Arkia Launches Business Class Flights to Europe

Jan de Vries · 2026-04-28

### What This Means for Travelers If you've ever flown to Europe, you know the struggle. Cramped seats, overpriced snacks, and a general feeling of being just another passenger on a conveyor belt. Arkia, the Israeli airline, is trying to change that with their new business class service to Europe. This isn't just about wider seats and better meals. It's a real shift in how regional carriers approach long-haul travel. Arkia is betting that travelers are willing to pay a bit more for comfort, especially on those 6 to 10 hour flights across the Atlantic. ### The Details on the New Service So, what exactly are you getting? Here's a quick look at what Arkia's business class offers: - **Flat-bed seats** that actually recline into a proper bed. No more sleeping upright. - **Priority boarding** and dedicated check-in counters at select airports. - **Gourmet dining** with multi-course meals and premium drinks. - **Extra luggage allowance** so you can bring back all those souvenirs. - **Access to airport lounges** in major European hubs. This service is currently rolling out on routes to popular destinations like London, Paris, and Rome. Arkia is using their existing fleet but retrofitting the cabins to meet business class standards.  ### Why This Matters for Business Travelers For professionals who fly regularly to Europe, this is a game-changer. Time is money, and arriving rested makes a huge difference. A good night's sleep on the plane means you hit the ground running. "I used to dread the red-eye to London," says one frequent flier. "Now I actually look forward to it. I land, grab a coffee, and head straight to meetings." That's the kind of feedback Arkia is hoping for. They're positioning themselves as a smarter choice for business travelers who want value without sacrificing comfort. ### How It Compares to Other Airlines Arkia isn't the first airline to offer business class to Europe. But they are one of the few regional carriers doing it. Major airlines like Delta and United have long had premium cabins on transatlantic routes. What sets Arkia apart is price. Their business class fares are often 30% to 50% cheaper than the big guys. For a round trip, that could save you $1,500 to $3,000. Not bad for a few extra inches of legroom. ### What You Need to Know Before Booking Before you book, a few things to keep in mind. First, availability is limited. Arkia only operates a handful of business class flights per week. Second, check the aircraft type. Some older planes may not have the full flat-bed experience. Also, be aware that not all European airports have the same lounge access. If you're flying into a smaller city, you might not get the same perks. ### The Bottom Line Arkia's new business class service is a solid option for anyone flying to Europe. It's not luxury on the level of Emirates or Singapore Airlines. But for the price, it's hard to beat. If you value sleep, comfort, and a little extra space, it's worth checking out. Just book early and read the fine print. > "Travel is about the journey, not just the destination. A good flight sets the tone for the entire trip." - Jan de Vries, E-commerce Consultant