Business Class on Aegean: Is It Worth It?
Yes, with a few caveats.
Business class on Aegean Airlines…is it worth it? Let’s break this down. Everybody knows by now that business class on most, okay all, European airlines just doesn’t stack up to its counterpart on most American airlines (and by that I don’t mean American Airlines, which is generally the pits.)
The reason for that is less about service than seats: they are usually the same in business as they are in coach, and on European airlines today that means wafer-thin, and somewhere between uncomfortable or barely tolerable/legal.
It’s more about space. In Euro biz there is more room between rows and often the middle seat is blocked off, so you won’t have to elbow your portly German seat mate while you reach for your briefcase or bread roll.
It’s also about more/better food. On longer flights, such as the nearly four-hour run between Athens and London, business passengers flying Aegean will enjoy an actual meal that includes a nice appetizer such as the beetroot salad with orange, baby carrot, and goat cheese tzatziki pictured above, plus a smallish main course. The menu includes the note that “AEGEAN offers a preorder service that allows you to choose from a wide range of main course options or a menu according to Islamic principles before you travel.” I’m not sure about that one: “Islamic principles”? Is there also a menu option for “Jewish principles” or “Christian principles" or “Buddhist principles?” The only options should be regular meal or vegetarian.
Anyway, there is also a full selection of Greek wines and spirits, and pretty good coffee. On my recent flight, for which I paid extra for an upgrade, the dessert could have been better. But the service level was impressive.
A business class ticket also gets you free checked luggage and access to Aegean’s posh Business Lounge at the Athens airport. Many airport lounges are so overcrowded these days it seems a better option to linger in the terminal before your flight, but not so here. Comfortable seating, gorgeous views, mostly excellent food for pre-flight grazing — the Aegean lounge beats British Airways’ Gallery lounges at Heathrow, and emerges the clear winner.
Bottom line? Yes, a business class ticket on Aegean is worth the extra cost, especially on routes of two hours or more. Just don’t expect seats that you can sink into — that is not going to happen in Europe unless you fly private. You might even want to bring a cushion along. Otherwise, go for it.
