Business Class Flight Deals from Los Angeles to Athens from $3087

Planning Your Trip

The Los Angeles to Athens route is among the longest between the U.S. and Europe. The shortest flights for this route take around 14 hours, and they always include at least one layover. But that is not a reason for worry — although layovers make your trip longer, they can also offer you a better travel experience. For instance, if you fly from LAX with Iberia, you will have a layover at the Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD). Here you can get a taste of Spain before continuing your journey to Athens. As a business class traveler, you’ll have access to Iberia’s Velázquez Premium Lounge. It is Iberia’s largest lounge in this airport, with a capacity for up to 500 passengers. Its location in Terminal 4S provides large glass windows that bathe the area in natural light and offer panoramic views of the runways, creating an open and inviting atmosphere.

For enthusiasts of football and Spanish culture, The Corner by Real Madrid restaurants are some unique attractions within the airport. The restaurants are located in Terminals 1 and 4, so you can easily access one of them after arriving at the airport. Here you can have a meal and also buy some official Real Madrid merchandise and souvenirs. And if you're a true fan of Real Madrid, you'll probably recognize the shape of the bar in this restaurant, as it’s inspired by the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

Such flights from Los Angeles to Athens, operated by Iberia, usually cost between $5,500 and $11,000, depending on the season and how early you book the ticket.

If you’d like to fly out of a different city than Los Angeles, you have multiple options. You could take a flight from San Francisco, which will last at least 14 hours, depending on how many layovers you have and how long they are. If you fly from San Francisco with Lufthansa, for example, you’ll likely have a layover at the Munich International Airport (MUC). There, you can explore the world’s first beer brewery located in an airport. You can find it at the Airbräu Restaurant and have an authentic Bavarian experience without leaving the terminal.

Lufthansa flights from San Francisco to Athens may cost you from $3,800 to $10,000. The price is higher for summer dates, as many tourists go on vacation then, or if you book a flight last minute.

If you want a direct flight, you could book one departing from New York, which will take you to Athens in approximately 10 hours. But if you’re looking for a unique experience on your way to Athens, you can book a one-layover flight with Turkish Airlines, which will take around 13 hours. In this case, you’ll have a layover at the Istanbul Airport (IST), where you can spend your time in the Turkish Airlines Business Class Lounge. The lounge covers approximately 60,000 square feet and can accommodate 765 passengers at the same time. The entire area is designed to give you a taste of the rich Turkish culture. It includes live cooking stations serving traditional dishes, a Tea Garden, and a self-playing piano. If you have a long layover, you can book a private sleeping suite, which comes with a desk, alarm clock, and twin bed. There, you can get some good sleep before your next flight. The lounge also features a golf simulator and private meeting rooms.

Flights with Turkish Airlines from New York to Athens cost between $4,200 and $7,000. However, if you travel in months like April, when Athens is a less popular destination among travelers, a business class ticket may cost as little as $2,700.

Flight Options and Pricing

As a rule, flights with multiple layovers are cheaper than single-layover or direct ones. However, since there aren’t any direct flights to Athens from Los Angeles at the moment, you will have to choose between single or multiple layovers.

If you’d like to save a bit on plane tickets, you might consider booking a flight with two or more layovers. Such flights can be up to $1,500 cheaper than those with one layover. However, you need to take into account that having more layovers will result in longer travel times and, thus, the flight might be less convenient for you.

How to Get the Best Business Class Deals

Business class flights may be costly, but even more so when you want to book a flight over the ocean. So, here’s what you can do to get a great deal for a business-class flight from Los Angeles to Athens:

• Book in advance: Business class flights may be up to 30% less expensive if you book them 3–6 months before departure.
• Use miles and loyalty programs: If you fly frequently with certain airlines, the miles or points you earn with them can significantly reduce the cost of your next trip. In some cases, you may even book a ticket just by using miles.

Choosing the Airline for Your Trip

The airline you pick defines your entire flight experience, from beginning to end. This is why it’s important that you pay attention to what different airlines can offer you on your business-class journey from Los Angeles to Athens.

