Traveling from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to Europe in business class offers a blend of luxury, comfort, and convenience that can transform a long-haul flight into a pleasurable experience. Whether you’re seeking cheap business class flights from Chicago to Europe or simply the best overall value, several airlines stand out for their exceptional service, competitive pricing, and premium amenities. This 2000-word guide explores the top airlines for business class flights from Chicago ORD to Europe, focusing on factors like seat comfort, in-flight dining, entertainment, lounge access, and affordability. We’ll also highlight options for securing cheap business class fares from Chicago to Europe, ensuring you get the most bang for your buck.
Why Choose Business Class from Chicago to Europe?
Flying business class from Chicago O’Hare to Europe isn’t just about prestige—it’s about practicality. With flight times ranging from 7 to 9 hours (or more with connections), the added comfort of lie-flat seats, priority boarding, and enhanced dining options can make all the difference, especially for business travelers or those wanting to arrive refreshed. Chicago O’Hare, one of the busiest airports in the U.S., serves as a major hub for international flights, offering direct routes to numerous European cities like London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Madrid. For those hunting for cheap business class tickets from Chicago to Europe, the competition among airlines at ORD often results in attractive deals, especially if you’re flexible with dates or book in advance.
Now, let’s dive into the best airlines for business class flights from Chicago to Europe, ranked based on service quality, value, and availability of affordable fares.
1. United Airlines
Overview
As a major carrier headquartered in Chicago, United Airlines dominates at O’Hare, offering numerous nonstop flights to European destinations such as London Heathrow (LHR), Frankfurt (FRA), Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), and Brussels (BRU). United’s Polaris business class is a standout, designed specifically for long-haul international travel.
Business Class Experience
- Seats: Polaris features lie-flat seats with direct aisle access, measuring up to 6’6” in length. Each seat includes a 16-inch HD entertainment screen and ample storage.
- Dining: Passengers enjoy multi-course meals with a focus on seasonal ingredients, paired with premium wines and spirits. You can pre-order your meal to ensure your preferred choice.
- Amenities: Expect a Saks Fifth Avenue bedding set, noise-canceling headphones, and an amenity kit with skincare products.
- Lounge Access: United Polaris Lounge at ORD is a highlight, offering a la carte dining, private nap pods, and showers—a perfect pre-flight perk.
Routes and Pricing
United flies nonstop from ORD to major European hubs, making it a convenient choice. Business class tickets from Chicago to Europe typically start around $2,500-$3,000 round-trip, but deals as low as $1,800 can be found during off-peak seasons (e.g., January to March) or through MileagePlus promotions.
Why It’s Great for Cheap Business Class
United frequently offers discounted Polaris fares, especially for last-minute bookings or through their subscription service, United PerksPlus. Pair this with credit card points (e.g., Chase Sapphire Reserve) to offset costs, and you’ve got a recipe for affordable luxury.
Verdict
United is a top pick for business class flights from Chicago to Europe due to its extensive network, premium Polaris experience, and potential for cheap business class fares from Chicago to Europe.
2. Lufthansa
Overview
Lufthansa, Germany’s flag carrier and a Star Alliance partner with United, operates direct flights from ORD to Frankfurt (FRA) and Munich (MUC), with onward connections across Europe. Known for German efficiency and a polished business class product, Lufthansa is a strong contender.
Business Class Experience
- Seats: Lufthansa’s business class seats convert into a 6’6” lie-flat bed with a 20-inch width. While not all aircraft offer direct aisle access (a slight drawback), newer configurations are phasing this out.
- Dining: The airline excels with a gourmet menu featuring German specialties like schnitzel alongside international options, complemented by an impressive wine list.
- Amenities: Passengers receive a high-quality amenity kit, noise-canceling headphones, and plush bedding.
- Lounge Access: The Lufthansa Business Lounge at ORD offers a sleek space with German beers, pretzels, and a quiet atmosphere.
Routes and Pricing
Direct flights to Frankfurt and Munich are the backbone of Lufthansa’s ORD-Europe service. Business class tickets from Chicago to Europe typically range from $2,800-$3,500 round-trip, though sales can drop prices to $2,000 or lower, especially for winter travel.
Why It’s Great for Cheap Business Class
Lufthansa often partners with travel deal sites like The Points Guy or Scott’s Cheap Flights, offering flash sales on business class fares. Booking through Lufthansa’s Miles & More program can also unlock discounted award tickets.
Verdict
Lufthansa delivers a reliable, high-quality business class experience with opportunities for cheap business class from Chicago to Europe, especially if you’re headed to Germany or beyond.
3. British Airways
Overview
British Airways flies nonstop from ORD to London Heathrow (LHR), one of the most popular routes for Chicago travelers. Its Club World business class is a staple for transatlantic comfort, blending British sophistication with practical perks.
Business Class Experience
- Seats: Club World offers lie-flat seats in a unique yin-yang configuration (some seats face backward), providing 6’ of length and decent privacy. Newer A350 aircraft feature the upgraded Club Suite with doors for added seclusion.
- Dining: Expect a refined menu with British classics (think afternoon tea or roast beef) and a robust selection of wines and spirits.
- Amenities: The White Company bedding and Elemis amenity kits elevate the experience.
- Lounge Access: The British Airways Galleries Lounge at ORD provides a stylish pre-flight retreat with complimentary dining and drinks.
Routes and Pricing
The ORD-LHR route is a daily nonstop, with connections to other European cities. Business class fares from Chicago to Europe start at $2,600-$3,200 round-trip, but off-peak deals can dip below $2,000.
