Is Condor Airlines Business Class Worth the Upgrade to Prime Seats?

Condor Airlines offers an exciting option for travelers looking to fly between North America and Europe, boasting a solid route network and decent award availability. While it may not be a household name in the U.S., Condor has been making waves since its rebranding in 2022, transitioning from a low-cost leisure airline to a serious player in the transatlantic market. With a new business-class cabin introduced in 2023, many travelers are eager to know if the experience is worth it—especially when it comes to the premium “Prime” seats.

I recently had the opportunity to fly Condor Airlines’ business class from Los Angeles to Johannesburg via Frankfurt, using Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles. This journey allowed me to test out the new business-class seats and splurge on one of the Business Prime seats at the front of the cabin. Here’s everything you need to know about flying in Condor Airlines’ business class and whether the Prime seats are worth the extra cost.

Booking and Pricing

The cost of booking Condor Airlines’ business class varies based on your route. My ticket from Los Angeles to Johannesburg would have set me back $5,470, but I redeemed 110,000 Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles and paid $96 in taxes, yielding a value of about 4.9 cents per mile. This is a good deal, especially considering that TPG values Mileage Plan miles at around 1.5 cents each.

For the Los Angeles to Frankfurt leg, I paid an additional $300 for a Business Prime seat. The price for upgrading to a Prime seat on the Frankfurt to Johannesburg leg would have been $240, but I opted for a standard seat to compare the experiences.

During boarding in Los Angeles, the flight attendants announced that there was one business-class seat available for upgrade at 899 euros ($1,056) and one premium economy seat for 179 euros ($210). This last-minute upgrade option can be appealing if you’re looking to splurge.

Airport Experience

At Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Condor Airlines operates from Terminal 2, where business-class passengers have access to separate check-in lines. While agents served passengers on a first-come, first-served basis, they did prioritize business-class customers when needed. After check-in, I headed upstairs through security and took a shuttle to the Tom Bradley International Terminal, which was surprisingly quicker than walking.

Condor’s business-class passengers can also access Air France’s lounge at LAX, which offers a variety of amenities. Upon arrival at Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Condor operates out of Terminal 1, where business-class passengers can access several Lufthansa lounges, including the Luxx lounge. I visited the Lufthansa business-class lounge near my gate, which offered a peaceful retreat with a selection of food and beverages.

Cabin and Seating

Condor Airlines features a single, spacious business-class cabin on its Airbus A330-900neo aircraft, with 30 seats arranged in a 1-2-1 layout. The regular business-class seats, designed by Safran, are 21 inches wide and recline into lie-flat beds measuring 78 inches long. The Business Prime seats in the front row, however, offer a more private experience with an open ottoman that provides additional sleeping space.

While the standard seats are comfortable, the Prime seats are noticeably more spacious and come with extra perks, such as a better amenity kit, pajamas, and a personal snack basket. If privacy is a concern, the A and K seats along the windows in even-numbered rows are the best choice for solo travelers.

In-Flight Amenities

Each business-class seat comes equipped with an entertainment system featuring a 24-inch 4K screen in Prime seats and a 17.3-inch screen in standard seats. The system offers a wide selection of movies, TV shows, music, and meditation options. However, I encountered some issues with the remote control in the Prime seat, which made navigation tricky at times.

Wi-Fi is available on both flights, with two paid options. As a Business Prime passenger, I received a full-flight Wi-Fi voucher, which was useful for staying connected during the journey.

The meal service began shortly after takeoff, with flight attendants offering drinks and a variety of appetizers. The main courses included options like tenderloin and chicken, with desserts that were equally delightful. The food quality was commendable, although the main dishes could have been more memorable.

Service and Overall Experience

Throughout my journey, I was impressed by the attentive service provided by the flight attendants. They were warm, friendly, and proactive in ensuring that passengers had everything they needed. This level of service significantly enhanced the overall experience.

After spending nearly 24 hours in the air with Condor Airlines, I can confidently recommend their business class. The seats are comfortable, the amenities are decent, and the entertainment options are plentiful. While the food and beverage selection was satisfactory, the standout feature was undoubtedly the service.

For those considering whether to splurge on the Prime seats, I believe the extra cost can be justified. The additional space, amenities, and overall experience make the Prime seats a worthwhile investment for long-haul flights. However, if you’re looking to save, the standard business-class seats still provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

In conclusion, Condor Airlines is an excellent option for travelers seeking to use Alaska Airlines miles for transatlantic flights. With reasonable redemption rates and a solid in-flight experience, I look forward to flying with them again in the future.