The change in business class seats over time has been largely driven by what passengers want related to privacy and comfort. This has made many airlines work with big seat-making companies to tweak existing seat designs instead of creating totally new ones from scratch.
What's interesting is that lots of airlines end up with seats that are pretty similar. These seats might have small changes or big updates, depending on what the airline wants and what fits in their planes. It's pretty common to see one type of seat in one kind of plane in an airline's fleet, and a completely different seat in another type.
Even with these differences, there are some things about the design and how it feels to sit in these seats that are pretty similar across airlines. Our guide looks into the long-haul business class seats, showing you the different kinds of seat setups you might find. We're always trying to keep our info up to date and complete, so if you think we've missed something or have ideas, please let us know in the comments below.
The Thompson Vantage XL Seats
The Thompson Vantage XL seat is known for giving passengers a lot of space. These seats in configuration 1-2-1 are wider than most business class seats and can be turned into fully flat beds. This makes them perfect for long-haul flights where comfort is key.
Qantas Airways upgraded business class cabin seats in their Airbus A380 aircraft. Photo by Qantas Airways.
Privacy & Comfort
When it comes to privacy, the seats are designed to make sure you have your own space, which is great for both sleeping and working. The ability to recline fully flat means you can get a good night's sleep on longer flights. The latest generation of Vantage seats, including the Vantage XL, Vantage Solo, and Vantage Duo, offers enhanced seating options with increased privacy, catering to the needs of solo travelers and couples alike.
Airlines
These seats are popular among various airlines. Delta Air Lines features them on their Airbus A350s and some A330s, while Qantas uses them on their Airbus A330 fleet. SAS Scandinavian Airlines, Air Canada, and Virgin Australia are other carriers that have adopted Vantage XL seats, with each airline tailoring the design to its own specifications.
Apex Suites
Apex Suites are notable for their focus on privacy, offering a different experience compared to the more spacious Vantage XL seats. The key feature of these suites is how they are arranged. Even with configuration 2-2-2 window seats have direct aisle access and are shielded from the aisle, giving a sense of being in a private mini-suite. Middle seats, while slightly less secluded, but still provide a decent amount of privacy.
Gulf Air Boeing B787-9 business class. Photo by Gulf Air.
Privacy & Comfort
Privacy is a significant advantage with Apex Suites, especially for the window seats, which feel almost like closed suites. The middle seats, although offering less privacy than the window ones, still ensure a comfortable and semi-private experience. These seats also convert into fully flat beds, enhancing comfort for long-haul flights.
Airlines
This seat type is a favorite on several airlines. Japan Airlines features them on their Boeing 777s and 787s, offering a luxurious and private experience. Korean Air also uses Apex Suites on some of their 747-8s and 787s, while Oman Air and Gulf Air have them installed on their 787s. Each airline's version of the Apex Suite has unique touches, making the experience slightly different depending on the carrier.
A cabin walkthrough of Gulf Air's new dreamliner B787
Herringbone Configuration
The Herringbone configuration is a classic design in business class seating. In this layout, seats are angled inwards, facing the aisle. This design maximizes space efficiency and provides each passenger with direct aisle access. While not offering the privacy of enclosed suites, it's a practical layout that optimizes the use of cabin space.
Hawaiian Airlines' Business Class Leihoku Suites in their Boeing 787-9. Photo by Hawaiian Airlines.
Privacy & Comfort
The Herringbone layout offers moderate privacy. The seats are more open and less suite-like, providing some level of seclusion but not as much as a private suite. In terms of comfort, these seats generally recline into fully flat beds, making them suitable for long-haul travel.
Airlines
This configuration is popular among various airlines. Virgin Atlantic was the first airline to use herringbone seats on their aircraft and uses it in their A330 and 787 aircraft, offering a comfortable and accessible experience. Delta Air Lines features the Herringbone layout in their older A330s, and Air Canada has adopted this design for their 777s and 787s. Each airline tailors the configuration to their specific brand and customer needs, so the experience can vary.
Cirrus Seats
Cirrus seats are designed in a reverse herringbone configuration, facing away from the aisle. This layout not only maximizes privacy but also enhances space efficiency, making it a popular choice for modern business class cabins. The arrangement is particularly favored for its combination of personal space and direct aisle access.
Privacy & Comfort
Cirrus seats offer a high level of privacy, similar to a private suite but without a closing door. This setup allows passengers to enjoy their own space without feeling too exposed. Comfort is also a key feature, with seats that recline into fully flat beds, perfect for resting on long journeys.
Airlines
This seat type is found on various major airlines, each adding its unique flair. Cathay Pacific uses Cirrus seats extensively on their 777s and A350s. American Airlines features them in some of their 777s and 787s, while Finnair includes them in their A350s and A330s. These seats are known for providing a luxurious and comfortable travel experience, though the exact design and features can vary from one airline to another.
Solstys Seats
Solstys seats are known for their unique staggered configuration. This design offers a clever balance between privacy and accessibility, with some seats providing direct aisle access. The layout is a mix of space efficiency and passenger comfort, making it a popular choice in many business class cabins.
