La Compagnie offers business-class seats only. – Photo courtesy of La Compagnie
Flying business class usually comes with a hefty price tag that can make even seasoned travelers do a double take when pulling out their credit card. But as interest in premium travel upgrades enters new heights thanks to changing traveler priorities, boutique airlines like La Compagnie might just be an intriguing alternative to traditional commercial airlines.
Since it went into operation in 2014, the niche French airline has turned the concept of luxury travel on its head by offering all-business-class flights across the Atlantic — all without the standard five-figure fare. Featuring comfortable lie-flat seats, free Wi-Fi, and French fine dining, La Compagnie promises travelers all the perks of a premium travel experience at a fraction of the cost. But what’s the catch?
La Compagnie prioritizes the upscale essentials of business class along a niche, small route, mostly between New York City and Europe. But being smaller and simpler comes with a few tradeoffs.
For travelers who are seeking a more premium international travel experience that offers comfort, value and more personalized experience, La Compagnie just might be the answer.
What is La Compagnie, and why does it only fly business class?
La Compagnie serves top-tier wine labels aboard. – Photo courtesy of La Compagnie
La Compagnie is a small, boutique French airline based out of Paris with a unique selling point: It only flies business class. Unlike traditional airlines, every seat aboard La Compagnie flights is a lie-flat business-class seat — there’s no economy cabin at all. This all-business-class concept is what sets La Compagnie apart from traditional airlines, which typically offer a mix of economy-, business- and first-class seats.
The airline has been operating for around a decade within a niche market, flying primarily a daily route between New York and Paris, as well as a few flights per week between New York and Milan. There are also seasonal routes to Nice in the summer.
While the airline’s all–business-class model sounds like a gimmick, there is some strategic thinking behind the idea. Because La Compagnie operates a small fleet of planes across a limited transatlantic network — mostly between Europe and New York — the airline is able to provide the premium business-class experience at a lower cost than most traditional airlines.
La Compagnie’s fares are often 30-50% cheaper than traditional business class bookings, making this type of premium travel far more accessible to people beyond business travelers.
What flying La Compagnie is actually like, according to frequent flyers
Passengers can rest comfortably from their own seats. – Photo courtesy of La Compagnie
When you book a flight on La Compagnie, you’re booking a unique business-class-only experience that feels more like an affordable private jet than a commercial airline. Since June 2019, La Compagnie has been operating the brand-new Airbus A321neo plane, which provides more comfort, innovation, and fuel economy.
Walk inside the cabin and you’ll notice there are just 76 seats arranged in a 2×2 configuration — perfect for maintaining maximum comfort, quiet, and privacy. Due to this unique layout, the plane feels more spacious than most traditional airlines, and because of that, luggage limits are quite generous. All of the seats convert into fully flat beds with a plush mattress and bedding, as well as extra in-flight perks that take the pain out of transatlantic travel.
It’s these types of upgrades that reviewers say give La Compagnie business-class comfort without business-class prices. Top reviews frequently mention the excellent food, comfortable seats, and seamless boarding experience with La Compagnie.
“This is not the first time I’ve flown La Compagnie, and it will certainly not be the last,” wrote a frequent flyer on Tripadvisor. “The service, food, and overall experience, considering the price, is extraordinary.”
“I absolutely love La Compagnie airlines,” wrote a 4-star reviewer who’s flown the airline many times. “I gave it 4 stars only because you need to be a little flexible and plan that your flight date or time can be changed. This has happened to me twice, now,” they wrote, emphasizing that for luxury travelers, flexibility is important.
“The flight day was changed by one day. I was given about a month’s notice and it was pretty easy for me. The airline was willing to also allow me to change to the day and flight that I chose, even though they had already placed me on another flight, at first. I have flown this airline now about 5-6 times and I will continue to fly them. The prices are incredible for business class, it can’t be beat.”
What La Compagnie business‑class seats include
Passengers can enjoy food, TV, and plush comfort. – Photo courtesy of La Compagnie
Convertible seats that turn into flat beds
Reading light
Personal storage
Power outlets
Headphone jack
Document pouch
Hypoallergenic pillows
Blanket
Travel kit with skincare products
Free, unlimited Wi-Fi
Free in-flight entertainment
Priority access to security checkpoints
Premium airport lounges
All seats on a La Compagnie flight convert into fully flat beds, complete with a thick, plush mattress that measures about 76 inches in length. Settle into the seat itself and you’ll be treated to a whole array of perks, including the expected like an adjustable reading light, personal storage, power outlets, headphone jack, and document pouch.
