My recent round trip to Paris from New York was a last-minute decision in which I did not qualify for lower fares bought  way in advance.  As most travelers and travel agents know – last-minute airfares can be exorbitant.  However, there are ways to travel at a very reasonable fare the last minute which I just discovered on my first post-Covid trip to Europe – on Condor Airlines.  My first time flying with Condor Airlines – and definitely not my last.

The fare was much less than any of the online discount airline sites I searched.   Okay, I forgot to tell you that my flight to Paris was via Frankfurt which before Christmas was a lucky break.   I got to do tax free shopping at two of Europe’s largest airports – Frankfurt and Charles de Galle. – two of the world’s best Duty Free Shops.

I was lucky to experience all classes Business, Premium Economy and Economy.  Not all lower cost airlines have three categories of service.

And each category of service was at least as good as the national carriers – if not better.  

Since I’m a travel journalist of many years, I’ve flown Business Class on all the major airlines to five continents, so I’ve got high standards – 40,000 feet high.

From the minute you step on board, and you’re handed the business class amenities kit which is not like those found in other business class.  All the usual goodies came packed — not in the ubiquitous pouch — but in a biodegradable, reusable and beautiful mug that I proudly use every day.  As a long time, collector of Starbucks mugs – the Condor cup was a welcome and original addition.  Not since my Concorde briefcases was there such a memorable business class airline gift.

Everything about business class was just about perfect.  At first look the business class seats looked too thin and elegant to offer much comfort.   But in this case, looks were deceiving – they fully reclined into flat beds which – due to the adjustable entertainment screen – was a relaxing way to see a movie or TV show.  This was the first time I recall that business class entertainment offered entire TV series.  Since I missed “The Americans” the first time – I was lucky to catch it inflight.  

As for the cuisine — notice I used the word, “cuisine” and not “food” — since it was on par with cuisine found in upscale restaurants with one exception – the servings were generous something you don’t necessarily find in the best restaurants.  Most business class catering offers two entrée options – Condor offered three – including vegetarian – pleasing this picky vegan.

As a kid I was well bred – loving – well – lots of bread.   And Condor had more bread options than most first-class service including pretzel rolls and croissants which constantly made the rounds.

In the past year – Condor has been adding more US Gateways.  As of November 8th – they fly five flights a week from New York and four times a week to Seattle.  And Condor covers most of the US with its partners Jet Blue and Alaska Airlines.

When it comes great fares and “bill of fares” (food) I see “Many Days of Condor” in my future.