- Friday, September 19, 2014

As someone who flies to Europe, Africa and the Middle East on a weekly basis, I have experienced all standards of travel, from the crampiest coach seating to the most spacious first-class seating on top-rated airlines. Air Berlin is one of those airlines; its business class offers a welcome respite from long-haul travel stressors.

Since unveiling its new business class two years ago, Air Berlin has carried millions of passengers from the U.S. to destinations all across Europe. Don’t let the name fool you: Air Berlin flies not only to the hotspot German destination, Berlin, but to more than 170 destinations worldwide each year.

Take its new premium amenity kits, which ease you into your in-flight relaxation process. Depending on the flight and destination, Air Berlin’s amenity kits are put together by well-known brands, including Tumi, Karite Institute and L’Occitane. Travelers can take advantage of the personalized contents, which include eye masks, socks, ear plugs, toothbrush/toothpaste, moisturizer and lip balm.

Of course, what savvy travelers want to know most is how the business-class seats are configured, determining their ultimate privacy and comfort. The new cabin configuration of 19 seats, arranged in a 1-2-1 layout that allows direct access to the aisle from every seat. They are also positioned to provide individual compartments, creating a pleasant sense of space and increased privacy. Manufactured by the French company Sogerma, the new seat reclines completely into a comfortable, horizontal sleeping surface. There also is an integrated massage function, shelves for storage, ambient lighting and a reading lamp.

Air Berlin further distinguishes itself from other airlines by providing premium entertainment, food and drink, and convenient check-in services. After long days at the office, a phone that won’t stop ringing and the stresses of day to day work, Air Berlin’s individual inflight entertainment system allows you to literally lay back and relax. The HD quality, 15-inch monitor produced by IMS contains more than 200 hours of entertainment offerings, including current movies, TV series, music and games. If you absolutely have to power up, then take advantage of the power outlet on your seat as well as the USB port for operating mobile devices.

When hunger sets in, Air Berlin’s European-chic dressed flight attendants come around to take your order. Offered to you will be a wide selection of main course dishes from the renowned Sansibar restaurant on the island of Sylt. Don’t forget the Sansibar wines served to complement the meals, as well as snacks and fresh fruit at your request.

Air Berlin’s check-in service eases your way from the desk to the loading dock with efficiency. First, two items of baggage each weighing up to 70 lbs. are checked for free, while a second item of hand baggage weighing up to 13 lbs. is free of charge. There is an exclusive check-in desk at many airports as well as access to a fast lane to pass through security checks more quickly. Business travelers will enjoy access to exclusive lounges in Germany and elsewhere in the world, as well as free chauffeur service between the airport and selected destinations for business-class guests flying to, from or via Abu Dhabi.

Air Berlin flies from several U.S. destinations, including New York, Miami and Los Angeles.

Copyright © 2024 The Washington Times, LLC. Click here for reprint permission.

Please read our comment policy before commenting.

Click to Read More and View Comments

Click to Hide