Sunday evening may be prime time at Newark Liberty International Airport, but the crowd was no match for the green sticker pasted upon my boarding pass. In place of an endless security wait, I was rewarded with a knowing wink from the screening guard as I quickly cleared scanners and safety checks en route to Paris on OpenSkies. Launched back in 2008, OpenSkies is a “boutique” subsidiary of British Airways flying nonstop between Paris Orly and Newark and JFK. While it may have taken off just as the global economy began to tank, OpenSkies has found an eager audience — particularly with time-crunched business travelers — for its signature brand of style and service.
Just like in Newark, OpenSkies’ passengers avoid conventional check-in and security procedures during departures from Orly — while there are lavish pre-flight lounges on both sides of the Atlantic. It’s the kind of hassle-free approach to air travel once touted by similarly-styled — and now-defunct — airlines such as Eos and MaxJet more than five years ago. Only with its British Airways backing, OpenSkies is clearly funded for the long-haul.
As befits its “boutique” size, OpenSkies is currently comprised of a mere three aircraft — Boeing 757s uniquely configured into three distinct classes. There’s Biz Bed, with flatbeds which recline to a full 180 degrees; Prem Plus, which reaches 130 degrees and OpenSkies’ version of coach — niftily called Eco. No matter the actual class, OpenSkies’ edge lies in its sheer calm and convenience. Unlike on conventional 757s, which seat at least 200 passengers, OpenSkies flights are limited to between 106 and 114 travelers. Not only does this make for a quieter — and easier to navigate — cabin, but a speedier boarding and disembarking experience.
Still, despite its clear advantages, the OpenSkies set-up is not without its missteps. Getting out of your seat, for instance, can be a challenge — particularly in Biz Bed class, where window-seat passengers must awkwardly climb over their neighbor to reach the aisle. The 757s’ distinctive “yin-yang” seating configuration also means that the legs and feet of aisle passengers may obstruct the access of their window-facing neighbors. The layout also results in travelers mostly staring at one another during take-off and landing.
However notable, these “issues” are more awkward than problematic. They’re also easily forgettable — especially when cossetted in Biz Bed 30,000 feet above ground. Once airborne, the OpenSkies crew delivers sleepy-time goodies such as mattress pads, a sheet liner, duvet, slippers and cotton pajamas to Biz Bed flyers. Intimate and indulgent, Biz Bed feels a bit like summer camp — only with higher-end fabrics and a fuselage in place of a cabin. And forget about s’mores — OpenSkies is all about premium foodie favorites — from roasted salmon with arugula in the lounge back in Newark to the black truffle tortellini with fontina and chestnut sauce during the flight. Best of all, guests can choose to skip dining entirely and opt for “Sleeper Service” — left-alone during the entire flight and gently woken with a snack or breakfast close to arrival.
While OpenSkies journeys are relatively short, the comfort afforded by five-to-six hours’ slumber translates into an easier day upon arrival. OpenSkies also serves as an elegant complement to BA’s existing premium class services — which were recently upgraded and refreshed on the airline’s newly launched Boeing 787 and Airbus A380 aircraft in key markets worldwide.
Sure, with Biz Bed flights starting at $2,400/RT, comfort clearly comes at a cost. But as any frequent flier — particularly business travelers — can attest, all those expedited services are truly priceless.
OpenSkies: Eco from $950; Prem Plus from $1,250. Biz Bed from $5,360; $2,400 with 50-day advance purchase. flyopenskies.com