La Compagnie: Smart Business Class for the SmartFlyer Traveler

For over thirty years, SmartFlyer has been a disruptor in the agency space, forging partnerships with like-minded companies that shake up industry norms with innovative offerings for travelers.

When it comes to disruptors, La Compagnie – an all-business-class airline – is just that. While sometimes perceived as a relatively young airline, it came on the scene nearly a decade ago. The first La Compagnie flight operated in July 2014, and in the years since, their Paris-based team has focused on doing one thing and doing it extremely well: servicing the discerning traveler seeking a boutique-style flying experience. By reinventing the “front of the plane” experience to be the same experience for the entire plane, La Compagnie meets the needs of travelers who want to travel in style at a smart price.

What makes La Compagnie different?

With all passengers flying in a single cabin, the boarding process is seamless…

The positioning of La Compagnie has always been built around offering business class fares at a significantly more approachable price point than many of the legacy carriers. But their unique offering goes beyond fares being accessible. With all passengers flying in a single cabin, the boarding process is seamless; within mere moments, you go from the gate to your plush soft grey and blue seats-beds arranged in a two-two configuration. Of course, as an airline built for busy executives and those who appreciate efficiency in all its forms, you can expect to remain completely connected during your flight with free and unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi.

What kind of planes does La Compagnie use?

La Compagnie has recently renewed its fleet with the latest generation of Airbus 321neo aircraft. Not only are its planes outfitted with seventy-six seat-beds, but the investment in these planes has empowered the airline to focus on economic and environmental responsibility. Its new fleet is quieter, performs better, and consumes less fuel than its previous aircraft.

What about sustainability?

…travelers can rest assured that their La Compagnie flights are contributing to minimizing carbon emissions per passenger.

According to AtmosFair and Google Flight’s carbon footprint review, La Compagnie produces 23% fewer carbon emissions than its competitors on the New York-Paris route. From New York to Nice, its emissions are 20% lower than other airlines operating the same route. For its New York to Milan operations, La Compagnie has reduced its emissions by 34% compared to its comp set. By using new sustainable aviation fuels from non-fossil sources, travelers can rest assured that their La Compagnie flights are contributing to minimizing carbon emissions per passenger.

Where does La Compagnie fly?

Currently, the airline flies daily from Newark International Airport to Paris Orly year-round. Seasonal service is offered between Newark and Nice from April through September – with easy connections via Paris for the remainder of the year – making your trip to France smoother than ever. La Compagnie also recently launched a route between Newark and Milan Malpensa Airport five times per week.

Is La Compagnie partnered with any other airlines?

La Compagnie is independent and doesn’t currently partner with any U.S. airline in terms of a codeshare. But, that doesn’t mean you’ll be missing out on all the amenities you’ve come to know and love when flying business class. Prior to your departure from Newark, you can expect lounge access in Terminal B. If returning from Nice or Milan, lounges will also be made available to you. To ensure even easier connections during the winter months between Paris and Nice, La Compagnie is partnered with easyJet. Alternatively, your SmartFlyer travel advisor can work to get you connections anywhere with customizable solutions depending on what you may need.

Does La Compagnie have a rewards program?

La Compagnie does offer a loyalty program, MyCompagnie. For those who frequent the New York-Paris or New York-Milan routes with Nice sprinkled in during the summer months, you have the opportunity to accrue plenty of loyalty points. Accumulating points is easy; you earn points for each flight booked based on whether it was a Promo, Smart, or Flex fare. You also earn points for referring friends and family to fly! Once you accrue a minimum of forty points, you can begin to search reward fares for one-way or roundtrip tickets.

What is the in-flight experience like?

But what distinguishes your onboard experience is evident from the moment you seamlessly board: every seat on board reclines entirely flat.

Similarly to any other legacy carrier’s business class offering, by flying La Compagnie, you are entitled to two complimentary checked bags. But what distinguishes your onboard experience is evident from the moment you seamlessly board: every seat on board reclines entirely flat. After you settled in, expect to be walked through a meditative safety briefing, setting the scene for a serene journey across the Atlantic. To help keep the good vibes going, La Compagnie even offers a catalog of mediation services with Petit Bambou. Amenity kits featuring Caudalie only further enhance your onboard experience.

How’s the in-flight food and beverage?

Since the inception of La Compagnie, renowned chef Christophe Langré has helmed the onboard dining experience. His mission is to ensure that all passengers enjoy seasonal French gastronomy during their flight. On overnight flights from Newark to Paris or Nice, La Compagnie serves a light dinner of salad, soup, cheese plate, and dessert. When you land in France, expect to have a croissant from Maison Kayser ready for you. Between Paris and or Nice and Newark, travelers will enjoy a four-course menu just after takeoff: a cold starter, hot dish, cheese plate, and dessert. Just before landing, passengers are offered a light snack, either savory or sweet.

Even for frequent fliers, menus remain exciting as onboard food and beverage options are refreshed each month. Signature dishes are offered thanks to featured chefs, including David Toutain, Frédéric Duca, Florent Ladeyn, Yann Couvreur, and Gaël and Michaël Tourteaux. And when it comes to wines and champagnes, you can expect that selections have been made in consultation with chefs and sommeliers. Every bottle on board has specifically been chosen to accompany meals so that passengers can both sip on old favorites and discover new organic wines.

How can I book my La Compagnie flight?

As always, the SmartFlyer Air Team is available to help secure your La Compagnie flight. Our connectivity with our partners allows for you to have the most up-to-date information regarding routes and availability. And in the unfortunate instance that something does go as planned with your flight, our 24/7 Air Team remains your point of contact ensuring that you never have to wait on hold, or worse, queue at the airport. To work with a SmartFlyer travel advisor or Air Team member, inquire here.