I’m continuing to try to put a lot of effort into taking review trips, so that I can report back on airline products, airport lounges, and hotels. Recently I shared a list of the points hotels that I most hope to stay at, and in this post I thought it would be fun to recap the airline products that I most hope to review (most are first and business class, but there are also some other concepts on the list as well).
Just for some context, this is basically the list that I currently have in my head, that I’m prioritizing when deciding how to book my next review trips. This is by no means comprehensive, as I’m always happy to review any product that I haven’t reviewed recently. But still, I figured it would be fun to share the list I have, and then I’m of course open to feedback on great opportunities to try these products, learning which products y’all find most interesting, etc.
This list will exclusively include experiences that are already in service, so I’m not including the new first class and new business class products that are on the horizon (though of course I want to check those out as well, without exception). Let’s get right into it, starting with first class products, and then business class products.
In this post:
Kuwait Airways first & business class
There are only two first class products in the world that I haven’t yet reviewed, and Kuwait Airways first class is one of them. The airline has first class suites on its Boeing 777s, and I’m keen to check this out. Am I expecting Kuwait Airways to have the world’s best first class product? Absolutely not. But still, a review seems in order.
The airline has attractive first class fares to some destinations in Asia, and my hope is to include a Kuwait Airways Airbus A330-800neo business class segment on the same itinerary, since I’ve never flown that variant of the A330neo.
Starlux Airlines first class
In the interest of having reviewed every single first class product in the world, I need to check out Starlux Airlines’ Airbus A350 first class. I’ve reviewed the carrier’s A350 business class, which is excellent.
However, I don’t really understand the carrier’s first class strategy — first class doesn’t even look that impressive, yet pricing is astronomical. I’m leaning toward booking first class between Taipei and Singapore, where the pricing is relatively reasonable, at ~$2,000 one-way. That’s a lot of money to spend, but it’s significantly less than the airline charges on transpacific flights. This would also allow me to check out Starlux’s new lounge at Taipei Taoyuan Airport, which even has a first class section.
Does anyone know how limited the service is on the shorter first class segments within Asia, compared to the long haul flights? If only there were a better way to review Starlux across the Pacific (if there’s something I’m missing, please let me know)…
Thai Airways first class
I’ve flown Thai Airways first class many times before. However, the airline has retired all the jets on which I’ve flown first class, and at this point the airline only offers the cabin on newly delivered 777s, which fly to London, Tokyo, and Osaka.
Award availability on these flights is possible with partner miles, though it’s very tough to come by space. Still, I’d love to take an updated look at this product.
Garuda Indonesia first class
At this point, Garuda Indonesia has first class on a single Boeing 777, flying between Jakarta and Amsterdam. I reviewed this product many years ago, though a lot has changed since then. Since I’ve historically ranked this product so highly, I feel like I should maybe take an updated look at the experience, especially with Garuda Indonesia seemingly being in cost cutting mode.
Is it worth checking out this product to see how it’s holding up, or is it a waste of time and miles, since it’s only available on a single aircraft, at this point? On the plus side, at least Garuda Indonesia first class can be booked with Flying Blue miles, though admittedly at a steep cost.
Aeromexico business class
I’m going for Flying Blue Platinum status, and as a result, I’m going to be doing some more flying on SkyTeam airlines in order to qualify. I’ve reviewed Aeromexico’s Boeing 787-8 business class. However, I’d like to review the carrier’s Boeing 787-9 business class, which features reverse herringbone seats. On top of that, I’d like to check out Aeromexico’s Boeing 737 MAX business class, since I’ve never flown that before either.
There are lots of attractive Aeromexico business class fares, so this shouldn’t be too challenging to accomplish.
Delta One business class
Similar to the Aeromexico situation, I’m looking to fly more SkyTeam airlines, so I think it’s time for some more Delta One business class flying. I’ve reviewed Delta’s Airbus A350-900 business class and Airbus A330-900neo business class.
