Not only have we seen business class improve hugely over the years, but we're also seeing airlines increasingly create a cabin within a cabin. Generally these products are thanks to the extra space available at bulkheads. Airlines are making the most of this by creating seating that they hope consumers will be willing to pay extra for, and I'd say many airlines have succeeded.
I figured it would be useful to recap the airlines offering these kinds of experiences. I think this is a trend that we're only going to see continue, so I'm sure when I update this list in a couple of years, it'll be much longer.
What do you make of these "business class plus" products?
I have flow AA 4 times across the Pacific in the last 18 months. Everytime I was in 1A. The first 3 were 789 (regular) and the last on the 787p. I found the 787p to be less comfortable in this premium seat. I will not pay extra for it, and I'm certainly going to try a non-premium one on my next 787p flight. The pursar agree with my complaint. Here's the telling fact: the 789 super diamond has eight rows between doors 1 and 2, and the 789p has nine.
I found it much more difficult to get comfortable reclined, and the extra space was visually appealing, but of no use to me.
I recently had 1A on AF's upgraded 359. It was great. For no additional cost on my TATL flight, I loved it. The extra space felt great, though I had no use for it really. I'll take it as a free upgrade every time. But, I doubt I'd pay much for it.
I should add that 1A has the typical galley issue. They have one lav up front, which they seem to block off frequently. You end up using the lavs by door 2. Of these premium bulkhead aisle seats, the front two 1A and 1L do not have bassinet options. Since 10A and 10L can accommodate bassinets, I have read that you either can't reserve them without a child in arms or if you do without a child they change your seat assignment. I assume they can be switched to by anyone in J at checkin.
I flew Condor Prime Seat (2A) last week, paid US$240. I was on a JetBlue redemption (54k points + US$155 taxes). Well worth it!
My regular upper class seat was broken on my Virgin flight this week so they moved me to the retreat suite at no cost. It was amazing. So spacious. I’d probably pay for it in the future.
Excellent overview, Ben! I've tried JetBlue's 'Studio' for the extra $299, and it was nice, but probably a one-and-done for me. Likewise, I'm excited to try AA's new Flagship Suite 'Preferred' (front row) on the 787-9P soon.
The new “Business class” is now carved up into several fare types/restrictions. What a rip off.
Yes. It's lame. Trying to enjoy that front seat in the Air France A350 as long as I can.
Don’t get stung.
Some of these airlines will refund the fee for advance booking these seats if you cancel ( ie: Condor ) and some airlines do not ( ie: Swiss ).
I got stung.
Depends on the crew in the galley, they can be very loud and if it's an overnight being next to the toilets should he a reduction on the fare.
Most of these are bulkhead seats, right in row 1. The problem I would have with most of these bulkhead seats is, it's right next to the galley. And even with a considerate crew you have to deal with more noise. And if the crew start chatting amongst themselves there goes your plan to get some rest.
"And if the crew start chatting amongst themselves..."
On UA, they don't start chatting amongst themselves, they start screaming and scream laughing or laugh screaming (or whatever it's called) amongst themselves. Brutal to hear on transcons, glad I don't fly biz for international flights.
Uncomfortable twisted seats , with the same pedestrian stuff , for more fees .
BA First should be on the list too 😉
Tried the American Flagship Preferred on 789P from LHR-JFK, and even though it was a daytime flight (and a shorter route than the usual), they offered pajamas and an enhanced amenity kit. The extra space, nicer amenities are great, but not sure I'd pay extra for it over regular J.
Have also tried the Mint Studio on jetBlue's TATL flights, mostly for the extra space. Is it worth the $300ish, no, not really, but for those who don't care about money, sure, fine, spend it, whatever.
You answered my question. I'm flying ORD -LHR this month and I heard the preferred seats get pajamas. Is there also a mattress pad?
In the last two years, I have flown an AA 787 TPAC in 1A. The last was the 787P. I liked the first three better than the last. The FAs were not impressed with the P over non-P. Note that the AA 787P has one more row in J between doors 1 and 2. I'll be back in 1A TPAC on an AA 787P in November, because, what the heck, it is probably is better than 2A on that plane. But, if I had a choice, I'd choose the non-P over the P. And, this guy with size 10s found the footwell worse in the P in 1A. It was much more difficult to get the seat in a comfortable recline position, and the door didn't close in a way I liked. PJs and mattress pad don't solve the issues.