Best & Cheapest Business Class to Europe

Traveling to Europe in business class offers a luxurious and comfortable experience, but it doesn’t always have to come with a hefty price tag. Several airlines provide exceptional business class services at competitive prices, making it possible to enjoy premium amenities without breaking the bank. This article explores the best and most affordable business class options to Europe, covering airlines, booking strategies, and tips for securing the best deals.

Lufthansa Business Class Review: Flying to Europe from the USA

Traveling from the USA to Europe in Lufthansa’s Business Class is often seen as the pinnacle of comfort, luxury, and efficiency. Lufthansa, Germany’s flagship carrier, has consistently been recognized for its premium services and attention to detail, making it a top choice for transatlantic travelers. This review covers various aspects of Lufthansa’s Business Class experience, from check-in and boarding to seating, in-flight services, and overall comfort.

Check-In and Boarding

Lufthansa’s Business Class to Europe passengers are welcomed with dedicated check-in counters at major US airports like JFK, LAX, and ORD. The check-in process is smooth and efficient, ensuring minimal wait times. Passengers also benefit from priority security screening, allowing for a stress-free transition through airport formalities.

Boarding is equally streamlined. Business Class passengers are granted priority boarding, ensuring early access to the aircraft and ample time to settle in. Lufthansa staff are professional and courteous, assisting passengers with seating and carry-on luggage.

Business Class Lounge Experience

Before the flight, Business Class travelers gain access to Lufthansa’s luxurious lounges or partner lounges in the USA. These lounges offer comfortable seating, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a wide range of dining options. Complimentary drinks, including premium wines and spirits, are available, along with hot and cold meal selections. The serene environment allows travelers to relax or catch up on work before their flight.

Cabin and Seating

Lufthansa’s Business Class cabin on long-haul flights features a 2-2-2 or updated 1-2-1 configuration, depending on the aircraft type. The updated configuration, found on the Airbus A350 and Boeing 747-8, offers direct aisle access for every passenger, enhancing privacy and convenience.

Seat Comfort

The seats in Business Class are designed for maximum comfort. They convert into fully flat beds, measuring approximately 6 feet 6 inches in length. The plush mattress topper, soft pillows, and cozy duvet ensure a restful sleep. Adjustable lumbar support and customizable seat positions allow passengers to tailor their comfort throughout the flight.

Storage and Amenities

Lufthansa provides ample storage space around the seat for personal items. There are dedicated compartments for shoes, laptops, and small bags. Each seat is equipped with a large entertainment screen, USB ports, and universal power outlets.

The amenity kit includes premium skincare products, eye masks, socks, and other essentials. High-quality noise-canceling headphones are provided for an immersive entertainment experience.

In-Flight Entertainment

Lufthansa’s in-flight entertainment system, “FlyNet,” offers a vast selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games. The large HD touchscreen is responsive and easy to navigate. For passengers needing to stay connected, FlyNet also provides reliable Wi-Fi services for browsing, emailing, and messaging (available for an additional fee).

Dining Experience

Lufthansa’s Business Class dining is a gourmet experience designed by renowned chefs. The airline collaborates with regional and international culinary experts to offer diverse menus.

Pre-Departure Drinks

Upon boarding, passengers are greeted with a welcome drink, typically champagne, fresh juice, or water. This small touch sets the tone for a luxurious flight.

Multi-Course Meals

Shortly after takeoff, a multi-course meal is served, featuring appetizers, main courses, and desserts. Menu options include regional German specialties and international cuisine. Notable dishes often include roasted meats, fresh seafood, and vegetarian delights. Lufthansa’s wine selection complements the meal perfectly, offering fine wines and premium spirits.

Light Bites and Breakfast

Throughout the flight, passengers can request light snacks and beverages. Before landing, a thoughtfully curated breakfast or light meal is served, ensuring passengers arrive refreshed.

