Qatar Airways has been named the best Business Class airline for Australian travellers in the Flat Beds Best Business Class Awards 2026, based on real booking data rather than global traveller surveys.
Turkish Airlines emerges as fastest-growing seller
Turkish Airlines placed second overall and is now Flat Beds’ most-booked Business Class airline, with bookings up more than 200 per cent year-on-year, driven by consistently strong fares to Europe. Flat Beds managing director Mark Trim said the airline would likely have topped the rankings if not for older 777 aircraft still operating on several key Asian routes. Finnair ranked third, scoring highly for its AirLounge product, value, consistency and frequent flyer benefits, including a sauna in its Platinum Plus Lounge.
Qantas placed seventh, with Trim citing crowded or dated lounges and a limited dining offering as key weaknesses.
“We also expect its consistency mark to take a step backwards in 2027, once its A321XLRs start servicing Asia with only a recliner-style seat which doesn’t even feature in-seat entertainment,” Trim said.
Emirates won Best Business Class Service but placed tenth overall, following heavy deductions for the return of its 777-300ER aircraft, featuring a 2-3-2 angled-seat layout, to several Australian routes, alongside lower marks for value given its high price points.
Category winners span meals, value and service
Qatar Airways also won Best Business Class Meals and Best Airport Experience, Oman Air won Best Value to Europe despite a basic 737 Max 8 product on some routes, and United won Best Value to North America. Flat Beds’ overall Business Class bookings are up 20 per cent year-on-year, a trend Trim linked to travellers increasingly shopping for value rather than staying loyal to a single carrier.
Trim advised travellers to check aircraft type rather than relying on airline brand alone, given inconsistent premium cabin products across many carriers’ fleets during ongoing transitions. He recommended booking 8 to 10 months ahead for peak periods such as Christmas and European summer, and considering shoulder periods including mid-July to late August and late October to November for cheaper fares.
