nologic
Nov 20, 07, 3:30 pm
What do people think is the best business class to TLV? How do the foreign options BA, IB, LH, AZ, AF compare to DL (non-stop from ATL), or CO from EWR (do any other US carriers fly non-stop)?
MilesBuzz! - Best Business Class to from NA to Tel Aviv
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Fly4SCUBA
Nov 20, 07, 4:17 pm
What do people think is the best business class to TLV? How do the foreign options BA, IB, LH, AZ, AF compare to DL (non-stop from ATL), or CO from EWR (do any other US carriers fly non-stop)?
I'm not a fan of CO's BF seat, that is the deciding factor for me.
I'm not a fan of CO's BF seat, that is the deciding factor for me.
chardo
Nov 21, 07, 1:21 am
Just made the trip on CO about 4 weeks ago... over-all i'd give it about a 6(1-10)
Food was passable, service was very attentive, seats are average. Except for the trip back where my wife and son's would only recline manually with much effort, and w/o footrest. (For which we were offered a $500 credit/seat by a surley Israeli gate agent which a. Sucks on a $3000+ fare and b. are yet to arrive) The AVOD is not on demand, and simply plays in a loop, so if you have to take a leak, you'll have to redo the 4 hour cycle to find out what you missed in 'Oceans 13"
Boo!
BTW- Anyone have a suggestion of who I can call to at least get my credits and actually get a response?
Food was passable, service was very attentive, seats are average. Except for the trip back where my wife and son's would only recline manually with much effort, and w/o footrest. (For which we were offered a $500 credit/seat by a surley Israeli gate agent which a. Sucks on a $3000+ fare and b. are yet to arrive) The AVOD is not on demand, and simply plays in a loop, so if you have to take a leak, you'll have to redo the 4 hour cycle to find out what you missed in 'Oceans 13"
Boo!
BTW- Anyone have a suggestion of who I can call to at least get my credits and actually get a response?
mahasamatman
Nov 21, 07, 8:44 am
The AVOD is not on demand
Then it shouldn't be called AVOD, right?
Then it shouldn't be called AVOD, right?
chardo
Nov 21, 07, 11:47 am
I'm Hip!
nologic
Nov 21, 07, 5:40 pm
How about DL vs. LH, IB, AA/BA, BA/BA, AF/AF, AZ/AZ?
kanebear
Nov 21, 07, 7:55 pm
DL's service will likely be better than CO but unless the aircraft has been refurbished the seats are much worse. If you're willing to take a connection, BA will be the best. The other options all use short-haul aircraft with euro-style business (read: coach seats) on what is not a short leg. IB in particular uses a 319 for an overnight. Same for AF and LH. I'd probably go with LY n/s... I always have SUCH fun verbally sparring with the FA's.
budblab
Nov 22, 07, 8:50 am
What do people think is the best business class to TLV? How do the foreign options BA, IB, LH, AZ, AF compare to DL (non-stop from ATL), or CO from EWR (do any other US carriers fly non-stop)?
We flew business on Delta in August 2007 and the flight was great! Seats recline almost flat. The food was as good as airline food gets. The service was attentive. The flight times were at night, so most important was for us was seat comfort. Only disadvantage is that from Atlanta, the flight goes up the North American east coast and then overseas, so the flight time was actually 2 hours longer than a flight on CO from EWR. If you are connecting from Boston, that could be a consideration.
We flew business on Delta in August 2007 and the flight was great! Seats recline almost flat. The food was as good as airline food gets. The service was attentive. The flight times were at night, so most important was for us was seat comfort. Only disadvantage is that from Atlanta, the flight goes up the North American east coast and then overseas, so the flight time was actually 2 hours longer than a flight on CO from EWR. If you are connecting from Boston, that could be a consideration.
craz
Nov 22, 07, 8:57 am
BA wins this hands down!!
I have flown CO and DL (use to fly TW and PN)
Everything on BA leaves Everyone else in the dust.
The only problem is you cant credit the US-LHR flights to AA. Until AA gets its new Lie-Flat seats I'd still go with BA
Lie Flat seats
Great entertainment system
FAs that actually take care of You
The only drawback (not to me) is you must connect in LHR. That also means you can overnight or stay a few nights in London if you so choose. I usually get into LHR at 6am and skip the 8am connection and take the 10pm flight onto TLV so as to visit friends, just roam the streets
I have flown CO and DL (use to fly TW and PN)
Everything on BA leaves Everyone else in the dust.
The only problem is you cant credit the US-LHR flights to AA. Until AA gets its new Lie-Flat seats I'd still go with BA
Lie Flat seats
Great entertainment system
FAs that actually take care of You
The only drawback (not to me) is you must connect in LHR. That also means you can overnight or stay a few nights in London if you so choose. I usually get into LHR at 6am and skip the 8am connection and take the 10pm flight onto TLV so as to visit friends, just roam the streets
SEAUAKID
Nov 22, 07, 10:59 am
BA and LH both use wide-body aircraft on all flights to TLV. I suppose it would be BA in my view, unless you're an AA person... in which case, try LH (credit to BD).
craz
Nov 22, 07, 11:04 am
BA and LH both use wide-body aircraft on all flights to TLV. I suppose it would be BA in my view, unless you're an AA person... in which case, try LH (credit to BD).
