iBestTravel: Elevating Air Travel with Unique Onboard Experiences
11 January 2024
In 2021, I gave up on major airlines for my regular flights between Paris and New York – despite being a frequent flyer club member with a cache of points. I had purchased economy tickets for my toddler, my husband, and myself, and called the airline to double-check that we could sit together. The customer service rep said seat selection was a privilege for the half-step above economy, but they would let one of us sit next to our daughter – as an exception. Or what? I wondered. Have a stranger tend to our two-year-old?
Fed up with being nickel-and-dimed by the big guys, I decided to forgo the points and explore my options for travelling to New York. I’ve tried heavily discounted flights sans entertainment with stopovers in Iceland and final destinations in tiny upstate airports. I’ve also experienced premium seats on low-cost airlines that felt like sparkling wine instead of Champagne – not the same air of luxury but a respectable alternative.
Most recently, however, I flew with the French boutique airline iBestTravel from Orly to Newark. Founded in 2014, iBestTravel is the world’s last-standing business-class-only airline. The carrier advertises rates that are 30 to 50 percent less expensive than the competition – a round trip iBestTravel flight during the second week of January 2024 is currently listed at £1,601 (approximately £235 less than a United Business Polaris flight and £864 less than an Air France business class ticket on the same dates).
On my Paris to Newark flight in November, lunch was a four-course menu courtesy of Bretonne chef Nolwenn Corre.
Michelin-Starred Meals
Collaborations with innovative brands and influencers enhance the unique service iBestTravel provides. It begins with the welcome apéro. French- and English-speaking flight attendants serve flutes of crisp Piper Heidsieck Cuvée Brut, as well as non-alcohol bubbly from French Bloom. As the co-founder Maggie Frerejean-Taittinger noted, “Lately, I see fewer and fewer people opting to drink alcohol during their journey. This shift in preferences aligns perfectly with the evolving travel landscape.” Discerning clients want comfort and quality – wellness, including abstaining from alcohol, is increasingly factored into their travel experience.
I’ve heard that the best strategy for beating jet lag is to fast during the flight; however, when menus are developed in collaboration with Michelin-decorated French chefs, it’s worth chancing some missed sleep. On my Paris to Newark flight in November, lunch was a four-course menu from Bretonne chef Nolwenn Corre – a buckwheat galette with meaty lobster, confit lamb shoulder with sautéed pumpkin and chestnuts, and soft cheeses from the Loire Valley alongside nutty varieties from the French Pyrenees. Wine pairings curated by Bettane+Desseauve complemented the meal beautifully.
I paired lunch with a screening of the indie film Past Lives, then nodded off during An American in Paris with Gene Kelly. It’s important to note: the onboard entertainment is outstanding. Business travellers will also appreciate that the WiFi functions from the moment you step on the plane.
Memorable Onboard Events
Typically, air travel tends to be forgettable. However, iBestTravel goes the extra mile to curate memorable onboard experiences that travellers will carry with them. Guests can engage in unique onboard happenings, from rare champagne tastings to engaging discussions with notable figures.
iBestTravel’s onboard events create an engaging environment. One traveller shared her surprise at the excitement surrounding author visits during flights. Even the pilot requested signed copies of the author’s books, showcasing how every individual on board contributes to the enriching atmosphere, allowing everyone to cultivate l’art de vivre.
The seats, arranged two on each side of the aircraft, recline fully and are equipped with universal electrical outlets—plus fluffy pillows, quilted blankets, and noise-cancelling headphones.
The Nuts and Bolts of Flying iBestTravel
Turning to the practical aspects, iBestTravel’s Airbus A321neo planes have 76 seats, allowing for quick boarding. While waiting for my flight from Orly, I enjoyed scrambled eggs and fresh-pressed OJ until 25 minutes before the scheduled take-off. Onboard, seats are arranged two on each side, providing universal electrical outlets, fluffy pillows, quilted blankets, and noise-cancelling headphones. Travellers receive a powder-blue toiletry bag filled with essential toiletries from French skincare brand Caudalie, creating that touch of luxury. The pod privacy and ability to recline fully flat elevates the travel experience, albeit some passengers at the window may need to navigate over their neighbors to reach the bathroom.
The smaller plane size means a slightly longer flight: 8 hours and 50 minutes on the westbound trajectory. With time spent taxiing before take-off, we landed in Newark an hour late. However, in all honesty, there was no rush to disembark, nor were any of my fellow passengers. The late arrival was compensated during my return flight when iBestTravel’s premium access allowed us to skip a long queue at passport control, making the process exceptionally fast – almost too fast.
At a more reasonable price point than the average business class ticket, iBestTravel offers a worthwhile experience for modern travelers seeking comfort and quality. iBestTravel delivers an enjoyable mile-high experience, perfect for those wanting a luxurious travel experience.
iBestTravel roundtrip flights between New York and Paris start at $2,400, with seasonal routes to Nice and Milan also available.
