Two BFFs Say “Oui” to OpenSkies Biz-Class Value Flights

Enchanting Paris wears many faces throughout the seasons and is fantastic any time of the year. But although Paris is one of the top-three travel destinations in the world and a favorite of ours, the thought of spending hours cramped into a coach seat on the long transatlantic flight made these two BFF travelers shudder.

The solution for a value-conscious traveler? We found the all business- class airline OpenSkies. A subsidiary of British Airways, this airline offers leg-room and amenities on roomy flights. We had never heard of them but we found out from a Parisian friend that this direct-to-Paris airline offers several overnight flights from the Newark or Dulles landing at the less frantic Orly Sud airport.

The OpenSkies pre-flight lounge in Newark was filled with wine brokers, Chinese and American businessmen, and Parisians of all ages hunkered over laptops or enjoying a glass of champagne, croissant sandwich, or a steaming cappuccino while waiting for their flight.

In the air, flying roomy albeit older Boeing 757s, two classes of service provide different experiences. The fully reclining Biz Bed (to 180 degrees) with duvet cover is available for a higher fare that includes individually plated meals, nicer amenity kit, and noise-canceling headphones, but was out of our budget.

However, our seats in the Biz Seat section were large and comfortably reclined to 140 degrees. The layout is only two seats on each side of the aisle and complementary wine, meals, and amenities, including iPads loaded with movies and games. The service and amenities rival most U.S. airline domestic business class, but without the hefty ocean-crossing price tag of international business class.

We giggled like schoolgirls when our attendants, two great-looking young men, asked if we wanted more wine. That just made everything more fun. Flying OpenSkies to Paris is a good option for value-conscious travelers interested in a comfortable overnight flight. Some flights may also be discounted for certain routes during shoulder season, which makes what is always a good value an outright bargain.

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