So I’d like to check out Delta’s refreshed Boeing 767-400 business class, plus the carrier’s “classic” Airbus A330 business class, since those are aspects of Delta’s fleet I haven’t reviewed. I’ve been hearing (I forgot where, though!) Delta earns a revenue premium over other airlines for its amazing product, so I can’t wait to experience it firsthand. Does anyone know whether they’re serving Dom Perignon or Krug at the moment? 😉
Boliviana de Aviacion business class
Living in Miami, I’m way overdue for flying Boliviana de Aviacion. The airline recently refreshed its long haul fleet, acquiring two former Virgin Australia Airbus A330s. The airline has among the most reasonable business class fares in the world, and flies those planes to Miami and Madrid. So I plan to review this product as part of a larger South America review trip.
GOL premium economy
While it’s perhaps not the most exciting product in the world, it fits nicely into my overall travel planning. I’d like to fly GOL’s Boeing 737 MAX premium economy. This is essentially like intra-Europe business class, with blocked middle seats, a dedicated lavatory, and complimentary food and drinks.
Icelandair Saga business class
Not only have I been wanting to return to Iceland for quite some time, but I’ve also been wanting to review Icelandair business class once again. Admittedly this product isn’t much to get excited about, as it’s more like domestic first class than international business class.
However, Icelandair has a unique business model and route network, and it’s time to revisit this experience. Icelandair is an Alaska Mileage Plan partner, though unfortunately award availability is often quite limited. The airline does frequently have attractive roundtrip fares in business class, though has anyone seen a good one-way fare recently?
Air Greenland business class
Air Greenland has a single Airbus A330-800neo, which is a unique jet to begin with. The carrier’s business class is in a 2-3-2 configuration, and if the renderings are to be believed, the seats have way too much recline.
I’ve been wanting to visit Greenland, and of course want to fly there on Air Greenland. I’ll probably wait until the new airport terminal opens in Nuuk, as that’s a major development for the airline.
Ethiopian Airlines business class
I’m long overdue for a trip in Ethiopian Airlines business class. While I flew the airline many years ago on a Boeing 787 with angled business class seats, I’d like to fly with the Star Alliance carrier again. The airline has a lot of fleet inconsistency and also has frequent aircraft swaps, so I’d honestly just like to try any of the carrier’s flat bed business class, whether it’s on the Airbus A350, Boeing 777, or Boeing 787.
Air Mauritius business class
Air Mauritius flies both Airbus A330-900neos and Airbus A350-900s, and I’d like to fly either product on a route between Europe and Mauritius. Air Mauritius is an Air Canada Aeroplan partner, making it easy to redeem points on the airline. I’ve heard this is one of Africa’s best business class products, so I’d love to experience it.
Aircalin business class
I’ve been meaning to fly with Aircalin for years, as the airline operates Airbus A330-900neos between New Caledonia and several points in Asia. One unique thing is that Aircalin uses Flying Blue as its frequent flyer program, so if I book a ticket on Aircalin, it could help me earn Flying Blue elite status. This is a win-win opportunity, so this is the time to finally fly with the airline.
Japan Airlines business class
I recently reviewed Japan Airlines’ Airbus A350-1000 first class, which is among the best first class experiences in the world. Now I’d like to review the business class seats on the same jet, to see how it compares.
United Polaris business class
I’m also long overdue for some more United Polaris business class reviews, especially with how the airline has adjusted its soft product over time. I’d like to fly on both the Boeing 777 and Boeing 787 in business class once again, to see how the products are holding up. This should be easy enough to combine with an award on Air Mauritius and Ethiopian Airlines.
Breeze Airways Nicest
I wanted to finish off this list a few domestic products within the United States that I’d like to review. While not officially a first or business class product, Breeze Airways has first class-style seats on its Airbus A220-300s, known as “Nicest.” I wish the airline operated routes that actually coincided with where I need to go, but either way, I’ll go out of my way to try this.
JSX
JSX is an innovative (and controversial) airline that operates point-to-point routes using Embraer regional jets in apremium configuration. The airline doesn’t fly out of commercial terminals, but rather flies out of FBOs, allowing people to arrive closer to departure time, and to not be subjected to TSA security screening. I still haven’t flown this airline, so I’m hoping to change that.
Now, while I appreciate JSX’s innovation, personally I’m skeptical as to whether I’ll love this experience as much as some others do. Yes, this is more comfortable than your typical regional jet, but ultimately JSX flies loud, small planes, and while you don’t have a seat mate, the seat width is still lacking.
