Forbes India 15th Anniversary Special

The long stretch: Try these cozy business class seats on your next long flight

Business class flight seats that ensure your long-distance flight is as comfortable as your favourite sofa back home

Jasodhara Banerjee
Published: Dec 6, 2016 06:03:33 AM IST
Updated: Dec 5, 2016 12:30:00 PM IST

Japan Airlines (JAL)

  • All seats in the JAL Sky Suite have direct access to the aisle, which means greater privacy and minimal disturbance for all fliers.
  • The seats also come with the largest (in its class) TV screens (23 inches), and noise cancelling headphones from Sony.
  • There is ample space for everything—your magazines, reading glasses, cabin luggage, meal trays and, of course, your legs!
  • Choose from Japanese or Western cuisine for your meals (or select a special Donburi menu which combines food from each European country), and simply tap on the touch-panel control to order à la carte at any time you fancy. The business class also has its own full-service bar.


EVA Air

When your flight begins with a glass of champagne, the rest of it promises to be equally good. EVA Air’s Royal Laurel Class of business class seats offer privacy and space in equal measure, combined with great in-flight food and service. However, it is the little thoughtful touches that make the difference: Harnn luxury products in the restrooms and in your overnight kits (which are designed by German luggage manufacturers Rimowa);  noise-cancelling headphones that are ergonomically designed, and which come with a convenient ‘mute’ function that lets you keep your headphones on while having a chat with someone; retractable armrests; a shoe cabinet and space to hang up your jacket.



Etihad
  • When you fly business class in Etihad’s A380, you can even have mid-air meetings (which might, of course, not make you the most popular boss!). The Lobby, located on the upper deck of the aircraft, can seat up to six people and is fitted with connectivity ports. Post meeting, to score some brownie points with your team, you could relax and watch a live game on the widescreen TV.
  • Also available on the A380s, and the 787 Dreamliners, are Business Studios, which not only give you more space, but also more privacy. Seats have been upholstered by Poltrona Frau and come with a privacy screen, a meal table, a separate work table and storage space.   
  • Every seat comes with Wi-Fi ports, touch-screen televisions and noise-cancelling headphones, along with toiletries designed specially by luxury brand Scaramouche + Fandango.


Qatar Airways
  • Qatar Airways’ association with chef Nobuyuki 'Nobu' Matsuhisa—renowned for The Matsuhisa Restaurants and the Nobu Restaurants—means you are going to be treated to some of the best food in the world. And an on-demand à la carte menu means you can ask for anything, any time from appetizers and main courses that include mezze platters and salads, Iranian grilled meats or roasted salmon. Accompanying them is an extensive wine list.  
  • In-flight entertainment takes on a new mode through a dual-screen interface which gives you the option of watching a film on your personal screen, while you play a game on your hand-held device.  
  • Wi-Fi services, charging facilities for your laptops and mobile phones, and a spacious working area lets you stay connected with your team and keep working on your flight.
  • If you’d rather get some rest, then slip into your pajamas, and make good use of the bag full of Giorgio Armani toiletries.

(This story appears in the 09 December, 2016 issue of Forbes India. To visit our Archives, click here.)