If you are following my Instagram stories, you might always see my first and business class flight reviews for each airline.As a traveler, I want to be cost-efficient. However, when a flight is longer than six hours, especially for a long vacation, I make sure to book a business class flight. In this blog post, I am ranking the airlines based on their first class and business class cabins. Note that only airlines presented here are those which I had a personal experience with their first and business class flights.
There are a few reasons why I choose business/first class flights for journeys longer than six hours. One is to ensure I can sleep properly or work with privacy. Another is to have a seamless travel experience, including access to a dedicated check-in counter and, at most airports, a separate line or room for immigration.
Do I pay a fortune for business/first class flights? Not really. There are affordable options out there—you just need to understand the airline’s pricing strategies to find the best deals. There are also other ways to get a business class seat, such as using miles, bidding, or membership perks. I plan to write another blog post with tips on this.
In this post, I won’t focus much on food and beverages. As an advocate for environmental sustainability, I prioritize minimizing food waste and spoilage. However, it’s great to see that some airlines are now taking sustainability initiatives seriously. For example, Saudia allows passengers to offset or reduce their carbon footprint by purchasing credits.
If you’ve seen my IG stories, you may have noticed that I always choose seat 1A. That’s because my left ear is partially impaired, making it difficult for me to sit on the right side. Just a little trivia about me—LOL! Now, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
1 Qatar Airways (Qsuite)
Qatar, Middle East
Rating: 9/10
The reason I started to love business class cabins is Qatar Airways. In recent years, and again in 2024, they have received numerous prestigious awards—World’s Best Airline, World’s Best Business Class, World’s Best Business Class Lounge, and Best Airline in the Middle East.
But why am I ranking this airline first? It’s the customer service experience—from changing my flights to the in-cabin experience. When I was traveling home in 2022, I needed to change my flights. Both the phone customer service agent and the airport staff were incredibly helpful in arranging the changes for me. They took the time to understand my concerns before offering solutions.
Qatar Airways is a bit pricey, though. When I flew from Riyadh to Manila, I paid almost SAR 2,700 for an economy ticket. I was later offered an upgrade for my Qatar-to-Manila leg for SAR 1,500. Normally, a one-way business class ticket from Riyadh to Manila costs around SAR 6,200 (USD 1,660), but prices can go even higher—sometimes reaching SAR 9,000 (USD 2,400). This route typically does not have a first-class cabin.
What I love about Qsuite is its versatility, offering different configurations for solo travelers, couples, groups of friends, or families. You can choose from a single suite, twin suite, double suite (with no divider in between), or the quad suite (where two suites are next to each other and face another pair).
I also received my favorite souvenir from an airline – a pillow bearing the words “Love. Work. Travel. Repeat.”
The theme of Qatar Airways – maroon and gray – feels executive.
The following aircraft are equipped with Qsuites:
- Airbus A350-1000: All
- Airbus A350-900: Many
- Boeing 777-200LR: Most
- Boeing 777-300ER: Many
The only negative feedback I have is that you need to be proactive in asking for meals. Some cabin crew members (depending on your flight) may not check whether you want something or when you’d like to have your dinner or breakfast. Of course, before takeoff, a crew member will take your order and ask for your preferred mealtime. However, after that—especially if you sleep—no one typically comes to check on you.
Hamad International Airport
No doubt, Doha’s Hamad International Airport is recognized as the World’s Best Airport because of its artistry and relaxing vibe. The airport itself is considered a tourist attraction. The airport has a dedicated lounge for First Class passengers, Al Safwa First Lounge; and a lounge for business class passengers, Al Mourjan Business Lounge. For its loyal customers, Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club has its Platinum & Gold lounges and Silver lounge.
2 Gulf Air (Falcon Gold)
Bahrain, Middle East
Rating: 8.9/10
If you ask me which airline is my favorite among all the ones I’ve tried, it’s Gulf Air.
When I was younger, I was taught that whenever I buy something and look for quality, I should go for the best within my second price range. This way, I can experience the quality I’m looking for at a more affordable price. That perfectly sums up how I feel about this airline.