Sleep Quality

One of the most significant benefits of Lufthansa’s Business Class is the focus on sleep quality. The fully flat bed, plush bedding, and quiet cabin environment provide optimal conditions for rest. Lufthansa’s cabin lighting adjusts throughout the flight to help minimize jet lag.

Service and Hospitality

Lufthansa’s cabin crew are known for their professionalism and attentiveness. The staff are multilingual and cater to passengers’ needs promptly and discreetly. From meal preferences to additional amenities, the crew ensures a personalized flying experience.

Additional Perks

Baggage Allowance

Business Class passengers enjoy generous baggage allowances. Typically, this includes two checked bags (32 kg each) and two carry-on items.

Priority Services

Business Class travelers benefit from priority baggage handling, ensuring their luggage is among the first to arrive at the carousel. Additionally, priority immigration and customs services are available at select European airports.

Comparisons and Final Thoughts

When compared to other leading airlines offering transatlantic Business Class services, Lufthansa holds its own with remarkable consistency. While airlines like Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines may offer more opulent cabin designs, Lufthansa excels in reliability, efficiency, and comfort.

Pros:

  • Comfortable fully flat beds
  • High-quality dining and beverage options
  • Attentive and professional service
  • Access to premium lounges
  • Generous baggage allowance

Cons:

  • Some aircraft still feature a 2-2-2 seating layout, limiting privacy
  • Wi-Fi access is not complimentary

British Airways Business Class Review: Flying from the USA to Europe

British Airways (BA) is one of the most recognized international carriers, offering a premium Club World (Business Class) experience for travelers flying from the USA to Europe. This detailed review examines various aspects of British Airways’ business class service, including seating, in-flight amenities, dining, entertainment, and overall value, to help travelers decide whether this option suits their needs for a luxurious transatlantic journey.

Check-In and Boarding Process

British Airways provides a dedicated check-in counter for Club World passengers, ensuring a smoother and faster check-in experience. However, reviews indicate that while the process is organized, it lacks a premium feel, earning a moderate 6/10 rating. Boarding is similarly efficient, with priority boarding granted to business class travelers, but again, the experience is considered standard without any standout features.

Lounge Access

Club World passengers gain access to British Airways lounges at departure airports. These lounges offer comfortable seating, a variety of food and drinks, and quiet spaces to relax before the flight. The BA Galleries Lounge at London Heathrow, for instance, provides a satisfactory experience with clean facilities and plenty of charging ports. However, the lounges can feel crowded during peak times. Overall, the lounge experience scores a 7/10.

Cabin and Seating Comfort

British Airways’ Club World cabin features the airline’s distinctive yin-yang seat configuration, providing fully flat beds. Window seats offer significant privacy with three windows, but aisle seats are exposed and lack privacy. Middle seats can be uncomfortable when flying solo due to limited dividers. Storage space is notably limited, which can be inconvenient for organizing personal items. While the seats are comfortable for sleeping, the dated design and lack of privacy for some seats reduce the overall comfort rating to 6/10.

Amenity Kit and Comfort Items

BA offers an amenity kit in collaboration with The White Company, including essentials like an eye mask, moisturizer, lip balm, and earplugs. While the kit’s contents are practical, they fall short of luxury expectations for business class. The bedding is comfortable but lacks premium touches like a mattress topper. The amenity kit scores 6/10 for its thoughtful but basic offering.

Dining Experience

The in-flight dining experience features British-inspired menus with a selection of starters, mains, and desserts. Meals are served efficiently, with options like chicken and duck terrine, herb-crusted trout, and afternoon tea with scones and clotted cream. However, reviews suggest that while some dishes are flavorful, others, such as the beef mains, can be underwhelming. The pre-meal drinks service is praised, particularly for offering premium options like Fever Tree tonic with gin. The overall dining experience earns a 6/10.

In-Flight Entertainment (IFE)

British Airways’ updated Thales IFE system offers a wide selection of movies, TV shows, and music. The entertainment system is responsive, though it lacks a touchscreen interface, which is now standard among leading airlines. The variety of content, including British films and podcasts, is impressive, earning the IFE system a 9/10.

