The 5 best business-class seats for traveling solo
Airlines have been getting increasingly innovative with their business-class products over the last several years. Business-class seats have become more luxurious and more private across the board. Gone are angled lie-flat seats and eight-across, “dorm-style” business-class cabins. Fully flat beds, direct aisle access and some form of storage are the norm nowadays for long-haul aircraft. Plus, many business-class products even offer closing doors for additional privacy.
Still, some seats are better than others, and some are better suited for certain types of travelers. Many airlines offer "honeymoon-style" seats which are ideal for couples. There are also some seats that are better for tall people.
In light of solo travel week at TPG, today we're going to look at the best business-class seats for solo travelers — think seats with maximum privacy. We'll focus on ones regularly found on flights out of the U.S. and only consider the "hard product," so not things like food and service.
ANA’s The Room business class
Shortly before the pandemic started, ANA quietly began rolling out new premium cabins on select Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. In addition to an updated first-class cabin dubbed The Suite, ANA launched a new business class called The Room. It's an incredible product too — in fact, TPG’s Zach Griff said it sets the gold standard for the industry in a recent review.
Aside from closing doors that provide excellent privacy, it's the most spacious business-class seat in the sky. It's 38 inches wide, which is wider than many first-class seats.
Related: How to travel solo — and why you absolutely should
Where to find it: Select Boeing 777-300ERs flying from Tokyo (HND) to cities like New York (JFK) and Los Angeles (LAX).
How to book: Business-class awards start at just 75,000 miles round-trip through ANA Mileage Club during the low season. If you're looking to book one-way, you can book with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club from 45,000 miles each way. Other programs to consider include Avianca LifeMiles and Air Canada Aeroplan.
Qatar Airways Qsuite
Another favorite among the TPG team is Qatar's Qsuite, found on most of the airline's U.S. routes.
This was the first suite-style business-class seat with closing doors. And despite being first to market, it remains one of the best business-class products today. All seats provide a good amount of privacy but solo travelers will want to select window seats in odd-numbered rows.
These are rear-facing seats, flush against the window, and offer more privacy than those against the aisle. If you prefer the center section of the cabin, you'll want to select an even-numbered row. This is because seats in odd-numbered rows are the honeymoon-style seats that convert into a "double bed." All of the seats offer stylish finishes, large screens for inflight entertainment and plenty of storage.
Related: What are the differences between business class and first class?
Where to find it: Select Boeing 777-200LRs, 777-300ERs, Airbus A350-900s and all A350-1000s, on flights from Doha, Qatar (DOH), to cities like New York (JFK), Seattle (SEA), Miami (MIA), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO) and others.
How to book: The best way to book these awards is through American Airlines AAdvantage, which charges just 70,000 miles for a one-way business-class flight to Doha (DOH) or the Indian subcontinent (including the Maldives). You could also connect to anywhere in Africa for just 5,000 miles more.
JetBlue Mint Suite
Aside from the new A321LRs flying to London (which offer even better seats), JetBlue offers a consistent business-class cabin across its Mint-equipped fleet.
There are 16 Mint seats spread across five rows, with each row alternating between a 2-2 configuration (odd-numbered rows) and 1-1 configuration (even-numbered rows). Solo travelers should select the even-numbered suite-style seats as they have two large tables and a sliding door for privacy.
Regardless of which row you end up in, your seat will have a massage function, power outlet, USB port and seatback entertainment.
Related: The best premium cabin seats in the US and how to book them
Where to find it: Select A321s on a growing number of transcontinental routes and some to the Caribbean and Central America.
How to book: With paid fares starting as low as $300 each way, paying cash is often your best bet. However, you can also redeem JetBlue TrueBlue points for a Mint award at a rate of about 1 cent per point. Alternatively, you may be able to get decent value booking JetBlue Mint with Emirates miles. Awards to the Caribbean cost 40,000 Skywards miles while cross-country flights will set you back 52,000 miles.
Delta One suites
Delta stands out from the other big three legacy U.S. carriers for being the only one to offer fully enclosed business-class suites.
You can find these private suites on its Airbus A350s and A330-900neos flying to select Asian and European destinations. Plus, you'll occasionally find them on some domestic routes.
Although the cabin is arranged in a staggered 1-2-1 configuration, all of the seats offer an equal amount of privacy. The suites have 18-inch, high-resolution screens for inflight entertainment, high-powered USB ports, universal power outlets and ample counter space.
Where to find it: All Airbus A350s and A330-900neos, which are normally found on long-haul flights to Asia and Europe.
How to book: While you could book your awards directly through Delta SkyMiles, if there's saver-level availability, you can sometimes save a ton of points by booking through Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. Just to give you an idea, nonstop Delta One awards to Europe cost a flat 50,000 miles each way, while those to Asia will set you back at least 105,000 miles, depending on the distance. Another perk is that Virgin Atlantic is a partner of several transferable points programs.
Related: How to save thousands of miles on Delta One awards to Europe
United Polaris
United now offers its true Polaris business-class cabins on almost all long-haul aircraft.
The seats are fairly spacious, offer direct aisle access and feature some classy touches like a lamp, a marble-like side table and a cabinet with a mirror.
More importantly, they are quite private, despite not having closing doors. That said, some of the seats are better for solo travelers than others. Specifically, you'll want to pick an odd-numbered window seat (A or L). These seats are closer to the window and offer much more privacy than the even-row window seats.
Related: Everything you need to know about United Polaris business class
Where to find it: All Boeing 777-300ERs (also referred to as 77Ws), internationally equipped 777-200ERs, 787-10s and 787-8s. United is also in the process of retrofitting its 787-9s with the new seats.
How to book: With United no longer publishing award charts, you'll usually be best off booking your Polaris flights through one of United’s partners like Avianca LifeMiles or Air Canada Aeroplan. For instance, LifeMiles charges 63,000 miles for business-class awards from the U.S. to Europe, while United might charge double that.
Bottom line
If you're a solo traveler redeeming your points, miles or even dollars on a business-class ticket, you'll want to make sure you're booking the most comfortable experience possible. Hopefully, this guide has provided you with some tips and inspiration on how to do exactly that.
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| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
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| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.