- Trip Report: To Abu Dhabi For An Etihad Inaugural
- Review: US Airways Club Tampa
- Review: American Airlines Premium Lounge Miami Airport
- Review: Airberlin Business Class A330 Miami To Dusseldorf
- Review: Airberlin Lounge Dusseldorf Airport
- Review: Etihad Airways Business Class A330 Dusseldorf To Abu Dhabi
- Review: Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi
- Review: St. Regis Abu Dhabi
- Review: Etihad Airways First Class Lounge Abu Dhabi Airport
- Abu Dhabi Airport United States Immigration Pre-Clearance
- Review: Etihad Airways First Class A340-500 Abu Dhabi to Los Angeles
I headed towards gate E10 at around 3PM, which is where my flight would be departing from.
Miami Airport terminal
The “E” concourse at Miami Airport is pretty drab, without many good concessions or seating options.
Miami Airport terminal
Miami Airport terminal
The plane was at the gate and seemed to be in the final stages of preparation for the flight.
Airberlin A330
Airberlin A330
I stood near the podium, where I swear every other passenger came up to the podium to try and talk their way into an upgrade. In the end there was a German family that was somehow waitlisted for an upgrade, and they got the four remaining business class seats.
Airberlin departure gate
At around 3:20PM boarding was called, starting with those that needed extra time boarding, followed by business class.
Airberlin 7001
Miami (MIA) – Dusseldorf (DUS)
Sunday, May 25
Depart: 4:00PM
Arrive: 7:00AM (+1 day)
Duration: 9hr
Aircraft: Airbus A330-200
Seat: 5C (Business Class)
With a total of just 20 seats in business class, airberlin’s cabin is quite intimate. Per SeatGuru, here’s the business class seatmap (though it’s worth noting that my configuration was slightly different):
As I mentioned in my comparison of transatlantic business class products, this plane features Solstys style staggered business class seats. These are very similar to the seats that Alitalia offers on their longhaul fleet, which I flew earlier in the year from Rome to Boston.
Airberlin recently completed the overhaul of their business class cabin, so this product can now be found on all of their longhaul A330 aircraft.
Airberlin business class A330
Once onboard I quickly found my seat, 5C. I booked my ticket a few days in advance, so was only able to grab an “aisle” window seat.
There are two window seats in each row (one on each side of the cabin), and since it’s a staggered configuration the seat is either closer to the aisle or closer to the window in an alternating sequence. My seat was the one closer to the aisle.
Airberlin business class seat A330
I can’t even begin to say how much better the “true” window seats are, as they’re incredibly private. So if you fly airberlin business class on this plane, I’d highly recommend doing whatever you can to reserve one of the “A” or “K” seats, as they’re truly in a different league than any of the other seats. Beyond that, the “true” window seats have three windows, while the “aisle” window seats have just one window, and you really have to lean to look out of it.
Airberlin business class seat A330
Airberlin business class seat A330
Then there are also the “honeymoon” center seats, where you’re basically seated as close to the person next to you as you would be in economy. That’s great if you’re traveling with someone you want to be that close to, though I wonder what happens when you end up next to a stranger in that configuration. That seems like it could be downright awkward.
Airberlin business class seat A330
Anyway, back to my seat. The tones were very neutral, so I didn’t love or hate them. The seat was definitely a bit on the narrow side, a feeling which was compounded by the fact that you’re basically sitting “in the aisle” when you have a “C” or “H” seat.
Airberlin business class seat A330
Airberlin business class staggered configuration
To the left of the seat were the seat controls, which were reasonably intuitive.
Airberlin business class seat controls A330
Then the seat had an ottoman, with the entertainment screen located at the very front of it. There was a tray table which dropped down from the left side of the ottoman console.
Airberlin business class seat A330
That hook could also be used to hang headphones.
Airberlin business class seat
One of the major limitations of the seat is the lack of storage space. There was a small cubby under the ottoman where you could store shoes, but aside from that there really wasn’t any storage.
Airberlin business class foot cubby A330
I kind of just awkwardly placed my belongings in the “empty area” to the left of my seat, which seemed like the best option.
Airberlin business class foot area A330
That’s also where the safety card and power port are located.
Airberlin business class power port A330
Airberlin business class seat A330
Already waiting at my seat upon boarding was a pillow, and as soon as I settled in I requested a blanket as well.
Airberlin business class seat pillow and blanket
The headphones airberlin offers are okay — they’re noise canceling, though a bit rough on the ears.
Airberlin business class headset and seat controls
Within moments of settling in I was also offered pre-departure champagne, a menu, and an amenity kit.