Aero
Aero is probably the most luxurious scheduled charter operator in the United States. The airline operates point-to-point routes on Embraer E135s, in what looks like an actually luxurious layout. Based on what I’ve heard, this experience is significantly elevated compared to JSX. The catch is that the airline doesn’t have nearly as consistent of a schedule.
Bottom line
It’s always useful for me to keep a list of the products that I’d most like to review, so that I have some inspiration when I plan my review trips. This list is by no means comprehensive, and there are lots of other products I’d like to review. However, the above are probably at the top of my list for a variety of reasons.
In some cases it’s because I finally want to check out every first class product in the world, in other cases it’s because I’m going for elite status with Flying Blue and these are practical airlines to fly, and in some cases it’s because they’re US airlines that I’ve yet to review.
Which airlines would you most like to see reviewed, whether on the list or not?
Feel like Kuwait First Class would get a great review from Ben. Not because it deserves it, the amenities are poor even by business class standards, the catering is mediocre, and the ground service is awful. But it does come with two individual air vents in each suite, and that will definitely help it recover some points
You forgot Air India Business Class.
I'll be flying JAL business class from Haneda to JFK on Airbus A350-1000 in July.
Last time I flew Delta Delta One long haul to Korea they were serving Chandon.
I would like to see some other airlines. All of them are pretty common but there are many other airlines around the world that is never or almost never discussed here.
Please review JAL's domestic first class. It's not on the same level as their international of course, but it puts what they call "first class" in the US to shame and is (in my personal opinion) on par with their short haul business class. (Comparing Tokyo to Okinawa versus Tokyo to Seoul, which are roughly the same distance.)
Got to fly the new JAL J product from HND to JFK last week and I've got to say, it was one of my favorite flights of all time. The hard product is just exceptional. So comfortable and spacious. The footwell is almost unfathomably spacious. Coupled with the excellent Japanese service and solid food, it's up there with Q Suites. Can't wait to fly it again.
Taking it in May/ June.
I really think you should also consider Azul's Business class. You can even combine that with GOL or BOA on a trip to South America.
E.G, fly MIA-VVI on BOA, then VVI-GRU on GOL and then VCP-FLL on Azul. Or go MIA-FOR/BSB-GRU on GOL and then return to the US with Azul.
Keeping in mind that Azul is about to take in some A330s from multiple carriers like Air Asia, Condor, Avianca, Air...
I really think you should also consider Azul's Business class. You can even combine that with GOL or BOA on a trip to South America.
E.G, fly MIA-VVI on BOA, then VVI-GRU on GOL and then VCP-FLL on Azul. Or go MIA-FOR/BSB-GRU on GOL and then return to the US with Azul.
Keeping in mind that Azul is about to take in some A330s from multiple carriers like Air Asia, Condor, Avianca, Air Belgium... so the product is bound to become really inconsistent as aircraft swaps are really common with the carrier.
Don’t fly Ethiopian business from mxp-zrh
The views were great but they didn’t even offer drinks!
What about Westjet in Business from Toronto to London?
Some of those flights look like fun - Air Greenland, Ethiopian, Bolivian, Air Calin, Garuda, etc
Where are Air Tanzania, Luxair business and Bangkok Airways 'Blue Ribbon'? Looks like a good year ahead and safe flights!
I'll be very curious to see if Starlux first class cracks your top 12 (or 15).
Maybe it will outright. Or maybe it will make the cut (eventually) if and when Garuda Indonesia and Oman Air retire first class. I still hope I have time to get on the latter (and they don't let the first class lounge at MCT slide in quality).
As for Kuwait Airways first class, I'm guessing it won't make the cut, but who knows.
If you fly IcelandAir Saga Premium make sure it is leaving KEF so you can experience the Saga Lounge. Maybe I’m biased but consider it one of the best lounges available (and the only one at KEF). BTW have flown them numerous times. Yes seat is domestic first but soft product is good and I highly recommend the Gin tasting menu.
Would love to see a review of Vistara, especially as the merger with Air India is quickly approaching! Flown it both domestically and from London to Delhi several times and have been consistently impressed. Very gracious and hospitable service, excellent meals and solid hard product. Ground service in London was a bit of a mess but otherwise Vistara is (currently) South Asia's best airline offering, by a stretch.
