Flying business class to Europe from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) doesn’t have to break the bank. While premium travel is often associated with high costs, some airlines offer affordable business class options without compromising on comfort, service, and amenities. This guide explores the two best airlines that provide cheap business class flights from LAX to Amsterdam, offering travelers the luxury experience at a fraction of the usual price.
1. Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) – Budget-Friendly Luxury
SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) is a well-known European carrier that offers a budget-friendly business class experience. While it doesn’t provide direct flights from LAX to Amsterdam, it operates with a one-stop connection through its hubs in Copenhagen (CPH), Stockholm (ARN), or Oslo (OSL). This layover allows travelers to enjoy Scandinavian hospitality while still keeping costs relatively low compared to other premium airlines.
Why Choose SAS?
- Affordable Business Class Fares – Often significantly lower than major competitors like KLM and Lufthansa.
- High-Quality Service – Scandinavian hospitality with an emphasis on comfort and efficiency.
- Flat-Bed Seats – Comfortable fully flat seats on transatlantic segments.
- Priority Services – Access to fast-track security, priority boarding, and priority baggage handling.
- Lounge Access – Business class travelers can enjoy SAS lounges in LAX and Scandinavian hub airports.
- Sustainable Fleet – Uses modern, fuel-efficient aircraft like the Airbus A350, reducing carbon emissions.
Business Class Experience
SAS business class offers spacious seating configurations in a 1-2-1 layout, ensuring direct aisle access for every passenger. The seats recline into fully flat beds with ample legroom, making long-haul flights more comfortable. Each seat features a 15.4-inch entertainment screen, personal storage, and noise-canceling headphones.
Dining Experience:
- A curated Scandinavian-inspired menu.
- Three-course meals with a focus on fresh ingredients.
- Complimentary premium wines and beverages.
- Breakfast service before landing.
Pricing & Best Booking Strategies
SAS business class fares are often priced 30-50% lower than other full-service European airlines. To get the best deal:
- Book 3-6 months in advance.
- Use airline sales and promo codes.
- Consider redeeming SAS EuroBonus miles or partner airline points.
- Check alternative departure airports in California, such as San Francisco (SFO), for better pricing.
Best For:
- Travelers seeking premium comfort at an affordable price.
- Passengers open to layovers in Scandinavian cities.
- Business and leisure travelers who value sustainability and high service quality.
2. Turkish Airlines – Affordable Luxury with World-Class Service
Turkish Airlines has gained a stellar reputation for its top-tier business class service at competitive prices. While it operates one-stop flights from LAX to Amsterdam via Istanbul (IST), the layover comes with an added perk – the opportunity to experience Turkish hospitality and Istanbul’s world-class business lounge.
Why Choose Turkish Airlines?
- Competitive Pricing – Turkish Airlines often offers business class fares significantly lower than direct carriers.
- Luxury In-Flight Experience – Lie-flat seats, gourmet dining, and world-class amenities.
- Renowned Business Lounge in Istanbul – Access to one of the best business class lounges in the world.
- Flexible Booking Policies – Free date changes and affordable upgrade options.
- Extensive Connectivity – Convenient connections to multiple European cities, including Amsterdam.
Business Class Experience
Turkish Airlines’ Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 aircraft feature fully lie-flat seats in a 2-3-2 or 1-2-1 configuration, depending on the aircraft. Each seat includes a large personal entertainment screen, USB and power outlets, and an adjustable privacy partition.
Dining Experience:
- Multi-course gourmet meals inspired by Turkish and international cuisines.
- Onboard chefs preparing fresh meals.
- High-quality wine selection and signature cocktails.
Istanbul Lounge Experience
A major highlight of flying business class with Turkish Airlines is the exclusive access to the Turkish Airlines Business Lounge at Istanbul Airport (IST). The lounge includes:
- Sleeping rooms for long layovers.
- Fine dining with live cooking stations.
- Showers and relaxation areas.
- Entertainment zones with gaming consoles and movie theaters.
Pricing & Best Booking Strategies
Turkish Airlines offers some of the most competitive business class fares from LAX to Europe. To secure the best price:
- Book during seasonal sales (Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and airline anniversary promotions).
- Use Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles program for award flights or upgrades.
- Check for special deals on third-party travel sites.
- Be flexible with travel dates to find the lowest fare.
Best For:
- Travelers looking for luxury at a lower price.
- Passengers who enjoy world-class airport lounges.
- Food lovers who appreciate gourmet airline dining.
