I headed towards gate E10 at around 3PM, which is where my flight would be departing from. The “E” concourse at Miami Airport is pretty drab, without many good concessions or seating options. The plane was at the gate and seemed to be in the final stages of preparation for the flight.
Continue reading: Review: Airberlin Business Class A330 Miami To Dusseldorf
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
Lucky, how do you find the actual design of these seats compared to the ones on Alitalia and Etihad? It looks like there is nothing restrictive covering your feet when it is in sleep mode, but it seems they had to sacrifice the large arm rest/counter top for that...which also probably makes the seat feel narrower too.
How does Airberlin and Lufthansa F/C compare in culinary and servicewise issues? I know the seat is better on Airberlin than Lufthansa C though not necessarily F, but...
Ben,
I think you need to man up a bit....
Complaining about lack of privacy... Good lord when did you last do a 13/14 hour sector in economy??
Think you should try it once in a while!
I could understand you complaining if you were actually paying full price.
@ Mike -- So it's a valid complaint, just not on an award ticket? In case the purpose of my blog isn't clear, let me clarify. I try to provide reviews that are useful to people when deciding which airline to fly. That applies whether they're flying on a revenue ticket, award ticket, or upgrading. The absolute quality of a product doesn't vary depending on how you pay for it.
@ @Orlijr -- Haven't done Lufthansa's new business class yet, though will try that in a couple of weeks. Will report back. Definitely better than Lufthansa's old business class, though.
@ Hong Kong Airline News -- Service and food are definitely better in Lufthansa first class than airberlin business class.
@ wwk5d -- Yep, I definitely found the Etihad seat to be more spacious. Same design, but not quite as "spread out."
@ Lucky — How are you not skeeved out by beverages prepared from the "potable" water tanks on board?
I've heard reports of 5+ inch thick green pond scum lining these rarely maintained tanks. The water often has levels of bacteria which pose a health risk for human consumption.
Admittedly I'm a high-maintenance but in first class I always ask for my tea/coffee to be prepared with bottled water when possible.
JRL
May not be something you can comment on, but what is AB like in economy? I'm seeing them come up a good bit on AA award tickets to Europe, and I'd prefer them to BA to avoid the fuel surcharges and connecting through London.
@ Joe -- I did walk back there. The pitch looked quite tight, but other than that it looked pleasant enough, with on demand entertainment at every seat.
@ JRL -- Selective ignorance on my part, I guess. What I don't think about can't hurt me... right? 😀
But yeah, totally agree, it's gross...
Which airline's MD-80 is that? It looks like it says Bulgaria, but I didn't think they had Maddogs
@Joe --- I've flown AB in both economy and business class JFK-TXL. Since the economy configuration is 2-4-2, and I was flying with a companion, we had enough space and privacy to nap in our two seats by the window. The economy food was decent but forgettable. Definitely a reasonable transatlantic economy flight!
Holy crappola, is anyone else seeing the woman in green in the third photo down?
My husband and I flew in the "honeymoon" seats on AirBerlin. They were AWFUL. Our elbows touched almost the entire time we sat up. I love my husband, but I don't want our elbows to touch for a ten hour flight. That configuration was terribly cramped.
This route is probably a particularly high share of European-originating passengers since lots of Europeans love to go for a beach vacation in Miami while not that many Miamians have need to go to Dusseldorf. (Whereas a flight like JFK-TXL is probably more of a mix of origins.)
Good review, seems like a solid business class product. Your intro seemed to indicate that they release lots of award space. Do you use AA to search for it?
@ Carl -- They do release a good amount of award space (in particular close to departure), and aa.com is the best place to search it.
I've been looking forward to your review as I ponied up 100,000 Avios for this cabin MIA-TXL and DUS-MIA in August. The seat maps on both SeatGuru and SeatExpert, as well as AB's own website, are confusing. I was originally given A seats but didn't realize it was the same private window seat as K. I changed to K seats via Qatar website with no problems, although one flight I have 4K and the other flight is 5K. Great review!
@ Huff Daland -- Enjoy your trip! They do seem to have alternating configurations, where some planes have "A" and "K" seats in odd rows, while others have them in even rows.
