What's Real Business Class on Short-Haul Flights?

When it comes to flying business class within Europe, most travelers are familiar with the standard setup: an economy seat with a blocked middle seat, slightly better meal service, and a curtain separating you from the rest of the cabin. But, some airlines are giving this experience a major upgrade. From lie-flat beds to luxurious meal services, these airlines are redefining what it means to fly business class on short-haul flights. Turkish Airlines is one of the few airlines that stands out from the crowd. Their A321LR offers 2-2 configuration, with 34-inch pitch and 20-inch width, providing plenty of legroom. The in-flight entertainment system has a high-definition screen, and passengers can enjoy a variety of films, TV series, and news channels. But, what really sets Turkish Airlines apart is their attention to detail. From the luxurious meal service featuring beef cheeks and grilled seabream, to the small extras like roasted Turkish hazelnuts, every aspect of the journey is designed to make passengers feel like royalty.

Another airline that's worth mentioning is TAP Air Portugal. Even on short itineraries, their A321LR provides a business class experience that's on par with long-haul flights. The airline offers lie-flat seats, a strong swivel table, and charging ports. The in-flight entertainment system is also top-notch, allowing passengers to log in and customize their journey. While the meal service might not be as extensive as some other airlines, the attention to detail and luxurious amenities make up for it. Icelandair is also doing things differently. Their Saga Premium class, which serves as their business class product on short-haul flights, offers a 2-2 configuration with 20-inch width and over 40 inches of pitch, providing generous legroom. While the seats don't offer lie-flat beds, the enhanced meal services, dedicated lavatories, and access to the Saga Lounge make up for it. And then there's ITA Airways, which is taking short-haul flights to a whole new level. Their A321neo is configured to offer a true long-haul experience, with lie-flat seats and direct aisle access. This is something normally seen only on wide-body aircraft, and it's a game-changer for short-haul flights.

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