Airberlin business class menu, amenity kit, and beverage
Airberlin business class pre-departure champagne
The amenity kit was fairly nice, and consisted of Institut Karite toiletries. The amenity kit featured socks, eyeshades, a toothbrush/toothpaste combo, and enough body lotion for a sperm bank. Then there were also slippers, which I appreciated (and aren’t offered on nearly enough airlines, in my opinion — I’ll actually take slippers over an amenity kit any day).
Airberlin business class amenity kit and slippers
There was also a bottle of water waiting in the cup holder by my seat.
Airberlin business class water bottle
Shortly before pushback the crew came around with some hot towels.
Airberlin business class pre-departure hot towel
At that point the purser also came around the cabin to introduce herself, welcome everyone aboard, and take drink orders. I thought that was a nice touch for business class.
At around 3:45PM the captain came on the PA to add his welcome aboard. He advised us of our flight time of 8hr45min, which he expected would put us into Dusseldorf on-time.
The crew was super-friendly, and I could tell right away that service would be good. As they made the welcome aboard announcements, it’s interesting that they said “welcome aboard your return flight to Dusseldorf.” Airberlin is clearly primarily targeted at Germans (and I’d say 90%+ of passengers were German). It’s not often you hear them phrase it that way…
Airberlin business class cabin
We pushed back 10 minutes ahead of schedule, at 3:50PM, at which point the safety video began to play.
Maybe it’s just me, but I find the 3D person they use in the safety video to be creepy.
Our taxi to runway 8R took about 15 minutes, and at around 4:05PM we were airborne.
Miami Airport on taxi
Taking off from Miami
It was a gorgeous afternoon in Miami, so as usual the views were stunning, especially as we climbed out over the coast.
Taking off from Miami
Taking off from Miami
Taking off from Miami
The seatbelt sign was turned off about 20 minutes after takeoff.
Leveling off
Airberlin airshow
Our flight path was fairly easterly, in that we weren’t “hugging” the coast all the way up to St. Johns and then starting our Atlantic crossing.
Airberlin airshow
Airberlin airshow
Once leveled off drinks were served, along with a ramekin of nuts. At this point dinner orders were taken as well, and at the same time I was asked what I wanted to drink with my dinner.
Airberlin beverage and nuts
I took the opportunity to browse the entertainment selection, which was fairly extensive.
Airberlin entertainment system
Airberlin entertainment system
Airberlin entertainment system
In the end I decided to watch “Anchorman 2,” which was an acceptable airplane movie. As much as I love comedies, Will Ferrel doesn’t do it for me.
Airberlin entertainment system
At that point tables were set. The dinner menu read as follows:
And the wine and drink list read as follows:
While service is done on trays, I have to give them credit for the fact that they don’t use carts in business class, which Lufthansa does (and it’s always a pet peeve of mine).
The first course consisted of a salad with balsamic dressing, as well as a choice of appetizers. I selected the marinated shrimp with guacamole, cilantro puree, roasted pepper puree, and fried tortilla strips. It was also served with a white roll.
Airberlin business class appetizer and salad
The salad and appetizer were edible though forgettable, so acceptable for transatlantic business class, in my opinion.
Airberlin business class appetizer
Airberlin business class salad
For the main course I ordered the crab cake with red pepper sauce, asparagus spears, yellow pepper julienne, and red skin mashed potatoes. Again, it was edible but forgettable.
Airberlin business class main course
After that I was offered my choice between cheese and fruit. I find it interesting that they don’t have a real dessert option, which I’m sure my mother approves of. I ordered the fruit, and also asked for a cappuccino to go along with it. I was kind of surprised they had cappuccinos, but I’m 99% sure they actually use a powder mix for them, since they were super sweet.
Airberlin business class dessert and cappuccino
Airberlin business class fruit
The meal service was done at a leisurely pace, which was fine by me given that I wasn’t planning on sleeping. My body clock is very much on Pacific Time, so a flight leaving at 1PM PT doesn’t exactly lend itself to maximizing sleep. Beyond that, I found the seat to be quite narrow, and the lack of privacy in the aisle seat really made it tough for me to sleep.
Airberlin airshow
Airberlin airshow
After dinner the cabin lights were dimmed and most passengers dozed off a bit. I decided to play around with the entertainment selection a bit longer. When I started watching Taylor Swift music videos on the entertainment system I knew it was time to switch to my iPad.
Airberlin entertainment
On my iPad I watched a couple of episodes of my preferred shade-throwing TV shows.
