La Compagnie to New York
La Compagnie are a brand new boutique airline, offering 74 seats in an all business class cabin on their 757 aircraft.
Flying from Luton was amazing, I'd never flown from Luton before but was so impressed how stress free the process was. From arrival at the Car Park, Check-In, Fast Track Security and to the Executive Lounge took just 30 minutes!!!
We had a relaxing hour in the lounge, enjoying the complimentary snacks and bubbles! At the gate, prior to boarding an official Press Conference and naming ceremony took place, including speeches from Franz Yvelin the CEO of the airline and Nick Barton the CEO of Luton Airport.
Boarding the shiny new aircraft I immediately felt as if it was a private jet. The pastel blue interior was very calming and gave a light airy feel in the cabin.
My comfy lie flat seat was fitted with USB ports, all important for charging my iphone and ipad!. Lots of space and a handy ipad pocket. But for those without an ipad or tablet, your in-flight entertainment, menu and general information is provided by a hand held Samsung Galaxy tablet. A complimentary bottle of water in it's own cubby hole was a nice touch and good use of space, along with the luxury amenity pack including Caudalie products.
I also spotted the massage function in the seat, so I enjoyed a little massage after dinner before enjoying a few hours sleep before arriving in New York.
Once I'd settled in my seat, the immaculate Flight Attendant offered me a drink followed by a lovely selection of Hor D'Oeuvres...and more drinks and more drinks...Then dinner... WOW..Dinner, I cannot tell you how amazing the presentation and food was, it was superb!! Who ever said their food on a flight was like a top class restaurant..I and the other agents and passengers were impressed it was a talking point. The food continues to amaze people and possibly the most photographed aircraft food ever!!
On arrival into Newark we went straight to the executive lounge, where we attended another Press Conference and Welcoming Ceremony and of course plenty of drinks and snacks for us. All passengers travelling with La Compagnie have complimentary access to both Luton and Newark lounges.
Formalities done dusted we headed off to our hotel located on Times Square. I found the journey time from Newark to Manhattan quicker than my previous flight into JFK. 30minutes later we arrived at the luxury Knickerbocker Hotel.
My room was huge!!!! Most hotels in New York offer small rooms, but this was superb. I dashed over to my floor to ceiling window, opening the electronic blinds to be completely blown away by my view...Times Square in all it's glory. Oh I thought, what about the noise, but I didn't hear a thing. It was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. The bathroom was a dream and the attention to detail was great, it was no surprise to find out it was designed by a lady. A black flannel with 'make up' embroidered on was genius. Ideal for ladies to remove their make up with ruining their white ones!! The Bellboys uniform was in keeping with the history of the Knickerbocker Hotel, and for you guys who likes a flash car, the Aston Martin house car might impress you. The car will run you within 10 blocks.
Due to the flight times, it works really well because you arrive in time get to your hotel and have a good night sleep, waking early as you do when you fly west, but I didn't suffer the jet lag like normal do.
And so my time in New York for 3 night began.....It was lovely to do things I'd missed previously. Visit Grand Central Station, walk across Brooklyn Bridge, see the new Freedom Tower at Ground Zero and of course do what I do best...SHOPPING!!! During our stay we also visited the Grand Hyatt at Grand Central Station and Hyatt Times Square to have a show round and a meals with the Sales Manager.
The time flew by and before I knew it I was back in my spacious seat ready for take off. The 22:20 departure time not only means you have a full day in NY on your last day, but by then you are ready to sleep and the overnight flight enables you to get a good night sleep. My friend Zoe fell asleep before take off, whereas I wanted to sample the in flight meal. I'm glad I stayed awake, it was scrummy. Then it was time to settle down and sleep, the quiet cabin and soft lighting meant most passengers snuggled down and sleep. I slept so well I woke 30 minutes before landing!
It all sounds very flash and something short of a lottery win, most of us could only dream of....BUT you'd be wrong...La Compagnie offer this amazing service for a fraction of the cost of it's competitors business class seat.
Follow my me on Facebook to see the amazing prices I can offer you, or email me to add to my mailing list. The DUO OFFER was £1,300 for 2 return!!!!! Which other airline offering this service would get you to New York for less than £1,000 return?
Would I fly with them again.....A BIG YES!!!