Open Skies 'One of the Best Travel Bargains' But For How Much Longer?
Every so often we feature a first person flight review from one of our readers that we feel should be shared with the rest of you dear fliers. These reviews are full of details and pertinent info and are relatively level-headed. Think you can submit one just like this? Send it in.
It looks like people are still flying those all business class carriers. A passenger recently flew Open Skies from JFK to Amsterdam and called it one of the best travel bargains around.
Sadly, we're not so sure even this positive review can save Open Skies from getting grounded later this year due to the financial difficulties its parent company, British Airways, has been having in the recession.
Yet, there's a glimmer of hope as passenger numbers are expected to increase this summer and everyone is still hoping that the economy could turn around later this fall. Until then, here's a look at what you get on-board Open Skies.
One of the best travel bargains available! Business class JFK to Amsterdam or Paris for an average coach fare--less than half the normal business class rate. My daughter & I flew the Amsterdam route in mid-June '09 for $900 round trip. (Their "first class" rate is more than double, differing largely in the flat, fold-down beds & 1st class lounge @ JFK.)
All features were very comparable to other US & European business class flights that we've taken--1st class check-in, champagne on boarding, and a very attentive & friendly crew that really wants to make this program work. (It's a British Airways competition with KLM & Air France business class, in a very comfortable 80-seat 757.)
Seating & entertainment was typical business class quality. Dining, beverages, and cabin service was excellent. It's a chance to have a relaxed flight and to arrive in Europe refreshed, at no more than average coach class rates.
(Only drawback--a double security check on return at Schipol, but we suspect that was a TSA, not an Open Skies requirement.)
Related Stories:
· Open Skies coverage [Jaunted]
· British Airways May Ground Premium Carrier OpenSkies [WSJ]
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