BTW I've flown charters from that E satellite terminal to Havana (I'm a journalist). I'll agree that food/beverage outlets there are lacking but fortunately there is a Cafe Versailles. Cuba si!
At first i thought the IFE was showing 'One Mile At A Time TV', but it's just your reflection 😛
Nice review and well done on admitting that LH isn't omnipotent! I'd much prefer this flight to an LH business flight in slanty seats and with worse catering!
Safety briefing lady definitely looks creepy - reminds me of an evil austin powers-style fembot.
Looks like a good product (esp. since no surcharges) but those screens must be super-reflective. Don't recall ever seeing so many inadvertent selfies 😉
AirBerlin sucks big time: it is the Lidl/Aldi (German low cost grocery stores) of the sky. I just flew them because I needed to be in DUS first thing in the morning, so I have no time to fly through Madrid or London, and the new seats did look comfortable enough. At check-in, they insisted in weighting my carry-on, which was 11.2 kg instead of AB’s limit of just 10 kg. After having flown more than 3 million miles, this is the first time such a policy is enforced in a premium cabin. Furthermore, when I tried to ask for some flexibility, they were rude and obnoxious beyond what was granted, forcing me to check-in my carry-on. In conclusion, if you are traveling on business and want to have some consideration for your premium price point, stay away from AirBerlin. It was my first and last time.
Thank you for the review!
I hope to score an award upgrade for my flight back after a transatlantic cruise. I really hope awards will be available nearer to departure (zero now)...
To those looking for a business class seat - don't forget AirBerlin's bidding feature which is great. On most flights AirBerlin offers an alternative if you are already booked in coach. You may bid on a business class seat by going to www.airberlin.com/upgrade. Having entered your flight information, you place an offer of your choice - additional amount to fly in business, provided seats are available. There is also an "indicator" of how likely your bid may be successful. If accepted, you are notified by email and your credit card charged for your bid. This can be a win-win feature. You may be able to upgrade for half of the regular business class amount, and AirBerlin now has your coach seat to sell which is an easier sell than business class. I was sure successful and looking forward to my flight this coming week. At which time I will offer my comments on their business class. Thus far their customer service has been terrific.
Hi, non frequent flyer here with 2MM Advantage Miles ( credit card ); want to go to Venice from Atlanta and grabbed only 2 reduced mile seats I could find on AA via AB ( Atl-Mia-Dus-Ven ). Cost 100M miles. Question is should I splurge and get an AA product thru Chicago or JFK with the new business class seats or settle for this AB flight from Miami to Dus ? Any thoughts appreciated. I'm 6'2", she's short. The seats on AA will be 220M miles.
@ Chris -- I think the option you have is great. Airberlin has flat beds, and at less than half the price is the best option, in my opinion.
I was lucky enough to have the choice of Air Berlin's true window seats in their Business Class. I "bid" on the seat and won. It was like having my own small compartment. The food was more than servisable and the flight attendants were great. I did note, as others, the lack of storage space for a carry on. And my carry on was never weighed or measured either en route to Dresden from Fort Myers, or returning.
Hi!
I'm flying AB Chicago - Berlin (found SAAver award space on AA.com) in one of their Business Class products. I'm in seat 3A, which you were saying would be your preference. Is the "a" seat always the true window or will the other configurations you mentioned put it on the aisle? Thanks!
@ Bill -- Some "A" seats are closer to the windows than others. The odd seats are closest to the window, so 3A is a great choice.
Thanks a lot! Pics and info were really useful!
Overall seems like a pleasant experience, and considering the prices are more competitive than other carriers, doesn't seem like a bad option! thanks again!
@ Complaining David:
The next time you adventure to take a flight with any carrier pls check their baggage allowance policy (you can't do as you please, there are rules and most of the time they are in place for your safety) it was explained to me that if any chance during turbulence and overweight carry on like yours falls on your head it cant hurt you to the point that it can even break your neck. As for carry on baggage with AB you are allowed to take one 8kg carry on and up to 10kg if you place your laptop in it plus a personal bag regardless if you are in business or economy. They were kind enough to check in your carry on at no cost which regularly is $200. Same as you I travel a lot and business class lines are quite a show when people try to do whatever they want and don't follow the very clear carrier rules and of course trash the company. I find AB a convenient, friendly and extremely efficient low cost airline.