LH does use 747 and A-340s, but their Biz seats arent Lie Flats and are kinda like AAs cradle seats . At least when BA had the cradle seats it was 2-2-2, LH I think is 7 across so not as wide , and I was told not as much Pitch either. Never flew LH but inquired about it and was told F its not that great, Im sure its better then Coach
the way around the AA not getting credited is to 1st fly to Canada with AA and pick BA up from there. That way I understand you can credit AA for the BA flights over the Pond, how much more it will cost and the time factor might negate doing it that way.
LH does use 747 and A-340s, but their Biz seats arent Lie Flats and are kinda like AAs cradle seats . At least when BA had the cradle seats it was 2-2-2, LH I think is 7 across so not as wide , and I was told not as much Pitch either. Never flew LH but inquired about it and was told F its not that great, Im sure its better then Coach
the way around the AA not getting credited is to 1st fly to Canada with AA and pick BA up from there. That way I understand you can credit AA for the BA flights over the Pond, how much more it will cost and the time factor might negate doing it that way.
nologic
Nov 22, 07, 11:55 am
DL's service will likely be better than CO but unless the aircraft has been refurbished the seats are much worse. If you're willing to take a connection, BA will be the best. The other options all use short-haul aircraft with euro-style business (read: coach seats) on what is not a short leg. IB in particular uses a 319 for an overnight. Same for AF and LH. I'd probably go with LY n/s... I always have SUCH fun verbally sparring with the FA's.
What about Swiss? Do you think LH will have new Business Class seats by next December (2008)
What about Swiss? Do you think LH will have new Business Class seats by next December (2008)
craz
Nov 22, 07, 12:08 pm
What about Swiss? Do you think LH will have new Business Class seats by next December (2008)
Swiss uses both A340 and narrow-body A320s
I think over to TLV a good connection is available for the A340 but the return with the A340 to ZRH gets in too late for any onward connection
Swiss uses both A340 and narrow-body A320s
I think over to TLV a good connection is available for the A340 but the return with the A340 to ZRH gets in too late for any onward connection
nologic
Nov 22, 07, 2:05 pm
What about the best Y service from/to MIA?
craz
Nov 22, 07, 2:51 pm
What about the best Y service from/to MIA?
Not much at all to debate when it comes to Y. Id say either go LY (I believe its a non-stop not Daily), I still like BA but if a person doesnt have Plat status with a OW partner then no way into the Lounge at LHR. So Id probably go DL with a non-stop from ATL. If you want a morning arrival in TLV then its CO with the 84 out of EWR (CO also has a night flight like DL does).
Id stay away from any European Carrier if there is no Elite Status that will grant Lounge access. Usually Mid-level and Up will get a person into the lounge even if flying in Y. I have that access with both OW and ST, not with *A. 1 reason I dont fly *A Intl. At times there is a nice amount of time between connecting flights, yet not enough to run into Town, so then w/o teh Lounge you are doomed to hanging with the masses.
Not much at all to debate when it comes to Y. Id say either go LY (I believe its a non-stop not Daily), I still like BA but if a person doesnt have Plat status with a OW partner then no way into the Lounge at LHR. So Id probably go DL with a non-stop from ATL. If you want a morning arrival in TLV then its CO with the 84 out of EWR (CO also has a night flight like DL does).
Id stay away from any European Carrier if there is no Elite Status that will grant Lounge access. Usually Mid-level and Up will get a person into the lounge even if flying in Y. I have that access with both OW and ST, not with *A. 1 reason I dont fly *A Intl. At times there is a nice amount of time between connecting flights, yet not enough to run into Town, so then w/o teh Lounge you are doomed to hanging with the masses.
singlemalt
Nov 22, 07, 6:14 pm
Why hasn't this thread been moved?
nologic
Nov 22, 07, 6:49 pm
The reason I ask is my brother doesn't have any status and would likely be flying coach from MIA to TLV.
My parents will likely take paid business class from BOS-TLV.
Somewhat related;y, there is a consolidator with a $3,300K LH deal in business class, and there are other deals in that range with advance purchase from the airlines directly.
My other brother is uncertain to do. I'll probably cash in a boatload and take the family on BA in C or F, so I know that product/option.
My parents will likely take paid business class from BOS-TLV.
Somewhat related;y, there is a consolidator with a $3,300K LH deal in business class, and there are other deals in that range with advance purchase from the airlines directly.
My other brother is uncertain to do. I'll probably cash in a boatload and take the family on BA in C or F, so I know that product/option.
craz
Nov 22, 07, 10:08 pm
Why hasn't this thread been moved?
Ill 2nd this, although I have posted in the thread , I didnt notice till your post that its in 'Travel Buzz', and really doesnt belong here.
