Hello from Athens! After flying LOT Polish Airlines’ Boeing 787 business class from Chicago to Warsaw and spending a (lovely) night in Warsaw, we connected to Aegean Airlines’ Airbus A320neo business class to Athens.
I’ve always enjoyed my flights with Aegean, and was looking forward to flying the carrier’s new generation aircraft, as the airline is taking delivery of dozens of A320neos and A321neos.
Intra-Europe business class isn’t much to get excited about, though I have to say that I think Aegean might just have among the best product you’ll find in Europe, other than on Turkish Airlines (some people take issue with me categorizing Turkish Airlines as a European carrier for these purposes, even though Istanbul Airport is on the European side of the city… I digress).
While I’ll have a full review soon, in this post I wanted to share some initial thoughts on the Aegean business class experience…
In this post:
Aegean’s A320neo business class hard product is fine
This was my first time flying on one of Aegean’s “neo” aircraft, and in this case I was on an A320neo that was just a few months old. Intra-Europe business class simply consists of economy seats at the front of the cabin with a blocked middle.
Look, there’s absolutely nothing exciting about this product, but this is the same configuration you’ll find on all major European carriers, except Turkish Airlines and Aeroflot (with the latter not being terribly relevant nowadays).
Aegean’s A320neos have 180 seats, so it’s a typically cramped configuration. I do like the modern feeling of the cabin and the cabin finishes. It’s amazing how much of a difference cool headrest covers can make.
So, what’s different about Aegean’s A320neos vs. the previous generation aircraft? The seats are a bit more “modern,” for better or worse. They’re thinner, as you’d expect, though they do have some improved tech.
There are portable device holders on the back of the seats, and there are also charging ports. However, I find it strange that the airline chose to exclusively install USB-A outlets, when the European Union is mandating USB-C chargers for many electronics nowadays. It shows you just how quickly technology evolves, eh?
Aegean also has high speed Wi-Fi on its A320neos, which is a much appreciated change. Wi-Fi is free for business class passengers, and just €9 for the entire flight in economy.
So I’d say the hard product is totally fine, but nothing special.
Aegean’s business class food & service are great
What really sets Aegean business class apart is the soft product. It’s really the littlest things that make a difference, given the pretty low standard of service on short haul flights within Europe.
For example, Aegean offers pre-departure drinks in business class, which very few airlines within Europe do.
The airline also offers menus in business class, even on a short two hour flight, which you won’t find on many airlines within Europe.
Aegean also has tasty food, in my opinion. I had a delicious omelet with tomato sauce, olives, and feta.
The drink selection is impressive as well, with proper cappuccinos. I can’t think of many other major European airline offering cappuccinos on short haul flights, so that’s pretty awesome. If the flight were later in the day, I would have had some wine, as Aegean has quite a nice list of Greek wines.
On top of that, I’ve found Aegean flight attendants to be consistently friendly and professional, and this flight was no exception.
Bottom line
While short haul business class flights within Europe offer among the worst premium experience you’ll find anywhere in the world, Aegean offers one of my favorite products in the region. The airline has pre-departure drinks, menus, tasty food, and espresso-based drinks, which is more than I can say about any other major European airline. I also appreciate the high speed Wi-Fi Aegean has on its newer aircraft, though I wish the airline had USB-C or AC power outlets.
When flying short haul to & from Greece, I always enjoy flying Aegean when possible. And keep in mind the airline doesn’t just offer a dignified experience in business class, but also serves complimentary meals in economy.
What do you make of Aegean’s A320neo business class?
I booked an Aegean business flight on their A320neo as part of a long itinerary with aeroplan, I would like to know which seat to select, all seats are still open in the 3 row business cabin, I usually don't like the front row on many airlines although it provides more legroom the seat is a bit narrower due to the table being stored between seats. I once flew on LH A319 an the tables...
I booked an Aegean business flight on their A320neo as part of a long itinerary with aeroplan, I would like to know which seat to select, all seats are still open in the 3 row business cabin, I usually don't like the front row on many airlines although it provides more legroom the seat is a bit narrower due to the table being stored between seats. I once flew on LH A319 an the tables were actually stored on the bulkhead, I can't find data points or good photos on how aegean's A320neo is, does anyone know what's the case?