Hi Lucky,
I'm an Air Berlin Flight Attendant and quite surprised that you call AB a low cost carrier. Selling tickets for a unbelieveable cheap price in the US doesn't mean we are a low cost carrier!
I have to disagree about the windows seats. I just flew this flight and the windows seats are like flying in a coffin. Extremely narrow and no air vents. It was miserably hot. This was the most uncomfortable long haul business flight I have ever taken.
The service was awful. They ran out of the appetizer and entree I requested. The food I did receive was not edible.
They never brought any replacement water after dinner service. I requested water twice in the morning and never got any. Luckily I had stashed a bottle in my bag from the lounge in Miami.
I would never recommend Air Berlin.
A year ago they cancelled a flight last minute and made me fly with another airlines. I have been told that I will receive a travel voucher for 350 which later on they said is 250 euros. I appealed at least 3-4 times, sent them emails after around a year they increased my travel voucher to 350 and told me I can use it with Air Berlin and Niki. I went to their website and bought Istanbul-Stuttgart flight and asked for reimbursement.
However, they told me that the flight is conducted by Pegasus (a Turkish Airways) therefore they can not let me use my voucher. The same ticket costs 60 euros in Pegasus website. So I paid 60 euros more for the same service and although I booked it over Air Berlin they do not accept me to use my travel voucher. As a passenger I dont care whoever Air Berlin cooperates to fly but I paid to Air Berlin and their service. So I have been cheated by Air Berlin which is unacceptable. I will never use their service.
I will be flying this June DUS to MIA with my husband. If one does not want to sit elbow to elbow in the honeymoon seats, what seats do you recommend where one would still see and talk to eachother.
Check rows 2 and 4 seats D and G. Here is a link for you to look at. And enjoy your trip.
http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Air_Berlin/Air_Berlin_Airbus_A330-200.php#seatMapKeyLegen
Here is the link I promised Joanne.
I'm booked on Air Berlin MIA to DUS, AA mileage of 20K but only Economy available. I just paid $92 directly to AB for seat 36C, an aisle exit row seat they classify as "XL'' due to extra legroom. However, it's right near the bathroom unfortunately. It's an aisle in the 2-seat part of the 2-4-2 configuration. Mixed reviews on Guru. No mileage upgrades allowed even if a Biz Class seat was available, which none are right now. Is this $92 worth the difference over a $35 regular economy seat? The reviews are super scary.
Hi Lucky, is there a way to store a rolling luggage in Air Berlin Business Class? Are there overhead compartment bins? Thank you and great review!
I had to store my carry on up above. It is a rolling piece, and I would say perhaps rather large for a carry on but not the size of a suitcase. It was by Samsonite and is a carry on. Their sure isn't room on the floor thus I had to store it above. And could not get to things I otherwise may have wanted too like my laptop. That aside, I did enjoy the flight in Business Class. And as per Lucky, seat 3A is a good one. I had that one. Check out seat guru and you can see the position of all the seats.
Thank you for your reply, James. Do you recall about how many flight attendants were assigned to Business Class? Also, I am planning to bring a 'rolling carryon' as well. What was the size of your carryon? Were they strict with the size? Did you have to get it 'measured' before you boarded? My carryon is 22 inches tall. Thank you. (And yes, I will take either an A or K seat 🙂 )
I would like to say that I am happy that Air Berlin has upgraded their Business Class seats. The old ones were not full lie flat and, as such, did not allow for a night's sleep let alone any proper relaxation. Air Berlin flies routes that others don't touch especially in and out of Dusseldorf which is wonderfully convenient for me. By the way, I don't mind the carts in Lufthansa's Business Class at all. It makes for a more efficient service. I would rather finish the meal in a timely fashion then wait for tray service. Finally, my mileage program is AA and I like getting the miles from AB applied to AA,
I know this post is very old but I have a question regarding connections for LAX-DUS-LHR. There is a flight available on Air Berlin that stops in DUS and then a British Airways flight from DUS to LHR. Since the UK is a non-Schegen country and Germany is, will it be a pain to connect in DUS on my way to London? Will I have to recollect my checked luggage at DUS? Any advise is much appreciated!