Im flying air India and vistara from syd to Frankfurt with an 18hr stopover in Delhi. Not everyone’s cup of tea but I can’t wait. Both flights come under one aeroplan award at 110k miles. Looking forward to comparing the two airlines.
I have taken a few international trips on Vistara, but they're nothing exceptional compared to international business class with top Middle Eastern or Asia-based airlines. Yes, the service and food are very good, the hospitality is above average, the comfort is average, and the drinks are meh. Their miles/ points program isn't great for booking international business.
Ok good to know! Thanks. I assume they’re far better than air India?
I won't say "far" better, but definitely better than AI.
Just flew BKK-NRT on Thai Airways First Class last month.The staff at TG’s First Class checkin already knew who i was even before i said anything.Escorted all the way to the F lounge which wasnt anything special.
On board only 4 seats out of the 8 were taken so the service was great.However to me the seat looked and feels very dated.Will be flying them again in F from BKK-LHR and connecting onto IcelandAir’s Saga Class on an aged 757 to Reykjavik next month.
While you did reviews of COPA Business class, I don't think you ever reviewed the lie-flat seats in their 737 Maxs?
I just flew the MAX business from/to SFO. It’s nothing special, but not a bad way to get from the west coast to places in Central America. I find the service to be primarily reactive (no proactive drink refills) and they loaded 1 bottle of cava on the plane. The ground experience in SFO could be improved - while it is a star alliance carrier, you can’t get into any lounges with a J ticket...
I just flew the MAX business from/to SFO. It’s nothing special, but not a bad way to get from the west coast to places in Central America. I find the service to be primarily reactive (no proactive drink refills) and they loaded 1 bottle of cava on the plane. The ground experience in SFO could be improved - while it is a star alliance carrier, you can’t get into any lounges with a J ticket (Polaris Lounge access doesn’t include PTY as a eligible destination, united club on the G-side of the international terminal also doesn’t let you in unless you are star alliance gold). Copa also departs out of A or B gates, which means you also need to clear security twice if you want to visit a lounge. The priority pass lounges are not for priority pass members during the times of the Copa’s flights.
AirCalin Noumea to Tokyo Narita can be ~$1k one way, possibly better value than miles. Hoping to try that one myself too.
I’m surprised this list managed to have 18 airlines on it honestly
How about https://fly.surfair.com ? PC-12 from Bay Area to Tahoe?
My two cents, I would like to see you review Beond Airlines, the all-business class Maldivian carrier.
I find JSX to be a tale of two cities. When they're "on", they're hard to beat outside of flying private. When they're "off" with maintenance issues or whatever, it's pretty horrific. Thankfully I've had more positive experiences than negative, but the non-reconfigured aircraft are really showing their age. The Wi-Fi is exceptional and the service is always solid. Just can be unreliable especially with 1-2 frequencies a day. Still would love your review on them!
Surprised to not see Air India's new business class on the list, given how easily accessible it will be soon on many US routes
What's "new" business class in Air India? They have leased bunch of DL A350-900s, which we already know about and have the info. They don't offer first class on international routes.
Food is above average but they still don't know how to plate food properly, very basic drink menus, service is mediocre, and delays with baggage still persist. And if you think AA/ UA/ LH customer service sucks, try AI - it's on different...
What's "new" business class in Air India? They have leased bunch of DL A350-900s, which we already know about and have the info. They don't offer first class on international routes.
Food is above average but they still don't know how to plate food properly, very basic drink menus, service is mediocre, and delays with baggage still persist. And if you think AA/ UA/ LH customer service sucks, try AI - it's on different level of frustration!
On international routes, sometimes more than 20% of the passengers aboard the flight before the business class boarding begins. I swear, I have never seen so many wheelchairs in my life getting to board first - one time I counted 57!! No joke!
It's the same situation when you try to board for QR, EK and EY from any major US airports.
No Lufthansa's new Allegris on YVR-MUC? Just to see it with your own eyes first hand;-)
I'm booked on a flight in July and it will be a lottery between the old LH-Business, the intermediate version with Philippine Airlines interior or the Allegris...
Perhaps, Vistara? Would love your review on that.
Can't say the same for Krug.