My first business class flight with Gulf Air was in late 2021 when I was travelling from Manila to Riyadh for the first time. I was truly amazed at how every Gulf Air Business Class staff member handles their job—from the check-in counter to the cabin crew and even the lounge staff. Their service makes you feel at home.
There was even one time, during the summer of 2024, when I was the only passenger in Falcon Gold. I could genuinely feel how passionate the cabin crew members were in delivering exceptional service.
Whenever I have doubts about which airline to choose, I go for Gulf Air because I always feel comfortable flying with them. Plus, the price is affordable. A one-way business class flight to Riyadh averages around SAR 6,000 (USD 1,600) but can go as low as SAR 5,000 (USD 1,330).
Each seat has a strategically placed shell that enhances privacy by making it difficult to see other passengers. But my favorite feature of Falcon Gold is its electronic window tint, which allows you to adjust the glass from dark (perfect for sleeping) to light (ideal for when you wake up and prepare for landing).
They also offer fast WiFi—for just USD 15, you can browse social media throughout your flight.
Additionally, Gulf Air provides a complete amenity kit and pajamas, ensuring a comfortable journey. I honestly can’t think of any major negative feedback, except for one encounter with a rude cabin crew member—but I believe that was just an isolated case.
Another great thing about this airline is its punctuality. They always depart on time and often board passengers ahead of schedule (so maybe that’s my negative feedback—just kidding, LOL).
With all these perks, Gulf Air truly deserves its APEX Five Star Global Airline award.
Manama Airport
Qatar is an international travel hub where you can go out for sometime and enjoy the city vibe of Doha. If you are looking for the same, Manama is another option. The airport is neither too strict nor too crowded, making the travel experience more relaxed. The Falcon Gold Lounge is spacious enough that even during peak travel seasons, you won’t have to worry about finding a place to sit.
The lounge features different areas, including sleeping pods, an entertainment area, a bar, and a restaurant. One of the reasons I also prefer Gulf Air is that I can comfortably take a shower there, adding to the convenience of my journey.
READ: THE SOLO DRIFTER: Relaxing and trendy Bahrain (A Travel Guide)
3 Kuwait Airways (Royal Class)
Kuwait, Middle East
Rating: 8.1/10
During holiday seasons like Eid, flight ticket prices tend to rise. When I was booking my flight for my 2025 vacation back home, I decided to try a different airline. I was surprised to find that Kuwait Airways was relatively affordable.
I initially booked a business class ticket for my Riyadh to Manila flight at SAR 4,100. Two days before my flight, I received an offer to bid for a first-class upgrade, which I won for an additional USD 490. When I had originally checked the price for a first-class ticket on the same date, it was over SAR 9,000 (USD 2,400). You can see that Kuwait Airways’ first-class fare is roughly equivalent to Qatar Airways’ business class price.
In 2023, Kuwait Airways was recognized as the World’s Most Improved Airline by Skytrax, which reflects its growing reputation.
The minibar, located to the right of the seat by the large monitor, was preloaded before both of my flights with still and sparkling water, sodas, and nuts.
I was expecting pajamas and slippers in the cabin, but to my surprise, there were none. Since I hadn’t brought extra clothes and didn’t take a shower during my layover (and yes, the lounge doesn’t have a shower room—if it did, it would probably be a small one like the washrooms), it was a bit inconvenient.
But that’s okay—the exceptional care provided by the cabin crew more than made up for it. My last request was actually hot chocolate, there was none; then followed by English Breakfast tea, and the cabin crew member told me “Sorry, we have a lot of things you requested that are not available inside.” It’s fine actually as I am not just used to drinking coffee and I have my preferences for tea.
There is a locker where I can hang my jacket and a chest that also doubles as a seat for dining or chatting with a companion during the trip.
Kuwait Airways offers a variety of options for dinner and breakfast. Appetizers, soup, snacks, and desserts are well-plated, but the main course presentation is relatively simple.
Unlike other Middle Eastern airlines, Kuwait Airways, like Saudia, does not serve wine. This is understandable, as Kuwait’s culture is quite similar to Saudi Arabia’s in this regard.
Kuwait International Airport
The airport has the calmest vibe I have ever experienced in the Middle East. However, it is small, including the lounges, which can sometimes feel crowded.
