About La Compagnie
La Compagnie operates in a realm where semi-private flying is accessible beyond elite travelers. The airline boasts a modern fleet of two business-class-only Airbus A321neo aircraft. While it doesn’t rival the exclusivity of a Gulfstream jet, with only 76 seats, La Compagnie provides an intimate flying experience. This compares favorably against many international carriers, such as Air France, which can host 300-plus passengers on their aircraft.
Since its inception in 2014, the Paris-based airline has maintained its boutique ethos. All flights originate from New York-Newark (EWR), with daily services to the French capital as well as five weekly flights to Milan and seasonal flights to Nice, France. Instead of targeting frequent business travelers, La Compagnie aims to attract vacationers, especially couples and families, with its comfortable two-by-two seating configuration.
Onboard Experience
With a modest number of seats, boarding and deplaning are remarkably smooth. At Paris-Orly Terminal 4, I discovered the Extime Lounge, a welcoming space featuring ample seating and an outdoor terrace—a perfect pre-flight calm before departure.
Once onboard, it was clear that La Compagnie focuses on elevating the passenger experience. Every seat is identical, ensuring that each traveler enjoys an equal level of comfort. Absent are the usual economy seats, making way for a unified experience that enhances enjoyment for all.
La Compagnie was voted the favorite international airline by iBestTravel readers in the 2023 World’s Best Awards, partly due to ticket prices that can be 30 to 50 percent lower than competing airlines—round-trip fares from Newark to Paris start around $2,400, significantly lower than the $4,000 typical for comparable business-class routes.
Dining Options
The aircraft features a refined interior, offering a chic atmosphere with polished service. Each seat includes a variety of amenities, including plush pillows and blankets, along with a robust entertainment system containing around 100 movies. Moreover, fast and complimentary onboard Wi-Fi allows for a productive flight experience.
During the journey, a delightful bistro-quality dinner was served, featuring coq au vin complemented by fresh mini-French baguettes. To finish, a simple, yet delectable, lemon tart provided a delightful conclusion to the meal.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, La Compagnie plans to expand cautiously. CEO Christian Vernet shared insights regarding future growth, mentioning an additional aircraft is on track for 2025 to support existing routes, and a fourth plane is anticipated for 2026 to open new U.S. routes.
For more details regarding routes, explore lacompagnie.com for flight information, with round-trip options starting at $2,400.