But The Dunn Perignon NV would absolutely blow you away. The moment you pop it's cock, it will remind you how great airline you're flying but also telling the premium you paid doesn't mean it's a premium product. The experience is so overwhelming up to the point it should be a meme.
The limited edition Dunn Perignon can only be found on only one single premium airline.
Hahhahaahahahah good one
The Dunn Perignon is a vintage. At least 60 years in the making. I don't think its cock has been popped in decades (if ever). I've also heard that the cock on that bottle is extremely tiny, to the point where it's very hard to open.
I took some GOL flights on a recent trip to Brazil. The in-flight experience was pretty good. They like to give you a salty and a sweet snack and you have your choice of non-alcoholic beverage. For a short haul flight it was more than I expected. My only complaint was that it seems that their IT infrastructure is lacking and so it takes forever to get checked-in and to drop off your bags.
Do one of those crazy “one way fares” where you can roundtrip South America on Delta One for 1500$ to SA. Has to be same day turnaround. Ooo how about
SFO-Taipei-Singapore-Bangkok-London-Rome (new ITA)-Mexico City- Santiago-Bogota (Avianca)-Atlanta(Delta)-GRU-GIG-Atlanta
Finally a blogger who calls JSX what it is: a narrow seat on a loud/cramped ERJ-145 but with a big cup holder! Gary makes it sound like it’s flying private
While the A330-800 is a very nice modern equipment the business class on KU is really nothing to write home about. I am flying this quite regularly, also on the 330-800 and while I like the plane I am somehow underwhelmed by the service of KU. Usually it is ok - but certainly nothing more than just that.
If you end up in the UK due to chasing BAEC status, you got to fly GLA-BRR with Logan Air where you get to land on a beach
What about Azores new A321neo Business Class, French Bee's new Miami-Paris route, or Air Canada/Westjet 737 MAX 8 Business Class to Europe?
I flew Polaris recently on a 77W on EWR-SFO. The seat I was in had a lot of scratches, and some wear and tear was definetly showing (my aircraft was delivered in 2016).
Also, I'd love a review of Bulgaria Air on their A220 which has real Business Class seats. Some other ideas are Etihad's new 787 Business Class, Iberia's new A350 Business Class, and maybe Iraqi Airways A220!
Not a flight, but how about Eurostar Business Premier? (London - Paris/Brussels/Amsterdam, should fit somewhere in a European trip).
I am excited to travel in the executive class on the Frecciarossa 1000, and the OBB Nightjet Sleeper Deluxe Solo (with private shower and toilet), this June. I have heard so much about the executive class and that it's better than flying business class (European domestic). The OBB Nightjets are amazing too! Can't wait to check them out.
The first premium economy review on OMAAT is coming from GOL! I can't wait.
But, Ben, in all seriousness, if your going to try GOL's Premium product, you have to do it on the longest 737 MAX flight in the world! Fly from Orlando to Brazil on GOL! You could also do Miami, but for just a slightly longer flight, you can say you have flown the world's longest 737 MAX flight! You could also...
The first premium economy review on OMAAT is coming from GOL! I can't wait.
But, Ben, in all seriousness, if your going to try GOL's Premium product, you have to do it on the longest 737 MAX flight in the world! Fly from Orlando to Brazil on GOL! You could also do Miami, but for just a slightly longer flight, you can say you have flown the world's longest 737 MAX flight! You could also take the Brightline to MCO to try out their new Orlando service in Premium (the Orlando Brightline station is at the new Terminal C at MCO).
Brightline has a BOGO sale going on right now (book by April 6th, travel by May 30th) for premium tickets to Orlando (must book 2 people minimum). I found fares from MCO to MIA for $59 per person each way in their Premium class.
Air Mauritius MRU-JNB for 20k AC points in J is a great deal. Flew it in January, it's a solid product though not extraordinary. Service was good.
ANA's A380, Hawaiians 787, Air Premia
@Ben, personally the Delta One on 767-400 is boring. It's functionally the same seat you've reviewed but without a door.
What would be more interesting for you to prioritize is one of the new Delta flagship business class lounges in LAX, JFK, or BOS. That would be genuinely new content. Or find a way to cover both in one trip. I'm sure many are curious to know how it stacks up against Polaris and Flagship Lounges
the Tim Dunn reference had me cackling. 10/10
Along the lines of Air Calin you should try Air Austral. The seats aren’t cutting edge but service is good. And it’s the world’s longest domestic flight.