There is a different experience in the Elite Lounge, which is dedicated to first-class passengers. When I was there, it was just me and about five couples who came and went every hour. The business class lounge is connected to the Elite Lounge, allowing first-class passengers to pass through and see what’s inside.
The Elite Lounge is located on the “B” floor of the airport, while the Oasis Club Lounge—reserved for Oasis members (Kuwait Airways’ loyalty program)—is on the “D” floor, where most international flight gates are located.
4 Sri Lankan Airlines
Sri Lanka, Sout Asia
Rating 8.1/10
I honestly didn’t expect much from SriLankan Airlines. I mean, let’s be real, coming from a small country I assumed it would just be a basic ride from point A to B. But wow, they really surprised me, and it all comes down to one thing: hospitality.
I flew with them on my way back to Riyadh from a family trip in Singapore. Right after the boarding gate, I was welcomed by a lady in a beautiful traditional Sri Lankan outfit. That simple gesture already gave me a feel of their culture—and it was a nice touch. But the real standout moment was when I got on the plane and sat down in business class. The crew manager personally greeted me by name. It was the first time that ever happened to me. He was professional, yes—but also genuinely warm. That personal approach set the tone for the entire flight.
Now, I won’t lie—the A320 seats for the Singapore to Colombo leg felt a bit outdated. The chairs looked like they’ve seen better days, and the entertainment screen. Yeah, that one’s due for retirement. But I kind of forgot all that once the service kicked in. For the Colombo to Riyadh leg, I was back on a long-haul aircraft with a 2-2-2 business class layout and flatbeds. I was honestly impressed by how spacious the seats were, probably the most legroom I’ve experienced in that seating format.
And let’s talk about food. SriLankan Airlines knows how to mix things up. Their inflight menu offered a nice blend of local Sri Lankan and international flavors. Plus, if you’re a tea lover like me, you’ll appreciate their wide tea selection. They even had a little skybar with wines and teas you could choose from during the flight. Such a cozy detail.
What really stayed with me after the flight, though, was the way they treated their passengers with respect, with care, with heart. That’s something you can’t upgrade or install in a plane, it’s just part of who they are. Makes me want to go back to Sri Lanka for a trip and yes, it’s in my schedule now.
Unfortunately, the trip didn’t end perfectly—my luggage didn’t arrive in Riyadh with me. And to be honest, the Baggage Services personnel at Riyadh airport didn’t exactly handle it well. That was disappointing, and I hope the airline works on their ground team coordination. But even with that hiccup, I’d still give SriLankan Airlines a high rating for one reason alone: the people. Sometimes, it’s not about the fanciest plane or the newest screen. It’s about how you’re treated—and SriLankan Airlines made me feel like a valued guest, not just another ticket number.
Bandaranaike International Airport
The Colombo airport itself is pretty simple—not flashy, not modern—but there’s something about its humble vibe that made me feel at ease. It felt like home in a strange way. The stores, the local promotions, it all felt relaxed and familiar.
Let’s talk about the Serendib Lounge at Colombo Airport. Honestly, I didn’t have any expectations going in. I thought it would be a small, standard lounge with just a few snacks and seats to pass the time before boarding. But once again, SriLankan Airlines proved me wrong. The Serendib Lounge is exclusively for SriLankan Airlines business class passengers—and it’s by invitation only. The first thing I noticed? It was quiet. None of the usual lounge chaos you sometimes see in big airports. It had this calm, relaxing atmosphere that felt like a little oasis in the middle of a very no-frills airport.
Then I saw the food spread. I wasn’t expecting much, maybe some basic pastries or dry sandwiches, but nope. They had legit hot meals with a mix of local Sri Lankan flavors and international options. I wasn’t even that hungry but ended up trying more than I planned just because everything looked (and tasted) good.
And yes, they have a shower room. Such a huge plus, especially if you’re on a long-haul journey or just want to freshen up before your next flight. Everything was clean and well-maintained, which made it even better.
It’s not a massive lounge with super high-end luxury, but it’s cozy, well thought-out, and clearly designed with care. The little details—from the tea selection to the peaceful vibe—made a big impression on me.
