Questions and Answers

Hey guys,

I’m curious what the temperature in the room is for preference on a business class product from SFO-Europe. Based on all the research and reviews (and my preference), I’ve narrowed it down to:
United Polaris
AF Business
Virgin Atlantic
KLM

I value a comfortable, private seat, excellent food/beverage options, and solid entertainment. Given that British, Lufthansa, Turkish, etc all still don’t have 1-2-1 seating (or aisle access) makes me reluctant to shell out the cash for them. It’s also worth noting that for my itinerary I would need to leave at the crack of dawn from Copenhagen to make the competitively-priced Virgin flight; thus I’m hesitant to fly with them for my own sanity. That really leaves Air France, United, and KLM as my options.

Unless I’m overlooking another awesome European business-class product, what do you recommend? Thanks!

Are you trying to minimize connections too (i.e., only non stop flights out of SFO)? If not, connecting in Los Angeles could add some options for you as well. I personally really enjoyed a flight on Austrian business last year – the service was excellent with unique food/beverage options. I don’t think they fly out of SFO though, only LAX.

Either way, I’d rule KLM out unless they fly a Dreamliner to SFO, or you won’t have direct aisle access. Same with Air France, depending on the plane type.

Based on all that, I’d go with United if you can get on a new Polaris equipped plane.

I’m probably in the minority here, but I actually enjoy British Airways in biz if you can book one of the seats where you don’t have to climb over someone. The seats are pretty comfortable since there is no cubby for your feet, you can spread out pretty well. And, I’ve been lucky enough over maybe 6-8 flights with them to have crews that range from average to excellent. Again, in the minority here, but I find connecting in London on a BA to BA flight with Fast Track is as easy as anywhere else.

KLM does fly the 787 from SFO and it’s a decent flight, aside from a normal 3 hour dinner service. Air France is good, but make sure it’s not the A380 flight.

If you have to go to CPH, why not direct on SAS?

SAS flies an A340 from SFO to CPH. I try to avoid A340s nowadays, but SAS J gets a decent review here: [URL]https://andystravelblog.boardingarea.com/2018/02/13/sas-a340-business-class-review-lax-arn/[/URL]