Why It’s Great for Cheap Business Class
British Airways frequently runs seasonal sales, and its Executive Club loyalty program allows you to redeem Avios points for significant discounts on business class tickets from Chicago to Europe.
Verdict
British Airways is ideal for travelers prioritizing London or seeking a polished business class experience with potential for cheap fares.
4. Turkish Airlines
Overview
Turkish Airlines connects ORD to Istanbul (IST), a gateway to Europe with onward flights to cities like Paris, Rome, and Athens. Renowned for its exceptional service, Turkish offers one of the best business class experiences at competitive prices.
Business Class Experience
- Seats: Lie-flat seats stretch 6’3” with generous width and privacy, paired with a 15-inch entertainment screen.
- Dining: Turkish shines here, with “Flying Chefs” preparing fresh, flavorful meals—think lamb kebabs or baklava—served on china.
- Amenities: Expect a Versace-designed amenity kit, noise-canceling headphones, and plush bedding.
- Lounge Access: The Turkish Airlines Lounge in Istanbul is legendary, offering everything from a cinema to freshly made Turkish delights.
Routes and Pricing
The ORD-IST nonstop takes about 10 hours, with connections adding 2-5 hours to other European destinations. Business class tickets from Chicago to Europe via Istanbul start at $2,200-$2,800 round-trip, often undercutting direct-flight competitors.
Why It’s Great for Cheap Business Class
Turkish Airlines consistently offers some of the cheapest business class fares from Chicago to Europe, especially if you’re open to a layover. Promotions and Miles&Smiles redemptions can further slash costs.
Verdict
For value-driven travelers, Turkish Airlines combines affordability with a five-star experience, making it a top choice for cheap business class flights from Chicago to Europe.
5. Aer Lingus
Overview
Ireland’s Aer Lingus flies nonstop from ORD to Dublin (DUB), with connections to London, Amsterdam, and beyond. Its business class strikes a balance between comfort and cost, appealing to budget-conscious luxury seekers.
Business Class Experience
- Seats: Lie-flat seats offer 6’3” of length with direct aisle access on newer aircraft, plus a 16-inch touchscreen.
- Dining: Irish-inspired meals (e.g., smoked salmon or beef stew) are paired with a solid wine selection.
- Amenities: Passengers receive a cozy blanket, pillow, and a basic amenity kit.
- Lounge Access: The Aer Lingus Lounge at ORD is modest but comfortable, with light bites and Irish whiskey.
Routes and Pricing
The ORD-DUB route is a quick 7.5-hour hop, with fares starting at $2,000-$2,600 round-trip—among the lowest for direct business class flights from Chicago to Europe.
Why It’s Great for Cheap Business Class
Aer Lingus often undercuts larger carriers on price, and its preclearance in Dublin (U.S. customs before departure) saves time on the return leg. Look for seasonal sales to snag even cheaper fares.
Verdict
Aer Lingus is a sleeper hit for cheap business class tickets from Chicago to Europe, especially for Ireland-bound travelers or those connecting onward.
6. TAP Air Portugal
Overview
TAP Air Portugal offers a more niche option, flying from ORD to Lisbon (LIS) with connections to Spain, Italy, and beyond. It’s a budget-friendly choice for business class travelers.
Business Class Experience
- Seats: Lie-flat beds measure 6’2” with decent privacy and an 11-inch screen.
- Dining: Portuguese flavors dominate, with dishes like codfish or pastéis de nata, alongside a curated wine list.
- Amenities: A simple amenity kit and standard bedding keep things functional.
- Lounge Access: The TAP Lounge in Lisbon is a pleasant stopover perk.
Routes and Pricing
The ORD-LIS nonstop takes about 8 hours, with business class fares ranging from $1,800-$2,500 round-trip—some of the cheapest direct options available.
Why It’s Great for Cheap Business Class
TAP’s lower operating costs translate to consistently affordable business class fares from Chicago to Europe, especially during off-peak periods.
Verdict
TAP Air Portugal is a hidden gem for travelers seeking cheap business class from Chicago to Europe with a solid onboard experience.
Tips for Finding Cheap Business Class Fares from Chicago to Europe
- Book Early or Last-Minute: Aim for 2-3 months in advance for the best rates, or check for last-minute deals within 2 weeks of departure.
- Use Flight Aggregators: Sites like Google Flights, Kayak, or Momondo can uncover hidden discounts on business class tickets from Chicago to Europe.
- Leverage Miles and Points: Programs like United MileagePlus, British Airways Avios, or Turkish Miles&Smiles often offer award seats at 50,000-70,000 points one-way.
- Travel Off-Peak: January, February, and November typically yield the cheapest fares.
- Consider Layovers: Airlines like Turkish or TAP can save hundreds with a stopover versus nonstop options.
Conclusion
The best airlines for business class flights from Chicago O’Hare (ORD) to Europe depend on your priorities. United Airlines excels for convenience and premium perks, Lufthansa for German efficiency, and British Airways for British charm. Turkish Airlines, Aer Lingus, and TAP Air Portugal shine as budget-friendly options, offering cheap business class fares from Chicago to Europe without sacrificing comfort. By timing your booking, exploring loyalty programs, and staying flexible, you can secure affordable luxury for your next transatlantic journey. Whether it’s a nonstop to London or a scenic stopover in Istanbul, these airlines ensure your trip from Chicago to Europe is as enjoyable as the destination itself.
