Flying international business class can be fun, but also very expensive. Several months ago, Matt and I took a trip to Barcelona, and we flew Business class on American Airlines one way and Air France on the other. Both flights were identical in that they offer (so they say) the same business class experience. Let’s compare so we can see who offers a better experience so that you get the most bang for your buck.

Business Class Lounge

We flew from JFK International Airport in NYC to Barcelona on American Airlines (AA). The lounge situation at JFK is a bit confusing for AA passengers. There are FOUR different lounges. 

o   Standard Admirals club that the airline credit card gets you into-typical mediocre airline lounge.

o   The Greenwich Lounge-Business class lounge for international flights-better food, booze, amenities and showers

o   Soho Lounge for OneWorld Emerald or AA Platinum Pro status or higher -prettier than Greenwich with basically the same food with a few al carte items that Greenwich doesn’t offer

o   The Chelsea Lounge-fancy dining Only for AA or British Airlines First Class (not business)

Normally we would have been placed in the Greenwich Lounge, but for some reason it was closed that day and AA invited us to the better Soho Lounge. It was beautiful with great views, pretty good food, lovely showers and generally quieter than most lounges….also a wonderful ice cream cookie sandwich!

We flew home on Air France (AF) out of their Western Hemisphere bound flights terminal in CDG Airport in Paris and only had a few minutes to check their lounge. Compared to typical Admirals Club or United Club it was great, but the Soho Lounge AA provided access to was much nicer and their amenities were accessible (we wanted to shower in Paris, but there was a waiting list). We were not very hungry, but the food options were solid and comparable to the Soho Lounge.

Winner: AA Airlines (believe it or not, but not a fair comparison as we were upgraded to a superior lounge)

Business Class Seat

The actual seats themselves were basically the same, although the AA plane was older, and the material was tired. Air France also offered more cubby space for your belongings in your seat and the seat itself was newer and cleaner.

Winner: AF

Food

Not even close, AF. AA tasted like cafeteria food.

Service

I don’t mean to pick on the flight attendants on AA, but they were just checking the boxes, which means the service was absolutely fine, but just fine. It was missing that extra oomph I would expect in Business class. They served the two meals, but otherwise they were missing, and one would have to either call them (which only a jerk would do) or walk to the galley and ask for something. I did that a few times and they were more than happy to get me a drink or a snack.

However, the attendants on AF were just lovely. Someone was walking down the business aisle at least once every 20 minutes to see if anyone needed anything or to pick up trash. They even have an espresso machine and made me a yummy cappuccino. During the dinner service they also proudly described the wines they were offering. Another nice touch was the pilot coming around business class prior to departing to say hello to each passenger. It is amazing how wonderful service takes so much of the tension on an aircraft away.

Winner: AF

Amenities

Both airlines offered a similar amenity pack with toiletries, socks for sleeping, lotion etc. Both also offered comparable noise cancellation headphones. AA partners with Casper for their bedding and it is quite wonderful. AF’s bedding and pillow were also great, but AA was better. However, AA’s bathroom has more amenities including facial cleansing spray which is delightful on a long flight. Flight attendants on AA also cleaned the bathroom frequently while on AA they did not (per union rules, funny enough AF is also unionized 😊).

Winner: AF

Conclusion

AA was fine and provided everything as advertised, but AF Business class goes the extra mile due to their service and food. If prices are comparable, it is a no brainer, however I find the European airlines are often quite a bit cheaper, and offer more! We booked our AA flight on miles.

Stay tuned for information on our next international business trip this fall!

Bon Voyage,

Andrew–