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Business class: Not all equal
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February 2, 1998: 10:33 p.m. ET
Seats, quality of food and other amenities vary among different airlines
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NEW YORK (Biztravel.com) - Almost any frequent traveler will tell you that not all business classes were created equal. Variations exist not only among airlines but also among airplanes and even routes.
But one truth remains: airlines are paying close attention to their business-class passengers, and are continually upgrading their in-flight services. Following is a comprehensive guide to help skywarriors figure out which business classes suit their needs best:
DOMESTIC AIRLINES
Among the features most domestic airlines share are separate check-in counters, special baggage handling, access to private airport clubrooms, and bonus miles for business-class flights (generally a 125 percent credit of actual miles flown).
Here are some of the other offerings provided by individual airlines:
American Airlines: As the result of a major overhaul, AA's business class seats now boast adjustable lumbar support and an average seat pitch of 52 inches. Each seat also has a personal Sony Video Walkman with a choice of 10 first-run films. A Quick Cuisine service offers individually-prepared meals, including three main-course options and a daily special. Passengers can also request a "Snack Attack" package of fruits, cheeses, crackers, and sweets any time throughout the flight.
Continental: Business-class passengers enjoy an impressive 55-inches seat pitch and a seat back that recline 10 inches. Continental's BusinessFirst service for international travelers, which attempts to give first-class service at business-class prices, boasts a ratio of one crew member to every eight passengers. Meal service includes four menu options (rack of lamb with rosemary sauce was a recent choice).
Other pluses: Passengers are contacted by an airline concierge two days in advance of their flight to find out if they have any special needs or requests. Business-class travelers connecting to Continental flights in North, Central, and South America (including the Caribbean), are awarded first-class seating.
Delta: Business class boasts a 50-inch seat pitch and a 128-degree seat recline. There are several options for main meals and breakfasts, and a continuous snack bar throughout the day. Wine connoisseurs can choose among vintages from California, Italy, New Zealand, and France. Other extras include a choice of three movies, a Sony Video Walkman, a telephone in the armrest, laptop plug-ins, and an amenities gift kit.
United: The airline's Connoisseur Class features GTE Airfones, extra-wide seats, 40-inch seat pitch, eight-inch seat recline, and separate wine and food menus (including a choice of three entrees on domestic flights and four for transatlantic flights). In addition, international flights offer CD audio systems, six-channels of video, an in-flight amenity kit (with socks, eye shades, a toothbrush, and other essentials), and extra touches like Noritake china and Godiva chocolates.
US Airways: With its new name, the airline also changed the moniker of its international business class to Envoy and eliminated first- class on international flights. Business seats pitch, at 55 inches, feature an amazing 155-degree seat recline and come with a personal video system loaded with eight channels.
INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES
Air France: Just over a year ago, the airline put $100 million into upgrading its business service, resulting in, among other things, a seat back that reclines to the position of the previous first class, a 10-inch increase in seat pitch to 48 inches, and a 127-degree seat recline. All seats come equipped with telephones and videos.
As one would expect, beverage service is superior, including three white and three red Burgundies, four red Bordeaux, and eight champagnes. Meals can be served either at the customer's convenience (the Diner Rapide service), or at scheduled times. Menus often consist of such choices as medallions of foie gras in aspic, salmon fillets with mustard sauce, ribeye steak with green peppercorn sauce, and roast breast of duck with peaches.
British Airways: BA's Club World service earns high marks with its newly redesigned "cradle seats" available on all long-haul aircraft. The seats feature a self-adjustable air lumbar bag, a 50-inch seat pitch, 50-degree recline, and a manual tilt mechanism. And, in addition to expanded meal options, the airline provides finger food throughout the flight. (For an extra $2,500, business travelers can fly on BA's Concorde which, some say, surpasses even Air France in terms of food and service.)
Japan Airlines: Not only are JAL's seat pitches 50 inches, but seats recline to a very relaxed 57 degrees. Executive Class passengers can choose from one Japanese and two Western meals, with a selection of at least five wines. JAL also provides a noodle soup snack, called Udon de Sky, as well as a kiwi-flavored health drink, Sky Time. Other amenities include free airport transportation, reduced hotel rates, complimentary bilingual business cards, and discount coupons.
Lufthansa: Business-class seats have a 30-inch recline and 40-inch pitch in a fairly crowded cabin of between 51 to 75 seats. Personal in-seat video (with 15 channels), CD-quality audio, and satellite telephones are standard.
Meal service is a four-course affair: diners may choose one of three entrees, taste wine from the airline's award-winning cellar, sample German beers, and partake of a separate cheese and dessert buffet. Every business-class traveler receives either a tote bag or leather shaving kit filled with toiletries. Each also receives double miles from the airline and an automatic upgrade to first class for the domestic portion of the trip on either United, Continental, or US Airways.
Northwest Airlines: Heavy on the goodies, Northwest provides both a travel amenities package and a departing gift presented in a linen-lined basket to all its World Business Class passengers. Seat pitches are 48 inches, and on most flights, seats are equipped with a personal video system that offers two movies. For longer, trans-Pacific flights, the selection is expanded to four channels. On flights to and from Japan, two meals are provided and sometimes even a mid-movie snack. The main meal consists of three entree choices, accompanied by appetizers, salads, cheese, fruit, dessert, and a wide selection of wines and champagne.
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