As international travel continues to evolve, the business class offerings on transpacific flights from the U.S. to Asia are gaining attention for their enhanced features and luxury. According to the 2026 Skytrax World Airline Awards, Asian carriers are leading the pack, with several ranked among the best business class products globally.
Among U.S.-based airlines, Delta Air Lines stands out with a global ranking of 13th, maintaining its position as the highest-ranked U.S. carrier overall at 25th. Other U.S. airlines, including United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and American Airlines, fall significantly lower on the list, with United ranked 45th, Alaska at 51st, and American at 65th. By contrast, Qatar Airways topped the rankings, followed by Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, ANA, and others, with all seven of the top ten airlines being Asian.
Luxury Offerings from Asian Airlines
Notable contenders in the Asian market include All Nippon Airways (ANA) with its “The Room” business class product, available on select Boeing 777-300ER flights. This offering features spacious enclosed suites complete with a sliding door, allowing for direct aisle access and enhanced privacy. The 64 seats in this configuration are designed for comfort, with wide dimensions and a large 24-inch 4K screen.
Cathay Pacific’s Aria Suite has also been recognized, lauded by AirlineRatings.com as the best business class for 2026. These suites, fitted into Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, offer privacy doors, fully lie-flat beds, and 24-inch screens. They feature a 1-2-1 reverse-herringbone layout, providing both luxury and functionality, accommodating travelers either together or separately.
Japan Airlines is introducing its new A350-1000 business class, featuring closing doors and reclining seats that extend to a comfortable 78-inch bed, plus storage for personal items. This configuration allows for greater passenger privacy while enhancing the sense of space with a staggered 1-1-1 layout.
Meanwhile, STARLUX Airlines emphasizes luxury with its A350 business suites, which include flat beds, doors for privacy, and direct aisle access. Established in 2020, STARLUX is quickly building a reputation for high-end service, operating transpacific routes including Los Angeles and San Francisco from its base in Taipei.
In the U.S., Delta and United are widely regarded as leading contenders for the best business class experiences, while Alaska Airlines attempts to carve out a competitive niche with its emerging offerings. Alaska has recently unveiled its first international business class suites as part of its expansion into long-haul international travel, capitalizing on its recent acquisition of the Hawaiian Airlines brand.
As airlines continue to enhance their business class services, travelers can expect a range of premium experiences on transpacific flights, with the best airlines offering competitive features as they strive to attract passengers in this prestigious travel segment.
