I've flown on the only 2 all-business-class airlines in the world. It's like flying on a private jet — but less expensive. (2024)

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Beond and La Compagnie have the same concept but fly in different markets. Both companies market their brands as "premium leisure" with affordable fares. Each operates a tiny fleet of planes. La Compagnie's is more efficient. Beond can't fly every route nonstop. Each jet is branded in its airline's respective colors and equipped with lie-flat seats. Seats have all the business-class basics, including a bed, storage, and power outlets. Passengers can book an ottoman seat for extra room on Beond. The airlines provide good linens and amenity kits. La Compagnie offers a key perk that Beond doesn't: a seatback screen. Unpopular opinion: I preferred Beond's version. Beond lacks a middle divider, a headrest, and WiFi. Beond's technology is behind. La Compagnie has a gastronomy focus. Beond's dining was delicious, too. There was a lot to enjoy because of the long flights. After flying on both airlines, I find it's like sharing a private jet. I'm not convinced this business model can survive. You also don't get the same protections offered by a mainline carrier. The new Airbus A321XLR could open new opportunities for both carriers. FAQs References

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Taylor Rains

2024-08-14T20:00:52Z

I've flown on the only 2 all-business-class airlines in the world. It's like flying on a private jet —but less expensive. (1)

La Compagnie and Beond are the only two airlines that fly solely business-class Airbus planes.
The model is historically unsuccessful, but the airlines are banking on high-demand niche markets.
I think both are splurge-worthy for people who want a bougie-but-affordable travel experience.

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All-business-class carriers are among the rarest airlines in operation — and that's because the business model historically doesn't work.

British Airways, BermudAir, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines all previously tried these premium-focused planes, only to later ditch the system. The airlines cited challenges like high costs, fluctuating demand, and tough competition.

But the model hasn't died out yet. Two all-business-class airlines are in operation: France's La Compagnie and the Maldives-based Beond.

I've flown on both carriers, flying on La Compagnie from Paris to New Jersey in 2022 and then on Beond from Milan to Malé, the Maldives, in July 2023.

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There were a few key differences, but I found both to be great alternatives to mainline competitors —and about as close as you can get to flying private with a commercial ticket.

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Beond and La Compagnie have the same concept but fly in different markets.

I've flown on the only 2 all-business-class airlines in the world. It's like flying on a private jet —but less expensive. (5)

While Beond is less than a year old, La Compagnie has been flying for a decade. Both operate Airbus narrowbody planes on long-haul flights to hot-spot destinations. Despite the age gap, they fly similarly limited routes.

Beond flies from Malé to Zurich, Munich, Milan, Dubai and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The airline also has a fifth-freedom route between Zurich and Dubai.

La Compagnie connects New Jersey's Newark Liberty International Airport to Milan, Paris, and Nice, France.

Both companies have room for expansion, with Beond having said it hopes to eventually expand to places like Bangkok, Tokyo, and Perth, Australia.

Both companies market their brands as "premium leisure" with affordable fares.

I've flown on the only 2 all-business-class airlines in the world. It's like flying on a private jet —but less expensive. (6)

Both airlines are attracting customers with round-trip business-class tickets that are cheaper than mainline competitors.

La Compagnie's ticket prices start at $2,400, while Beond's are about $2,000. Both have fare tiers that offer various perks, like lounge access and extra luggage.

A round-trip flight from Milan to Malé in mid September costs $1,900 on Beond. The same round-trip itinerary in business class on Qatar's and Emirates' websites is about $3,000 and $3,200, respectively, which includes layovers in Doha on Qatar and Dubai on Emirates.

A round-trip flight on La Compagnie between Newark and Paris for next month is about $3,500. The cheapest nonstop business-class route on Delta Air Lines between Kennedy Airport in New York and Paris Charles de Gaulle is about $4,500.

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Each operates a tiny fleet of planes. La Compagnie's is more efficient.

I've flown on the only 2 all-business-class airlines in the world. It's like flying on a private jet —but less expensive. (7)

Beond launched with a single 44-seater Airbus A319 that is 21 years old. The airline is actively retrofitting a second plane, this one a 22-year-old previous-generation Airbus A321-200, with 68 lie-flat seats, which is expected to enter service soon.

La Compagnie's fleet consists of two 76-seater next-generation Airbus A321neos that are just five years old. The airline said these aircrafts burn 30% less fuel than its previous Boeing 757 planes.

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Beond can't fly every route nonstop.

