Review: Air Dolomiti Business Class Embraer E195 (MUC-GVA)

Review: Air Dolomiti Business Class Embraer E195 (MUC-GVA)

FROM: MUC
TO: GVA
CABIN: Business
DATE: March 2023
REVIEW RATING:
SEAT MAP: E195 V.1
BEN SAYS: Lufthansa Group carrier Air Dolomiti offers a pleasant experience with its comfortable Embraer jets. On top of that, the flight was on-time, the crew was friendly, and there was even proper espresso!
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For the final segment of the outbound journey of our ski trip in the French Alps, we flew Air Dolomiti business class from Munich to Geneva.

For those not familiar with Air Dolomiti, this is an Italian airline that belongs to the Lufthansa Group, which operates a fleet of around 20 Embraer jets. Historically the airline has primarily operated flights between Italy and Lufthansa’s hubs, though the airline also sometimes operates other routes on behalf of Lufthansa. At the moment, Air Dolomiti jets are operating on behalf of Lufthansa between Munich and Geneva, so that’s what we booked.

It had been a while since I had flown with Air Dolomiti, so I was excited to experience the airline again. We had an excellent flight, and the airline didn’t disappoint — the Embraer jets are fantastic within Europe, the crew was friendly, and Air Dolomiti even has espresso, which is fun! If Lufthansa Group does end up acquiring ITA Airways, I wonder what that means for the future of Air Dolomiti.

How I booked my Air Dolomiti business class ticket

I booked both our Lufthansa first class flight across the Atlantic and our connection within Europe as part of the same award ticket. I booked the following for 100,000 Air Canada Aeroplan points plus $74.34 in taxes and fees per person (the first flight was in first class, while the second flight was in business class):

3/14 LH425 Boston to Munich departing 9:05PM arriving 9:25AM (+1 day)
3/15 LH2384 Munich to Geneva departing 11:20AM arriving 12:30PM

Admittedly there are much more creative awards you can book with Aeroplan points, but this was still a very good value. Aeroplan points are easy to come by, as the program is transfer partners with Amex Membership RewardsCapital One, and Chase Ultimate Rewards. On top of that, there’s the Aeroplan® Credit Card (review) in the United States, which is phenomenal.

Air Dolomiti Embraer E195 business class cabin & seats

Our flight was departing from a remote stand. Since we had access to the Lufthansa First Class Lounge Munich during our layover, we were lucky to be driven to our connecting flight in a Porsche, which is much nicer than being on a bus. We also got to the plane before all the other passengers, which allowed me to snap some cabin pictures.

Our ride to the Air Dolomiti plane
Air Dolomiti Embraer E195 Munich Airport
Air Dolomiti Embraer E195 Munich Airport

Air Dolomiti’s Embraer E195s consist of a total of 112 seats, spread across 28 rows in a 2-2 configuration. As is standard on intra-Europe flights, the size of the business class cabin can be changed on each flight based on demand, by simply moving the curtain.

Munich to Geneva is a big business market, so not surprisingly, the business class cabin was large, with 10 rows of seats.

Air Dolomiti Embraer E195 business class cabin
Air Dolomiti Embraer E195 business class cabin

I also quickly peeked into the economy cabin, which had 18 rows of seats.

Air Dolomiti Embraer E195 economy class cabin

In intra-Europe business class, you typically get a blocked middle seat. Since the Embraer jet is in a 2-2 configuration, this means that you get a pair of seats. This is ideal, since you can choose whether you want to sit in the window or the aisle. I assigned us seats on the right side in the last two rows of the cabin. I have to say, legroom and seat pitch were both quite good for an intra-Europe flight, which often isn’t the case.

Air Dolomiti Embraer E195 business class seats

The seatbacks had both a literature pocket and a tray table.

Air Dolomiti Embraer E195 business class tray table

Meanwhile the overhead consoles had reading lights and individual air nozzles.

Air Dolomiti Embraer E195 business class overhead console

Fortunately unlike smaller regional jets, the overhead bins on these Embraer aircraft are quite large, and can accommodate a properly sized carry-on.

Air Dolomiti Embraer E195 overhead bins

Aside from flying with an airline like Turkish Airlines, intra-Europe business class doesn’t get much better than this. I should also mention that even though this jet was nearly 14 years old, it still felt pretty new to me.

