OpenSkies - British Airways Flights Paris to New York & Washington DC
OpenSkies is a British Airways subsidiary airline which flies from Paris to New York and Washington DC. This operation took off back in June 2008 as a consequence of the "open skies" deregulation of routes between the EU and US. |
In July 2008 British Airways / OpenSkies took over French all-business carrier L'Avion, a move which cost €68 million. L'Avion, which itself was started in January 2007, has since been fully absorbed and the company trades exclusively under the OpenSkies banner.
OpenSkies operates 17 weekly flights between Paris Orly (ORY) and New York Newark (EWR) under the "EC" IATA code. From May 2010 it will start 5 x weekly flights from Paris Orly to Washington Dulles (IAD).
OpenSkies uses Boeing 757-200s with winglets for the flights and seating configuration is:
12 to 24 business class "Biz Bed" seats which go fully flat 180º and seat pitch 73".
40 to 72 premium economy class "Biz Seat" - while the name is a bit confusing (it used to be called Prem+), this premium economy seat is top notch and far superior to BA's World Traveller Plus - with a class leading 52" pitch, 20.5" width and 140º recline.
Seats are in a 2-2 configuration with a maximum capacity of 84 passengers. All seats have a universal power outlet and an in-flight entertainment system with 50 hours of audio and video. Gourmet meals are served in both cabins on real china with quality champagnes on offer.
Online check-in is available 24 hours before departure where you can choose your seat. 3 checked in bags of up to 23kg are allowed.
Lounge Access with OpenSkies - Passengers and BA elite members have access to the dedicated lounge at Newark terminal B located on level 2 of the arrival hall - light dining is available there. At Paris Orly Sud, all passengers have use of the OpenSkies - Salon ICARE Lounge near gate A10 - drinks and snacks available. OpenSkies travellers from Washington Dulles will get access to the BA Terraces lounge at Concourse B.
There are 3 types of fares - Restricted, Semi-Restricted and Unrestricted. Looking at return fares from Paris, the Biz Seat is available from around €1,000 and Biz-Bed from around €2,000. From New York the Biz Seat starts at around $1,400 and Biz Bed fares from $2,500. Special offer prices can be cheaper.
British Airways Executive Club members can earn miles and tier points, but OpenSkies is not part of the Oneworld alliance.
The new Washington service marks a step forward for this airline after having closed its Amsterdam - New York flight in 2009. While it remains a niche player it is still an interesting and cost-effective option for transatlantic flyers.
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