenities from Diptyque, and lie-flat seats in an elegant, spacious cabin with ambient lighting. Each First Class passenger can enjoy loungewear made by The White Company, plus a customizable cabin that can be turned into a comfortable bed or used as a private office, complete with power outlets and Wi-Fi.
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines offers luxury and comfort in their Business and First Class cabins. Passengers can enjoy ultra-wide seats that convert into supremely comfortable beds, as well as the opportunity to enjoy meal courses made by their International Culinary Panel, which can be reserved up to 24 hours in advance. First Class passengers can upgrade to a private suite, complete with a leather recliner, bed, sliding privacy door, and 32-inch touchscreen.
Swiss International Air Lines
Swiss Business offers passengers priority check-in, plus additional privacy and space so they can work and travel in comfort. For a more luxurious experience, Swiss First seats on long-haul flights can be converted into private suites, complete with wardrobes, armchairs that turn into lie-flat beds, and a gourmet menu.
United Airlines
United's First and Business classes vary by route and offer similar luxuries. Passengers receive two complimentary checked bags, designated Premier Access for check-in and security, priority boarding, and additional food and drink options. Each cushiony seat has a six-way adjustable headrest and additional storage for personal items, plus a granite-topped extendable cocktail table in the center console.
Virgin Atlantic
When booking Virgin Atlantic's Upper Class, each passenger can enjoy a wealth of amenities including an extra-large seat that turns into a fully-flat bed, a glass of sparkling wine after boarding, and a four-course fine dining experience. Upper Class passengers also receive two complimentary checked bags, fast-tracked security, and access to the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses.
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Allison Tibaldi
Allison Tibaldi is a travel and food writer based... Read More
Allison Tibaldi is a travel and food writer based in New York City. She has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne Australia, Toronto and Los Angeles. She studied early childhood development in graduate school and firmly believes that travel is the best education. She writes for numerous publications including CNN, Travel Channel, HGTV, am New York, Emirates Open Skies, Family Traveller and Travel Weekly.
Allison Tibaldi
Allison Tibaldi is a travel and food writer based in New York City. She has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne Australia, Toronto and Los Angeles. She studied early childhood development in graduate school and firmly believes that travel is the best education. She writes for numerous publications including CNN, Travel Channel, HGTV, am New York, Emirates Open Skies, Family Traveller and Travel Weekly.
Christopher Parr
Christopher Parr is the Founder and... Read More
Christopher Parr is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Pursuitist, one of the world’s most influential luxury lifestyle and travel guides. Named a "Top 10 Luxury Travel Blogger” by USA Today 10Best, Parr has also been selected as the official winner in Luxury Lifestyle Awards’ 2023 list of the “Top 50 Best Luxury Influencers and Bloggers in the World.” In addition to Pursuitist, Christopher is a contributor to numerous travel and luxury publications and TV shows, including being the host of Travel Tuesday on CBS. Follow along on Twitter.
Christopher Parr
Christopher Parr is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Pursuitist, one of the world’s most influential luxury lifestyle and travel guides. Named a "Top 10 Luxury Travel Blogger” by USA Today 10Best, Parr has also been selected as the official winner in Luxury Lifestyle Awards’ 2023 list of the “Top 50 Best Luxury Influencers and Bloggers in the World.” In addition to Pursuitist, Christopher is a contributor to numerous travel and luxury publications and TV shows, including being the host of Travel Tuesday on CBS. Follow along on Twitter.
Marla Cimini
Marla is a writer with a passion for travel, music... Read More
Marla is a writer with a passion for travel, music and culinary adventures (and combining those whenever possible)! As an avid globetrotter, she encourages respecting and learning about other cultures while traveling. She has visited Hawaii multiple times, and has explored destinations worldwide, including the Mediterranean region, South America, Asia and more. Marla is a contributor to Fodor’s Hawaii guidebooks (Oahu and Kauai 2020) and her articles have appeared in a number of international publications. She calls New Jersey (Philadelphia area) home. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter and read her travel tips and adventures on her website.
Marla Cimini
Marla is a writer with a passion for travel, music and culinary adventures (and combining those whenever possible)! As an avid globetrotter, she encourages respecting and learning about other cultures while traveling. She has visited Hawaii multiple times, and has explored destinations worldwide, including the Mediterranean region, South America, Asia and more. Marla is a contributor to Fodor’s Hawaii guidebooks (Oahu and Kauai 2020) and her articles have appeared in a number of international publications. She calls New Jersey (Philadelphia area) home. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter and read her travel tips and adventures on her website.
Ramsey Qubein
Ramsey Qubein is a freelance travel journalist... Read More
Ramsey Qubein is a freelance travel journalist covering hotels, cruises, airlines and loyalty programs from around the globe. His work has appeared in numerous publications including Conde Nast Traveler, Travel+Leisure, Forbes.com, CNBC.com, AFAR, Robb Report, Readers Digest, BBC Worldwide, USA Today, NerdWallet.com and Business Traveler magazine among others. Ramsey flies more than 450,000 miles per year and has traveled to 168 countries, all seven continents and 50 U.S. states. Follow him on Instagram and Twitter or via his website.
Ramsey Qubein
Ramsey Qubein is a freelance travel journalist covering hotels, cruises, airlines and loyalty programs from around the globe. His work has appeared in numerous publications including Conde Nast Traveler, Travel+Leisure, Forbes.com, CNBC.com, AFAR, Robb Report, Readers Digest, BBC Worldwide, USA Today, NerdWallet.com and Business Traveler magazine among others. Ramsey flies more than 450,000 miles per year and has traveled to 168 countries, all seven continents and 50 U.S. states. Follow him on Instagram and Twitter or via his website.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.