Qatar Airways has taken first place in the 2026 Flat Beds ‘Best Business Class Awards’, a new ranking designed specifically around Australian travellers and supported by booking data from the local market.
The awards assess airlines across seat product, overall value, service, consistency and frequent flyer benefits.
Turkish Airlines placed second and Finnair third, followed by Etihad Airways, Oman Air, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Cathay Pacific, United Airlines and Emirates.
Flat Beds said business class bookings are up 20% year on year, with Australian travellers increasingly comparing value, aircraft type and individual product quality rather than remaining loyal to a single carrier.
Turkish Airlines has become the company’s most-booked business class carrier, with bookings rising more than 200% year on year.
Its fares and broad destination network helped it place second, although Flat Beds marked the airline down for older aircraft operating on some routes.
Qantas placed seventh, with its relatively consistent long haul business class product viewed positively but its airport experience, lounges and dining receiving lower marks.
Mark Trim, Flat Beds Managing Director, said aircraft type was becoming an increasingly important consideration when choosing premium flights.
“When people think of business class, they picture a fully flat bed, lounge access, free Wi-Fi and extra perks. The reality is that the business class experience varies not only from airline to airline, but also between aircraft,” Mr Trim said.
Emirates won the ranking’s ‘Best Business Class Service’ category but placed 10th overall, with Flat Beds citing the return of some Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with angled business class seating to Australian routes as a factor in its score.
Qatar Airways also received the category awards for ‘Business Class Meals’ and ‘Airport Experience’, while Oman Air was recognised for value to Europe and United Airlines for value to North America.
Mr Trim said travellers seeking stronger value should consider booking eight to 10 months ahead for peak periods, check the aircraft and seat type scheduled for individual flights and compare inclusions such as lounge access, Wi-Fi and transfers.
