Best Business Class Seats

One of the best parts of the points and miles game is that the world is your oyster. Want to fly 10 people in economy to Orlando? You can do that. Do you want to fly solo in a first class cabin to Southeast Asia? Those redemptions are plentiful! Although I did not embrace luxury travel initially, I am all about premium cabin experiences. As an avgeek, I crave the best business class seats and trying new products. With that background, and having flown almost 100,000 miles in premium cabins, I want to share my ToP 5 business class experiences in 2023.

Method to the Madness: How the Rankings Work

Simply stated, there is no rhyme or reason to these rankings of the best business class seats. It is purely subjective. You'll never see me write an airline review and compare wifi speeds, ambient air temperature, cost of the bedding or champagne selection, etc. But each of those factors, and many more, help shape my experience in some way. However, the vast majority of my rankings are 2 things: the seat (known as the “hard product”) and the service (known as the “soft product”). For simplicity's sake, food & beverage are lumped together with service.

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Derrick's ToP 5 Business Class Seats for 2023

Qatar Qsuites

I was fortunate enough to fly 4 segments in Qsuites, spending approximately 50 hours in the air. I flew the product on an Airbus 350 and a Boeing 777. Overall, I enjoyed the 777 product better, but all were simply fantastic. There are few products, if any, that rival Qsuites as the best business class seats in the sky, at least on a consistent basis. Now that Qatar has fully transitioned to the Avios program, these seats are even easier to book.

Pros:

The window seats have 2 powerful air nozzles that allow you to fully regulate your comfortable temperature, service is fantastic, and the sliding doors create a very private seat. Additionally, WiFi is blazing fast and under $10, regardless of flight time.

Cons:

Middle seats are noisy and less temperature control, as there are no air nozzles.

Japan Airlines SkySuites

While we're all excited for Japan Airlines to release its updated seats in 2024, I flew the 777 SkySuite in January 2023 and it blew me away. It takes 2nd place in the best business class seats of 2023. Frankly, it's the most private seat I've ever flown, as well as very spacious. I thoroughly enjoyed my 14 hour flight and it passed too quickly.

Pros:

Privacy in certain window seats is 2nd to none. WiFi and service were exceptional. I hear the food is outstanding, but I did not eat on this flight.

Cons:

Direct aisle seats are much less private.

British Airways Club World Suites

We've all heard the horror stories of British Airways' horrible 2-3-2 and 2-4-2 business class configurations. Not only are you in cramped spaces (at least by business class standards), but you are also sitting facing your neighbor, which is quite awkward. However, British Airways has begun rolling out a much nicer product on the A350. Into the future, more airplanes get this makeover. This better product is known as Club World Suites. Let me tell you, it IS sweet. It ranks as my third best business class seat of 2023.

Pros:

The sliding door, much like Qsuites, makes for a very private space. The seat itself is extremely comfortable, especially for side-sleepers. The food and service were exceptional, which is not always my experience with British Airways.

Cons:

WiFi was not good and very expensive. Cabin was very warm. Drink selection did not feel “premium” at all.

Jetblue Mint

I bet you didn't expect to see a domestic product on our list of the best business class seats, right? We flew the newer Mint product from Boston to Los Angeles. It is the best way to fly domestically. Period. The seats are private and comfortable. The food and beverages were outstanding, even on a 6 a.m. flight. It's amazing that espressos, lattes, cappuccinos, etc. are offer while in the air! I cannot wait to fly this product again, especially to Europe.

Pros:

Privacy, once your suite door is closed. Food and drink was exceptional. Bed was comfortable, even at my 6'5″ height.

Cons:

The entire airplane boards through the Mint cabin and prepare yourself for lots of jealous passersby. The wall/door could be slightly higher for complete privacy. I could still make eye contact with fellow Mint passengers.

Cathay Pacific

The final spot on our list of best business class seats for 2023 is Cathay Pacific business class. We flew 2 segments, and 24 hours total, on two A350s. Each had semi-private reverse herringbone seats that were spacious and comfortable. Food and drink were plentiful and delicious. Service was great, but required you to ring your call bell each and every time. Otherwise, you went hours without any flight attendants checking in. The cabin is very warm and there are no personal air vents, so dress in layers. Overall, I can't wait to fly this product to or from Asia in the future.

Pros:

Comfortable seat and good WiFi. Great selection of food and drink. Service is great, once you make a request.

Cons:

No service without ringing a call bell. Cabin temperature and lack of personal air nozzles. WiFi cost (over $20).

Best Business Class Seats: ToP Thoughts

Overall, I am so happy with my 2023 travels. I got to experience all of the above cabins for points and miles and the cost of taxes and fees. While I flew many other premium cabins, only a select few make up the ToP 5 list. I try to tell myself to never become numb to the awesomeness that is flying all around the world in luxury, but it is a constant battle. Rest assured, if you have the opportunity to fly any of these cabins, do so without hesitation. Remember, savor every single moment in the best business class seats in the sky. It's a joy that most will never experience in their lifetime.

What were your best business class seats in 2023? Come over to our Facebook group and let us know.