Hi there! I’m Eden Thomsan. I’ve spent the better part of the last decade chasing horizons, from the rugged trails of the Pacific Northwest to the cobblestone streets of Europe. After years of navigating cramped middle seats and the "status" games of major carriers, I’ve learned that the best travel secret isn't a destination—it's how you get there.
Most travelers heading to Europe from the U.S. assume they have two choices: pay $500 for a cramped economy seat or shell out $5,000+ for a "Legacy" business class pod on Delta or Air France. But there is a third option that feels like a private club in the sky. It’s called La Compagnie, and it is 100% all-business class.
If you are ready to upgrade your travel game without draining your savings, read on. And if you need help booking your next luxury escape or have questions about premium routes, feel free to call +1-833-894-5333 for personalized assistance.
What Is La Compagnie? The Boutique Revolution
La Compagnie is a French boutique airline that launched with a radical idea: what if we removed every single economy seat and replaced them with a 100% business-class cabin?
Unlike traditional airlines that try to be everything to everyone, La Compagnie focuses exclusively on the business traveler and the luxury leisure seeker. By operating a single-class aircraft, they eliminate the "us vs. them" curtain and focus entirely on a premium, intimate experience. It’s boutique, it’s French, and it’s arguably the most stylish way to cross the Atlantic today.
Routes & Aircraft: Where the Magic Happens
Currently, La Compagnie operates a highly focused route network. This specialization is how they keep their costs low and their service high.
- Newark (EWR) to Paris (ORY): While most airlines fly into Charles de Gaulle (CDG), La Compagnie uses Orly (ORY). As a seasoned traveler, I can tell you: Orly is often much closer to the center of Paris and far less chaotic to navigate.
- Newark (EWR) to Milan (MXP): A dream for fashionistas and business pros heading to Italy’s financial heart.
- Seasonal Routes: Keep an eye out for seasonal hops to places like Nice (NCE).
The Aircraft: The Airbus A321neo
Forget the giant, hulking double-decker planes. La Compagnie flies the Airbus A321neo. It’s a narrowbody aircraft, but don’t let that fool you. It is long-haul optimized, quieter, and more fuel-efficient than older jets. Because there are only 76 seats on the entire plane, boarding and deplaning take minutes, not hours.
La Compagnie Business Class Seat Review: Sleeping at 30,000 Feet
The "make or break" for any business class is the seat. In La Compagnie Business Class, the configuration is a 2-2 layout.
- The Lie-Flat Factor: Yes, these are 100% lie-flat seats. They extend into a fully horizontal bed, allowing you to actually sleep on that red-eye to Paris.
- Space & Privacy: While there are no "suites" with closing doors, the seats are encased in a fixed shell that provides excellent privacy.
- Tech Specs: Every seat features a massive 15.7-inch seatback screen, universal power outlets, and USB ports.
- The Verdict: If you are traveling as a couple, this is the best cabin in the sky because you are guaranteed to sit next to each other without a stranger in your row. Solo travelers may prefer the window for extra privacy.
The In-Flight Experience: A Taste of France
Because it’s a French airline, the food and wine are central to the experience.
- Dining: Forget "airplane food." Expect multi-course meals curated by Michelin-starred chefs. Think smoked salmon, duck confit, and artisanal French cheeses.
- The Bubbles: You are welcomed with a glass of top-tier Champagne the moment you step on board.
- The "Chill" Factor: The service is attentive but not overbearing. Since the crew only has 76 passengers to care for, the service feels personalized—more like a boutique hotel than a flying bus.
Why Is La Compagnie Cheaper?
This is the question I get most often. How can they offer La Compagnie Business Class for $2,000 when United Polaris is $6,000?
- No Alliance Overhead: They aren't part of SkyTeam or Star Alliance, so they don't pay massive fees to other airlines.
- Single Fleet Type: By only flying the A321neo, maintenance and pilot training are streamlined.
- Efficiency: With no economy cabin, they don’t need a massive ground staff to manage 300+ people per flight.
- Direct-to-Consumer: They focus on selling directly to travelers who know what they want.
What You Give Up (The Trade-Offs)
To keep things transparent, here is what you won't find:
- No Global Network: If your flight is canceled, they don't have 10 other flights that day to put you on.
- No "Big" Hubs: You have to get yourself to Newark, Paris, or Milan first.
- Simple Lounges: While you get lounge access, they are often shared third-party lounges rather than the sprawling, "spa-included" lounges of giant carriers.
Comparison: La Compagnie vs. The Giants
|
Feature |
La Compagnie |
Legacy (Delta/United/Air France) |
|
Seat |
100% Lie-Flat |
Lie-Flat (Varies by plane) |
|
Cabin |
All-Business (76 seats) |
Multi-Class (250+ seats) |
|
Price |
$1,800 - $2,500 |
$4,000 - $8,000 |
|
Loyalty |
Internal Rewards |
Global Alliances |
|
Experience |
Boutique / Intimate |
Corporate / Scaled |
Who Is This Flight For?
- The Smart Luxury Traveler: You want the flat bed and the champagne, but you’d rather save $3,000 to spend on a better hotel in Paris.
- Couples: The 2-2 configuration is perfect for sharing a meal and a movie together.
- Remote Workers: With high-speed Viasat Wi-Fi (free for all passengers!), you can actually get work done over the Atlantic.
Common Myths Debunked
- "It’s a budget airline." Incorrect. It’s a specialized premium airline. "Budget" implies cutting corners on safety or comfort; La Compagnie only cuts the "fluff" and the economy seats.
- "The seats aren't really flat." In the old days, they had "angled" seats. Today, the A321neo fleet is 100% full lie-flat.
Final Thoughts from Eden
In a world where air travel has become increasingly stressful, La Compagnie is a breath of fresh air. It reminds me of why I started traveling in the first place—for the joy of the journey itself. If you are flying between the US and France or Italy, it is, in my opinion, the best value in the sky.
Ready to book or need more travel tips? Call us at +1-833-894-5333.
🔷 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is La Compagnie a real airline?
Yes, La Compagnie is a fully FAA/EASA-certified French boutique airline. They have operated since 2014, specializing exclusively in all-business-class transatlantic flights between Newark and Europe with a modern fleet of Airbus A321neo aircraft.
Are La Compagnie seats lie-flat?
Absolutely. Every seat on their A321neo fleet converts into a 192-cm (6'3") fully flat bed. Passengers receive high-quality bedding, including large pillows and soft blankets, ensuring a restful sleep during long-haul overnight flights to Paris or Milan.
Is La Compagnie business class worth it?
For travelers seeking luxury without the $5,000+ price tag of legacy carriers, it is exceptionally worth it. You receive priority boarding, lounge access, Michelin-inspired meals, and a lie-flat seat for roughly the price of a traditional premium economy ticket.
What airports does La Compagnie fly from?
In the United States, La Compagnie operates exclusively out of Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). In Europe, they fly into Paris Orly (ORY) and Milan Malpensa (MXP), offering a more streamlined and less crowded experience than larger hubs.
Does La Compagnie only have business class?
Yes, that is their unique "all-business" model. There are no economy or premium economy sections. Every one of the 76 passengers on board enjoys the same high-end amenities, service, and seating, creating a quiet and exclusive cabin environment.
LA COMPAGNIE AIRBUS A321NEO (Business Class) | New York - Paris | Flight Review
