Long-haul flights can be tough. Cramped legs and disrupted sleep leave you feeling tired after so many hours in the air. Many travelers understand these struggles. However, what most don’t know is that lie-flat airplane seats exist; that’s right, fully flat beds up in the sky. And they can make all the difference in your travel experience.
If you’ve started flying more or have reached frequent flyer status, it’s time to start cashing in. Miles or points earned can help you upgrade and get a good night’s rest the next time you’re in the air.
At Remitly, we’ve prepared this guide on lie-flat seats to help you discover the benefits. Find out how to find these seats and make your booking, and which airlines are considered the best in the world for lie-flat comfort.
What exactly are lie-flat seats?
Lie-flat airplane seats are premium seats, typically found in business and first class, that recline to a fully horizontal 180-degree position. When fully extended, they become almost like a bed, allowing passengers to lie completely flat during the flight.
Many airlines are upgrading their premium seat offerings to provide a more comfortable, enjoyable experience for passengers. That means pillows, blankets, and soft mattress pads are becoming the norm. By allowing you to lie down and get adequate rest, air carriers don’t just give you a fighting chance to beat jet lag, but also ensure you’ll be able to start your trip on the right foot.
When looking into lie-flat seats, you might also come across the term “angle-flat seats.” These aren’t the same, so let’s take a look at both seating options.
Lie-flat vs. angle-flat seats: What’s the difference?
Not all “flat” seats are created equal. Since business class and first-class seats aren’t cheap, it’s always a good idea to research which airlines offer the best options. You want to be sure you’re choosing the best seat possible, so understanding the pros and cons of each is helpful.
Lie-flat seats transform into fully flat beds, providing a truly horizontal surface for rest, just like your mattress back home. This means you’ll enjoy more space and superior comfort throughout the trip.
Meanwhile, angle-flat seats recline close to horizontal but remain slightly tilted. You might find it harder to get into a comfortable position for sleep, especially on long flights. But they’re generally more comfortable for sitting, which is great considering you’ll spend an extensive amount of time seated upright on planes—even during long-haul flights.
Comparing the options
The key differences between these premium seats are as follows:
| Lie-flat seats | Angle-flat seats |
| Recline a full 180 degrees | Slight incline remains |
| Better for sleeping and easier on the back | Less ideal for sleep, but better for sitting |
| More comfortable for side and back sleepers | Mostly phased out or found on older aircraft |
Premium seats not only appeal more to most passengers, but they also offer a one-of-a-kind experience. Most major airlines now prioritize fully lie-flat designs, particularly on longer international routes.
Tip: Sites like Alternative Airlines can help you find lie-flat seats on different carriers. You can also visit an airline’s website directly to check which flights offer these kinds of seats.
From seat to bed: Why design matters
Lie-flat seats aren’t just about reclining all the way back. Business-class pods are designed to ensure passenger privacy, convenience, and comfort. It’s why most of them now feature amenities like viewing screens, side tables, storage compartments, and most importantly, convertible beds.
Airline designers are working hard to develop better, more innovative concepts for comfort and design. As people spend more time in the air, it becomes increasingly important to offer not just a seat, but an experience. This helps attract loyal customers, a key priority for many airlines.
The real benefits of flying lie-flat
So, just how beneficial are lie-flat seats? You can expect the following advantages:
Get there rested
The biggest advantage of lie-flat airplane seats is better sleep. Being able to lie horizontally improves circulation and allows your body to relax fully, guaranteeing you’ll arrive fully rested. If you’ve ever gotten off a flight with a stiff neck and swollen ankles, then you know just how helpful lying down during the trip can be.
Cabin pressure and traveling across multiple time zones can also significantly affect the body. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), jet lag can cause various health issues. By allowing you to get adequate rest, lie-flat seats can help reduce jet lag and improve your overall flying experience.
Other benefits include:
- Faster recovery after landing
- Ability to function immediately upon arrival
- Less stress on the body
Enjoy greater privacy, space, and personal comfort
Modern lie-flat seats are often arranged in individual pods, providing significantly more personal space. Across airlines, many designs now include:
- Sliding privacy doors
- Direct aisle access
- Personal storage areas
- Adjustable lighting and seat controls
The added privacy can help reduce stress and make a lot of travelers feel more relaxed, even when the ride gets a little bumpy.
The design of premium seats also offers the ability to work. The space and functionality of an individual pod allow you to make the most of your time in the air with ease. That’s because trying to get work done in economy class can be challenging. And while it’s not impossible, the privacy you’ll gain with a lie-flat seat in business class is definitely an upgrade.
Premium seats = premium service
Lie-flat seats usually come with elevated service that starts before you even board the flight. They’re like the gift that keeps on giving. By choosing one, you’ll gain access to exclusive perks like:
- Priority boarding and baggage handling
- High-end amenity kits
- Multi-course gourmet meals
- VIP lounge access before departure
Being an avid traveler—for work or for pleasure—means spending a great deal of time in airports or in the air. It’s the reason why so many passengers now use credit cards and airline loyalty programs to maximize their money and enhance their experience.