I've flown on the only 2 all-business-class airlines in the world. It's like flying on a private jet —but less expensive. (8)

La Compagnie's Airbus A321neos can easily make the transatlantic hop between the East Coast and Europe.

Beond's Airbus A319 has to stop for fuel at Al Maktoum International Airport, or Dubai World Central, between Europe and the Maldives. For my flight to and from Milan, passengers could stay on board for the hourlong stop while the plane was fueled, restocked, and recrewed.

I didn't mind the stop as it was more convenient than the layover that's typically required between Malé and most European cities. There was no disembarking and traversing crowded terminals and no risk of missing a connecting flight because of a delay.

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Each jet is branded in its airline's respective colors and equipped with lie-flat seats.

I've flown on the only 2 all-business-class airlines in the world. It's like flying on a private jet —but less expensive. (9)

Beond and La Compagnie have both configured their planes with lie-flat seats in a 2-by-2 layout.

The downside is that passengers can't freely access the aisle when the seat's in bed mode without disturbing their neighbor.

I found that because the airlines are targeting leisure customers, most people on board are couples or families, making the chances of two solo people being next to each other low.

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Seats have all the business-class basics, including a bed, storage, and power outlets.

I've flown on the only 2 all-business-class airlines in the world. It's like flying on a private jet —but less expensive. (10)

There was little difference in the basics. I'm 5-foot-3 and easily fit in the beds, though most seats had small footwells that made sleeping on my stomach difficult.

Sleeping on my side or back was easy, though. Taller travelers on La Compagnie may want to book an exit-row seat for more legroom.

Both airlines lacked storage, with only a few small nooks and slots for things like extra clothes or electronics.

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Passengers can book an ottoman seat for extra room on Beond.

I've flown on the only 2 all-business-class airlines in the world. It's like flying on a private jet —but less expensive. (11)

There are eight special seats on Beond, four each in the first and exit rows. These have an ottoman that can double as a companion seat and a larger footwell for the bed.

La Compagnie offers extra-legroom seats but doesn't have the ottoman perk.

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The airlines provide good linens and amenity kits.

I've flown on the only 2 all-business-class airlines in the world. It's like flying on a private jet —but less expensive. (12)

Both companies provided blankets, an eyemask, a mattress cover, and pillows for sleeping. There were also dental kits and other toiletries for freshening up.

Beond's blanket was the softest I'd ever used on a plane, but the pillow on La Compagnie was more plush.

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La Compagnie offers a key perk that Beond doesn't: a seatback screen.

I've flown on the only 2 all-business-class airlines in the world. It's like flying on a private jet —but less expensive. (13)

Most business classes have seatback screens with an accompanying remote, and La Compagnie was no different.

Beond, on the other hand, provided an iPad loaded with content that could be propped on a tablet holder in front of the seat. The table was connected to noise-canceling Beats, which was the best set of headphones I've ever had in business class.

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Unpopular opinion: I preferred Beond's version.

I've flown on the only 2 all-business-class airlines in the world. It's like flying on a private jet —but less expensive. (14)

I've raved that the tablet holder on American Airlines is perfect for my travel preference of catching up on reality TV, and it's the same case with Beond.

I came prepared for my flight with my Kindle tablet. It fit perfectly in the little holder, and I could even connect it to the provided headphones.

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Beond lacks a middle divider, a headrest, and WiFi.

I've flown on the only 2 all-business-class airlines in the world. It's like flying on a private jet —but less expensive. (15)

While I preferred Beond's in-flight-entertainment setup, I thought La Compagnie's seat was more comfortable because of the headrest and it was a little more private.

The middle divider provides more privacy when solo travelers get stuck next to a stranger. Beond's planes lacked this, but I still found that passengers were largely hidden away when sleeping.

There was no internet on Beond, while La Compagnie's was fast and free. Beond targerts leisure customers, so I understand it may not be a priority, but adding WiFi would make it more competitive.

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Beond's technology is behind.

I've flown on the only 2 all-business-class airlines in the world. It's like flying on a private jet —but less expensive. (16)

Beond launched in November and doesn't yet have an online-check-in system, so I had to visit the ticket counter before each flight to get my boarding pass.

La Compagnie let me get my boarding pass online so I could go straight to security. I suspect the check-in efficiency is on Beond's to-do list, but for now, manual it is.

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La Compagnie has a gastronomy focus.

I've flown on the only 2 all-business-class airlines in the world. It's like flying on a private jet —but less expensive. (17)

Part of La Compagnie's business model is partnering with Michelin-rated chefs to produce high-quality meals. I had two meals on La Compagnie, including the larger main meal and a smaller second one, where I could choose pastries or a tomato sandwich.