Aegean premium meals in Business class are so delicious and every single part of it has a greek chef signature. Food, cheese, wines and deserts, all greek and quality products.
It's a great value for money for this kind of european business.
Even in domestic flights aprx. 30 minutes you get a small plate of fish or meat (even both) and a small bottle wine (not only one glass as on non domestic).
Aegean premium meals in Business class are so delicious and every single part of it has a greek chef signature. Food, cheese, wines and deserts, all greek and quality products.
It's a great value for money for this kind of european business.
Even in domestic flights aprx. 30 minutes you get a small plate of fish or meat (even both) and a small bottle wine (not only one glass as on non domestic).
and sometimes a small packaged desert. Most of the times they ask me if I want one more bottle of wine, even to take it home !
On arrival a bus only for business class passengers waits for you.
But unlike Amercian carriers at least you get a meal on a two hour flight not a basket offering if snacks
I have never understood the blocked middle economy seat and am more disappointed that Aegean didn’t put in first class seating in a 2-2 configuration n their brand new neos. Airlines have to step up their hard product to match the better soft product found in Europe versus the United States.
When Qatar screwed up my Q Suite ticket a while back I did get to fly MLE-DOH on an A320 in Business. I was surprised to discover it had full flat beds in herringbone configuration. Only time I have ever see full-flat on a narrow body (other than pictures of Jet Blue). Very impressive hard product. European airlines should upgrade their J class.
Hey Lucky..... How did you book the ticket???? Cash or Points?
Iberia’s product is even better. Their food options for an intra-European business product are outstanding
Aegean is plenty comfortable for the short-hauls, and the service is friendly, efficient, and they make it seem so easy. They manage to squeeze in a light meal on short hops over the Aegean Sea, whereas it's rare these days to get a drink service from SFO-LAX.
Not sure if Air Astana counts as a European carrier, but they have a very solid shorthaul business product, and their biz cabin on the widebodies looks downright nice.
I don't understand the purpose of this post. You have an article basically saying how this airline's business class is fine and nothing special. No need to report on it.
Why are you here? And why did you think this comment was necessary?
While agreeing with the disparaging comments about the intra-European airlines Business seats, all the on-ground experience, and on-board F&B perhaps justify the extra cash/miles (just).
'given the pretty low standard of service on short haul flights within Europe'
Hard to believe this is coming from someone living in USA...
In Europe, even a sub-1 hour flight in business will provide food. In the US, you have to fly at least 3+ hours and you only get food if the flight operates in their narrow definitions of 'meal' times. Alternatively, they are handing out a basket with crisps and chocolate...
'given the pretty low standard of service on short haul flights within Europe'
Hard to believe this is coming from someone living in USA...
In Europe, even a sub-1 hour flight in business will provide food. In the US, you have to fly at least 3+ hours and you only get food if the flight operates in their narrow definitions of 'meal' times. Alternatively, they are handing out a basket with crisps and chocolate bars and scolding you if you push the call button to ask for another drink... But yeah, European airlines are the ones providing poor service...
And let's not forget that US "first class" doesn't even include lounge access.
Sure, European business class is nowhere near Asian airlines, but it's still a very decent product on most airlines (LH Group excluded :))
I agree with you it is the best business class in Europe
In my opinion SATA offers a way better 2+2 business seat config on their A321neo's and the service is amazing with glass + chinaware and a delicious range of meals, with a nice local selection of wines. Not continental obviously so hard to compare, however still considered Europe.
I am Aegean gold and the business in Neos sucks! Truly sucks and I try to avoid it by any means, even by catching TK connecting flight. The seat and legroom is cramped compared to older aircrafts and minding you Aegean flights to London, Stockholm, etc are good 4 hours at least.
TK rocks intra-Europe business class.
Completely agree. The soft and hard product are top-notch.
Plus, Bubble Pop on the IFE literally entertains me for hours for some reason. haha
“Headrest cover”
antimasacara
an·ti·ma·cas·sar
/ˌan(t)ēməˈkasər/
a piece of cloth put over the back of a chair to protect it from grease and dirt or as an ornament.
