No matter where you’re going, “business” has never been better. A growing number of airlines has invested in more and better business-class seats—or, in many cases, suites. The changes have been years in the making, but lucky for travelers, they’re hitting the market just as “super long-haul” flights get longer and more common.
In the past three years, Qatar Airways and Delta raised the ante for in-flight exclusivity by adding closing doors to their lie-flat seats. Singapore Airlines and Qantas forged strategic partnerships with wellness experts to offer such perks as menus designed to combat jet lag or meditation classes in the lounge. On several airlines, you can now control your in-flight entertainment screen with Bluetooth or apps on your mobile phone.
Here are five of the most exciting new business-class offerings to look for—ranked for innovation and comfort—and how to book them with points and miles. Remember always to double-check your flight’s seat map before booking in order to determine whether your plane will have the latest and greatest cabin.
1. All Nippon Airways
In July, Japanese carrier All Nippon Airways Co. announced it had commissioned architect Kengo Kuma and British design firm Acumen to overhaul the business-class cabins on 12 of its Boeing 777-300ERs.
Formally titled “The Room,” the new suites are inspired by traditional multifunctional Japanese living spaces: They come with various wood-toned panels and double-wide, lie-flat seats topped by luxe Nishikawa Sangyo cushions. Sliding doors, like those on Qatar Airways’ Qsuites, make them especially private; in the center section of the 1 – 2 – 1 configuration, you’ll get privacy partitions as well. Bonus: A mobile app allows you to turn your phone into a remote control. (There are plenty of outlets and USB ports to combat battery drain.)
The new design is currently flying on 777-300ERs between Tokyo Haneda and London Heathrow; more routes with the same aircraft will be added in the coming months, including to New York and Frankfurt.
Book it with miles: ANA is a member of Star Alliance, giving you plenty of options. American Express Membership Rewards points transfer to both ANA’s Mileage Club and Air Canada’s Aeroplan. ANA requires round-trip award redemptions, and flights between Japan and Europe cost from 80,000 to 95,000 miles, while those between Japan and North America require from 75,000 to 90,000 in total. Aeroplan requires 75,000 miles each way between Japan and Europe, Canada, and the continental U.S.
United MileagePlus, which is a transfer partner of Chase Ultimate Rewards, will charge you 75,000 miles each way between Japan and Europe, or 80,000 between the U.S. and Japan.
2. British Airways
British Airways unveiled its new “Club Suite” in March, and it’s being installed on all 18 of the new A350-1000s in the fleet—along with some refitted Boeing 777s. Expect a look that’s reminiscent of Virgin Australia’s and American Airlines’ upper classes (they’re by the same manufacturer) but with slate-gray upholstery and a reverse herringbone layout. More important, these are suites, which means closable doors and privacy screens, as well as sumptuous down bedding from White Co..
Compared to the airline’s old seats, these are far more spacious: Each is up to 27 inches wide with the armrest lowered and reclines to a 79-inch lie-flat bed, with outsized tray tables and 40% more personal storage space. All that will take you from Heathrow to Dubai, New York, or Toronto, with Tel Aviv, Bangalore, Seattle, Chicago, and Boston coming soon.