5 Royal Jordanian (Crown Clas)
Jordan, Middle East
Rating: 8/10
I had a business class flight from Amman to Riyadh, and unlike other airlines, my flight was not on a Boeing 700 series but an A-series aircraft.
The journey was great from airport to cabin, ensuring a smooth experience.
During peak season, a one-way business class ticket from Amman to Riyadh costs around JOD 530 (USD 750).
With the price of Crown Class, I wouldn’t say it’s cutting-edge, but what makes it rank high is the lounge experience.
Queen Alia International Airport
This is undoubtedly one of the best airports in the Middle East. Whether you need to relax, work, hang out, or dine, the Crown Lounge at Queen Alia International Airport offers a luxurious escape.
You might not expect this level of service in a small country like Jordan, but once you experience it, you’ll understand the elegance of its hospitality. That’s Jordan—and that’s the people of Jordan. The airline and its lounge are true extensions of the country’s rich culture and deep-rooted tradition of hospitality.
The Crown Class Lounge is conveniently located one level above the duty-free shopping area.
Crown Class check-in has its own dedicated area with private security and immigration lines. Upon arrival, a staff member will welcome you and assist with your luggage.
At the counter, you simply sit back and let the staff handle everything. Once your boarding pass is printed, you can proceed directly to the exclusive Crown Class immigration area, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience.
READ: THE SOLO DRIFTER: Just Jordan, Simple yet Elegant – A Humble and United Country | A Travel Guide
6 Oman Air
Oman, Middle East
Rating: 7.6/10
I had the worst experience with Oman Air.
When I arrived at Riyadh Airport for check-in, I was shocked to find that my Muscat-Manila flight had been changed without any prior notice. I only realized this when I was reviewing my tickets and noticed the different departure time.
There were no emails, no text messages—no communication at all from the airline. When I asked the staff at the check-in counter, they simply told me to discuss it with the transfer personnel at Muscat Airport, as they had no idea what had happened.
Arriving at Muscat airport. I immediately went to the Transfer desk and asked them why there was a flight delayed. The personnel immediately asked the supervisor to answer me. I faced a rude supervisor, responding me “There is a technical issue. We will advise you.” but my concern was we were not informed and I was telling them that I also need to catch a flight from Manila to Laoag. Had I known that earlier, I could have cancelled it or take a different flight with a different airline but to be honest, the price wouldn’t be worthy. The supervisor responded, “What can we do. It’s a technical issue.” She is still couldn’t understand my point – there should be communication. Imagine what the only communication was – a printed paper saying sorry upon departure. No compensation given to passengers and no specific reasons given. I could see non-Filipinos running from the plane to the Transfer desks in Manila airport just to catch their flights. This was the worst experience and there was one first and I thought it was an isolated case – when I was travelling from Amman to Manila.
My other comments: There are more business cabin crew members here compared to other airlines. They have big serving and good plating but needs improvement on the taste. No travel kits maybe because they were rushing for those delays. They offer WiFi but not recommended to get their internet services, too slow. One good thing is they ask for feedback in-person then ask you to write using their handset.
The have pajamas and slippers onboard but the pajamas are either free size or the sizes are bigger.
Oman Air is recognized by APEX as a Five-Star Major Airline in 2022.
Muscat International Airport
This airport is undoubtedly one of the best in the Middle East.
The Oman Air Lounge in Muscat is spacious, but it is always crowded. The lounge has two levels, with the upper level offering relaxation and spa services.
However, every time I visited the spa area, whether on different occasions or even in different years, it was always closed. The staff would consistently say it was under maintenance, but it didn’t actually seem that way—it looked more like it was permanently closed for no clear reason.
7 Philippine Airlines
Philippines, East Asia
Rating: 7.5/10
I tried Philippine Airlines’ business class and will never book another business class flight with them again.
On average, a one-way business class ticket costs around USD 1,200, which led me to have high expectations since it is the national carrier. However, my experience flying from Manila to Riyadh left me with more negative comments than positive ones.
I’m not sure if I flew on an older aircraft, but there was no entertainment screen, and there was no long divider between seats for privacy. Additionally, there was no walkway if you were seated by the window. To be fair, these are minor inconveniences.
