Which Delta Partner Has The Best Business Class To Europe?

Wonderful posts and responses. I have flown DL pretty much exclusively the past decade or so, but just returned from four long flights on KLM -- LAX-AMS-CPT-AMS-JFK -- and was extremely happy with the experience. For the last (and shortest) of these flights, KLM switched equipment, moving from a 777 with new World Business Class to one with old (Northwest product). I'd initially chosen Seat 1A, but was involuntarily moved to the last row in the middle-most of three seats. I was not happy. But the KLM lounge people rearranged things and got me in 1A again, which, for a day flight, was fine even in the older seat, with more legroom than the new one would have afforded. I did find that, for all hour KLM flights, my stranger-seatmates were delightful. It's very different from Delta domestic first class, where most will not even exchange a quick hello. Beware that the KLM 747 Combi has an inferior AVOD system with low-res screens and no USB charger (though there is AC charging). The new 777s have outstanding AVOD and all the charging plugs you could want, though they're over your shoulder. I want to go back to South Africa again, and would happily use KLM, but options seemed to be better for VS, ergo my seeking out this site. As a single traveler, I generally prefer private pods, though I far prefer those on DL A330s (which face out on the sides) to DL 777s (which seem similar to VS). Part of the fun of flying is looking out the window, and that's a strain, particularly on the latter. Anyway, back to KLM, I found the FAs to be extremely pleasant, knowledgeable, and eager to keep the passengers happy. This was true on all four flights, so I'd hazard it's part of the corporate culture. Delta FAs are great too, so I'd call it even. The KLM food is OK -- tending toward being over-prepared with mouse-like side-dishes and casseroles, but it was perfectly fine, and in huge quantities. I'd give Delta the edge here. What really impressed me, though, is that KLM turns off the seat belt light upon reaching cruising altitude and does not turn it back on until final approach. We went through some bumpy skies, especially over the equator, and it was refreshing not to be awakened with seat belt announcements, which are common on Delta. Maybe the EU is less litigious, but for whatever reason, it was a pleasant surprise to have common sense prevail. Also, AVOD is available from prior to the flight until engine shutdown at the arrival gate. I have flown Air France, on the sloped sleeper seats. The service and food were outstanding on the outbound flight from LAX-CDG, but the business cabin was almost empty. For the return, I had a late connection from Rome. I arrived at the boarding gate for CDG-LAX while the A380 was still there, but I was told I was too late and nothing could be done. I was unceremoniously rebooked into a middle seat on a777 leaving three hours later. I asked about an upgrade to First for my trouble and delay, but AF said it was not possible, even though that cabin turned out to be empty. So the comment about IROPS with AF turns out to align with my experience. The service and food on the return 777 was awful. I was seated next to a friend of the pilot, who was brought meals and drinks from (the empty) First Class cabin. Meanwhile, I could not get anyone to refill my water. Moreover, a rowdy group of AF non-rev people were having a party, and they did not invite me. I am still eager to try VS and Alitalia (which I have only taken intra-Europe), and hope I'll have a chance to fly Korean before Delta severs its alliance completely.

Totally agree on the AF 7 across. I am (most unhappily) seated in such a section on an AF from ATL to CDG tonight. Fingers crossed that no one is in the 'F' seat next to me. Not only is it not lie flat, but there is basically no personal stowage for passport, phone, etc and the amenities bag is a joke. Being AF I expect good food but I will be skipping that trying to sleep. I'm going to be very careful booking AF in the future. Could be worse. I could be on an old (is there any other kind) KLM craft.

I may buck the trend here, but I HATED Virgin Atlantic. I feel it is hype over substance. Their crappy old planes, the seat layout where you cannot look out the windows so you spend your time staring at another person because you are angled facing that person, the truly awful meals for a business class product. I could go on but you get the drift. The irony is that finally Delta has caught up in terms of its seat in its Business Elite with a full-sized pillow and duvet and REALLY comfortable seats, which unlike Virgin you have more choice than either go to bed or sit up straight, plus the signature Delta friendliness of its flight attendants. For some reason best known to them they have ceded all flights to Europe from Atlanta to Virgin. I able to compare the two last year with Virgin on the flight to Manchester (old plane, crap seating and running out of choices to eat and being told that if I really wanted beef that they'd get me a beef stew from coach. To which I said sure as long as you refund me my business class fare) And then flying back via Delta which I have to say was superb, from the meals, to the seat, to the flight attendants. Hope it's better this year as I'm going with KLM on the outbound flight and Virgin on the flight back to the States. Maybe a different aircraft may make the difference, but I doubt it. But when you've no choice, you have to put up with it.

@bobbieddie I hope that this is helpful. Sadly, I wasn't the one who made the bookings (my sister did). She said she had used AAdvantage miles because she travels a lot for work. She called the Executive Platinum line to make the bookings (and she did it on the first call!). Honestly, what we did was have a payed revenue fare on AA from ORD-JFK (I live in Chicago, so that is why we flew out of there) and then connected on CX to HKG after a nice overnight in NYC. That way you can drink even more champagne and enjoy the experience more ;) so that may be a possibility for you. But in my opinion, another possible way you can go to AKL is to fly EY from LAX-AUH and then AUH-LHR again on EY (or BA if you want to try different first class) and finally LHR-SYD-AKL on QF. On the return, you could fly on QF from AKL-SYD-HKG and then HKG-LAX/JFK (and then pay for a flight from JFK-LAX) on CX. That way it can become an around the work in first class trip! Although, it all comes down to how many miles you have/how many miles your willing to spend. Hope this helps!

Jack - Many thanks for your thoughts. Can you share what websites you used to make your bookings - did you use Asia Miles website, already have miles in an account, or transfer miles when you had secured your flights? Any tips on how best to do that? I don't want to transfer and load up CX or KrisFlyer and then not be able to get the flights. Tiffany - I have lots of AA miles, and lots of Chase Ultimate Rewards, SPG miles. Am starting to collect Citi Thank You Rewards as well. Look forward to your thoughts. Thanks to you both.