The main meal was the star, consisting of a cheese platter, a salmon-salad appetizer, a scallop entrée topped with truffles, pastries, and an apple tart.

All the meals were incredible, and it was easy to see how food-focused the airline was.

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Beond's dining was delicious, too. There was a lot to enjoy because of the long flights.

I've flown on the only 2 all-business-class airlines in the world. It's like flying on a private jet —but less expensive. (18)

Because of the fuel stop, my Milan-Malé itinerary included four legs. I got one large meal on each, which meant I got to enjoy four nice selections of bread, appetizers, main courses, and desserts.

The company catered lobster tail on one of the flights, which was one of the best dishes I've ever had on a plane. Everything from chicken, cold cuts, and pasta to seafood, fruit, and brisket was also available.

Minus the goose-liver pâté, which I think is an acquired taste, I enjoyed every bite of food on Beond.

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After flying on both airlines, I find it's like sharing a private jet.

I've flown on the only 2 all-business-class airlines in the world. It's like flying on a private jet —but less expensive. (19)

Unlike a typical commercial plane that's split into first/business class and economy, everyone flying Beond and La Compagnie gets a bed and delicious food for a few thousand dollars. And the fewer seats on the planes mean check-in is quick, without any "gate lice" while boarding or traffic jams while deplaning.

Passengers won't get the truly private perk of bypassing security. But both airlines' lounge access for most fares and fast-track security and passport control at participating airports make the experience less stressful overall.

If you have a flexible budget and are eyeing a destination served by Beond or La Compagnie, I think it's worth splurging for the unique flying experience. And it could be cheaper and more convenient than a competitor — especially if it negates a layover.

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I'm not convinced this business model can survive.

I've flown on the only 2 all-business-class airlines in the world. It's like flying on a private jet —but less expensive. (20)

Mainline carriers are better equipped to respond to cost and demand changes because they can strategically price their economy and first/business cabins to offset dips in one or the other.

While my concerns about this business model apply to both airlines, I think Beond is in a tougher position since it's brand-new and operates in a seasonal market at a time when operating prices are more expensive than ever.

La Compagnie recently celebrated its 10th anniversary and reported its first profitable year in 2022.

La Compagnie also makes money via cargo operations and chartering a jet for luxury tourism. Beond has announced similar plans to rent out its Airbus fleet.

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You also don't get the same protections offered by a mainline carrier.

I've flown on the only 2 all-business-class airlines in the world. It's like flying on a private jet —but less expensive. (21)

La Compagnie and Beond don't operate their flights every day, meaning there's less flexibility. There are few options if a maintenance issue takes either airline's tiny fleet out of service.

La Compagnie has partnered with the low-cost airline easyJet for connections to places like Rome and Geneva. Beond doesn't partner with other airlines at this point.

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The new Airbus A321XLR could open new opportunities for both carriers.

I've flown on the only 2 all-business-class airlines in the world. It's like flying on a private jet —but less expensive. (22)

La Compagnie CEO Christian Vernet said in 2021 that the Airbus A321XLR, expected to start flying this year, would be a "good fit" for the carrier.

"That aircraft is going to be a bit better as far as performance is concerned, in terms of range, because it has more fuel, and it is supposed to be a bit lighter than the classic LR," he said.

Beond is also eyeing the jet. Company CEO Tero Taskila told Aerotime Hub in May that most of the 32 planes that Beond hopes to fly by 2035 will be longer-ranged A321neoLRs and A321XLRs, which would eliminate the fuel stop and open new markets.

FAQs

I've flown on the only 2 all-business-class airlines in the world. It's like flying on a private jet — but less expensive.? ›

I've flown on the only 2 all-business-class airlines in the world. It's like flying on a private jet — but less expensive. La Compagnie and Beond are the only two airlines that fly solely business-class Airbus planes. The model is historically unsuccessful, but the airlines are banking on high-demand niche markets.

Explore More ›

Does flying business class make a difference? ›

The bottom line

If it's your first time flying business or first class, you can generally expect several perks that you wouldn't get flying economy — including priority check-in, a more comfortable/spacious seat, and enhanced food and drink options.

Know More ›

What are the most underrated business class airlines? ›

EVA Air

EVA Air arguably has one of the most underrated business class products in the world — especially with its newest product that it rolled out on its Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Even EVA's older business class got the thumbs up from Upgraded Points writer Stephen Au who said “I had no complaints at all”.

