After three nights in Amsterdam, it was time to fly to Athens, the final stop on our European adventure. I had visited Greece earlier in the summer, but we were just returning for a wedding.
I redeemed Aegean Airlines miles for business class.
Aegean Airlines had a lot of award availability on the Amsterdam to Athens flight.
Amsterdam to Athens is departing at 12:05PM and arriving at 4:20PM.
We were able to redeem Air Canada Aeroplan points for this reservation because Aegean Airlines is part of the Star Alliance. The ticket costs 25,000 Aeroplan points and $73 in taxes and fees per person. It was convenient, and an economy ticket would have cost over $300.
Aegean Airlines check-in.
We arrived at the airport around 10:30AM and were on our way to the airport. The airport was busy, but we found the check-in desk. There was no queue in the business class and Star Alliance Gold line, so we were helped quickly.
The check-in hall is at the airport.
Aegean Airlines check in at an airport.
We were boarding at 11:25AM. We decided to head straight to the gate to get some work done on our laptops after we were invited to use the Aspire Lounge, though we didn't end up using it.
The departure hall at Amsterdam Airport.
The gate area was very crowded, and the Aegean Airlines A321 was already parked at the gate.
Aegean Airlines has a plane.
15 minutes ahead of schedule, boarding ended up being a mess. Group 1 and Group 4 were invited to board. There was no way to get up to the gate. There were barriers along the side of the gate, so if you wanted to get to the gate agent, you had to walk a few feet from the side of the gate.
The departure gate of Aegean Airlines.
I think that boarding in the US is not as bad as it could be, but sometimes Europe takes it to a whole different level.
Aegean Airlines has a business class cabin.
Business class on flights to Europe is similar to the standard on flights to the US. There were three rows of business class on this flight, and then a red curtain separated them from the economy cabin.
Aegean Airlines has a business class cabin.
There were some things that made this better than a typical business class product. The seats were very thin, but the legroom was better than usual, and it didn't feel restrictive.
Aegean Airlines business class seats.
Aegean Airlines business class seats.
Aegean Airlines business class has a legroom issue.
You could place drinks or other items in the center console during the flight. I was happy to see that this feature has been eliminated by many airlines.
The center tray table is for Aegean Airlines business class.
The tray table folded out from the seat in front.
Aegean Airlines business class tray table.
The overhead consoles were modern and had air nozzles, lights, and television screens.
The overhead console and TV are owned by Aegean Airlines.
Aegean Airlines doesn't have power ports on its planes.
Our flight was packed, with 10 of the 12 business class seats occupied, and I can tell you that every economy class seat was full. I was grateful to have more room to stretch out.
Aegean Airlines has a business class cabin.
Leaving Amsterdam.
The main cabin door closed at 11:55AM and the safety video was screened. 15 minutes later, we began our pushback. It was funny that the two Greek planes were next to each other.
Sky Express is a plane.
The plane spotting opportunities were good because of the traffic at the airport.
The Boeing plane is called the TUI Boeing.
Transavia Boeing.
We taxied to runway 36L, which was quite far away. We were given the go-ahead for takeoff around 12:30PM. I enjoyed the views as we took off in the Netherlands.
The view is after the flight from Amsterdam.
The view is after the flight from Amsterdam.
Aegean Airlines has food and drink service.
The seatbelt sign was turned off about 10 minutes after takeoff. Passengers were first offered wipes.
Aegean Airlines has sanitizing towels.
Menus and drink lists were distributed. Aegean Airlines offers a menu, which is nice since many airlines in Europe don't. The menu and drink list are in chronological order.
Aegean Airlines business class menu.
The drink list for Aegean Airlines business class.
tray liners were brought out after the menus were distributed. This is a nice touch that you don't find on many airlines on similar routes.
Aegean Airlines tray liner is business class.
I requested a Diet Coke, which was served in proper glassware.
Aegean Airlines drink service.
Most of the dishes came covered, as many airlines do, because the meal was served on one tray.
Aegean Airlines lunch service.
Aegean Airlines serves a lot of meals. Business class passengers were served a salad with smoked chicken and rocket leaves, a cheese course with crackers, two rolls and a Greek pudding.
Aegean Airlines lunch service.
There were two main courses to choose from. Chicken thigh in lemon sauce was the first main course. It didn't taste great, and I ordered it.
Aegean Airlines business class lunch.
The veal was served with potato mash. Ford said it was okay, but not amazing.
Aegean Airlines business class lunch.
Aegean Airlines has a good coffee selection. I ordered a decent coffee and two chocolates.
Aegean Airlines business class has a beverage.
I ordered a glass of still water and a Greek coffee on the flight. The Greek coffee tasted terrible. It was advertised as such on the menu.
The coffee spilled all over the place, including on my laptop and Ford's pants and shoes, because the center tray table collapsed mid-flight. Oops.
Aegean Airlines business class has coffee and water.
Aegean Airlines business class service.
I have found flight attendants to be friendly and attentive on Aegean Airlines, and this flight was no exception. The two flight attendants in business class were excellent.
Aegean Airlines is consistently good, even though Greece can be a mixed bag when it comes to service.
The business class lavatory of Aegean Airlines.
The front of the cabin had a bathroom. It was clean and only used for business class passengers, so there was no line to use it.
The business class lavatory of Aegean Airlines.
The person is arriving in Athens.
We arrived in Athens at 4:20PM and took a taxi to our remote stand. We parked next to an A320neo. I like the new livery more than the old one, and I think it is an improvement over the old one.
Aegean Airlines has a new livery.
In this case, arriving at a remote stand was in our favor. It is fun to see a plane from the outside.
Aegean Airlines has a plane.
Aegean Airlines has a plane.
Aegean Airlines has a plane.
The private bus for business class passengers was nice and we were on our way immediately. The bus was spacious and we were dropped off at baggage claim. On our drive, we got a pretty cool view of an Aeroflot plane.
The plane is a Boeing 777.
Within minutes, we were on our way to our destination, and getting out of the airport was quick.
The bottom line.
Aegean Airlines has a product that is above average. The food is usually better than what you will find on most airlines, and the leg room is good, but I didn't like the food.
Aegean should have power ports and wi-fi. The new A320neos have a few outlets.
What was it like to fly Aegean business class?
