Flying in Luxury: The Top 5 Airlines for Business and First Class

I’ve been traveling since I was 5 years old, and over the years, I’ve experienced my fair share of flights. As a plant-based person, finding good inflight meals can be a challenge. This year I am manifesting more business and first class flights.

The top 5 airlines that are on my wish list are Etihad, Emirates, Qatar, Singapore, and Cathay Pacific airlines. They are on my top 5 because of their reputation for excellent service and outstanding food. I want to fly with them and see firsthand if they truly cater to vegan travelers like me who have gourmet palates.

From the comfort of lie-flat beds to the potential of enjoying well-prepared vegan meals, these airlines promise an exceptional experience. Here’s why they stand out to me:

1. Etihad Airways

If you want to feel like royalty 30,000 feet in the air, look no further than the Etihad Residence. This isn’t just a first-class suite – it’s a private three-room residence on their A380 aircraft, complete with a living room, double bedroom, ensuite bathroom with shower, and your very own personal butler.

The Residence redefines luxury air travel. Etihad’s Boeing 787 Dreamliners offer a fantastic business-class experience with direct aisle access in a 1-2-1 configuration, fully lie-flat beds up to 79.5 inches long, and 18.5-inch personal TV screens. The dine-on-demand service and wireless charging are just the cherries on top.

As for dining, you’ll be treated to a personalized menu designed by premium chefs. Vegan and special dietary requirements are happily accommodated with gourmet plant-based dishes, such as buckwheat and lentil salad, Arabic mezze, and a plant-based rendition of Indian Dal Makhani.

2. Emirates

Emirates was a trailblazer in first-class suites, offering fully enclosed private cabins with doors for total seclusion. The suites are equipped with luxurious touches like personal mini-bars and remote-controlled doors and lighting.

In business class, Emirates provides lie-flat seats with direct aisle access, regionally inspired gourmet meals, dedicated airport lounges, amenity kits with skincare products, and noise-canceling headphones for a comfortable journey.

When it comes to cuisine, expect the finest with dishes like caviar and premium wines. Emirates also caters to vegan flyers with a dedicated plant-based menu featuring creative dishes like Moroccan-spiced lentil pastries.

3. Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways sets the standard for modern business class with its QSuites. With sliding privacy doors, ultra-plush bedding, and top-tier service, you’ll feel like you’re in a flying hotel. First class is equally luxurious with private suites and turndown service.

In business class, the rear-facing QSuites allow families to combine seats into a private area, and they can convert into double beds for couples traveling together.

The a la carte dine-on-demand menu features globally-inspired dishes, from Arabic mezze to pan-Asian curries. Qatar’s vegan menu is excellent, with flavorful plant-based mains like Moroccan vegetable stew.

4. Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines is renowned for its exceptional service and attention to detail in all classes. In first class, you’ll enjoy a spacious private suite, luxurious bedding, and amenities like pajamas and luxury skincare products.

In business class, the seats convert to fully flat beds arranged in a forward-facing 1-2-1 configuration with enhanced privacy thanks to high walls.

Passengers can pre-order meals through the “Book the Cook” service and enjoy luxurious amenity kits and noise-cancelling headphones. The “Book the Cook” service allows you to pre-order gourmet dishes like lobster thermidor or plant-based meals like quinoa with roasted veggies. The vegan menu is diverse and delicious.

5. Cathay Pacific

With newly renovated first-class suites, Cathay Pacific delivers a refined luxury experience. The suites feature plush seating, spacious beds, and enhanced privacy and storage.

In business class on long-haul aircraft like the A350 and 777, the reverse herringbone seats provide direct aisle access and convert to a fully lie-flat bed up to 82 inches long, with dine-on-demand restaurant-style meals and large personal TVs. Passengers also receive amenity kits with travel essentials and noise-canceling headphones for a relaxing flight.

Cathay’s first-class dining highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients and unique wine pairings. Vegan and vegetarian options like stir-fried noodles with veggies are available on every flight.

Does the Vegan Menu Live up to the Reputation

While each of these airlines offers an exceptional experience, as a plant-based traveler, I’d love to get on board and see if their vegan menus live up to their reputation. From Emirates’ creative Moroccan pastries to Qatar’s globally-inspired Moroccan vegetable stew, I’m ready to review vegan fine dining at cruising altitude.

So airline brands, if you’re reading this and you’re looking for an experienced travel writer to objectively review your vegan business and first-class offerings, I’m your gal! Invite me onboard to savor your plant-based cuisine, and I’ll write a tantalizing review that will have vegan travelers lining up to book a flight. Who’s ready to make my vegan high-flying dreams come true?