Lufthansa

Lounge Access: If you fly from LAX with Lufthansa, you’ll have access to 4 different lounges owned by its partner airlines: the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge, the United Club Lounge, the United Polaris Lounge, and the Star Alliance Lounge.
If you go to the Star Alliance Lounge in the Tom Bradley International Terminal, you can take a quick shower before your flight, as the lounge offers shower suites, or treat yourself to a meal from their buffet with hot and cold dishes. The lounge also has an outdoor terrace overlooking the airport. From there, you can watch planes land and take off even at night because the terrace is warmed by heat lamps and fire pits. The library-themed quiet room in this lounge is a great place for those looking for a peaceful workspace. However, the lounge may get crowded if multiple Star Alliance flights depart within a few hours.

As an alternative, you can spend the time before your flight in the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge in Terminal 6, which is smaller than the Star Alliance Lounge. Here you can get a quick bite from their buffet with Canadian-inspired dishes, settle in one of the workspaces in the lounge, and work on your laptop. While it lacks an outdoor terrace, the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge provides a quieter atmosphere than the Star Alliance Lounge.

Thus, if you want access to an outdoor space and don’t mind a social atmosphere, the Star Alliance Lounge is the better choice for you. If you prefer a quieter and more private setting before your flight, you might be more comfortable in the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge.

Seats: For its long-haul flights, including the ones from Los Angeles to Athens, Lufthansa offers fully lie-flat seats in business class. However, the configuration of the seats varies depending on the plane model. On Lufthansa’s Boeing 747, for example, the seats are arranged in a 2-2-2 configuration on the main deck and in a 2-2 configuration on the upper deck. At the same time, Lufthansa’s Airbus A380 planes offer a 1-2-1 layout with direct aisle access for all business class passengers. Each seat includes a high-resolution screen, adjustable lighting, and ample storage space. To find out the seat layout on your flight, you can check the specific aircraft model that will operate it.

Dining: Lufthansa changes its selection of in-flight meals every two months to include seasonal dishes. Their menus are based on their passengers’ preferences, which they identified after conducting a survey. As a business class passenger with Lufthansa, you can enjoy a selection of gourmet meals inspired by both German and international cuisines served in fine china, along with a selection of fine wines.

Amenity kit: After boarding the plane, you’ll receive a Lufthansa business class amenity kit. Their amenity kits include essential products you might need to stay fresh and comfortable during the trip, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, eye mask, earplugs, socks, and high-quality skincare products, all neatly packed in a compact bag. In 2024, Lufthansa worked with Porsche on designing the case of their newest amenity kits. This edition of the amenity kits features skincare products from the famous brand L’Occitane, such as their Hand cream gel and Ultra rich lip balm.

Loyalty Program: If you sign up for Lufthansa’s loyalty program, Miles&More, you can earn miles based on the price of your ticket and its booking class. Later, you’ll be able to use your miles to pay for future flights, upgrades, or get other rewards within the Star Alliance network.
Lufthansa also provides an online Miles Calculator so you easily learn how many miles booking a certain flight will bring you.

When it comes to spending miles, you can refer to Lufthansa's Award Chart. For instance, according to it, a one-way business class flight from Europe to the U.S. requires at least 112,000 miles.

Prices: A business class flight with Lufthansa might cost as low as $6,000 if you book it about 3-4 months in advance. But if you want to book it only one week before departure, the prices may hit $9,000.

This way, Lufthansa is a great choice for you if you seek a balance of comfort, premium dining, and exclusive lounge access.

British Airways

Lounge Access: Before your flight, you can enter the Oneworld Business Lounge at LAX, located in the Tom Bradley International Terminal. The lounge covers 42,000 square feet and is the perfect place for you to unwind and prepare for your flight. The lounge features a bar, a diverse buffet, and a seating area that is perfect both for relaxation and work. However, this lounge lacks premium à la carte dining and can become crowded when multiple British Airways flights are about to depart.