Air Dolomiti business class amenities

Intra-Europe flights don’t exactly come with a lot of amenities. However, during boarding, each business class passenger was given both a bottle of water and a refreshing wipe.

Air Dolomiti Embraer E195 business class water & towel

Air Dolomiti Embraer E195 business class entertainment & Wi-Fi

Air Dolomiti doesn’t have Wi-Fi, which isn’t a huge deal, given the very short flights the airline operates. The airline does however have a portal you can log into on your personal device, which includes reading materials, games, videos, and even a moving map feature.

Air Dolomiti Embraer E195 entertainment
Air Dolomiti Embraer E195 entertainment
Air Dolomiti Embraer E195 entertainment
Air Dolomiti Embraer E195 entertainment

Air Dolomiti Embraer E195 departure from Munich

Boarding took some time, as passengers arrived on two buses. By the time boarding was complete, there were six empty seats in business class, so business class was 70% full (meanwhile economy seemed to be nearly full).

At 11:20AM the captain made his welcome aboard announcement, informing us of our flight time of 50 minutes. A few minutes after that the main cabin door closed, and then at 11:30AM we began our taxi. Since we were at a remote stand, we didn’t even have to push back, but rather could just taxi forward. At this time the crew performed the manual safety demonstration.

Departure stand Munich Airport
Taxiing Munich Airport

As we taxied out, I enjoyed the views of two Lufthansa A340-600s — it’s such a beautiful plane!

Taxiing Munich Airport
Taxiing Munich Airport

Our taxi was short, and by 11:35AM we were cleared for takeoff.

Taking off Munich Airport
View after takeoff Munich Airport

There were a few bumps on departure, and the seatbelt sign was turned off around 10 minutes after takeoff.

View after takeoff Munich Airport
View after takeoff Munich Airport

Air Dolomiti business class meal

As soon as the seatbelt sign was turned off, the crew sprung into action and began the inflight service. Meals were served on trays that had a cardboard cover, with a bread roll offered separately.

Air Dolomiti business class meal service

The snack was pretty standard for a short flight within Europe. I joke that Air Dolomiti should be renamed Air Deli Meat, and the snack on this flight is the perfect example of why. It consisted of some roast beef, artichokes, and crackers.

Air Dolomiti business class meal service

Drinks were served once the meals were distributed. I was excited about this aspect of the flight, because in 2022, Air Dolomiti started serving espresso onboard flights, as any proper Italian airline should. The flight attendant gladly made one for me, and it was even served in an illy-branded espresso cup. I also had a still water to go along with it.

Air Dolomiti business class espresso

By the way, even if you’re not traveling in business class, you can pay for an espresso in economy.

Air Dolomiti espresso

As meals were cleared, cookies were distributed in cute Air Dolomiti packaging.

Air Dolomiti business class cookie

The crew couldn’t have been nicer. On this short flight they were attentive, and constantly checked on passengers.

Air Dolomiti Embraer E195 business class lavatory

Just prior to landing, I checked out the lavatory at the front of the cabin. The lavatory was in decent condition, though as is standard on these jets, it was pretty tight.

Air Dolomiti business class lavatory
Air Dolomiti business class lavatory

Air Dolomiti Embraer E195 arrival in Geneva

25 minutes after takeoff, at 12PM, the captain announced that we were at 30,000 feet and just passing Zurich, and that we’d be descending shortly, with an anticipated landing at 12:30PM. The views on approach were simply stunning — the area around Geneva is breathtakingly gorgeous.

View approaching Geneva Airport
View approaching Geneva Airport
View approaching Geneva Airport

Sure enough, we touched down in Geneva at 12:25PM, and from there had a five minute taxi to our arrival gate, where we parked next to an Iberia Airbus A321.

Landing Geneva Airport
Arrival gate Geneva Airport

Once in the terminal we waited on our checked bags, and then headed to The Woodward Hotel Geneva, where we’d be spending the night.

Bottom line

We had a fantastic flight on Air Dolomiti. The Embraer is a great plane to fly within Europe in business class, since you get both a window and aisle seat. On top of that, Air Dolomiti had friendly service and espresso, and the flight operated on-time. While the snack wasn’t anything to get excited about, I find that to be the case across Lufthansa and SWISS short haul flights as well.

