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See how a budget, no-frills Airbus jet that flyers will 'suffer' through compares to the same plane flown by a major airline

Wizz Air Airbus A321neo β€” Dubai Airshow Trip 2021
A Wizz Air Airbus A321neo.

Thomas Pallini/Insider

  • The Airbus A321XLR is revolutionizing long-haul travel with its 11-hour range.
  • The versatile jet can reach far-away places and fit into mainline and budget business models.
  • Launch customer Iberia and soon-to-be A321XLR operator Wizz Air have very different cabin approaches.

The Airbus A321XLR is the European manufacturer's latest long-haul, narrow-body plane.

With its 11-hour range and smaller size, the jet is set to revolutionize how people travel.

Airlines can now more easily fly to lower-demand markets previously unprofitable with a widebody or to far-away places previously unreachable with other single-aisle planes.

The A321XLR first entered service with Spanish flag carrier Iberia in November. The airline flew seven hours from Madrid to Boston, equipping the plane with lie-flat business class and economy.

With 550 orders, the plane has garnered interest from both mainline and budget carriers β€” but not all experiences will be equal.

European budget carrier Wizz Air is not far behind Iberia, with its first A321XLR expected to trek seven hours from London to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, starting in March β€” but it won't be close to high-end.

The two carrier's plans for their new planes showcase the model's versatility.

Iberia will offer business class.
The first row of Iberia's A321XLR business class.
Iberia's A312XLR has 182 seats: 14 in business and 168 in economy.

Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Iberia wanted to provide luxury onboard its long-haul A321XLR with business class. It's similar to JetBlue Airways' Mint cabin but without popular sliding doors.

The high-dollar cabin, which can cost $5,000 or more roundtrip, comes with a large Bluetooth-capable television, linens, hot meals, alcohol, and a lie-flat recliner.

Other A321XLR buyers, including United Airlines and American Airlines, also plan to offer lie-flat business class to target premium travelers. American's will have a door.

Economy will offer decent space and amenities.
The economy cabin with grey seats and a red headrest on Iberia's A321XLR.
Iberia sports a standard mainline economy cabin.

Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Iberia's economy cabin has comforts like an adjustable headrest, deep recline, a Bluetooth-capable screen, charging ports, extra storage slots in the seatback pocket, and 30-31 inches of seat pitch.

The legroom is on par with other mainline carriers, but taller travelers can choose a bulkhead or exit row with 40 inches of pitch.

Iberia's Bluetooth feature is rare on airlines and it allows Iberia flyers to connect their own wireless headphones to the screen.

Hot meals and linens are included on Iberia.
The exit row on Iberia A321XLR with extra legroom.
The extra legroom seats in the exit row.

Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Iberia offers what is typical on a mainline, long-haul flight. This means travelers will get linens and hot meals included in their fare.

The airline also offers free messaging via WiFi, with internet browsing and streaming available for a fee.

Wizz's A321XLR approach is very different.
Wizz Air Airbus A321neo β€” Dubai Airshow Trip 2021
Wizz will only offer economy on its Airbus A321XLRs.

Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

Wizz is a low-cost carrier that built its business on offering cheap fares at the expense of onboard comforts β€” and the airline continues to push the limits of flyer tolerance.

"Fifteen, 20 years ago, I thought three hours would test passenger tolerance, and then we pushed it to six hours, and we are still fine," Wizz CEO JΓ³zsef VΓ‘radi said during a September press conference in London. "You kind of suffer the pain, if you wish, for the economic benefits that you are deriving from the transaction."

Iberia's A321XLR has 182 seats. Wizz's will cram in 239.

The all-economy cabin will offer minimal space.
Wizz Air Airbus A321neo β€” Dubai Airshow Trip 2021
The airline offers a few rows of extra legroom seats for a fee. Customers can also pay extra for the front row for quicker boarding and deplaning.

Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

Wizz said its A321XLR cabin will resemble that of its A321neo, which already flies across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

The plane doesn't come with business class seats or Iberia's amenity-heavy economy cabin. Instead, travelers can expect slim, cramped coach seats with no headrest, no television, and a tiny tray table.

The seat pitch is only 28 inches, and there is no recline. It'd be like flying on Spirit or Frontier, but for seven hours.

The cramped, all-economy cabin will be cheap, but it's an experience Wizz's CEO described as something customers must "suffer" through to save money.