If you want a more luxurious experience, you could spend the time before your flight in the American Airlines Flagship Lounge, in Terminal 4. Here you have access to a restaurant, a Champagne bar, and quiet zones.

Seats: British Airways usually uses two types of planes to operate the LAX - ATH route: Boeing 777 and Airbus 380. Both of these plane types have a business class cabin, which British Airways calls the Club World cabin. On Boeing 777 planes, this cabin features a 1-2-1 configuration — you can leave your seat anytime without bothering anyone. On some planes, newer Club World cabins offer the Club Suite, which is equipped with a sliding door for enhanced privacy, a fully flat bed, and ample storage space. On Airbus 380 planes, the Club World cabin offers a 2-4-2 configuration, which can make the cabin feel a bit crowded. Also, this configuration is less comfortable if you’re in a seat that doesn’t have direct aisle access. The 2-4-2 configuration offers you less personal space and privacy than other seat configurations.

Dining: On your flight with British Airways, you'll get a choice of starters, main courses, desserts, and a selection of British cheeses. You can also have a glass of premium wine or champagne with your meal. During the entire flight, you can choose from snacks, plus hot, cold, and alcoholic drinks, all delivered to your seat.

Amenity kit: The airline will provide you with an amenity kit featuring products from The White Company, including skincare items, a toothbrush and toothpaste, an eye mask, earplugs, and socks, ensuring a comfortable journey. Moreover, during the flight, you’ll get a high-quality bedding set from The White Company, which includes a large pillow, a good blanket, and a mattress pad.

Loyalty Program: Through the British Airways Executive Club, which is being renamed into The British Airways Club in 2025, you can earn Avios points based on the fare class and distance flown. These points can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other rewards within the Oneworld alliance. The number of Avios required to purchase a business class flight varies based on the distance and peak or off-peak travel times. For instance, a business class flight from the U.S. to London can start from 68,000 Avios on off-peak dates for shorter flights from the East Coast.

Prices: If you book 3-4 months in advance, you can get a business class flight from Los Angeles to Athens for about $6,000. But if you need to book a flight on short notice, the price may be as high as $10,000.

British Airways is an excellent option for those who value privacy and comfort on their journey from LAX to Athens.

Air France

Lounge Access: If you travel business class with Air France from LAX, you’ll be able to visit the Air France Lounge, located in the Tom Bradley International Terminal, near gates 201-225. This lounge is noted for its elegant design and offers amenities such as showers and a spa, providing a perfect place for you to relax before the flight. Whether you’re in the mood for French or international cuisine, you can get the perfect meal here. Also, the seating in this lounge is designed to offer you as much comfort and privacy as possible.

Alternatively, you can head to the Delta Sky Club lounge in Terminal 3, which is one of the largest and most modern lounges at LAX. It features expansive tarmac views, premium seating, high-speed Wi-Fi, a self-service buffet, and a full-service bar. The standout feature is its Sky Deck, an open-air terrace where travelers can enjoy fresh air and a quieter atmosphere.

If you want French-style cuisine and a more intimate experience, the Air France Lounge is the best choice for you, but if you prefer a spacious lounge with a Sky Deck and better workspaces, the Delta Sky Club Lounge is worth paying a visit.

Seats: For its flights from Los Angeles to Athens, Air France usually operates Boeing 777-300 planes. The business class on this plane model features a 1-2-1 configuration, which means you can get in and out of your seat at any time without bothering other passengers, no matter where your seat is. Also, each business class seat here converts into a fully flat bed and includes a 17.3-inch 4K screen, noise-reducing headphones, Bluetooth connectivity, and a wireless charger. In newer cabins, your seat also has a sliding door to separate you from the other passengers and, thus, offer you as much quiet and privacy as possible during the flight.

