For competition reasons - the biggest airlines in Europe are Ryanair and Easyjet which don’t offer any business class. A proper seat would absorb too much space and not allow the airlines to compete on price with the LCC when not in demand. Many companies in Europe won’t pay for business on either now (or allow domestic flying).
Most of my flights were Europe ~ Far East and intra-Asia. I avoided European airlines like the plague using SQ and CX for long haul plus regional airlines as needed. Even regional PRC outfits were better than BA et al.
At 2.5 to 3 times the price of coach, that's a very expensive lounge visit and meal on the plane. And what if your flight is medium haul -- could be five hours flying time to Cairo or Tel Aviv. I wonder if part of the reason people pay for it is that it makes them feel
I totally agree, and the fact all short-haul European full service airlines do this strongly smacks of a formal or illicit agreement between them. Turkish Airlines even has short-haul planes configured both the European way ( 3 across economy seating middle seat vacant ) and the more normal Asian way ( with 2 seat business class and 36” seat pitch ) depending on which routes they fly, East or West!
I have had the idea of formally raising this with the CMA as it is a prima facie case of collusion, - formally or not.
For competition reasons - the biggest airlines in Europe are Ryanair and Easyjet which don’t offer any business class. A proper seat would absorb too much space and not allow the airlines to compete on price with the LCC when not in demand. Many companies in Europe won’t pay for business on either now (or allow domestic flying).
Most of my flights were Europe ~ Far East and intra-Asia. I avoided European airlines like the plague using SQ and CX for long haul plus regional airlines as needed. Even regional PRC outfits were better than BA et al.
Having had the good fortune of flying Singapore, I could barely tell the difference between their regional and long-haul configurations.
Indeed, similarly with Thai and CX/KA . Garuda, hmmm.
At 2.5 to 3 times the price of coach, that's a very expensive lounge visit and meal on the plane. And what if your flight is medium haul -- could be five hours flying time to Cairo or Tel Aviv. I wonder if part of the reason people pay for it is that it makes them feel
Also, the lounges are, with few exceptions, just not good? I'd rather a £20 Pret voucher and a decent view of the apron.
I totally agree, and the fact all short-haul European full service airlines do this strongly smacks of a formal or illicit agreement between them. Turkish Airlines even has short-haul planes configured both the European way ( 3 across economy seating middle seat vacant ) and the more normal Asian way ( with 2 seat business class and 36” seat pitch ) depending on which routes they fly, East or West!
I have had the idea of formally raising this with the CMA as it is a prima facie case of collusion, - formally or not.
Perhaps a crusade you can take up with them Jack?
I plan to take it straight to the European Court of Justice. Though I may take the train.
Perfect wording - LOL - Happy Easter (to have had)