EWR-BOM: Business vs. first?
Jun 2, 2011, 2:28 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 5
EWR-BOM: Business vs. first?
Hi all - Haven't been around here in 3 years or so but got some good honeymoon advice once upon a time, so I'm back.
I'm headed to Mumbai for work in about a month with a colleague and am looking at the EWR-BOM direct flights. I was wondering: What is the plane like the Continental uses for this flight -- specifically, how does business class compare to first class? E.g. Does first class have fully reclining beds? Are first class seats together in pairs or separated from one another? Different entertainment systems? Are there other differences worth mentioning?
Also, does the plane have WiFi?
Our client is paying and we're trying to decide whether to ask them to spring for first class, or whether the difference isn't enough to make it worth the extra cost.
Thanks in advance,
Dan
I'm headed to Mumbai for work in about a month with a colleague and am looking at the EWR-BOM direct flights. I was wondering: What is the plane like the Continental uses for this flight -- specifically, how does business class compare to first class? E.g. Does first class have fully reclining beds? Are first class seats together in pairs or separated from one another? Different entertainment systems? Are there other differences worth mentioning?
Also, does the plane have WiFi?
Our client is paying and we're trying to decide whether to ask them to spring for first class, or whether the difference isn't enough to make it worth the extra cost.
Thanks in advance,
Dan
Jun 2, 2011, 2:32 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Canada
Programs: UA*1K MM SK EBG LATAM BL
Posts: 23,309
There is only one premium class on Continental - its called BusinessFirst by marketing geniuses at CO - but it really is just business class.
Jun 2, 2011, 2:42 pm
#3
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 571
That flight is with CO’s 772s, so BF will have their lie-flat seats. I’ve flown in them several times and they’re very nice, arranged 2-2-2. Go for the bulkheads, they’ve got more foot space.
The IFE is on-demand. Good enough selection. Power outlets for your laptop, USB port for your iPod/iPad.
No wifi. I think the only airline offering Wifi on TATL flights is LH, and I don’t think it’s offered on DE-India flights, but you’d have to check their website.
CO’s BF food tends to be good for airline food. I’ve yet to have an inedible meal. It’s rarely fantastic but it’s respectable. Ice cream sundaes are a plus as well.
The 772 is the best bird in their fleet, it’s a solid choice. If you want F and can pay for it, LH F or LX F would both be excellent and a whole different level from CO BF, but require a stop in FRA, MUC or ZRH.
The IFE is on-demand. Good enough selection. Power outlets for your laptop, USB port for your iPod/iPad.
No wifi. I think the only airline offering Wifi on TATL flights is LH, and I don’t think it’s offered on DE-India flights, but you’d have to check their website.
CO’s BF food tends to be good for airline food. I’ve yet to have an inedible meal. It’s rarely fantastic but it’s respectable. Ice cream sundaes are a plus as well.
The 772 is the best bird in their fleet, it’s a solid choice. If you want F and can pay for it, LH F or LX F would both be excellent and a whole different level from CO BF, but require a stop in FRA, MUC or ZRH.
Jun 2, 2011, 3:17 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 5
Thanks very much for the quick and thorough replies!
Jun 2, 2011, 11:30 pm
#5
Moderator: Delta SkyMiles, Luxury Hotels, TravelBuzz! and Italy
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 26,544
Please continue to follow this thread in the CO Forum. (UA/CO Merged Forums)
Thanks...
Obscure2k
TravelBuzz Moderator
Thanks...
Obscure2k
TravelBuzz Moderator
Jun 3, 2011, 2:25 am
#6
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: SAT / MAA / BOM
Programs: CO Plat; UA 1K; EK Gold
Posts: 5,110
The biggest advantage of EWR-BOM non-stop is the convenient departure and landing times.
It lands 9PM at BOM, which means you can get a full night of sleep.
Also, as mentioned above, CO has full flat beds on this route.
LH F / LX F may be more awesome with respect to flight experience. But, the flights will land around midnight at BOM. It may be 1AM or more before you get to your hotel.
Air India (AI) F is apparently an amazing product as well (EWR-BOM non-stop). Gets in to BOM early evening. However, AI is not in Star Alliance (yet...we never know when they will join).
LOL, if you really want to be spoiled by your clients, ask for SQ:
EWR-SIN nonstop on A345 All-business class flight.
SIN-BOM in F ...
That might be one amazing experience.....but you will spend at least 12 hours more on the plane / transit!
It lands 9PM at BOM, which means you can get a full night of sleep.
Also, as mentioned above, CO has full flat beds on this route.
LH F / LX F may be more awesome with respect to flight experience. But, the flights will land around midnight at BOM. It may be 1AM or more before you get to your hotel.
Air India (AI) F is apparently an amazing product as well (EWR-BOM non-stop). Gets in to BOM early evening. However, AI is not in Star Alliance (yet...we never know when they will join).
LOL, if you really want to be spoiled by your clients, ask for SQ:
EWR-SIN nonstop on A345 All-business class flight.
SIN-BOM in F ...
That might be one amazing experience.....but you will spend at least 12 hours more on the plane / transit!
Jun 3, 2011, 7:01 am
#7
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: New Jersey
Programs: UA MM 1K, AA MM Gold, Marriott LT Platinum
Posts: 3,236
And on the return, the flight lands at EWR at 5:20am, giving you a fairly deserted Immigration Hall (assuming the DEL and TLV flights arrived on time and cleared) and a full day in the NYC area or plenty of time for a shower in the lounge before your connecting flight.