Top Airlines Offering Business Class Flights to Rome

January 9, 2025

Leading Airlines for Business Class Travel to Rome

Flying business class to Rome is one of those upgrades that changes the whole trip. The seat matters, sure—but so do the lounges, the service, the food, and how smooth the route is from your departure city to Fiumicino (FCO). Below are the top airlines that consistently deliver a premium experience on Rome-bound routes, plus quick tips on which one to choose based on your priorities.

Emirates

If you want a “five-star in the sky” vibe, Emirates is the indulgent pick—especially on the A380, where the experience feels like a destination in itself.

What you’ll love:

Lie-flat seats with strong privacy and space
Excellent dining and polished service
The A380’s onboard lounge is a true standout (a bar at 35,000 feet hits different)

Best for: Luxury seekers who want the journey to feel like an event
Tip: Watch for flash sales and stay flexible on dates/routes to score better fares.

Lufthansa

Lufthansa is the definition of reliable premium travel. It’s not always the flashiest, but it’s consistently strong—especially for travelers connecting through Germany.

What you’ll love:

Solid long-haul business cabin with comfortable lie-flat seats
Strong operational reliability and predictable service
Great lounge network at major hubs like Frankfurt (FRA) and Munich (MUC)

Best for: Travelers who value smooth connections and consistency
Tip: If you have a layover, Munich tends to feel calmer and easier than Frankfurt.

British Airways

British Airways can be “depends on the aircraft,” but when you book the newer Club Suites, it’s a genuinely premium experience.

What you’ll love (on Club Suite aircraft):

Sliding-door privacy for that “suite” feel
Comfortable lie-flat bed and good storage
A strong overall soft product when the cabin is updated

Best for: Oneworld loyalists and those connecting via London
Tip: Try to choose routes operated by newer aircraft (often A350 or certain 787 variants).

Air France

If you love refined design, great wine, and restaurant-style presentation, Air France is one of the most enjoyable ways to cross the Atlantic to Italy.

What you’ll love:

Stylish cabin with excellent bedding and thoughtful details
Strong dining reputation with a “French touch”
Great lounge experience when connecting through Paris

Best for: Travelers who prioritize food, wine, and a polished vibe
Tip: If you can, arrive early enough to actually enjoy the lounge—Air France makes it worth it.

Delta Airlines

Delta One is a top choice from the U.S., especially if you value direct options and a modern, private seat.

What you’ll love:

Delta One Suites on many long-haul aircraft (privacy doors are a big win)
Strong bedding and a comfortable sleep setup
Professional, friendly crew and a consistent premium feel

Best for: U.S.-based travelers who want comfort + minimal hassle
Tip: Delta’s partnership options can help with onward connections in Italy—watch for smart routing.

ITA Airways

Italy’s flag carrier is a strong pick if you want to land in Rome and feel like your “Italy trip” has already started onboard.

What you’ll love:

Modern cabins on many routes with a clean, fresh feel
Italian dining touches (and yes—good espresso matters)
Convenient arrival into FCO with easy city access

Best for: Direct-to-Rome convenience and an authentic Italian vibe
Tip: If you’re Rome-first (not “Italy touring immediately”), ITA’s simplicity can be a huge advantage.

Singapore Airlines

Not always the most direct to Rome, but if your routing works, Singapore Airlines is one of the best business class experiences in the world.

What you’ll love:

Very spacious seats and excellent sleep comfort
Elite-level service that feels genuinely attentive
Strong dining and a premium “everything is thoughtful” experience

Best for: Travelers who want the best onboard experience and don’t mind a longer routing
Tip: If you’re connecting, a well-planned layover can make the trip feel easier—not harder.

Turkish Airlines

Turkish is one of the best “value-meets-luxury” business class options to Rome—especially via Istanbul.

What you’ll love:

Chef-inspired meals that are genuinely impressive
Comfortable lie-flat seats on many long-haul routes
Istanbul’s lounge scene is famous for a reason

Best for: Travelers who want strong value without feeling “budget”
Tip: Longer layovers can be a plus here—Turkish often makes the connection feel like a premium break.

Which One Should You Choose?

Pick Emirates if you want pure indulgence and a “luxury experience” flight.
Pick Lufthansa if you want consistency, smooth hubs, and predictable premium travel.
Pick British Airways if you can confirm Club Suites on your flight and prefer London routing.
Pick Air France if you want style, dining, and that polished European premium vibe.
Pick Delta if you’re flying from the U.S. and want the most seamless, comfortable option.
Pick ITA if you want the most direct “Italy starts onboard” feel into Rome.
Pick Singapore Airlines if you’re chasing the best service and don’t mind connecting.
Pick Turkish Airlines if you want excellent value + a top-tier lounge stop in Istanbul.