Dining: Air France is renowned among business-class travelers for its emphasis on French gastronomy. The airline collaborates with popular French chefs to create its business class menus. If you fly with Air France, you can indulge in multi-course meals featuring refined dishes such as duck confit, ratatouille, and a selection of French cheeses. Their desserts often include French classics like tarte Tatin and macarons. Air France also offers a curated wine and champagne list showcasing esteemed French vineyards.

Amenity kit: As a business-class passenger with Air France, you’ll receive an elegant amenity kit, which consists of high-end cosmetic products, such as the rejuvenating hand cream and moisturizing face gel from Clarins, a soft and adjustable sleeping mask, earplugs, a toothbrush, and toothpaste. The design and contents of the kit are changed every few months for variety; thus, you might receive different amenity kits on different flights with Air France. Also, once you board the plane, the flight attendants will offer you a pair of slippers so you feel comfortable throughout the flight.

Loyalty Program: You can earn miles for flying with Air France if you sign up for the Flying Blue loyalty program. The miles you earn depend on the ticket price and your membership level within the program. For example, if you are a standard Flying Blue member, you’ll earn 4 miles per euro spent (4 miles per approximately $1.03 spent). For a business class ticket worth €3,500 ($3,617), you will earn 14,000 miles.

These miles can be used for flights, upgrades, and other rewards within the SkyTeam alliance. For example, you could buy a one-way business class flight from the U.S. to Europe with at least 55,000 miles, depending on the destination and availability.

Prices: Depending on when you book your ticket and what time of the year you’re traveling to Greece, the price may vastly vary. For example, you can book a business class ticket from Los Angeles to Athens with Air France for only $6,400 if you do it 3-4 months in advance. In contrast, the price of a next-week flight may be around $11,000.

Overall, Air France is the perfect option if you’re looking for an elegant atmosphere and a world-class dining experience.

Turkish Airlines

Lounge Access: If you fly with Turkish Airlines from LAX, you’ll have access to 4 lounges owned by its partner airlines: the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge, the United Club Lounge, the United Polaris Lounge, and the Star Alliance Lounge. These are the same lounges you can access if you fly business class with Lufthansa, as the two airlines are in the same alliance.

Since we already described the Star Alliance Lounge and the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge a bit earlier, let’s see what the other two can offer you.

The United Club Lounge, located in Terminal 7 of LAX, offers you a relaxing atmosphere with a self-serve buffet, coffee machines, and a bar. Although it’s a nice place to spend the time before your flight, it lacks private workspaces and high-end seating usually found in premium lounges.

In contrast, the United Polaris Lounge, which you’ll also find in Terminal 7, is significantly more luxurious than the United Club Lounge. It features private dining areas with à la carte meals, private nap rooms, luxury shower suites, and premium seating with semi-private pods. This lounge is specifically designed for long-haul business class passengers and offers a significantly better experience.

So, if you simply want a basic lounge where you can get a quick bite and a drink, the United Club Lounge will suit your needs. However, if you prefer high-end dining, private nap areas, and premium facilities, the United Polaris Lounge is the best option out of these two.

Seats: Turkish Airlines' business class features lie-flat seats arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration on Boeing 777 aircraft and a newer 1-2-1 layout cabin on its Airbus 350 planes, with direct aisle access for all passengers. The business class cabin on the Boeing 777 feels more crowded than the one on the Airbus 350. Although the seats are comfortable and convert into fully flat beds, the ones on the Boeing 777 lack privacy due to the open design and middle seats. The airline is now introducing its ‘Crystal’ suites in business class, with sliding doors and enhanced privacy features.

Dining: Turkish Airlines is renowned for its exceptional in-flight catering. Onboard, you’ll be greeted with a welcome drink and a presentation of the flight’s catering menu. You’ll get a choice of main meals, along with a snack service. Their catering service includes homemade pasta and ravioli options, as well as main courses such as coal-fired kebab varieties, grilled fish, and a selection of appetizers. For breakfast, you’ll have three healthy main course options, and you can also have pancakes or crepes. After your main meal, you can have a hot drink or some traditional Turkish coffee and Turkish delight. On some flights, Turkish Airlines even has chefs on board to prepare the food.

