Sit Back and Relax in the Sky

Airlines take customer comfort and experience to the next level in premium cabins.

- MARY MELNICK

With travel looking a little different this year and for the near future, airlines are making changes to cleaning, seating procedures and more. Many airlines ensure social distancing during each step of the flight process while also reducing food and beverage service on flights and requiring all crew and passengers to wear a mask. All of these changes will help prevent the spread of COVID-19, but, pre-pandemic, airlines around the world made some big changes to their first and business class cabins.

Airlines constantly evolve and change to be the best and attract more customers. The industry frequently finds ways to keep up with the demands and needs of travelers. With the rise of budget airlines, competitors roll out attractive fares, new routes and big enhancements to premium class cabins — all competing to be the best.

Although frequent travelers naturally have loyalty toward a certain airline, they also know while first- and business-class accommodations are all premium, some differences among the airlines put some above others.

Each year Global Traveler honors the best overall airlines, as well as the best premium-class services, in the GT Tested Reader Survey awards to help travelers get an idea of which airlines stand out to our readers. In addition, Skytrax, a U.K.-based consultancy organization that runs airline ranking and review sites, releases a ranking system of the World’s Best First-Class Airlines, a great tool to keep in mind while looking to book the perfect flight.