Service and Cabin Crew

The cabin crew consistently receive praise for their friendliness and attentiveness. From helping passengers settle in to providing personalized service, the crew often go above and beyond to create a pleasant flying experience. Lighthearted interactions and prompt responses to passenger requests contribute to a positive service experience, meriting a 7/10 rating.

Sleep Quality

The Club World seat converts into a fully flat bed over six feet long, offering a comfortable sleep surface. Window seats provide privacy, but aisle passengers may feel exposed. The bedding, although comfortable, could benefit from upgrades like a mattress pad. Noise-canceling headphones are absent, detracting from the overall restfulness. Sleep quality in Club World is rated 8/10.

Value for Money

British Airways’ Club World often offers competitive pricing compared to other airlines, sometimes providing business class fares for a fraction of what other carriers charge. While the product isn’t as luxurious as Qatar Airways or Singapore Airlines, it provides solid value, especially when booked at discounted rates. For budget-conscious travelers seeking a premium experience, the value is excellent. This earns a value rating of 7/10.

Final Thoughts

British Airways’ Club World offers a reliable, comfortable transatlantic business class experience. While aspects like cabin design, storage, and amenity kits could see improvements, the friendly cabin crew, solid entertainment options, and comfortable sleeping arrangements make it a worthwhile choice for travelers. When booked at competitive rates, it offers good value, despite some shortcomings compared to top-tier business class products.

Overall Score: 64/100

Pros:

  • Comfortable fully flat beds, especially at window seats
  • Friendly and attentive cabin crew
  • Wide entertainment selection
  • Competitive pricing for business class

Cons:

  • Outdated cabin design with limited privacy
  • Inadequate storage space
  • Average dining quality
  • Basic amenity kit

Etihad Airways Business Class Review: Flying to Europe from the USA

Flying to Europe from the USA in Etihad Airways’ Business Class offers a luxurious and comfortable travel experience. With routes from major U.S. hubs like New York (JFK), Chicago (ORD), and Washington D.C. (IAD) to Abu Dhabi, Etihad seamlessly connects travelers to Europe with exceptional service, innovative seat designs, and premium amenities. This review covers everything you need to know about flying Etihad Business Class to Europe, from seat comfort and dining to service quality and overall value.

Cabin and Seating Experience

Etihad’s Business Class cabins are designed for privacy and comfort. On the Airbus A350-1000, passengers enjoy suite-style seats with sliding doors, providing a cocoon-like private space. The reverse-herringbone 1-2-1 configuration ensures every passenger has direct aisle access. For solo travelers, window seats (A and K) offer maximum privacy, while middle seats (D and G) are ideal for couples, with adjustable privacy dividers.

Seats recline into fully flat beds measuring 79 inches in length, with plush bedding by Armani Casa, including soft pillows and thick duvets. The design features sophisticated finishes like faux-marble surfaces and gold-accented lighting, adding elegance to the space. Storage compartments, wireless charging pads, and Bluetooth connectivity ensure convenience and modern comfort.

In-Flight Dining Experience

Etihad’s dine-on-demand service allows passengers to enjoy gourmet meals at any time during the flight. The airline collaborates with top chefs to offer a diverse menu catering to global tastes. Typical menu options include:

  • Starters: Arabic mezze, smoked salmon tartare, or red pepper soup.
  • Main Courses: Braised beef short ribs, seared sea bream fillet, or paneer mutter with quinoa kofta for vegetarians.
  • Desserts: Marble cheesecake, almond and cherry pudding, or fresh fruit platters.

Beverage selections are equally impressive, featuring premium wines, Champagnes, and a variety of spirits. Personalized service ensures timely delivery, and presentation on Armani Casa tableware adds to the upscale dining experience.