Amenity kit: Turkish Airlines constantly updates its amenity kits and collaborates with several luxury brands to create them. In January 2025, they even introduced a new line of amenity kits inspired by six Turkish UNESCO World Heritage sites at Nemrut, Gobeklitepe, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Ani, and Troy. If you fly with them, your amenity kit will include high-quality skincare products, a toothbrush and toothpaste, an eye mask, earplugs, and socks.

Loyalty Program: You can earn miles with Turkish Airlines if you sign up for their Miles&Smiles program. The miles you’ll earn on Turkish Airlines flights depend on the booking class, the distance flown, and your status within the loyalty program. If you want to find out how many miles you can earn by booking a flight, you can use Turkish Airlines' Miles&Smiles Calculator. Also, using it, you can calculate how many miles you would need to book an award ticket to a certain destination.

Prices: You can get a luxurious travel experience with Turkish Airlines for as low as $4,600 if you book your ticket a few months in advance. If you’re going on a spontaneous trip and need a flight last minute, you might have to pay around $10,500.
Turkish Airlines is a great choice if you want an experience combining luxury, cultural flair, and top-tier service.

Arriving at Your Destination

Since you’re flying business class, you will get special treatment at the airport after landing.

• Priority Disembarkation: You'll be among the first passengers to get off the plane. This way, you won’t have to waste time waiting on board after landing and you’ll get to immigration and customs before a big queue forms in front of you.
• Priority Baggage Claim: Business class passengers usually receive priority baggage handling, which means your checked luggage will be among the first to arrive on the carousel. For example, airlines in the SkyTeam alliance, including Air France, offer priority baggage handling as part of their SkyPriority services. If you are eligible for SkyPriority, the logo will appear on your boarding pass. When you arrive at the airport, all you have to do is follow the SkyPriority signs!
• Fast-Track Immigration: As a business class traveler, you might be eligible to go through the fast-track immigration lane at ATH. You can contact the airline before booking your ticket to confirm eligibility.

Moreover, you’ll find that navigating the Athens International Airport is quite easy. The airport is relatively small compared to major international hubs in Europe, as it has only one main terminal and one satellite terminal. Overall, it has a straightforward layout and clear bilingual signage everywhere, so it will be easy to find your way out of it after arriving.

Getting to Athens

The Athens International Airport (ATH) is 35 kilometers (22 miles) from the city. To get to Athens, you have multiple transportation options, varying in speed, comfort, and convenience.

Metro

• Cost: €9 ($9.40) for a one-way ticket.
• Duration: Approximately 40 minutes to downtown Athens.
• Details: The Metro Line 3 (Blue Line) runs from the airport to Syntagma Square in central Athens, departing every 30 minutes from 6:30 AM to 11:30 PM.
• Booking: You can purchase a ticket at vending machines or counters at the airport metro station. The metro is a good option if you don’t travel with lots of luggage.

Bus

• Cost: €5.50 ($5.73) for a one-way ticket.
• Duration: The bus will take you to Syntagma Square in central Athens in approximately 60 minutes. If there’s a lot of traffic, the trip may take up to 90 minutes.
• Details: The X95 Express Bus, which takes you to the center of Athens, departs from the airport every 15 to 20 minutes at any time of day or night.
• Booking: You can buy a ticket at the ticket booth outside the Arrivals hall, between Exits 4 and 5 of the airport

Taxi

• Cost: a flat rate of €40 ($42) for a day trip (5 AM – midnight) and €55 ($58) for a night trip (midnight – 5 AM) to the city center.
• Duration: You’ll get to Athens in around 30–40 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Details: Taxis are available at the taxi rank outside the arrivals area of the airport, but you can also book one in advance. Taxis are a hassle-free option for getting to your hotel, and may feel the most comfortable after a long flight.
• Booking: If you want a regular taxi, you don’t have to book it in advance, as there are always some at the airport. However, for a more luxurious experience, you can book premium taxi services in advance. Taking a taxi is a great option if you’re visiting Athens for the first time and don’t want to trouble yourself with picking the right transport route or navigating the city.

