AtlasGlobal, a Turkish airline, is offering unlimited business class flights throughout its international route network for a flat fee. It’s a surprisingly compelling offer.
AtlasGlobal is based in Istanbul and serves 50 cities in 35 countries. While its route map is constrained to Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East, its route map includes popular destinations like London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Milan.
The Deal
For 3,500USD, you can enjoy unlimited confirmed flights in business class between October 01, 2017 (so immediately) and May 31, 2018. The flight pass can be purchased here. Turkish residents are also offered an unlimited domestic flight pass for 3,500TL (~959USD). There is no nationality restriction on who can purchase a flight pass.
This pass covers last-seat availability in business class. If there is no space, you can fly premium economy (called EkonomiPlus). There is no limit to the number of flights you can take, but you will pay taxes and “surcharges” on every flight. I’ll address that below.
How is Business Class on AtlasGlobal?
While there is no lie-flat seating, AtlasGlobal looks very decent to me. Service includes a chef onboard and seats are 2-2 in business (not an economy seat with the middle blocked).
For departures out of Istanbul Ataturk (IST), AtlasGlobal promises—
You will be transferred in a private vehicle from the terminal to the plane.
Lounges are also available in most airports.
Air France Business Also Included
AtlasGlobal has large codesharing network. Not surprisingly, codeshare flights are excluded from the unlimited flight pass. But there is one exception. Air France flights between Istanbul and Paris are eligible for the flight pass.
Hidden Taxes and “Surcharges”
Note that $3,500 is not the only thing you will pay. On each flight you will pay government taxes and surcharges. While at least AtlasGlobal is upfront about what “surcharges” are, you’re also going to be hit with what amounts to a co-pay for every destination you fly. Here’s the surcharge chart (.pdf). For example, London and Tel Aviv are $90 r/t while Paris is $70 r/t.
CONCLUSION
If I still lived in Germany, I would seriously consider this offer. If you use it every weekend, it is a great way to explore three great regions of the world.
Will you take advantage of this deal?
Unfortunately, they don’t fly in and out of Munich. Otherwise I would consider given how much my wife and I have been traveling around Europe since we moved here last July. I’m probably going to lose my Global Services status on United for next year, so this would have been a decent backup.