I’ve always enjoyed my flights on Air Dolomiti, and am always happy when I see my long haul connecting itineraries have a segment with this boutique Italian airline.

If you’ve flown Air Dolomiti business class, what was your experience like?

Conversations (22)
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  1. Michael Guest

    As per June 2024 I’ve now had a number of business class trips (LCY/FRA FRA/GRZ) and, compared to Lufthansa, it’s easy to order a special meal. However, whoever runs the catering needs to go back to cookery school. No protein or carbs on that plate. Just some side dish really and the biscuits contain dairy. Luckily I don’t trust airplane food and I read the small print to avoid a nasty surprise.

    They claim...

    As per June 2024 I’ve now had a number of business class trips (LCY/FRA FRA/GRZ) and, compared to Lufthansa, it’s easy to order a special meal. However, whoever runs the catering needs to go back to cookery school. No protein or carbs on that plate. Just some side dish really and the biscuits contain dairy. Luckily I don’t trust airplane food and I read the small print to avoid a nasty surprise.

    They claim to offer WiFi on these flights but it never connected.

    There’s no “business class toilet” on short haul flights.

  2. Mapoosi Ann Makrak Guest

    This looks fabulous! I wish this plane and product flew on long-haul segments.

  3. vlcnc Guest

    I would be more than happy with that snack tbh

  4. Marc Guest

    Did you try the coffee? In my view one of the best Airplane coffee you’ll get!

  5. Julia Guest

    "In intra-Europe business class, you typically get a blocked middle seat. Since the Embraer jet is in a 2-2 configuration, this means that you get a pair of seats."

    Unfortunately, not always...sometimes you only get one seat.

  6. STEFFL Diamond

    to your line:
    "If Lufthansa Group does end up acquiring ITA Airways, I wonder what that means for the future of Air Dolomiti."
    . . . . i'm wondering too . . . and IF Air Dolomiti should be disappearing, because LH-Group decides so, it's the last step to 100% boycott that Airline Group!
    Those gangsters have ruined enough all over Europe already!
    BTW, EN (Air Dolomiti) is flying a lot...

    to your line:
    "If Lufthansa Group does end up acquiring ITA Airways, I wonder what that means for the future of Air Dolomiti."
    . . . . i'm wondering too . . . and IF Air Dolomiti should be disappearing, because LH-Group decides so, it's the last step to 100% boycott that Airline Group!
    Those gangsters have ruined enough all over Europe already!
    BTW, EN (Air Dolomiti) is flying a lot of more routes ex MUC for LH other then some GVE flights. NCE, CDG, PRG, MLA, not constant, but very often. (All, while LH is unable to find employees who work for little money and want to become a slave of this Airline Group). Same with Lufthansa Cityline, Eurowings Discover, Eurowings Europe, Eurowings!
    Slavery, made by LH!
    Those who support this, should be put to blaim too.
    (it's mostly former airberlin, Germania, SunExpress Germany people . . . all airlines that LH wanted out of there way, . . . with Covid, they got those people for 0 money and little pay!)
    That's Lufthansa-Group at it's finest!
    Just so you all know . . IF Air Dolomiti has to face the same upcoming due to ITA buyout by LH.)

    1. AnishReddi Gold

      I think they should keep air dolmoti flying until they get the full 100% stake in ITA, just incase things fall through with the Italian government after they get 40%.

  7. michele Guest

    Maybe I am be just unlucky but I flew with air Dolomiti several times in the last 6 months from both Munich or Frankfurt airport to Turin and from Turin to Frankfurt or Munich. The flights were in time only once. Most of the times the delays was more of 45 minutes and this has costed me to loose my connection and delay my flight to US one day. They never provide an explanation for...

    Maybe I am be just unlucky but I flew with air Dolomiti several times in the last 6 months from both Munich or Frankfurt airport to Turin and from Turin to Frankfurt or Munich. The flights were in time only once. Most of the times the delays was more of 45 minutes and this has costed me to loose my connection and delay my flight to US one day. They never provide an explanation for these delays but I believe their schedule is unrealistic and so is a domino effect. I am seriously thinking of going to Malpensa for my international flight since at least I am sure I can leave. They do not even apologize anymore for these delays. I wrote twice to them just a waste of my time.