Antimacassar. Very popular in China lol
Originally to keep Macassar ebony oil off a sailor’s collar
Eurobusiness class sucks. There, I said it. It sucks and basically consists of airlines screwing you out of your hard (or maybe not so hard) earned money. They give you a $10 meal while charging like double for the same crappy seat. You can try to put lipstick and a designer dress on this pig, but it's still swine.
I do laugh, however, at smug Europeans who make disparaging comments about the likes of...
Eurobusiness class sucks. There, I said it. It sucks and basically consists of airlines screwing you out of your hard (or maybe not so hard) earned money. They give you a $10 meal while charging like double for the same crappy seat. You can try to put lipstick and a designer dress on this pig, but it's still swine.
I do laugh, however, at smug Europeans who make disparaging comments about the likes of UA, DL or AA as being "second class" while having their own national airlines offering up a "business class" that makes Frontier look spacious. What a joke.
Yeah but at least a business class ticket in Europe gets you lounge access...
US airlines ARE second class. The deficiencies of European carriers doesn’t make US airlines better compared to decent carriers elsewhere. There’s a reason many people use US airlines only when absolutely necessary.
You're not being primarily charged for the meal but for empty seat next to you and ground services. You misunderstand what the product is about.
There's no demand for a large seat on such a short flight. No one really needs it and no one would pay for it.
Worth noting that Aegean’s Neo deliveries started in 2019 and came to a grounding halt with Covid. In fact, for two years Aegean pretty much took no new deliveries and then over the last 18 months has seen deliveries pick up speed significantly!
With regard to USB-C charging points - the only thing the EU has mandated is for phone chargers to have common USB-C charging port. Beyond that there is nothing mandating use of...
Worth noting that Aegean’s Neo deliveries started in 2019 and came to a grounding halt with Covid. In fact, for two years Aegean pretty much took no new deliveries and then over the last 18 months has seen deliveries pick up speed significantly!
With regard to USB-C charging points - the only thing the EU has mandated is for phone chargers to have common USB-C charging port. Beyond that there is nothing mandating use of USB-C. It’s easier to buy converters for USB-C to USB-A than the other way around.
Technically, this doesn't look much better than BA (as much as I hate to admit it).
On most short-haul European flights BA offers menus, a '3-course' offering relative to route length (tapas-sized salad/starter, tasty enough hot main, cake/dessert/fruit), Wi-Fi, not just USB sockets but AC power sockets, comfortable leather seats - the only additions here seem to be a glass of water, espresso-grade coffee and a Wi-Fi voucher (worth £5-10 given Wi-Fi can be...
Technically, this doesn't look much better than BA (as much as I hate to admit it).
On most short-haul European flights BA offers menus, a '3-course' offering relative to route length (tapas-sized salad/starter, tasty enough hot main, cake/dessert/fruit), Wi-Fi, not just USB sockets but AC power sockets, comfortable leather seats - the only additions here seem to be a glass of water, espresso-grade coffee and a Wi-Fi voucher (worth £5-10 given Wi-Fi can be purchased).
If pre-departure drinks include champagne then that's a nice differentiator, but it looks like just water and (probably cheap concentrated) orange juice in your review - which given the shorter dwell times in the airport on short-haul journeys and inevitable lounge offerings feels a bit superfluous.
No champagne.
European “business class” is awful compared to U.S. standards. The seats are the same narrow seats with just the middle seats blocked out. Yes, you get free alcohol, but the food is not good. You’re much better off, eating in the lounges before hand. Your best bet is to really search the bigger few routes where the bigger aircraft travel to move between the big hubs & catch those. That way, you’re actually flying in...
European “business class” is awful compared to U.S. standards. The seats are the same narrow seats with just the middle seats blocked out. Yes, you get free alcohol, but the food is not good. You’re much better off, eating in the lounges before hand. Your best bet is to really search the bigger few routes where the bigger aircraft travel to move between the big hubs & catch those. That way, you’re actually flying in a true business class pod seats that Americans are accustomed to. (And that’s not easy to find).
