La Compagnie, the all-business-class airline operating between New York and Paris, is making two key improvements that actually have me wanting to fly them.
First, the airline is transitioning to A321neos next spring. These new aircraft will feature 76 business class seats onboard and be truly lie-flat. Currently, the 757-200s La Compagnie uses feature so-called “angle lie-flat” seats that are technically flat, but slope downward instead of being parallel with the floor. No images of the new A321neo business class seats have been released yet.
Second, the airline is introducing high speed wi-fi onboard, using a ViaSat-2 system. This internet is optimized for overwater travel and will maintain speeds even if all passengers are logged in at once. Furthermore, La Compagnie promises that rates will be very reasonable in furtherance of its mission to “democratize” business class.
A new flat bed seat plus high-speed wi-fi makes me much more likely to try La Compagnie. I’ve consistently stated how those two features are the most important I am looking for in a business class product.
CONCLUSION
I enjoy trying out all new airlines, but I’ve never tried La Compagnie because I figured the angled seat was not attractive and the airline would not not even survive. Well, kudos to the airline for surviving thus far. With a new lie-flat seat coming on the A321neo and high-spend wi-fi onboard, I’m much more open to giving the airline a try.
Does this new make you more likely to try La Compagnie? Will this save the airline?
Based on other reviews I’ve read their soft product is quite lacking as well though they may stepping up their game in that department as well. In the end it’s all about the price point. If it’s attractive enough then they will likely fill the seats. But unless they have a truly compelling product (like JetBlue’s Mint for example in the US transcon market) it’s going to be hard to compete with the established network carriers.
Sounds like they’re positioning themselves to be taken over by JetBlue when B6 finally decides to give international Mint service a try….
Matthew, Do you have a clue what the fares are? How are onward connections handled?
Thanks
Jerry
Fares tend to run $1600 r/t when purchased in advance. Bags are not checked through so you will need to claim all baggage in Paris Orly and recheck it.
My husband and I just recently flew this airline, and we loved it. They ran a special last November, just before Thanksgiving. We ended up paying less than $2,000 r/t for both of us. Both Newark and Paris airports have a lounge with all you can eat food and beverage (including alcohol), which you can chill in before your flight. On the plane, the space and seats were nice. You get a bag of toiletries for the flight if you choose to use it. I really didn’t care about the lay flat seat. My personal preference is to lay a little propped up. They serve a small dinner and breakfast on the flight to Paris, and a 4 course meal on the way back to the states. All in all, this was airline to take to Europe for us. No other airline beat the price, especially for a business class seat.
You are right! The price cannot be beat. Glad you had a pleasant journey. Curious: the normal price is about $1600/each. Are you willing to pay it?
As long as the flights are not canceled since they only have 2 planes, it’s a good deal. I have flown them a couple of times with absolutely no issues as its WAY better than economy on any other cross atlantic airline. I wonder how much the fare will change because of the wi-fi as someone has to pay for this service. Will there be a separate charge for wi-fi? I find it hard to believe it’s included in the low fare. Otherwise for the price, it’s a very good option to fly to Paris.