Ill 2nd this, although I have posted in the thread , I didnt notice till your post that its in 'Travel Buzz', and really doesnt belong here.
nologic
Nov 23, 07, 1:51 pm
Ill 2nd this, although I have posted in the thread , I didnt notice till your post that its in 'Travel Buzz', and really doesnt belong here.
Mea culpa: I thought this was the right place to post this question, but FlyerTalk has unfortunately become so fragmented that these kind of things occur. Either way, I appreciate the responses/perspectives.
Personally, I think many of these subcategories should be combined so the reach of any given message is maximized, but I understand there are differing opinions on this.
Mea culpa: I thought this was the right place to post this question, but FlyerTalk has unfortunately become so fragmented that these kind of things occur. Either way, I appreciate the responses/perspectives.
Personally, I think many of these subcategories should be combined so the reach of any given message is maximized, but I understand there are differing opinions on this.
MD/DC Flyer
Nov 24, 07, 11:10 am
Somewhat related;y, there is a consolidator with a $3,300K LH deal in business class, and there are other deals in that range with advance purchase from the airlines directly.
The C service on LH is usually solid. If you fly from the US, you'll probably be on the 747 on both segments (but that may vary). Although the seats are not true flat ones, they come very close to be so. Some find it hard, but I have never had any problems. You might want to look at the LH forum (look for new C discussions).
If you do end up on 747, try to book rows 1-4. It is a "semi-private" section with fewer seats (max of 5, but most 4).
IAD-TLV this summer on 747, seat 1A. Could not be better for the price I've paid (72,000 LH miles).
The C service on LH is usually solid. If you fly from the US, you'll probably be on the 747 on both segments (but that may vary). Although the seats are not true flat ones, they come very close to be so. Some find it hard, but I have never had any problems. You might want to look at the LH forum (look for new C discussions).
If you do end up on 747, try to book rows 1-4. It is a "semi-private" section with fewer seats (max of 5, but most 4).
IAD-TLV this summer on 747, seat 1A. Could not be better for the price I've paid (72,000 LH miles).
craz
Nov 26, 07, 12:37 pm
The C service on LH is usually solid. If you fly from the US, you'll probably be on the 747 on both segments (but that may vary). Although the seats are not true flat ones, they come very close to be so. Some find it hard, but I have never had any problems. You might want to look at the LH forum (look for new C discussions).
If you do end up on 747, try to book rows 1-4. It is a "semi-private" section with fewer seats (max of 5, but most 4).
IAD-TLV this summer on 747, seat 1A. Could not be better for the price I've paid (72,000 LH miles).
Does LH have the typical 2-2-2 seating in Biz, someone mentioned to me that it was either 7 or 8 across
If you do end up on 747, try to book rows 1-4. It is a "semi-private" section with fewer seats (max of 5, but most 4).
IAD-TLV this summer on 747, seat 1A. Could not be better for the price I've paid (72,000 LH miles).
Does LH have the typical 2-2-2 seating in Biz, someone mentioned to me that it was either 7 or 8 across
MD/DC Flyer
Nov 26, 07, 6:50 pm
Does LH have the typical 2-2-2 seating in Biz, someone mentioned to me that it was either 7 or 8 across
It depends on the plane and the location of your section on the plane. You can look at seatguru and see all configurations. In the 747 it is 2-3-2 in the "main" business section, however as business goes up to the front of the plane, row 5 is 2-2-2 (or just 1, depending on configuration) and rows 1-4 are only 2-2. This section is very specious and "semi-private". Personally I think 1A or 1K are the best business class seats on this configuration.
It depends on the plane and the location of your section on the plane. You can look at seatguru and see all configurations. In the 747 it is 2-3-2 in the "main" business section, however as business goes up to the front of the plane, row 5 is 2-2-2 (or just 1, depending on configuration) and rows 1-4 are only 2-2. This section is very specious and "semi-private". Personally I think 1A or 1K are the best business class seats on this configuration.
Peregrine415
Nov 27, 07, 7:29 pm
I've flown both LH and LX to/from TLV but, right now, LH is a better option from BOS because of the 12-hour layover in ZRH and then you'd be flying on a 320. I used to be able to fly BOS-ZRH-TLV without having to wait for 12 hours to connect. C class on LH is very good (i.e. service is consistent). I seem to recall that LH flight from TLV is two-class on 346.
LH from TLV is good since they have their own separate check-in facility on the arrivals level. However, I don't care for the secondary security in FRA for NA flights. I get better treatment from Israeli security in TLV--they don't make me take my shoes off, they don't waste precious time looking for liquids in X-ray machines and there's no long wait to get through the metal detectors.
LH from TLV is good since they have their own separate check-in facility on the arrivals level. However, I don't care for the secondary security in FRA for NA flights. I get better treatment from Israeli security in TLV--they don't make me take my shoes off, they don't waste precious time looking for liquids in X-ray machines and there's no long wait to get through the metal detectors.