I haven't flown in US first but from what I read here I prefer euro-biz. Flights are usually just a couple of hours long, for that the size of the seat is completely fine with the benefit of not having any elbow fights and a bit more legroom compared to eco. At least the central European airlines (LH, LX, OS) have quite good food offering. Also the flight attendants range from super attentive to quite...
I haven't flown in US first but from what I read here I prefer euro-biz. Flights are usually just a couple of hours long, for that the size of the seat is completely fine with the benefit of not having any elbow fights and a bit more legroom compared to eco. At least the central European airlines (LH, LX, OS) have quite good food offering. Also the flight attendants range from super attentive to quite ok. If I want it to my champagne glass is usually full from seatbelt sign off to seatbelt sign on, which is great to pass the time while watching the clouds pass by.
I disagree. I see them each as having their own pros and cons, about equal all things considered. We're of course talking about flights of 2-3 hours max. A cross country flight in the US that's 5-6 hours might be different.
US carriers have larger seats but in my experience they aren't necessarily that much more comfortable or conducive to sleep. Delta for example has pretty tight legroom in F despite the wider seat....
I disagree. I see them each as having their own pros and cons, about equal all things considered. We're of course talking about flights of 2-3 hours max. A cross country flight in the US that's 5-6 hours might be different.
US carriers have larger seats but in my experience they aren't necessarily that much more comfortable or conducive to sleep. Delta for example has pretty tight legroom in F despite the wider seat. Also, due to free upgrades, F is always packed completely full in the US. In Europe I often get an entire row to myself. Euro carriers ALWAYS have a meal and it's usually pretty good. Contrast this with prepackaged snacks most of the time in the US. If it's a hot meal, often something gross like a microwaved cheeseburger or bad pasta. European carriers always provide lounge access, US carriers don't. Because Euro business class is usually smaller and emptier, I usually get better service in the form of more refills, etc.
Considering all the above, I'd much rather be in business in Europe than in F in the US for a flight of ~2 hours.
Nothing that can compare to Turkish Airlines business class in Europe. They have an appetizer tray and entrée. Not even talking about the seats.
It's the best for a reason!
This looks really good - thanks for showing it to us.
But honestly, I do think that Iberia has a great intra Europe business class. Yes, seats are the same, but they generally have a printed menu, a few options, and good Spanish wine and cava options. I flew them Dubrovnik-Madrid a few weeks ago in J and had great food, friendly service, and an overall enjoyable flight.
Aeroflot also got proper J.
Digressing: TAROM has (had?) recliners in business class on their fleet (e.g. on Paris-Bucharest).
@ BD -- I think they used to, but retired those jets? Correct me if I'm wrong. Technically I think Bulgaria Air also has some planes with proper business class, but that's definitely very niche.
They still list the old B737 with the separate business seats.
I don't know how the European carriers have got away with the economy class seat rip-off in Business Class. Some of these flights can be a good few hours (e.g. FRA-TLV with LH) but, as you say, TK stands out as having a PROPER business class product.
They get away with it because people aren't willing to pay extra for a better seat. If they were, market would force the airlines to introduce it.
Look, I'd like a better seat in C too. But at the same time, I have to admit I wouldn't pay a euro more for it. As long as no one's sitting next to me, the economy seat is perfectly adequate for 2-3 hours. There's just no incentive...
They get away with it because people aren't willing to pay extra for a better seat. If they were, market would force the airlines to introduce it.
Look, I'd like a better seat in C too. But at the same time, I have to admit I wouldn't pay a euro more for it. As long as no one's sitting next to me, the economy seat is perfectly adequate for 2-3 hours. There's just no incentive for me to pay extra money because I'm already quite comfortable. I assume most people feel that way too.
@ simmonad -- It's a great question, and I think it comes down to how little "legacy" competition there is in Europe. Sure, for connecting itineraries from the US to India there's a lot of competition between airlines, but countries like France, Germany, the UK, etc., really have one de facto national carrier. Therefore they're able to charge high fares in certain markets, and don't have to compete. The only real competition regionally is from...
