Originally Posted by
docbert
Keep in mind that most airlines do not have a real business class product for European domestic flights, so if you connect somewhere in Europe you'll generally end up with little more than an economy seat for the final leg. That obviously gives a real advantage to AF and the direct flight.
One other option I'd suggest if you don't mind a little more flying time is TK. Great business product, frequently cheaper than most other options to Western Europe, and a real business class product (lie-flat or recliner, depending on the exact flight) - plus you get to hit-up the TK lounge in Istanbul which is one of the better business class lounges out there.
I actually don't mind getting a cheap economy seat for a trip within Europe to get to Paris, since it would be 2 hours at most. And only around an hour if I'm getting to London. But again, if AF has competitive pricing and the newly designed business class then it's a top choice.
The design of Turkish business class just doesn't do it for me. The seats just look like they lack so much privacy compared to all the other airlines I've researched.