Not even water is free.
A food menu with soups, risotto, and pasta.
Business Insider's Pete Syme flew on Wizz April.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

Like its ultra-low-cost counterparts in the US, Wizz flights come with nothing included, except a personal item. This means any food or drinks β€” including water β€” costs extra.

"When you take a legacy carrier and you get a coffee for free, that is probably the most expensive cappuccino in your life," Varadi said. "We don't want to do that."

According to Wizz's online menus, food bundles start at Β£11.50, or about $12, and include a sandwich, drink, and snack. Soups start at Β£3.70, while a water bottle costs Β£3.20. Alcohol, chips, and coffee, among other items, are also on sale.

Don't expect any internet or entertainment.
Wizz Air Airbus A321neo β€” Dubai Airshow Trip 2021
Flyers can use the small tray table to prop their phone or tablet.

Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

Wizz keeps its fares low because it does not carry the extra weight many mainline carriers do, like seatback screens or WiFi. Flyers can pre-download content to a phone or tablet to watch during the flight.

"If you want to have more fun, you have to create the fun for yourself," VΓ‘radi told Bloomberg in September. "It's not going to be us who create it."

Some Wizz planes have a messaging platform, but it doesn't connect to the internet. It's uncertain if this will be on the A321XLRs.

Bags cost extra and unprepared flyers risk other fees.
The check-in and bag measuring stands for Wizz Air.
The bag prices can vary depending on route, weight, and when they're purchased.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

Wizz flyers who want a carry-on or checked bag must pay extra. For the London to Jeddah flight in April, a 10-kilogram checked bag costs Β£95, or $120, and a carry-on costs Β£66, or $83, roundtrip at the time of booking.

The bags must also meet specific size and weight requirements or flyers risk even more fees at the airport.

Another fee is for assigned seats, which cost between Β£18 and Β£42 on the same flight. Flyers also need to check in online at least three hours before the flight or pay Β£40 at the airport per ticket.

Wizz customers willing to 'suffer' can save hundreds of dollars.
A first-person perspective from a World Traveller economy window seat on a British Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner
The economy seat on British Airways' Boeing 787 it flies between London and Jeddah.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

Major airlines British Airways and Saudia are the only other carriers that fly nonstop between London and Jeddah.

According to Google Flights, Wizz's basic fare is regularly a few hundred dollars cheaper than both mainline options.

That's without any add-ons like bags and seats, so customers should be sure to do the math for all options before booking.

Read the original article on Business Insider

JetBlue will fly to Spain for the first time. See how its Airbus A321neo compares to the country's flag carrier Iberia.

A JetBlue A321neo on the tarmac in Amsterdam.
JetBlue just expanded its international network and will go toe-to-toe with Spanish carrier Iberia to Madrid.

Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images

  • JetBlue will launch new international flights from Boston to Edinburgh and Madrid in May 2025.
  • The new routes are part of a major network restructuring to boost revenue.
  • JetBlue will compete with Iberia on the Madrid route, with both using A321neo family jets.

JetBlue Airways is redrawing its route network β€” and there is some good news for Europe-bound flyers.

JetBlue announced plans to launch two new transatlantic flights from Boston to Edinburgh and Madrid in May 2025. It will be the airline's first flight to Spain β€” bringing its total European destinations to five.

The struggling carrier will compete with just one airline to Madrid: Spanish flag carrier Iberia. Both will fly an Airbus A321neo family jet on the route, meaning travelers can expect a smaller plane across the Atlantic.

The new routes are part of a larger restructuring plan to bolster revenue. JetBlue has not turned a profit since 2019, largely due to high costs and failed deals with American Airlines and Spirit Airlines that hampered its expansion.

The airline announced over 50 route cuts in 2024 and ended service to 15 underperforming airports. It's nowΒ refocusingΒ on the Northeast US and Florida, with additional flights to Europe and the Caribbean.

It's also deploying high-dollar Mint-business-class equipped planes to more high-demand markets, including the new Spain route.

Here's how JetBlue and Iberia's business and coach cabins compare on the seven-hour trek to Madrid.

JetBlue has more premium seating on its Airbus A321neos.
Mint business class onboard JetBlue Airways' new Airbus A321neoLR β€” JetBlue Airways Airbus A321neoLR Tour
According to JetBlue's website, it flies both Mint-equipped A321neo variants across the Atlantic, but most use the A321LR.

Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

JetBlue flies its A321neo and A321LR variants across the Atlantic, the latter is a lower-ranged predecessor to Iberia's A321XLR and is more premium-heavy. They host 160 and 114 seats, respectively.

Each is equipped with lie-flat Mint seats, front-row Studios, and extra-legroom economy seats β€” the remaining are regular coach seats. Half of the A321LR cabin is premium seating.

Iberia has a higher-capacity A321XLR with 182 seats: 14 in business class and 168 in economy.

Iberia's smaller business class doesn't have doors.
The Iberia business class cabin.
Iberia is launching its second A321XLR flight to Washington, DC, in January.

Taylor Rains/Business Insider

JetBlue and Iberia chose the same seatmaker for their A321neo business class cabins, but Iberia did not install a sliding door. Mint has doors.

This goes against an industry-wide trend, with many global carriers, such as Korean Air, Air India, and Turkish Airlines, adding the popular feature.

Business Insider toured Iberia's A321XLR business class in November and found the angled seats and large wings offered more than enough privacy. Iberia likely wanted to save on costly weight and best optimize the cabin's already limited space.

The Spanish carrier also lacks a designated 'Studio.'
JetBlue Airways Airbus A321neo
JetBlue Airways' A321LR Mint Studio.

Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

To cater to more business travelers, JetBlue installed a front-row "Mint Studio" on its A321neos, complete with a companion seat and extra storage. The seat is an upcharge.

Iberia did not include the extra-revenue option, meaning travelers have less choice in business class.

You'll otherwise get the usual business-class perks on both.
JetBlue and Iberia business class collage.
JetBlue (left) and Iberia (right). Both business class cabins are in a 1Γ—1 layout with direct aisle access.

Taylor Rains, Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

Because the seats are otherwise exactly the same design, travelers can expect similar comforts. This includes a lie-flat recliner, storage, and an inflight television. Both also include meals, linens, and an amenity kit.

Iberia's 18.5-inch screen is bigger than JetBlue's 17-inch one in regular Mint, though the Mint Studio hosts the largest overall at 22 inches.

However, JetBlue does not offer Bluetooth connectivity. Customers on Iberia can connect their own wireless headphones to the business-class screens β€” and that goes for the economy cabin, too.

Both have nice economy cabins.
JetBlue and Iberia's coach collage.
The JetBlue (left) and Iberia (right) seat designs are different, but they offer largely the same perks.

Taylor Rains, Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

The 3Γ—3 economy cabins offer adjustable headrests, an inflight screen, extra storage slots in the seatback pocket, and linens.

JetBlue's 10.1-inch screen is smaller than Iberia's 12-inch Bluetooth one, but JetBlue travelers can connect their phone as a remote. JetBlue also offers free WiFi, while Iberia's is only free for messaging.

Iberia's seats recline up to four inches, while JetBlue's recline three inches. Thanks to Airbus' wider narrowbody cabin design, both coach options offer 18 inches of width.

Iberia has less legroom and fewer extra space seats in coach.
JetBlue and Iberia economy cabin collage showing legroom and extra legroom seats.
JetBlue (left) and Iberia's (right) regular legroom and extra legroom seats.

Taylor Rains, Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

JetBlue has several rows of "Even More Space" seats to target flyers willing to pay extra for more legroom. The US carrier also offers an industry-leading 32 inches of legroom β€” beating out rivals like Delta and United.

Iberia's 40-inch-pitch extra legroom seats are only in the bulkhead and exit rows, meaning taller travelers have limited options for more space. The legroom is 30-31 inches, putting Iberia on par with US mainlines.

Avoid certain rows if you want a window.
Economy class onboard JetBlue Airways' new Airbus A321neoLR β€” JetBlue Airways Airbus A321neoLR Tour
One of the misaligned windows on JetBlue.

Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

Iberia does not have a window in row 39. The windows in rows 22 and 23 on JetBlue's A321LR and rows 23 and 24 on its A321neos are missing or misaligned.

If you pay extra for a window seat with hopes of a view, it's best to avoid these rows.

JetBlue doesn't offer hot meals in economy anymore.
Flying JetBlue Airways from New York to London β€” JetBlue Airways London Inaugural Flight
One of the hot meals JetBlue used to serve on its flights. Don't expect this grandeur anymore.

Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

In October, JetBlue stopped serving hot meals in economy on transatlantic flights in an effort to cut costs. Cold meals are now served, like a crepe for breakfast, a chicken grain bowl for lunch, or a pesto pasta salad for dinner.

Still, the meals come included in the fare β€” something that distinguishes JetBlue from other low-cost options like Norse Atlantic Airways where food costs extra.

Iberia customers can expect hot meals in coach, which is in line with what mainline carriers offer across the Atlantic.

Don't miss the hidden lavatory on Iberia.
The lavatory at the aft of Iberia's A321XLR covered by a grey flight attendant jumpseat.
One of Iberia's three aft lavatories is hidden behind a flight attendant jumpseat.

Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Coach travelers on Iberia share three lavatories in the aft cabin, but the high-capacity cabin means the queue can get long and crowded β€” especially if the third one is overlooked, as can be the case.

It's located behind the flight attendant jump seat.

The A321neo narrowbodies offer convenience that widebodies don't.
JetBlue Airways Airbus A321neo
JetBlue Airways' first Airbus A321neoLR.

Thomas Pallini/Insider

Airbus' new long-ranged jets are changing the way people fly to Europe. Some people may worry about the smaller plane, but it has its benefits.

The tinier cabin may be cozier, plus deplaning and boarding are much quicker thanks to fewer people β€” and may be a saving grace during tight layovers.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Multimillionaire 'Shark Tank' star Barbara Cocoran says she only flies in economy and makes better use of her free miles

Barbara Corcoran attends the 76th Creative Arts Emmys Winner's Walk at Peacock Theater on September 07, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.
Barbara Corcoran prefers to fly in economy class despite being a multimillionaire.

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

  • Multimillionaire "Shark Tank" star Barbara Corcoran says she prefers flying economy to first class.
  • She said she would rather accumulate her free miles and give them to her family for free vacations.
  • Airfares are lower now compared to the past, but many Americans still feel they're not getting good deals.

"Shark Tank" star Barbara Cocoran may be a multimillionaire, but she still prefers to fly in economy.

On Tuesday's episode of "The Jamie Kern Lima Show" podcast, the entrepreneur spoke about her flying preferences and why she doesn't think the more expensive cabins are worth it.

"Do you know what a first-class ticket costs?" Cocoran told podcast host Jamie Kern Lima. "Listen, the way I figure it is, a coach ticket is about 25% of a first-class ticket. I get the free miles and I can give them away. I have everybody in my family flying on my free miles."

To her, that's a better way for her to spend her airline miles because it means her family can enjoy free trips.

"What's more important β€” that everybody gets free vacations, or that I'm comfortable in first class?" she said. "I guess I could afford to do both, but I won't because I'll be in coach feeling really smug because I know I have three plane tickets that could take somebody somewhere. It accumulates, you know?"

And it's not just Cocoran who feels that way.

Even though airfares are more affordable now compared to three decades ago β€” when adjusted for inflation β€” many Americans still don't feel like they're getting a good deal.

"Airfare is the single most confusing and volatile purchase we regularly make," Scott Keyes, an airline industry expert told Business Insider previously. "Combine that with negativity bias and it's no surprise that even as airfare hits historic lows, people are more likely to think it's at historic highs."

BI's Monica Humphries reviewed the business class cabin aboard an Air New Zealand flight from Los Angeles to Auckland, New Zealand, in summer of 2022. The ticket cost $6,000, and even though it was the best flight of her life, she said she wouldn't do it again.

"For the same price as a round-trip flight, in theory, I could've paid for another three weeks in New Zealand, covered months of rent, or put a down payment on a new car," she wrote in her review. The cost of a one-way ticket for the same flight for summer next year is still around $6,000, according to Air New Zealand's website.

In order to save money on airfare, travel hacks like "skiplagging" β€” which involves booking a flight with a layover in the intended destination and then bailing on the second leg of the journey β€” have gained immense popularity in the past year. However, many airlines have taken a stance against the practice.

In an essay for BI, travel writer Jonathan DeLise wrote that his favorite way of saving money on airfare involves taking "positioning" flights instead of direct ones. First, he flies to an intermediary airport with better ticket deals, and then he starts his journey to his destination. While this method allows him to save on flights, it doesn't save him time.

A representative for Cocoran did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent by BI outside regular hours.

Read the original article on Business Insider

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