Comparing the world's most awarded business classes. We look at Singapore Airlines' legendary service and ANA's innovative 'The Room'.
In the competitive corridor of trans-Pacific and Eurasian routes, the business class products of Singapore Airlines and ANA are frequently cited as the best in the world. For our clients at Peters Signature Travel, the distinction often comes down to a preference for Singapore’s consistent elegance versus ANA’s radical new approach to space. Each airline offers a product that significantly narrows the gap between business and first class.
ANA’s 'The Room' business class, currently available on select Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, has fundamentally changed expectations for the industry. It is roughly twice as wide as a standard business class seat, featuring a sliding door that creates a fully enclosed suite. The sheer width allows for a level of lateral movement that is unheard of in this cabin class. The design is inspired by traditional Japanese living spaces—functional, clean, and incredibly spacious.
Singapore Airlines offers a more traditional, yet still world-class, business seat. On the A350 and Boeing 777, the seats are wide enough to accommodate two people sitting side-by-side (though they are designed for one). The aesthetic is sophisticated, featuring warm tones and high-quality leather. While most Singapore seats do not feature a sliding door, the wing-like headrests provide a significant degree of visual privacy. The seating position is slightly more upright than ANA's 'The Room,' which some travelers prefer for working on laptops.
Both airlines excel in their catering, but their philosophies differ. Singapore Airlines’ 'Book the Cook' is a significant advantage for Business Class travelers, offering a vast array of pre-orderable options that go far beyond the standard inflight menu. This service ensures that the traveler always receives their preferred meal, prepared to an exacting standard. Their selection of French wines and champagnes is consistently curated to perform well in the pressurized cabin.
ANA’s Business Class dining is a divided affair—the Japanese menu and the International menu. The Japanese option is often a highlight of the flight, featuring seasonal appetizers (Zensai) and beautifully prepared seafood. While they do not have the same extensive pre-order system as Singapore Airlines, the quality of the on-board pantry is exceptional. ANA also provides a variety of high-quality Japanese teas and sakes that are a delight for the connoisseur.
Singapore Airlines has recently updated its amenity offerings, moving toward a more sustainable and modular approach. They provide high-quality Penhaligon's products and some of the most comfortable slippers in the sky. The bedding is excellent, with multiple pillows and a well-padded mattress topper for the lie-flat position.
ANA provides amenity kits from high-end brands like Globe-Trotter, which are highly sought after by travelers. Their bedding includes a dual-layer mattress pad—one side firm and one side soft—allowing for a degree of customization that is rare in Business Class. Our team has found that the temperature control in ANA cabins tends to be slightly warmer than Western carriers, which is a point of consideration for some.
If your flight features ANA’s 'The Room,' it is arguably the best Business Class hardware currently flying; the sheer space is transformative. However, Singapore Airlines remains the champion of consistency and service grace across its entire fleet. For the traveler who values the personal touch of a world-class crew and a diverse, pre-ordered menu, Singapore Airlines remains an unbeatable choice. Both airlines represent the pinnacle of Asian hospitality, ensuring that even the longest journey remains a pleasure rather than a chore.
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