Emirates A380 business class cabins feature Stelia Solstys seats in a 1-2-1 configuration.
Privacy & Comfort
The level of privacy in Solstys seats varies depending on the seat position within the cabin. While they're not as private as fully enclosed suites, they do offer more seclusion than traditional business class layouts. These seats also convert into fully flat beds, providing excellent comfort for long-haul travel.
Airlines
Several airlines have chosen Solstys seats for their balance of privacy and comfort. Alitalia features them on their A330s and 777s, offering a refined travel experience. Etihad Airways includes Solstys seats in their A330s, 777s, and some A380s, while Iberia has them on their A330s and A350s. Each airline customizes the seats to fit their specific service style and aircraft, resulting in variations in the passenger experience.
Throne Seats
Throne seats are a distinct category in business class seating, tailored for solo travelers seeking extra space and privacy. These seats are standalone, offering additional work and storage space around the seat. They are particularly popular among business travelers who value privacy and the flexibility to work or relax in their own space.
Throne seats in new Lufthansa Allegris business class cabin. Photo by Lufthansa.
Privacy & Comfort
The privacy offered by Throne seats is among the highest in business class configurations. They resemble personal mini-suites, providing a secluded environment. In terms of comfort, these seats typically recline into fully flat beds, making them ideal for restful sleep on long flights.
Airlines
These luxurious seats can be found on select airlines that prioritize individual passenger comfort. Swiss International Air Lines, for example, offers Throne seats on some of their A330s and A340s. Additionally, Qatar Airways has implemented similar seating arrangements in their fleet. The experience in a Throne seat can vary depending on the airline, as each carrier customizes the seat to align with its specific brand and service offerings.
Zodiac Optima
The Zodiac Optima seat represents a modern approach to business class seating. It features a unique staggered layout that optimizes space efficiency while providing each passenger with direct aisle access. The design is a thoughtful blend of comfort, privacy, and practicality, making it a promising choice for airlines and passengers alike.
United Polaris featuring Zodiac Optima Business Class Seats. Photo by United Airlines.
Privacy & Comfort
Zodiac Optima seats offer a balanced level of privacy. They are not as enclosed as full suites, but they do provide more privacy than many traditional business class seats. The seats are designed for comfort, reclining into fully flat beds, which is a significant advantage on long-haul flights.
Airlines
While Zodiac Optima is a newer entry in the market, it's being adopted by several airlines. United Airlines, in their Polaris business class, and Air France in their Boeing 777 business class, feature seats with designs similar to the Zodiac Optima.
Couples Configuration
The Couples Configuration in business class is specially designed for two passengers traveling together. These seats are arranged in such a way that couples can sit close to each other, with easy interaction. This unique setup is ideal for those who prefer to travel in a more intimate and connected setting. Some configurations allow for a semi-private experience where couples can choose to be isolated from the rest of the cabin or maintain a more open setting. The seats generally recline into fully flat beds, ensuring comfort during long flights.
Qatar Airways' Qsuite for couples, transformable into a family suite with quad configuration. Photo by Qatar Airways
Airlines
This type of seating is found in the business class cabins of select airlines. Singapore Airlines, for instance, features this configuration in their new A380 business class. Qatar Airways and British Airways also offer similar seating arrangements that cater to couples. The design and level of privacy can vary depending on the airline, but the focus remains on providing a comfortable and intimate experience for traveling pairs.
Quad Configuration
The Quad Configuration in business class is an innovative seating arrangement designed for families or small groups traveling together. This setup typically features four seats grouped around a central area, enabling easy interaction among the group while maintaining a level of privacy from other passengers.
It's an ideal choice for those who want to share their travel experience with family or friends. It allows a group of friends or family to enjoy a shared space while still providing some seclusion from the rest of the cabin. These seats often recline into fully flat beds or angle-flat seats, ensuring comfort for all passengers in the group.
Airlines
This type of seating is more commonly found in first class, such as Etihad's The Residence on their A380s, but some airlines have incorporated it into their business class offerings. Qatar Airways Qsuite is one example, offering a variation of this configuration. The design and exact features can vary between airlines, but the focus is on accommodating small groups in a comfortable and interactive environment.
Book Your Flight with Above9 Travel
As you can see from our business class seat guide, there are a wide variety of different types and configurations of seats available. Each type offers a unique experience in terms of comfort, privacy, and overall travel enjoyment. However, finding the right seat that matches your specific needs can be challenging.
When booking a flight, there's no guarantee that you'll automatically get the business class seats you desire. It's crucial to remember that not all business class seats are created equal, and the level of privacy and comfort can vary significantly. Different airlines and aircraft types offer various business class seats and configurations.
Whether you're a solo traveler, part of a family, or traveling as a couple, our experts at Above9 Travel are here to assist you. Book a flight with us, and let our experts help you secure business class seats that are perfectly tailored to your needs. We ensure that your journey is not just enjoyable but also effortless and worry-free.