  8. Chris Guest

    I flew Air Dolomiti twice last week, in economy class. The service was good.

    Eventhough they are part of the LH group, they have no affiliation with Star Alliance, meaning my non-LH *A gold card did not give me access to the LH lounge.

    1. STEFFL Diamond

      . . . depends on your FLIGHT#!
      If it's an LH Code, you should get access to the Lounge!
      If it's a EN flight, you sure have no right to use an LH Lounge, especially if you have a FQTV Staus with another airline then LH.
      Take a look, who's marketing the flight! ;-)
      Thesedays there is only very few EN flights left!

  9. CS Guest

    Lucky - I have always wondered something. How are you always able to get pictures of empty aircraft? Even if you're the first to board, there are going to be people right behind you. It's amazing how you are able to get empty aircraft pictures - which is great. Do you ask for special permission to board first and snap some quick pics? Do you identify yourself as a travel blogger? I'm just curious.

  10. Jimmy’s Travel Report Diamond

    I sheepishly have to admit I’ve never heard of Air Dolomiti. What a cool little airline. Nice review.

  11. ArnoldB Guest

    Disagree on Embraer Business Class. If I'm travelling with my +1, we don't want to have an aisle between us.

    1. STEFFL Diamond

      . . . then sit behind each other! ;-)

      I DON'T like it, when US Airlines call there fat seats "FIRST" Class, which is not even close to other Business Class Airlines elsewhere, but i swallow and laugh it all away!
      Laughable US aviation market!
      . . . so make the BEST out of that tiny isle between you and your +1

  12. Chris Guest

    As you noted a little later, these planes do have Wifi. Just one using a network not routed to the public internet.

  13. Regis Guest

    Compare that service with what we get in a 50 min flight here in North America in "first class". No excuses for the abysmal service provided by our airlines here. Shameful and disgraceful.

    1. STEFFL Diamond

      NOTHING really compared really well with ANY US airline, when it comes to so called "FIRST" Class on a shorthaul flight!
      Try to make ANY FA do any good service at all, they complain already, if they need to use glass instead of plastic, as throwing away is easier then putting a glass back into the trolley. If really lazy, you just simply get a plastic bottle! :-) :-)
      BUT . . ....

      NOTHING really compared really well with ANY US airline, when it comes to so called "FIRST" Class on a shorthaul flight!
      Try to make ANY FA do any good service at all, they complain already, if they need to use glass instead of plastic, as throwing away is easier then putting a glass back into the trolley. If really lazy, you just simply get a plastic bottle! :-) :-)
      BUT . . . charging premium prices for that so called "FIRST" Class. Try flying TK in C intra Europe flights, even the short ones of 1 hour to Greece, you get full service!
      I 100% agree with you . . . shameful & disgraceful! ;-) well used words in that case!

    2. Bols59 Member

      The trade off is that in the States is you get a bigger seat but no lounge access. In Europe you get the children's high chair and lounge access. Heigh ho...

  14. Abidjan Gold

    Impressive airline/flight. Wasn't aware of this airline.

    1. Stuart Guest

      The roast beef looks xxx-rated

    2. STEFFL Diamond

      There BIG hub is Munich, but also fly from Frankfurt sometimes. Mostly overnight in Munich with planes and Crews.

  15. Motion to Dismiss Gold

    Had no idea LH would drive you to the plane at MUC if leaving from a remote stand!

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ArnoldB Guest

Disagree on Embraer Business Class. If I'm travelling with my +1, we don't want to have an aisle between us.

1
Regis Guest

Compare that service with what we get in a 50 min flight here in North America in "first class". No excuses for the abysmal service provided by our airlines here. Shameful and disgraceful.

1
Michael Guest

As per June 2024 I’ve now had a number of business class trips (LCY/FRA FRA/GRZ) and, compared to Lufthansa, it’s easy to order a special meal. However, whoever runs the catering needs to go back to cookery school. No protein or carbs on that plate. Just some side dish really and the biscuits contain dairy. Luckily I don’t trust airplane food and I read the small print to avoid a nasty surprise. They claim to offer WiFi on these flights but it never connected. There’s no “business class toilet” on short haul flights.

0
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