Airlines

When we travel again wish list: 5 Business Class Cabins I want to try and how I’ll book them

a group of seats in a plane

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When we travel again wish list:

Business Class Cabins

What does a travel blogger do when travel isn’t an option? Dream. The constant inundation of negative Covid news is draining, and without diminishing the seriousness of COVID, I think we could all benefit with having something to dream about. I’m putting together a series of posts that are simply 5 things I want to experience post Covid – a when we travel again wish list. Honestly, the thing I want to experience most is being back with my family since I could be a silent carrier and they are in at risk group, but alas, we are focusing on travel here.

Today’s installment? Business Class.

In the future, hopefully very near future, wheels will go up, points will be redeemed, and more YouTube videos will get made here at Monkey Miles. I’ve been thinking about where in the world I’d like to visit as soon as it’s possible, and my mind keeps coming back to how I would like to fly to those places. So let’s start with business class first, and then each post will highlight some cool spots around the world, and places to dream about visiting down the road.

ANA’s new The Room Business Class.

Qatar’s QSuites were the undisputed world champion of business class until ANA debuted, without any forewarning I might add, The Room. The entire conversation shifted in an instant, and many, including GSTP, think ANA takes the throne as world champion.

It was announced early in 2020 that the New York to Tokyo route would operate this highly sought after product, and once things are operating again, I’d guess we will see a lot more award availability than we did prior to Covid.

Best Ways to redeem:

  • Air Canada Aeroplan: 75k
  • ANA ( Roundtrip ) : 75-85k depending on high vs low seasons
  • Avianca Lifemiles: 75k
  • United: 80k
  • Virgin Atlantic ( roundtrip ): 90-95k roundtrip
an airplane seat with a screen and a monitor
“The Room” courtesy of ana.com

Lufthansa’s New Business Class aboard the 777-900

Lufthansa announced in 11/17 that they would be debuting an all new business class sometime in 2020. It would first be featured onboard the 777X and it looks awesome. Currently, they operate a business class that doesn’t offer all aisle access, but as you can see below in the promo pics, these will not only offer aisle access, but several seats will be thrones.

This will be one of the most sought after new business class products to experience. Lufthansa also releases a very reliable schedule of award availability, and I’d guess once things get up and running we will see a ton of space hit the market. We don’t know when or where they will fly the new product, but even if award space doesn’t populate, I’d expect deals will be very attractive.

Ways to redeem from the US:

  • Air Canada Aeroplan: 55k
  • ANA: 88k roundtrip
  • Avianca: 63k
  • Singapore: 65k
  • United: 70k

United and Avianca would be ideal since the bulk of taxes and fees are eliminated.

a screenshot of a social media post

British Airways “New” Club Suites

I fly a lot of BA since they have incredible earn rates on Alaska. In fact, I’ve often chosen their outdated Club World over better products from American and Finnair, but I’m planning on paying for this experience.

Since it’s virtually impossible fly BA using points without paying high fees, it can make sense to strategize flights around incredible business class fare deals. That’s what I intend to do, and I will most certainly credit those flights to Alaska. If you’re unfamiliar with those earn rates, check out this post where we break it down.

Ways to I would redeem:

Depending on how low the paid fares are vs my Amex balance, but I would potentially use my Amex Business Platinum and book via Amex Travel with a redemption value at 1.55c  ( 35% refund benefit ).

a seat in a plane

Turkish Airlines new business class

Turkish Airlines’ new business class found on the 787-9 and A350 offers all aisle access and I had planned a trip to fly it at the end of November last year. Award space was populating, often up to 4 seats, out of Atlanta and DC. I’d really like to visit Bodrum at some point plus my best friend Dave has never been to Istanbul. Once things settle down, it would be a great way to pop over and visit.

Ways to I would redeem:

  • Aeroplan: 57.5k
  • ANA: 88k
  • Avianca Lifemiles: 63k
  • United: 70k
  • Singapore Airlines: 76.5k
a group of seats in a plane
Coutresy of Turkish Airlines

EVA’s new business class

EVA announced in the fall of 2018 that they were unveiling a new business. EVA has one of the very best business class products out there offering a first class experience in a business class seat. Top notch champagne, pajamas, Rimowa amenity kits. I would absolutely love to try out their new business class. EVA was supposed to start flying it to Vancouver in the first quarter and was operating to Vienna, but fingers crossed they introduce it on the US routes.

Ways to I would redeem:

  • Aeroplan: 75k
  • Avianca Lifemiles: 75k
  • EVA: 75k
  • United 80k
  • Singapore: 115k

a row of seats with monitors on the side

Recap:

As I worked through these various cabins I realized that there were several other ones that I was eager to fly as well like Oman Air, Korean Airlines Apex Suites, China Eastern with the doors, Kuwait Airways, Delta One, Air France’s new biz, the list goes on.

Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.

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3 Comments

  • Christian March 26, 2020

    My wife and I flew the Hello Kitty plane on EVA a couple of years ago and it was pretty awesome. I’m not sure it was the new setup, but the reverse herringbone seats were superb, as was everything else.

  • Jon March 26, 2020

    When / if things get back to normal / new normal, I want to do the EWR-SIN in business. I did that flight in premium economy, single seat in the back, and it was great.

    • Miles March 26, 2020

      Jon – I’m right there with you!

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