If there’s anything that Black girls deserve — it’s the soft life. That means treating yourself to all your wants and desires, within reason, of course.
There’s an old adage that goes, “you get what you pay for,” but that’s not the case when it comes to La Compagnie. And thankfully for us, it’s definitely within reason.
The all-business-class airline, which launched in 2014, offers half the typical cost of a round-trip business-class fare but with all the same perks (if not more!) than your typical airline. La Compagnie’s small fleet of Airbus A321s offers all flat-bed business-class seats — just 76 per aircraft — at a much lower price point than many legacy carriers. Passengers are also given lounge access at their departure airport, two checked bags, free Wi-Fi onboard, and gourmet meals during the flight. Plus, all tickets are 100 percent refundable up to 24 hours before the flight. This gives new meaning to the phrase “living the lap of luxury.”
The airline operates regularly scheduled transatlantic flights between New York (Newark International Airport) and Paris (Paris Orly Airport) and seasonal service between New York (Newark International Airport) and Nice (Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport), as well as to Milan (Milan Malpensa Airport).
If you haven’t heard of the airline before, it’s because it’s gotten a major rebrand over the years. Just a few years ago, La Compagnie’s flights were mostly flown on aging Boeing 757s. Despite offering a more-than-competitive fare when it launched — at around $1,000 — the plane itself felt tired and unimpressive for many. Quite possibly the reason the airline is finally making waves. Travelers described the food as “so-so,” the seats didn’t lie flat in comparison to business-class on other international routes, and the TV screen was a tablet. But they decided there was room for improvement, and a change was going to come. In June 2019 the airline debuted a brand-new Airbus A321neo which was designed exclusively for La Compagnie. The new plane features fully lie-flat seat beds, and is also touted as quieter and more energy efficient.
Still, the cost of flying business via the French airline was—and is—remarkably inexpensive compared to the cost of a business class ticket from New York to France and Italy via one of the major carriers, which can cost anywhere from $5K – 10K, whereas La Compagnie stands between $2,000 – $2,500. Now that La Compagnie has added new airplanes to its contained fleet, it’s easier to make the case for flying business since the rates are so much more affordable.
Perhaps the only con — or a pro for some — is that the company only flies out of Newark, which can be inconvenient if you don’t want to pay the additional fees to travel to/from the New York area, or if it’s just plane out of the way (specifically for West Coasters).
The experience.
Being a small airline, check-in does not start until 2 and half hours before departure, and the boarding process takes a total of no more than approximately 15 minutes. When you get onboard, seats are configured in rows of two, which is perfect for couples or family members who are traveling together. There are also partitions so you can partially block off your neighbor.
After takeoff, warm towels are handed out and a light meal is served. The menu is available on the screen and each flight has different options depending on your route.
The in-flight amenities.
As if the lie-flat seats weren’t enough, La Compagnie also offers travelers a branded amenity kit, as well as a bottle of water, a quilted blanket, and a fluffy pillow. Inside the kit, there are Caudalie skincare products including eye cream and moisturizer. Other items in the amenity kit include a toothbrush and toothpaste, a sleep mask, ear plugs, a bag for your shoes, socks, and a small mirror and a pen.
Holiday fares.
The airline is now gearing up for the winter travel season – from now to March 26, 2023 – with an updated schedule of all business-class flights from New York to Paris and Milan, a partnership with EasyJet, and a last minute deal for holiday travel. For those still planning their holiday travel, La Compagnie is offering a last-minute deal on travel from New York to Paris and Milan this November and December. Travelers can book direct round-trip flights to Paris for $2,400 or Milan for $2,300.