Best Airlines for Sleep
“I can’t wait to board the plane, so I can catch some Zzz’s!” – said no one ever.
Although airplanes aren’t our first choice for a good night’s sleep, the reality is that some airlines really do try to go the extra mile to satisfy their customers.
Of course, the level of comfort and number of amenities greatly depends on the class you’ve chosen and the airline itself, so you can’t really expect the same experience when traveling economy, business or first class.
That being said, we’ve compiled a list of the best airlines for sleep, for all three classes! So, regardless of whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, this list will show you which airlines offer the best sleeping environments.
First Class
If you’ve won the lottery and are finally able to afford prestigious first class tickets, these are the three airlines you should definitely check out on your next trip.
Etihad Airways
The second-largest airline in the United Arab Emirates has made it to the top of our list with its exclusive Residence and First Class cabins. The Residence is a luxury three-room apartment featuring a private bedroom, an ensuite shower room, and a spacious living area.
The bedroom offers a superb sleeping experience with a double bed, premium bedding, and a custom-made mattress. Enjoy a show before bed on a large flat-screen TV or take a hot shower in your ensuite shower room.
Breakfast in bed? Done deal!
Then again, if you want the best of the best but aren’t sure if The Residence is the way to go, opting for a First Class cabin certainly won’t be a mistake. Depending on the aircraft, you might be offered a separate bed or a fully-reclinable chair for ultimate relaxation.
Top that off with a boutique wine list, an inflight chef and a cozy lobby and you got yourself a fabulous vacation without even leaving the plane.
JetBlue
How did a low-cost American airline end up in second place?
Well, being one of the few airlines that offer sleeping arrangements on domestic flights, the JetBlue Mint program has been praised around the US. There’s an option of a reclinable chair (80” length) or a separate room for complete privacy.
Snug up with a duvet and an extra comfy pillow, adjust the firmness of the chair or turn on the massage function and float away to dreamland.
Emirates
This renowned airline from UAE was awarded World’s Best First Class 2019 by TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards. And for good reason too!
Ambient lighting, convertible chairs, gourmet meals, and a shower spa are just some of the perks if you’re flying first class with Emirates A380. However, if you book a first-class ticket for the notorious Boeing 777, you’re definitely in for a treat – quite literally.
Personal chefs? Check!
à la carte cuisine? Check!
Midnight Snack? Check and check!
Retreat to the comfort of your suite where you’re able to adjust the lighting and temperature. Freshen up with some luxury toiletries and pop those noise-canceling headphones on!
Total privacy? Done deal!
Business Class
Business travelers or not, we all deserve a break sometimes! Stick with us to find which airlines offer the best business class service.
Etihad Airways
Are you really surprised to find Etihad in the top spot again?
Those who aren’t ready to upgrade to First Class just yet can certainly get the taste of Etihad’s impeccable service by booking a flight in business class. Start your in-flight experience with a glass of champagne or some freshly squeezed juice, keep up with work using onboard Wi-Fi and retreat to your seat when you’re ready.
All business class seats feature adjustable headrests, back support and the ability to control the firmness of your chair. Depending on the length of your flight, you may be assigned a fully-reclinable chair or a seat with limited reclinability but plenty of legroom! Either way – you’re not missing out.
Qatar Airways
Another renowned Arabic airline comes straight from Qatar and is on a mission to spoil you.
Recognized by the 2019 Skytrax World Airline Awards and the 2019 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards as the World’s Best Business Class, Qatar Airways is doing pretty well in this category.
Award-winning chefs, up to 4000 in-flight entertainment options and luxurious amenities will make sure you’re traveling in style and comfort.
When it comes to sleeping arrangements, you’ll be pampered with sleeper suits (yes, that’s just a fancy word for pajamas), a luxury blanket and super comfy slippers. The spacious cabins are equipped with LED lighting so you can easily adjust to different time zones. The OnAir mobile service and Wi-Fi allow you to switch to business mode whenever you’re ready.
Delta Airlines
Delta, a major American airline offers a wide arrangement of luxury onboard experiences with the Delta Comfort+® being among the most popular ones.
Some of the amenities include additional space for all your belongings and up to three more inches of legroom on both domestic and international flights.
Check out your favorite shows on HBO or Showtime, snuggle up with a comfy pillow and a blanket and call it a day. If you’re a fussy sleeper, peek into your flight kit to find some earplugs, a sleep mask, and toiletries to freshen up afterwards.
Economy Class
Although coach isn’t the preferred choice for the best quality sleep, some airlines have taken it upon themselves to transform their economy class seats into a small oasis. Let’s see which three have made it on our list.
Alaska Airlines
The fifth-largest airline in the whole of US really goes all the way when it comes to passenger satisfaction. That’s why it’s on the top of our Economy Class list.
The main cabin is equipped with genuine leather seats with USB and power outlets at your fingertips.
Another great thing about traveling Economy with Alaska Airlines is the ability to pre-order your meals. There’s even been talk of fruit and cheese platters.
Those who enjoy some entertainment before they go to sleep can watch some of the 500+ free movies and TV shows or enjoy the perks of free inflight texting.
Not bad for coach, huh?
JetBlue
We’re back with one of America’s favorite low-cost airlines, but now in Economy Class.
JetBlue offers seatback entertainment for every seat, free high-speed wi-fi and …ready for it? The most legroom!
That’s right, JetBlue offers “the most legroom in coach based on avg. fleet-wide seat pitch of U.S. airlines.” So, if you’re particularly tall or really need to stretch out while sleeping, you know who to fly with.
Aside from those handy features, the coach is equipped with ergonomic seat support, movable headrests, and a custom seatback pocket.
Who knew that Economy Class could be so pleasant?
Emirates
As well as being one of our top choices for first-class, Emirates boast a pretty amazing Economy Class as well.
Need to watch some funny cat videos before you doze off or call your mom to say goodnight? Well, worry not, ‘cause all aircraft have free Wi-Fi and in-seat power, as well as an option to make calls on board.
Regional meals, thousands of channels and excellent service will make you forget you’re flying coach.
The cabins themselves are extra spacious and regardless whether you opt for a window, middle or aisle seat, you’re guaranteed extra comfort and room. If you subscribe for a Special or Saver Fare while flying economy, you’re able to select the seats for free during your online check-in.