Today’s travelers want more than just a cheap airline seat on an international flight. Business travelers and vacationers alike want comfort and service.
Until recently there were several airlines ready to give international travelers what they want. Airplanes with only business class seats and service were available on transatlantic flights on a few selected airlines. But due to tough economic times most of the business class airlines have gone under with the exception of one, OpenSkies.
Formerly L’Avion, a French business class only airline, OpenSkies is now a subsidiary of British Airways and offers direct business class flights between Paris, New York and Amsterdam. Combining comfort with quality, personalized service and competitive rates, OpenSkies is seeking to make business class travel into a “private jet” experience.
The airline has four Boeing 757’s that have been modified for their two business class categories. The Business Bed class or “Biz Bed” offers seats that convert to 180° flat beds and 73 inches (185 cm) of leg room while the Business Seat class “Biz Seat” has large seats that recline to 140° (52 inch (132 cm) pitch and offer 12 inches (30 cm) of leg room.
Cabin service includes a choice of gourmet meals, champagne, and fine wines. Ground service offers personalized and fast track check-in, business lounge access, 24 hour concierge service and the British Airways Executive Club loyalty program that allows you to travel accumulate miles.
Most of the major airlines offer premium economy, business class and first class seats on international flights. The difference between the classes can be significant in seat size, service and cost with first class and business class costing considerably more than a standard economy seat.
Sometimes, if the business or first class seats are not completely sold out on a flight, you can arrange for an upgrade at the check-in desk. This will usually cost far less than pre-booking a business or first class seat on most major airlines.
The best way to travel business or first class without spending a large amount of money is to use airline points to book your flight. Return airfare in business class on most international flights requires between 85,000 to 135,000 points, depending on which airline or partner airline you will be flying and how far you are going. Most major airlines have partnerships with other international airlines and you can use your points to book flights on partnership airlines providing you book through the airline you have points with.
When planning your next trip, consider flying business class or first class or using a business class only airline like OpenSkies. If you don’t want to spend that much money, join an airline loyalty program and use your points for international flights. Another option is to try upgrade just before the flight, this will save you money but if the business class is sold out, you will have to fly economy. Flying should be an enjoyable experience and the best way to ensure that is to fly business class.
Photo curtsey of OpenSkies.