Airberlin business class cabin
My one complaint about the business class cabin is that there’s a single lavatory for 20 passengers. Now some mentioned that there’s another bathroom behind business class and to the right, though I didn’t see that on this particular configuration (as there were other subtle differences between this configuration and the SeatGuru one I posted above). To me that’s just not enough on a transatlantic flight.
Airberlin business class lavatory
Before I knew it I opened the window and the sun was already rising over the Atlantic just west of France, which is always a glorious sight. I should also note that the crew was incredibly attentive throughout the night, and must have been through the cabin every few minutes to see if anyone wanted anything.
Sunrise over the Atlantic
Airberlin airshow
Airberlin airshow
About 80 minutes out of Dusseldorf the cabin lights were turned on and breakfast service began.
While I didn’t partake in it, the snack menu read as follows:
And the breakfast menu read as follows:
Service began with hot towels and a tray of orange juice being brought around the cabin.
Airberlin business class orange juice
There weren’t any choices for breakfast, though for such a short transatlantic flight that’s perfectly fine, in my opinion. For breakfast they had cold cuts (smoked turkey and salami), fruit, cheese, bread, and croissants. I also ordered another deliciously sweet powdered cappuccino to go along with it.
Airberlin business class breakfast
Then about 30 minutes before landing the purser came around again to thank each passenger for flying airberlin, and to offer them a chocolate heart.
Airberlin business class pre-landing chocolate
25 minutes out we began our descent, which was smooth. As usual, the descent into Germany was gorgeous, as I just love the scenery.
On approach into Dusseldorf
On approach into Dusseldorf
On approach into Dusseldorf
We landed on runway 5L at 6:40AM, and had roughly a 10 minute taxi to our arrival gate.
Taxiing at Dusseldorf Airport
Already on stand was the Lufthansa A340 which arrived from Newark less than an hour prior.
Taxiing at Dusseldorf Airport
Taxiing at Dusseldorf Airport
Taxiing at Dusseldorf Airport
We followed a “follow me” car to our arrival gate, C4, where we arrived at 6:50AM, about 10 minutes ahead of schedule.
Pulling into the gate at Dusseldorf Airport
Bottom line on airberlin business class
Airberlin offers a perfectly functional and pleasant business class product. The service was good, food perfectly edible, and hard product also quite good for a European airline. If you can snag one of the “true” window seats then the hard product is excellent.
Of course when it comes to travel on a German airline I still have a love affair with Lufthansa first class, but it’s also not fair to compare a low cost carrier’s business class product to Lufthansa’s first class. And to airberlin’s credit, they now have fully flat beds throughout their longhaul fleet. Meanwhile many of Lufthansa’s planes still feature their old business class product. So all things considered airberlin is doing a better/more consistent job with business class than Lufthansa.
Certainly a great use of miles, especially factoring in that there are no fuel surcharges for transatlantic award redemptions on them, whether booking through American AAdvantage or British Airways Executive Club.
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!
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....
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,
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 :) )
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...
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.
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...
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.
http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Air_Berlin/Air_Berlin_Airbus_A330-200.php#seatMapKeyLegen
Here is the link I promised Joanne.
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.
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...
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.
Check rows 2 and 4 seats D and G. Here is a link for you to look at. And enjoy your trip.
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...
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.
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!
@ 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...
@ 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.
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!
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.
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, 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.
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...
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.
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)...
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...
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.
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 ;)
Safety briefing lady definitely looks creepy - reminds me of an evil austin powers-style fembot.
At first i thought the IFE was showing 'One Mile At A Time TV', but it's just your reflection :-P
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!
Lol you weren't feeling 22?
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!
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.
@ Daniel - Nice catch. Hope she doesn't read this blog. :P
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.
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.)
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.
Holy crappola, is anyone else seeing the woman in green in the third photo down?
@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!
Which airline's MD-80 is that? It looks like it says Bulgaria, but I didn't think they had Maddogs
@ James K -- It's Bulgarian Air Charter.
http://www.bgaircharter.com/
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.
@ 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
@ JRL -- Selective ignorance on my part, I guess. What I don't think about can't hurt me... right? :D
But yeah, totally agree, it's gross...
You caught yourself in the picture of the headphone hook!
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.
Lucky,
The real question here is compared to LH J, how does it stack up?
@ @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.
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...
@ Hong Kong Airline News -- Service and food are definitely better in Lufthansa first class than airberlin business class.
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.
@ wwk5d -- Yep, I definitely found the Etihad seat to be more spacious. Same design, but not quite as "spread out."