3. Icelandair – Budget Business Class with Stopover Perks
Icelandair is a well-known option for affordable business class travel to Europe. While it does not operate direct flights from LAX to Amsterdam, its flights connect through Reykjavik (KEF). This stopover in Iceland not only helps reduce costs but also provides passengers with an opportunity to explore Iceland for up to seven days at no additional airfare.
Why Choose Icelandair?
- Competitive Business Class Pricing – More affordable than major airlines like KLM and Lufthansa.
- Saga Premium Class – Icelandair’s business class product offers a premium experience at an economy-plus price.
- Stopover in Iceland – Free multi-day layovers in Reykjavik at no extra airfare.
- Priority Services – Fast-track security, priority boarding, and priority baggage handling.
- Comfortable Seating – Wide recliner-style seats with extra legroom instead of fully flat beds.
- Exceptional Service – Friendly Icelandic hospitality and premium inflight catering.
Business Class Experience
Icelandair’s Saga Premium Class is not a traditional long-haul business class with fully lie-flat seats. Instead, it offers spacious reclining seats, similar to first-class seats on domestic U.S. flights. While the seats do not fully recline, they provide ample legroom and comfort for transatlantic travel.
Dining Experience:
- Nordic-inspired meals featuring fresh Icelandic ingredients.
- Complimentary wine, spirits, and cocktails.
- Snack and beverage service available throughout the flight.
Pricing & Best Booking Strategies
Icelandair’s business class fares are often 40-60% cheaper than traditional full-service airlines. To secure the best deal:
- Book during seasonal sales and airline promotions.
- Utilize Icelandair’s frequent flyer program, Saga Club, for discounts and upgrades.
- Be flexible with travel dates to find the lowest fares.
- Consider a multi-day Iceland stopover for added value.
Best For:
- Budget-conscious travelers who want a premium experience.
- Passengers open to a scenic stopover in Iceland.
- Travelers prioritizing cost savings over fully lie-flat seats.
4. Air Portugal (TAP) – Affordable Business Class with Modern Comfort
TAP Air Portugal offers some of the cheapest business class fares from LAX to Amsterdam via a stopover in Lisbon (LIS). The airline’s business class product, known as Executive Class, features lie-flat seats on long-haul flights and excellent Portuguese hospitality.
Why Choose TAP Air Portugal?
- Competitive Business Class Fares – Often among the lowest-priced transatlantic business class options.
- Flat-Bed Seats – Fully lie-flat seats on long-haul segments for optimal comfort.
- Stopover Program – Enjoy a free stopover in Lisbon for up to 5 days.
- Priority Services – Includes priority check-in, boarding, baggage handling, and fast-track security.
- Portuguese Cuisine & Wine Selection – High-quality dining with authentic Portuguese flavors.
- Modern Fleet – Utilizes fuel-efficient Airbus A330neo and A321LR aircraft.
Business Class Experience
TAP’s business class cabins are designed with a 1-2-1 configuration, ensuring direct aisle access for every passenger. The fully lie-flat seats provide excellent comfort for the long-haul journey. Each seat includes a personal entertainment system, USB charging ports, and a privacy divider.
Dining Experience:
- Gourmet meals featuring Portuguese dishes.
- Premium Portuguese wines and spirits.
- Healthy meal options and dietary accommodations available.
Pricing & Best Booking Strategies
TAP Air Portugal is known for offering some of the best-value business class tickets between North America and Europe. To find the best prices:
- Book during TAP’s frequent business class sales and promotions.
- Use the TAP Miles&Go program for discounts or upgrades.
- Consider a stopover in Lisbon for an extended trip at no extra airfare.
- Monitor fare deals on airline websites and third-party booking platforms.
Best For:
- Travelers looking for lie-flat seats at budget-friendly prices.
- Passengers who want to explore Lisbon during a stopover.
- Food and wine lovers who appreciate gourmet inflight dining.
Conclusion
While business class travel can be expensive, Scandinavian Airlines and Turkish Airlines provide some of the most affordable yet luxurious options for flights from LAX to Amsterdam. Whether you prioritize price, comfort, or in-flight dining, both airlines offer an exceptional experience without the high cost of traditional premium airlines like KLM, British Airways, or Lufthansa.
By leveraging early bookings, promotions, and flexible travel dates, travelers can enjoy a business class experience at a fraction of the usual cost. Whether you choose the Scandinavian elegance of SAS or the award-winning hospitality of Turkish Airlines, your journey to Amsterdam will be nothing short of exceptional.