What truly lowered my rating for this airline was the bedding layout. The setup was strangely designed, with the footrests of two neighboring seats positioned above each other—meaning one seat was lower to the ground while the other was higher up. This awkward design allowed me to see everything my seatmate was doing, including how she slept.
For me, privacy is a major factor when rating an airline, and Philippine Airlines failed in this regard.
That said, I’ve heard that the airline has since replaced these outdated seats with Thomson Vantage XL seats, which offer fully flat beds and direct aisle access for all passengers. Hopefully, this is a step in the right direction.
One good thing about this airline is how it showcases Filipino cuisine in a modern way, while also offering branded Filipino food such as ice cream and snacks. This adds a cultural touch to the inflight dining experience, giving passengers a taste of the Philippines’ rich culinary heritage.
Another reason why I’m giving Philippine Airlines a low rating is its unreliable flight schedules. Departure and arrival times are rarely on time, and I can say this from experience—not just as an international passenger, but also as a domestic traveler.
Manila International Airport
As usual, Manila International Airport is too crowded. Despite having a lot of security and personnel, they still struggle to manage the crowd. But is this really just a crowd management issue, or is it a bigger infrastructure problem? Well, let’s see if things improve once the new airport in Bulacan is completed.
The lounges are also overcrowded, making it difficult to find a comfortable seat, regardless of whether you’re traveling in the morning or afternoon. The new Mabuhay Lounge in Terminal 1 is quite bigger and can compete with other lounges internationally. I must admit that Filipino cuisine is presented in a modern and luxurious way, making it visually appealing to tourists. This is one thing the airline and airport management excel at.
Wondering why Saudia isn’t included in this blog post? It’s because I mostly take domestic flights with Saudia rather than international ones. However, I did fly with them once on a trip to Europe via Germany.
About the Author
- Chief Executive Editor
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PJ is a CPA, writer, storyteller, environment and youth advocate. As a writer, his articles on national development were published in a Spanish newspaper and local news network Rappler. As a storyteller and environment advocate, his documentary films on mining and environment were featured by ABS-CBN News and GMA News. He launched his career as a CPA at KPMG in the Philippines in late 2015. He started his professional journey as an external auditor of a global workspace provider (the largest audit client of KPMG in the Philippines), global bank, leading MFCG in the Philippines and a number of shared service centres. As an auditor, his team won the KPMG Asia-Pacific Data & Analytics Challenge and coached the Philippine team that placed third to the KPMG GlobalRunner Cup. More than two years later, he led KPMG in the Philippines’ Network of Audit Innovators and Data & Analytics Champions and its academic arm, while serving as a member of the KPMG Asia-Pacific Audit Digital Transformation Workstream. He served as a member of the Audit Methodology Group and Root Cause Analysis Team of KPMG in the Philippines. He was a regular training facilitator of KPMG on audit methodology, innovation, data and analytics, professional standards and regulatory updates. He also served as a coach for newly promoted supervisors. PJ was also the Firm’s System of Quality Management Implementation Manager and a Workforce of the Future Champion. He was also a Sampling Specialist of the Firm. In 2019, PJ was a member of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA)’s Technical Working Group on Audit Methodology. PJ led in developing some of the innovative solutions of KPMG in the Philippines. Above all, PJ is a people investor. He invests on people who have potential and talents. That makes him a coach and mentor to some young professionals in the profession and served as a People Committee member of KPMG in the Philippines. He leads advocacy projects that help communities. He produces vlogs thru his YouTube channel, PJspirations which features stories of different individuals. As a volunteer, he is the Academic Master and Head Coach of PREMIER International Learning and Development Center, which provides coaching, mentoring, training and learning programs and platforms that promote growth and development in every individual’s life and career. He is also with the Middle East and Caspian regions of KPMG as a member of its Professional Practice group and Audit L&D for the Saudi Levant Cluster, providing subject matter knowledge and guidance on audit methodology, and learning and development programs to its offices. He is a proud Ilocano and a graduate of Northwestern University.
He also conducts #IamRemarkable sessions, a program initiated by Google for women and underrepresented groups.
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