Private Transfer

• Cost: Prices start at €40 ($42), depending on the service provider, the vehicle you choose, and the amenities you request for the ride.
• Duration: Private transfer services are generally faster than taxis and may take you to the city in 25–35 minutes. This is because your driver will already be waiting for you in the arrivals hall when you get there, so you won’t waste time looking for a taxi. Also, private transfer drivers are very good at avoiding traffic jams and getting you to your destination as fast as possible.
• Details: Private transfer services offer a lot more comfort than regular taxis. The driver will wait for you at the arrivals hall, assist you with your luggage, then drive you to the city in a luxurious car.
• Booking: You need to order these services in advance. You can do that directly with the company providing them or with the help of a travel agency or hotel concierge services. This option is usually the most suitable if you want a personalized service and a fast, comfortable trip to the city. It’s also very convenient if you’re in Athens for the first time.

If you prioritize comfort, private transfers offer the best experience. However, if you don’t mind a slower transport option, you might consider taking the metro or a bus.

Travel Tips for Business Class Fliers

Flying business class from Los Angeles to Athens can be an outstanding, luxurious experience, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. There are many tools online that you can use to find good deals for flights, and if you also follow some expert tips, you can get an amazing business class experience for a fair price. Wouldn’t that be great?

Booking Strategies and Tips

Choose the best time to book.

Business class fares fluctuate based on demand and seasonality. Since Greece is a very popular destination in the summer, the tickets for summer dates are more expensive. You should keep that in mind when planning your trip. The cheapest months to travel business class to Athens are January through March and September through November when the demand for tickets is lower. Also, booking your tickets 3–6 months in advance can lead to savings of 20–35% on average.

Layover airports can make a difference in price.
Since there are no direct flights between LAX and ATH, it's inevitable that you'll have at least one layover. Choosing a layover in a secondary European hub like Istanbul (IST) or Zurich (ZRH) instead of London (LHR) or Paris (CDG) can lower the price by 15–25%. This is because the airport taxes and fees are lower, and the demand is generally lower. This way, you will get all the perks of traveling business class for a good price.

Use miles and loyalty programs.
In some cases, you can save thousands by redeeming airline miles. For example, if you’re a member of Lufthansa’s Miles&More program, you could get an award ticket for as little as 77,000 miles and only pay the taxes and fees that are usually included in the fare.

Pro tip: If you don’t have enough miles, credit card transfer partners like American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards allow you to transfer points to airline loyalty programs.

Use the best platforms for booking discounted business class tickets.

If you’re not using miles, consider booking through business-class-focused travel agencies that offer discounted fares. For example, Priceline offers Express Deals – heavily discounted tickets that could offer you the perfect business class experience at a good price.

Additional Tips for a Smooth Journey

Seat selection matters.
Some airlines (like British Airways and Lufthansa) still operate older business-class seats on select aircraft. To ensure you get a seat with direct aisle access, you can check the seat map before booking on websites like SeatGuru, and select your seat on your airline’s website once the option becomes available (usually 48 hours before the flight).

Take advantage of business class lounges before your flight.
Your exquisite trip can start many hours before you board the plane. Since business class lounges have lots of relaxation and dining options to offer, you can arrive at the airport early and enjoy your time there. For example, you could have a top restaurant-level meal, then unwind in a massage chair while waiting for your flight.

Final Insights

Choosing a business class flight to get from Los Angeles to Athens is a great way to start your trip. Considering all the amenities and services that airlines offer you on business-class flights, your journey across the ocean will be a comfortable and exciting experience. All you need to do is pick an airline that will satisfy your needs and follow some smart booking tips; then, you’ll get the most comfortable flight for a convenient price. And if you don’t want to trouble yourself with comparing what different airlines, airports, and layover cities can offer you, Priceline experts are here to help. They will gladly help you plan a great trip and will get you the best deals on business class flights.