Article: Strategies for Cheap Business Class Flights to Europe

[Mattg]

Air Astana will launch a new non-stop Almaty-Frankfurt flight next June, which will make it possible to fly from Thailand (HKT or BKK) to Frankfurt without needing to stop overnight in Kazakhstan or do an extra internal connection between ALA-NQZ. The layover outbound is still quite long but the new terminal with a proper lounge at ALA is now open. On the way back the stop in ALA is only 5 hours now. I'd definitely use this at that price.

 

[MELso]

WY (Oman) has some very cheap J fares to Europe, particularly out of PER on Batik (OD). Note that WY often flies KUL-MCT and some MCT-Europe routes (including FCO and MUC) with a 737Max8 with recliners, so check what metal you're on.

e.g. PER-KUL-MCT-MXP out 4 March, back 26 March in J for $4201, bookable through Expedia using a link from Kayak.

If they keep these prices up, it could become a good way of generating some QF SCs on the WY legs from 1 July 2025, when WY joins OW.

 

[pjm99au]

I’ve just booked flights MNL to MXP return on Gulf Air in business later May 26 to mid June 26 for $2,070 /pax coupled with QF J reward seats to Manila at the old rates. 8 hour layover in BAH on the way there but I can live with that

The reviews for GF business look ok with the Apex suites on their 787. I’m now second guessing myself. Looking for thoughts on the GF experience?

 

[jase05]

I’ve just booked flights MNL to MXP return on Gulf Air in business later May 26 to mid June 26 for $2,070 /pax coupled with QF J reward seats to Manila at the old rates. 8 hour layover in BAH on the way there but I can live with that

The reviews for GF business look ok with the Apex suites on their 787. I’m now second guessing myself. Looking for thoughts on the GF experience?

GF are excellent, love their seats as they have so much room and are comfortable in bed mode especially. Seat storage is at a minimal though but no biggie for me.
Food and beverages are probably their weakest point, it’s ok but well below most of the other ME carriers IMO, they do have a BTC system though if that’s of interest. Crew are friendly enough but you will need to be proactive or you could go thirsty.
Bahrain is a nice enough destination and the GF lounge in BAH is not too bad. They do use the narrow bodies to Europe but they have lie flat beds so should be fine