But it’s the more premium upgrades that take the flight to the business-class level: hypoallergenic pillows, a cloud-like blanket, and even a travel kit brimming with Caudalie’s beloved skincare products.
One of La Compagnie’s biggest perks is free, unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the flight, which is widely praised by frequent flyers for actually being usable — something still quite rare on many commercial airlines. You’ll also get access to a monthly selection of in-flight entertainment including films and music and even a meditation channel for in-flight relaxation, created in partnership with Petit Bambou, a popular French mindfulness app.
Another perk for La Compagnie flyers? A more relaxed time in the airport itself, thanks to speedy check-in counters, priority access to passport and security checks, and access to premium lounges at various airports where you can unwind before your flight. At Paris Orly airport, for instance, you can access two premium lounges that include a colorful buffet of food and drinks and even smoking areas and private rooms for meetings.
What you’re served on board
Is this a five-star restaurant? No, it’s from a La Compagnie flight. – Photo courtesy of La Compagnie
Compared to traditional business-class meals on commercial airlines, La Compagnie’s in-flight meals are simpler. The in-flight menu is made up of seasonal dishes that are refreshed monthly and feature creations by renowned French chefs.
On a flight between Paris and New York, for example, you’ll be treated to a decadent four-course menu. Think: Green asparagus with coconut mayo and pistachio cream; your choice of a main such as lobster tail with polenta; a spread of artisanal French cheeses; and a sweet dessert such as a cherry streusel tart. Before landing, you can enjoy a light sweet or savory snack such as scones with clotted cream or miniature pastries. Special meals can be pre-ordered ahead of time.
Make the most of the perks by enjoying the airline’s in-air wine cellar, which includes a curated selection of organic wines and champagne that have been chosen in collaboration with the chefs and Bettane+Desseauve experts.
Where La Compagnie flies
Nice Cote d’Azur
Paris Orly
New York/Newark Intl
Milan Maplensa
Because La Compagnie operates in a very focused network, it only flies a handful of transatlantic routes between New York and Europe. The airline operates between four core cities: New York City, Paris, Milan, and Nice. You’ll find daily flights between New York and Paris, and several flights per week between New York and Milan. Flights between New York and Nice only fly seasonally during peak summertime, drawing in luxury travelers heading to the French Riviera.
It’s this hyper-niche transatlantic focus that allows the airline to offer business-class perks at discounted prices. Fewer flights means less flexibility and greater risk of disruptions if delays or cancellations occur. There’s also no extensive partner network for rebooking if you have unexpected disruptions.
Because of its limited flight route, La Compagnie is arguably best suited for international flyers who frequently travel between the New York tri-state area and Paris or Milan.
How La Compagnie compares to traditional business class
Seats are luxurious aboard a La Compagnie airplane. – Photo courtesy of La Compagnie
There are a few key differences between La Compagnie and traditional commercial airlines beyond limited flying routes. La Compagnie offers business-class-level perks at prices up to 50% cheaper than traditional airlines, but you’ll get those discounts at the expense of other cuts.
La Compagnie focuses on the “essentials” of business class, while traditional airlines prioritize full-service premium experiences with more luxury and flexibility. The food, entertainment, and even seat designs found in business class on commercial airlines will typically be higher quality and more consistent, with higher-end options.
Larger airlines also have global networks and alliances that help get you on your way should your flight be interrupted because of delays or cancellations; something La Compagnie with its limited daily flight schedule can’t compete with.
Still, because La Compagnie’s flights only include business-class seats, the cabin is less crowded, with fewer people for noise and distractions. The fully lie-down seats themselves provide comfort and perks that rival top-end airlines, just without the top-tier luxury perks you’d get when you pay for a pricier commercial airline ticket.
Who La Compagnie is best suited for
La Compagnie flies from NYC to Paris. – Photo courtesy of La Compagnie
The airline’s focus on a premium flying experience across just a few transatlantic routes draws in a mix of business travelers and luxury travelers who want business-class comfort without paying top-tier prices.
Business travelers who are paying out of pocket and want to save some cash may find the airline’s premium perks well worth the upgrade from an economy seat — especially if they want to arrive at their destination well-rested and feeling refreshed thanks to the fully lie-down seat.
Leisure travelers who don’t need the highest-end perks and aren’t on a tight deadline in the event of delays may not mind splurging for a nicer in-air experience.
The gist? If you want cheaper lie-flat seats for an international flight and you don’t care about ultra-luxury details, choose La Compagnie. If a high level of privacy, luxury top-tier service, and flexibility when booking are important to you, opt for a more traditional commercial airline at a higher price point.
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