Amenities and Entertainment

Passengers receive Acqua di Parma amenity kits, stocked with hand cream, cologne, dental kits, socks, and eye masks. While Etihad does not provide pajamas or slippers in Business Class, the comfort of the seats and the luxurious bedding compensate for this omission.

The in-flight entertainment system boasts an 18.5-inch ultra-HD touchscreen with a vast selection of movies, TV shows, music, and live TV channels. Passengers can connect personal Bluetooth headphones or use the provided noise-canceling headsets. Wi-Fi packages are reasonably priced, with options for text-only browsing or full data access.

Service Quality

Etihad’s service quality is a highlight of the Business Class experience. Flight attendants are attentive, professional, and proactive, offering personalized service throughout the flight. Meal service is executed efficiently, and passengers are often addressed by name, adding a personal touch.

On well-managed flights, the crew operates with precision, ensuring that every passenger is served simultaneously, avoiding delays between rows. This consistency enhances the overall experience and ensures timely rest and relaxation during long-haul flights.

Lounge Access and Ground Services

Business Class passengers enjoy priority check-in, expedited security screening, and priority boarding. At Abu Dhabi International Airport, travelers can access Etihad’s premium lounges, offering comfortable seating, gourmet dining, and relaxation areas. The U.S. preclearance facility in Abu Dhabi simplifies customs procedures, allowing passengers to bypass immigration queues upon arrival in the U.S.

Etihad’s ground services are polished and efficient, with helpful staff assisting with check-in, baggage, and lounge access. Although the Abu Dhabi Business Class Lounge could benefit from updates, it still provides a serene environment with quality food and beverage options.

Pricing and Value

Etihad’s Business Class fares from the USA to Europe via Abu Dhabi typically start at around $5,600 for round-trip tickets, depending on the season and destination. Award tickets through American Airlines AAdvantage miles start at 70,000 miles one-way, plus taxes and fees. While pricing is on the higher side, the overall value is justified by the premium service, seat comfort, and amenities offered.

Pros and Cons of Etihad Business Class

Pros:

  • Private suite-style seating with sliding doors.
  • Dine-on-demand gourmet meals with diverse menu options.
  • High-tech features like wireless charging and Bluetooth connectivity.
  • Luxurious amenities from Armani Casa and Acqua di Parma.
  • Attentive and personalized service from the cabin crew.
  • Access to premium lounges and priority services at the airport.

Cons:

  • No pajamas or slippers provided in Business Class.
  • Lounge facilities in Abu Dhabi could use modernization.
  • Service consistency may vary depending on the crew.

Booking Strategies for Affordable Business Class Flights

1. Book in Advance: Airlines often release their best fares 6-12 months before departure. Early booking can secure lower prices, especially for peak travel seasons.

2. Be Flexible with Dates: Flying mid-week or during off-peak seasons can result in significant savings. Use flexible date search tools to identify the cheapest travel days.

3. Use Airline Miles and Points: Frequent flyer programs and credit card rewards can significantly reduce the cost of business class tickets. Airlines often offer mileage sales or discounted award tickets.

4. Monitor Fare Sales: Sign up for fare alerts and newsletters from airlines and travel deal websites. Business class sales occur frequently, offering limited-time discounts.

5. Consider Alternative Airports: Flying out of less busy airports or into secondary European airports can lower the overall fare. Compare prices across different departure and arrival cities.

6. Utilize Stopovers: Airlines like Turkish Airlines and TAP Air Portugal offer free or low-cost stopovers, adding value to your trip without extra cost.

Final Thoughts

Experiencing business class comfort on flights to Europe doesn’t have to be prohibitively expensive. Airlines like Turkish Airlines, TAP Air Portugal, Aer Lingus, SAS, Iberia, and Finnair offer competitive pricing without sacrificing quality. By employing strategic booking methods such as early reservations, utilizing reward points, and staying flexible with travel dates, travelers can enjoy the luxury of business class at a fraction of the usual cost. With careful planning and smart choices, a premium transatlantic journey is more accessible than ever.