Know More ›

Can regular people fly business class? ›

Business class has earned a reputation for servicing the “elite” with luxuries and amenities only a select group of people can afford. But contrary to popular belief, anyone can purchase business class traveler tickets.

See Details ›

Which airline only has business class? ›

Currently, only one all-business class airline, La Compagnie, which was founded in 2013, provides an all business class service between Orly Airport in Paris and Newark Liberty International Airport.

Discover More Details ›

Which airplane has the best business class? ›

Qatar Airways offers the best business-class cabin in the world, according to travelers polled by travel industry rating company Skytrax. Skytrax published its latest rankings in June as part of the 2024 World Airlines Awards, which also named Qatar Airways the best airline in the world.

Get More Info ›

Is business class overseas worth it? ›

Is Flying Business Class Worth It? Business class can rival first in terms of quality when it comes to flying internationally. It's less expensive than first class but still a sizable upcharge from economy seating. If you're trying to decide whether to spring for business-class seats, here are some factors to consider.

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What airlines have the cheapest business class flights? ›

Airlines with the least expensive business class

Avianca.
British Airways.
Emirates Icelandair.
JetBlue.
Jetstar Airways (a subsidiary of Qantas)
Norwegian Air (which claims status as the world's best low-cost carrier for long-haul flights)
TAP Portugal.
Turkish Airlines.

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Feb 19, 2024

Which airline has the most expensive business class? ›

Qatar Airways' ultra-luxurious business class, QSuites, is the most expensive business class option in the sky. Headquartered in Doha, Qatar, Qatar Airways launched QSuites in 2017. It became, and still is, one of the largest business-class options of all commercial airlines.

View Details ›

What is the least liked airline? ›

Frontier was named the worst US airline in 2023 by claims management company AirAdvisor. Spirit, another low-cost airline, was ranked the second-worst on the list. Delta took the top spot as the best US airline this year.

Tell Me More ›

How much is the average business class ticket? ›

As with other tickets, the price of business class varies with dozens of factors, but in general you can expect the typical price of an international business class ticket to range from $3,000 to $5,000+.

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How to fly business class for free? ›

How To Upgrade To Business Class For Free

Get With the Program. If you are a regular traveller and you fly a lot, it's worth sticking to one airline and joining their frequent flyer program. ...
Get A Branded Credit Card. ...
Know Your Aircraft. ...
Arrive Early. ...
Volunteer To Sit This One Out. ...
Ask For It. ...
Fly Midweek or Redeye. ...
Go Solo.

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Do business class seats go on sale? ›

Airlines do occasionally put their business class seats on sale, however, while the price might be a significant discount off the regular price, it's highly unlikely that the prices they offer would ever qualify as “cheap.”

View Details ›

Is it better to fly first class or business class? ›

That said, first class provides more service and better, more spacious seating, at a minimum. Beyond that, first class dining tends to be a cut above business class, and first class airport lounges, especially in Asia, tend to offer more perks, such as chauffeured rides from the lounge to your plane and spa treatments.

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Do pilots get business class tickets? ›

Free Flights

As well as ID90 travel, some airlines offer their pilots a number of 'confirmed tickets' for free every year. This will usually guarantee a seat on the aircraft and would usually be for a seat in First or Business Class.

View Details ›

Is business class the same on all airlines? ›

Some airlines will offer a more affordable business-class ticket, however, this might mean that the service isn't as luxurious as what you might find on other airlines. So, it's important to check exactly what is included in each airline's Business Class cabin before purchasing a Business Class ticket.

Find Out More ›

How much better is business class than economy? ›

Business class is a big step up from economy, with wider, more comfortable seats that either recline or lie flat; better food, sometimes served on china; and often airport lounge access.

Learn More Now ›

Is business class worth it for 3 hour flight? ›

Business class is all about the perks, but on short-haul flights, you have little time to enjoy them. Sure, the extra legroom and larger seats are always nice, but they're not worth the cost for shorter treks.

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What are the benefits of business class flights? ›

Business class offers many advantages over flying economy class, such as: More comfort and space. Business class seats are usually wider, more adjustable, and more comfortable than economy class seats. They also offer more legroom, headrests, footrests, and sometimes even lie-flat beds.

What do you get if you fly business class? ›

Breaking Down Business Class

They offer a private cabin that is quiet and spacious with seats that have large desks, in-seat power supplies and flat beds so you can get some sleep. On the ground, Business Class lounges encompasses a similar experience.

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