The Best Airlines For Business Travelers In 2017
Landmark changes came to the world of business travel in 2016 as airlines moved towards revenue-based loyalty programs and ratcheted up competition over the best in-flight catering and first class product. For many, the developments may influence how tickets are booked in 2017. No longer is it possible to rely on upgrades earned from elite status, for example -- now, it's often easier to buy an inexpensive first class ticket and simply choose the carrier with the best product.
To that end, many business travelers have turned attention to United Airlines, which this past month started rolling out portions of its new Polaris business class experience. Once the Polaris cabins launch at full steam in 2017, international business travelers on the airline can start to expect lie flat seats with aisle access in every seat, a leading design in the industry. And though Delta and American are in the process of bringing similar products to the market, United's product received extra attention this past year because the Polaris experience extends from the airport -- where the airline is launching new overhauled lounges -- to the aircraft to the onboard amenities.
In this photograph taken late Monday, Feb. 8, 2016, a Delta Airlines craft waits to take off from a runway at Denver International Airport. Delta was once more chosen as a top airline for business travel in 2017 by industry experts. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Benefits of flying with United's Polaris product are also highlighted by a newly updated fleet. "United's 777-300ER is due to launch in February and offers a much-improved business-class experience," says Zach Honig, the editor-in-cihef of The Points Guy. "and with a total of 60 lie-flat seats on each plane, it shouldn't be too difficult to secure an upgrade, at least on some less business-heavy routes."
On time performance is also a key factor. "Delta does an amazing job of not canceling flights," says John DiScalia, who runs the travel website Johnny Jet. Last year, Delta Air Lines delivered about 86% of its flights on time according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. American Airlines and United Airlines delivered 79% and 82% of flights on time, respectively.
Delta Air Lines also has earned wide respect industry-leading cabin design and a relatively well-kept fleet of aircraft. Late in 2014, the airline overhauled the branding on all of its cabins and doubled-down on premium cabins. Here on the precipice of 2017, that investment is earning dividends with happy customers pleased with an excellent cabin experience -- despite Delta's loyalty program going down the tubes.
Reported by: Forbes.com
To that end, many business travelers have turned attention to United Airlines, which this past month started rolling out portions of its new Polaris business class experience. Once the Polaris cabins launch at full steam in 2017, international business travelers on the airline can start to expect lie flat seats with aisle access in every seat, a leading design in the industry. And though Delta and American are in the process of bringing similar products to the market, United's product received extra attention this past year because the Polaris experience extends from the airport -- where the airline is launching new overhauled lounges -- to the aircraft to the onboard amenities.
In this photograph taken late Monday, Feb. 8, 2016, a Delta Airlines craft waits to take off from a runway at Denver International Airport. Delta was once more chosen as a top airline for business travel in 2017 by industry experts. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Benefits of flying with United's Polaris product are also highlighted by a newly updated fleet. "United's 777-300ER is due to launch in February and offers a much-improved business-class experience," says Zach Honig, the editor-in-cihef of The Points Guy. "and with a total of 60 lie-flat seats on each plane, it shouldn't be too difficult to secure an upgrade, at least on some less business-heavy routes."
On time performance is also a key factor. "Delta does an amazing job of not canceling flights," says John DiScalia, who runs the travel website Johnny Jet. Last year, Delta Air Lines delivered about 86% of its flights on time according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. American Airlines and United Airlines delivered 79% and 82% of flights on time, respectively.
Delta Air Lines also has earned wide respect industry-leading cabin design and a relatively well-kept fleet of aircraft. Late in 2014, the airline overhauled the branding on all of its cabins and doubled-down on premium cabins. Here on the precipice of 2017, that investment is earning dividends with happy customers pleased with an excellent cabin experience -- despite Delta's loyalty program going down the tubes.
Reported by: Forbes.com
