Apr 23, 2023
Best European Business Class Airlines (Part I)
Most recently we went over the best U.S. business class airlines flying to Europe here. We reviewed the business class cabins, VIP services available to business class customers including check-in experience and airport lounge options – just to name a few perks available exclusively to business class passengers.
Now it is time to continue this series and have a look at the best European business class airlines – they can take you to Europe and back, and pretty much anywhere else in the world! There is much ground to cover, so we will split this review into three part series. So let’s go!
Air France
Photo: Courtesy of Air France
Air France business class experience is one that we can call almost a cultural immersion – it is simply an extension of all things Français, ranging from the crew uniforms, to menus inspired by world-famous chefs (of course, French!) and elegant business class lounges. Our customers have often praised the overall consistent business class experience at Air France – flawlessly executed sophistication sums it up quite nicely (at least we think so!). It is worthwhile to note that the cabins are perhaps not as flashy as some of their competitors (especially the ones from the Middle East), but elegance and comfort always comes first – which is really all you need on a long-haul flight.
If you are transiting through their main Paris hubs at Charles de Gaulle or Orly, you will certainly appreciate SkyPriority queues that make the check-in process fast and seamless as well as allow you to use fast-track lanes for security and immigration counters. Once you are through the security, please head straight to one of the Salon Air France lounges where you will find bars with an amazing selection of adult beverages including fine wines, spirits and, if you are lucky, you can even get your hands on a glass of Laurent Perrier, which goes well with a wide selection of croissants and pain au chocolat. Of course, Perrier and Evian water are also on offer if you want to go a bit more easy!
The business class cabins provide travelers with a calm, relaxing experience due to the presence of grey, white and navy tones in the interior. There are two types of business class seats that you may encounter on your Air France flight – a fully flat bed or angled-flat bed, which is part of the older interior model. Our customers note that both seating arrangements are comfortable enough, but, of course, most of us still prefer the flat-bed option! You can check this before you fly by looking up the seat map, or you can ask us at here CEOFlights – we will be happy to help. Air France is in the process of converting all aircraft to fully flat bed business class seats, so you are more and more likely to get the new cabin experience! We are hearing that this cabin upgrade process will be fully complete by the end of 2023.
Request a free quote online from CEOFlights and receive the best deal on your next business class flight with Air France!
Lufthansa
Photo: Courtesy of Lufthansa
Another top European business class airline is, without a shadow of doubt, the German national carrier Lufthansa. In a true sophisticated European style, it also offers elegant, efficient (yes, it is German after all!) and consistent business class travel experience. With hubs in Frankfurt and Munich, it offers almost unmatched connectivity to the German-speaking part of Europe and also the rest of Europe. Thus, if you are planning on visiting multiple countries during your trip, Lufthansa may be a good choice and we at CEOFlights can help you plan your multi-city journey and put you at ease!
If you are transiting through either the Frankfurt or Munich hub, you will experience the best service that Lufthansa offers – premium check-in areas and security lanes are just a start. Once you are done with the check-in process (trust us, it will be quick!), you should immediately head to one of the Senator Lounges, reserved for Lufthansa frequent flyers and Star Alliance Gold travelers from any cabin. Tasty wine, world-famous German beer and fine cocktails are on offer just to start you off. If you need to refresh before your journey, top-notch shower and relaxation facilities are available at the Senator Lounges in Frankfurt and Munich. If you do not qualify for the Senator Lounge entry, Business Class lounges are also amazing, with just somewhat fewer beverage and food options, but otherwise very similar style and service offering, so you won’t feel shortchanged.
Lufthansa flies a variety of aircraft on long-haul routes, so it is always wise to check the type of aircraft and seat map most typically used on your chosen itinerary. The new Allegris business class cabin generation is one to truly look forward to on your trip (albeit not quite yet!). Unveiled just a few months ago, the Allegris design cabin will offer a fully flat bed with extra-long sleeping area just over 7.2 feet so you can get a good night’s sleep before getting to your destination. You will be able to enjoy a greater degree of privacy with direct aisle access, take advantage of Bluetooth connectivity and even heated / cooled seats. There will also be a double business seat option for people traveling together. Two adjacent seats with a smaller distance between them will have a retractable center console, so you can spend time together chatting during the flight or put the console back up for enhanced privacy, should you choose to do so.
All in all, Allegris is set to offer the most personalized experience in the (commercial) air travel industry yet and this new cabin design will offer a whopping 14 different seating options on one aircraft, ranging from economy up to “next level” first class. Allegris will be first introduced on the Boeing 787-9 by the end of 2023 while other types of aircraft will be retrofitted over the course of 2024.
Request a free quote online from CEOFlights and receive the best deal on your next business class flight with Lufthansa!
Business Class Experience – Time to Treat Yourself to Luxury
Do you now believe us that business class flights are simply on another level and just worth it? Would you like to experience the luxuries and amenities offered to business class travelers? Our friendly Personal Travel Managers are on a standby to discuss your journey and flight preferences, be it a specific airline you would like to fly with or a service that is important to you. We are happy to talk to you about no obligation options, so there is absolutely no downside to check in with us!
Give one of our friendly Personal Travel Managers a call at (888) 851 6897 or request a free quote online today and find out for yourself!