@ momoto -- Air Austral has interested me for a long time, especially with the very small business class cabins. I never see good fares on Air Austral, though. Has anyone seen good business fares on the airline, or is there some other trick I'm missing? Thanks!
I'm seeing sub $800 fares in business class in the next few weeks on AirCalin.,
Ben, definitely try Aircalin on their Tokyo Narita-Noumea flight. One way fares are consistently less than $2,000 and for a daytime 8+ hour flight in a lay-flat seat that isn’t too bad.
I flew this route a few years ago. They even had a full caviar course in business class! All in all it was an excellent flight and I encourage you to take it soon. I have pics of the seat and meal. Let me know if you’d like to see them.
@ -- Caviar in business class?!? I'm fascinated, and need to do this ASAP!
It’s far cheaper ex-Noumea, $1000-1100 oneway on the redeye. However, the daytime experience could definitely be a more pleasant one!
Not sure if they’re still offering caviar in business. Their menu planning folks tend to mix things up every now and then. But for a small carrier with only two, albeit relatively new, A330s and a handful of smaller planes they still offer a commendable product.
Those Air Greenland "business class" seats are the exact same as Singapore Airlines premium economy.
Thai is easy to just buy up to F from a J fare (usually very cheap J tickets to Osaka to start with). I did it last year for around $600 at check-in. I did it more for the novelty as I was curious. It was really not worth it though as a regular thing.
@ Antwerp -- Are you talking about Thai Airways or Starlux Airlines (or some other airline)?
Thai, which you missed at the start of my comment. The BKK-KIX flight is usually cheap to buy a J fare. At the airport just ask them for a buy up to F. I paid around $600. It's a good way to sample F on Thai. The flight is usually empty in F and they are happy to oblige at the airport. It's nothing remarkable though as an fyi. Though you do get an escort to expidite you to the separate lounge area and to the gate.
As a disclaimer though I have never tried the reverse from KIX. But in BKK it was a very simple process. Much like AF and BA buy ups.
That cannot be the actual recline of the Air Greenland A330!
it looks like a nightmare!
I was actually very impressed with Gol premium economy on a recent GRU-AEP flight. The FAs called me by name, offered constant refills and asked if I needed anything else throughout the flight. Seat and legroom were fine but nothing special (kind of like European business class).
What?? No AA Flagship Suite to BNE in your future?? ;-)
@ PCT -- Actually also very high on my list, but since the product isn't in service yet, I didn't include it in this post.
@PCT
Yeah yeah. I’m going to BNE this fall on the new AA 787. Hopefully in J. 50 seats id think the chances for an upgrade offer or mileage co pay upgrade are decent.
Should be a 110% chance at clearing an SWU lol
Air India A350 business class once it finishes crew familiarization & starts long-haul flights?
@ Deo -- Yes, at the very very very top of my list once it actually enters service on long haul flights. But personally I'm not interested while it's just operating short familiarization flights, since it doesn't provide the new soft product (and I've experienced the exact hard product before on Turkish).
Yep, fair enough. Thanks!
I flew Garuda FC at end of 2023. I had read your earlier review and had been really excited to fly it but was extremely disappointed. The lounge in CGK was just bad. They had to actually open the lounge for me and were taken by surprise there was a FC customer. They had one item on their food menu and 2 wines. I had a long layover and asked for a shower and it...
I flew Garuda FC at end of 2023. I had read your earlier review and had been really excited to fly it but was extremely disappointed. The lounge in CGK was just bad. They had to actually open the lounge for me and were taken by surprise there was a FC customer. They had one item on their food menu and 2 wines. I had a long layover and asked for a shower and it took them a good 30 minutes to scramble and find the toiletries and clean the shower. Onboard, the aircraft had definitely not aged well. The food was decent. The service was very good and attentive. Overall, not at all what I expected.
You HAVE to try out Starlux FC. I rank it the second best experience of all time (after Air France LA Premier out of CDG). The only reason it's second is because of the lounge and the semi-private seat. Service wise, miles above anything else I have ever experienced. For reference, I have flown 23 different airlines' long haul FC till date. Starlux still holds special.