How to get a lie-flat seat without always paying full price
The most straightforward way to secure a lie-flat seat is by booking a business or first-class ticket directly with your chosen airline.
Prices will vary depending on the airline, route, aircraft type, and time of year.
You won’t always get the best or cheapest deal buying directly from an airline’s website unless you’re already a loyalty member or have a great travel credit card. While the price may be higher, it can help you earn miles if you’re just starting your journey as a business-class or premium flyer.
Use points and miles like a pro
Joining an airline loyalty program ensures you start earning upgrades and other perks immediately.
Frequent flyer miles and credit card points are the most cost-effective way to access lie-flat seats. You can also find practical tips online, as many websites and blogs today are dedicated to sharing travel hacks and strategies for maximizing points and rewards.
If you’ve never joined a loyalty program before, here are a few popular ones to start with:
- Emirates Skywards
- Delta Skymiles
- Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
- Qatar Airways Privilege Club
By becoming a member, you’ll also unlock perks from other airlines. For instance, Qatar Airways is part of the One World Alliance, so if you travel with British Airways or Alaska, you can also earn miles and points along the way.
Bid for upgrades
Some airlines partner with platforms like PlusGrade, which allow passengers to bid for unsold business or first-class seats after booking economy. Services like these aim to make loyalty rewards more useful and accessible for members.
But if your heart is set on securing a lie-flat seat for a long-distance flight, bidding might not guarantee you a spot. It probably won’t be the cheapest option either. It’s a good idea to keep this in mind when bidding for your ticket.
Last-minute upgrade at the airport
Airlines occasionally offer discounted or free upgrades during check-in or at the gate. Availability is limited, but you never know when it might be your lucky turn.
If you’ve ever seen names on a screen while waiting at the gate, those aren’t just stand-by passengers but travelers hoping for an upgrade. Next time you’re checking in, don’t be afraid to ask if there are any deals available.
The world’s best lie-flat seat experiences
You’ll find a range of lists online for which airlines offer the best lie-flat seats. While the criteria for what sets them apart can vary, there are a few carriers that you’ll consistently see on these lineups.
Qatar Airways QSuite
Qatar Airways often ranks among the top airlines for business class. It’s also consistently rated among the world’s top airlines.
Qatar Airways QSuite offers:
- Sliding privacy doors
- Adjustable double beds for couples
- Adjustable seating for those traveling in groups
Tip: Qatar aircraft with lie-flat seats include the Airbus A320, Airbus A350, and Boeing 777.
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines’ lie-flat seats are among the widest in the industry. This is on top of its reputation for exceptional service standards.
The main features include:
- Cocoon-like seats with privacy screens
- Center seats, perfect for families traveling together
- Seat up to 34 inches wide
Tip: Singapore Airlines flights with lie-flat seats are on the Airbus A380, A350, and Boeing 777 fleets in business class.
Delta One Suites
Delta Air Lines is one of the top airlines in the US, and its business class, called Delta One, is especially popular for long-haul flights.
Some of the highlights are as follows:
- Fully enclosed suites
- Oversized duvets
- Large sleeping and lumbar pillow that doubles as a mattress pad
Tip: Delta flights with lie-flat seats are on the Airbus A330, A350, and Boeing 767 aircraft.
Emirates
Emirates is often counted as one of the most luxurious airlines, preferred for traveling between the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. You can look forward to:
- Privacy screens
- Plenty of storage
- Comfortable pillow and duvet
Tip: Emirates flights with lie-flat seats are on the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 fleets.
Research can help you avoid disappointment when choosing a destination and flight, as not all carriers offer the same seating or amenities.
Arrive rested and relaxed
Many of us are familiar with the struggle of sitting in a cramped space for a long-haul flight. But with so many ways to collect points and miles today, we have more options at our disposal. You don’t have to sit through a long flight stuck in the middle seat; lie-flat seats let you travel comfortably and get a good night’s rest.
Flying doesn’t have to be complicated. Learning about your options can help you elevate your flying experience.
FAQs
What’s the difference between lie-flat and angle-flat seats?
Lie-flat seats allow passengers to recline fully to 180 degrees, while angle-flat seats remain slightly tilted.
Which airlines offer lie-flat seats in business class?
Qatar Airways, Delta Air Lines, and Singapore Airlines are just some of the airlines that offer lie-flat seats in business class.
Can you get a lie-flat seat on domestic flights?
It depends on the route, airline, and aircraft. Many domestic flights are shorter and may not offer premium seats, such as lie-flat options.
What is the cheapest way to get a lie-flat seat?
Loyalty programs and travel reward credit cards are often the best ways to score deals and secure lie-flat seats at a lower price.