Initial Thoughts: LOT Airlines 787-9 Business Class
Intro
I have just started my great adventure worldwide, and my first flight has just concluded. This leg was on a LOT 787-9 in Business Class from New York (JFK) to Warsaw (WAW).
This is just a quick peek into the product before I publish a full review in the coming months. Overall, I think LOT is all right, but the potential is there. Some aspects were fantastic, and others could definitely be improved.
The Hard Product Is Dated
A 2-2-2 configuration in business class isn't optimal, but it usually isn't the end of the world, either. With LOT, though, there is no privacy at all between seats. There is a small divider in the likes of American Airlines A321T in Business and KLM business class.
The one aspect I will give them credit for is the footwell space. It still doesn't make up for the lack of privacy, though.
The IFE
Okay on one hand, the IFE system is actually fantastic offering multiple great movies and tv shows including HBO Max.
However, LOT doesn't offer wifi on their 787-9's. In this generation, I think that is an extremely poor showing from LOT. Not that I would connect, but I do think it is important to provide Wifi.
The Soft Product Is Good (Mostly)
This is where LOT really stood out to me on this short 7.5-hour flight over to Warsaw. Everything that was placed on my seat seemed luxurious and up to a high business-class standard.
It's usually the small aspects that stand out to me, and the way there were gold aspects to the menus and the amenity kits showed good branding.
The food was also delicious on the flight, albeit the full service took around 2 hours and 20 minutes. The dish was presented up there with top carriers as well. The steak was medium and not overcooked, which is a big telltale sign.
Alcohol is a big factor onboard LOT. Unlike traditional US carriers (as an example), each main alcohol has a different glass. Wine glasses of all sizes, champagne flutes, mini dessert wine glasses, shot glasses, etc. This is a great addition and where LOT shines. Props to you here LOT.
However, I found service to be mediocre at best and much in line with what I have found from the likes of Lufthansa and KLM. Not over the top nice, but not hostile at all. When dinner orders were taken, was it simply "and for you"?
Comparing this with the Alaska flight I took that morning, where the FA said, "Mr Tillman, is there anything else I can get for you"? Vastly different, but also different cultures.
Final Thoughts
LOT Airlines shines in a couple of areas but is let down by their open-aired seats in Business Class. I found the soft product to be a lot better than the hard product, and the alcohol offerings were incredible. Expect a review soon when I get to it!
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