@ simmonad -- It's a great question, and I think it comes down to how little "legacy" competition there is in Europe. Sure, for connecting itineraries from the US to India there's a lot of competition between airlines, but countries like France, Germany, the UK, etc., really have one de facto national carrier. Therefore they're able to charge high fares in certain markets, and don't have to compete. The only real competition regionally is from ultra low cost carriers that don't even have a premium product.
That's why Asian airlines are known for the best quality of flying, fierce competition to the extent that you get dine on demand in Scoot Plus.
There are very few routes with no legacy competition in Europe. If there was a demand for larger seats (as in "I'll pay to have a larger seat"), they would exist. There's no way market wouldn't force airlines to do it. But the reality is opposite. Having larger seats in C would drive the costs and therefore prices up and customers just wouldn't accept that increase, since the existing seats are perfectly adequate for 1-2...
There are very few routes with no legacy competition in Europe. If there was a demand for larger seats (as in "I'll pay to have a larger seat"), they would exist. There's no way market wouldn't force airlines to do it. But the reality is opposite. Having larger seats in C would drive the costs and therefore prices up and customers just wouldn't accept that increase, since the existing seats are perfectly adequate for 1-2 hours. People who don't fit into an economy seat are a very niche market in Europe and hardly anyone needs more space on short haul.
Truly a standout in Europe. Amazing brand evolution and coupled with their fantastic new lounges in Athens and Thessaloniki they are the best way to get from Europe to Athens.
I second the lounges - they’ve done a fantastic job especially with the Non-Schengen Lounge in Athens! There’s still work to do to expand the Schengen lounge in Athens but it sounds like work will soon be underway to expand it. A full refurbishment is also coming to their only lounge outside Greece, namely at Larnaca in Cyprus.
Ben, they can "take issue" with you calling Turkish a European carrier all they'd like... but that won't change the fact that it is.
As you said, it's on the European side.
Also, IATA registers Turkish as a European carrier:
https://www.iata.org/en/about/members/airline-list/turkish-airlines/196/
And ICAO designates Turkey/Turkiye as part of its "European/North Atlantic" region:
https://www.icao.int/EURNAT/Pages/member_states.aspx
Nah, we only say that so we can gleefully watch you being a pedant and rush for your dictionary, textbooks, and technical manuals. This is why you don't get party invites..
@John
Who's we? You don't speak for anyone else here. I like it when we get actual industry definitions, versus the regulations and distinctions that enthusiasts make up in their heads.
Except Concorde Boy is a Diamond member while you are only a Guest.
Then they should act like it, and not like the islamofascist semi-dictatorship they are
Their seat of government is not situated in Europe ;-)
Then they should act like it, and not like the islamofascist semi-dictatorship they are
How's that not European? ...take out the "islamo" part, and you've just described today's Hungary and Poland.
Sure. But for me, it's more about the bizarre, arbitrary line declaring that one part of Istanbul is in a different continent than the other, when both sides are all part of the same country, culture, and climate. My grandmother's family moved from Balıkesir to Istanbul, so shall we say that they "migrated from Asia to Europe in the early 20th century?"
Flying a lot within Europe, I now tend to favour airlines that offer, indeed better business class service. I think Air France and Swiss are quite good for that. But it all depends on the aircraft, the route and more important the crew. In C class I had great experiences within Europe with Lufthansa as well, and bad with SAS... When we travel in couple, I also don't like airlines that block the middle seat,...
Flying a lot within Europe, I now tend to favour airlines that offer, indeed better business class service. I think Air France and Swiss are quite good for that. But it all depends on the aircraft, the route and more important the crew. In C class I had great experiences within Europe with Lufthansa as well, and bad with SAS... When we travel in couple, I also don't like airlines that block the middle seat, like what you seem to show here. Lufthansa started to do so... we travel to be together and end up with a seat in between. Not nice. So I favour other airlines, or take planes like A220 that is a XX-XXX configuration, so we can be 2 seating together.
Although some airlines physically block the middle seat, I find that most of them don’t, so there’s nothing stopping you moving next to your travelling partner if the latter is the case. Personally when travelling solo, I much prefer the blocked middle seat to a pair of seats stuck together because it gives more space and privacy. Granted, the leg room is less than US Business/First products.