It’s amazing how the quality of business class in different parts of the world varies.
Europe probably has the worst short-haul business class standard in the world, as most business class cabins simply consist of economy with a blocked middle seat and enhanced service. This gives the airlines a lot of flexibility, as they can move the “curtain” around on each flight to adjust for the business class demand.
Meanwhile I’d say the world’s best region for short-haul business class is the Middle East, where it’s not unusual to get a flat bed, pre-departure drinks and hot towels, a full meal, a freshly made cappuccino, etc., on a 45 minute flight.
Earlier I shared my experience in Tunisair’s short-haul business class product from London to Tunis. I was in 4A, but when I boarded the business class “curtain” stopped at row three, so they moved it back a row.
Reader Bob shared a link to a hilarious video from years ago that I hadn’t yet seen. It’s a 1999 ad from French airline Air Liberte, where they were trying to advertise that their business class product is better than Air France’s. Air France simply blocks a middle seat and calls it business class, while Air Liberte had a different seat.
Here’s the ad, which I think most of us can appreciate even if we don’t speak French:
Unfortunately Air Liberte is no longer in business…
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