‘I’ve tried out six airlines’ business class – one was the best by far’

Alesandra Dubin has flown business class with six of the world’s leading airlines – and she says one stood out from the rest

For the majority of travellers, holiday flights mean squeezing into an economy seat.

Experiencing the luxury available at the front of the aircraft in Business Class remains a dream that’s simply out of reach financially. However, not every business class experience is the same standard.

Experienced globetrotter Alesandra Dubin reveals she’s sampled the business class services of six major airlines – and has singled out one that towers above the rest.

Speaking to Business Insider, she heaped praise on the treatment business class passengers receive with Fiji Airways.

“Flight attendants were attentive from the start,” she said, adding that she was offered “pre-flight drinks and warm towels, and there was even complimentary WiFi, a rare perk”.

Following a scrumptious vegetarian dish, Alesandra accomplished something that’s exceptionally uncommon on long-haul flights; seven hours of undisturbed rest.

This was largely thanks, she explains, to the Airbus A350’s exceptionally comfortable lie-flat seating.

She went on: “The seat, with direct aisle access, a 17-inch screen, ample storage, and lie-flat recline, was super comfortable.”

Alesandra noted: “I also appreciated that I could watch external cameras showing the plane’s landing gear in action from the screen on my seat-back.”

She wrapped up by saying that whilst she’s only experienced Fiji Airways’ business-class offering on one occasion, she wouldn’t hesitate to travel with them again.

British travellers may be pleased to learn that the travel specialist also rated international flag carrier British Airways very highly. She lauded the “exceptional” meals and highlighted the drinks as another standout feature: “The wine selection was well-curated, and I opted for a glass of delicious port with my cheese plate.”

While BA didn’t offer free wifi, she felt that the £20 in-flight internet connection was “fairly priced”.

Virgin Atlantic also received an honourable mention, falling short only because, in Alesandra’s experience, the food was “a bit less plentiful” than she would have preferred for a 10-hour flight and the 22-inch seat seemed a tad cramped and tricky to adjust.

However, she did admit that the provision of a bar area made it a fantastic option for large groups travelling together.

For domestic flights, the US-based travel expert stated there was really only one choice. She said: “If you ask me, there’s no superior US airline to Delta, and the competition doesn’t even come close.”

She explained that while Delta One is listed as the airline’s business-class product, it’s more akin to an outright first-class service, offering an enclosed mini-cabin that provides the traveller with complete privacy.

Complimentary wifi is also included, along with super-comfortable lie-flat seats that – although slightly narrower than the Virgin equivalent – are much easier to operate.

After being swiftly transported from her plane to a connecting flight in a Porsche, Alesandra said that Delta made her feel like such a VIP that it’s now always her number one choice.