Business Class Flight Deals to Athens from $3812

Planning your business class trip to Athens

When plotting your business class journey to Athens, consider flight duration and itinerary options. Nonstop flights from East Coast hubs like New York (JFK) and Philadelphia take around 10 hours, while West Coast departures add about three hours, often requiring a layover. Emirates and AEGEAN offer convenient direct flights, while Turkish Airlines and American Airlines provide flights with layovers allowing you to save around 20-40% on your fare.

If you're flying out of New York, Emirates and AEGEAN offers a nonstop flight from Newark (EWR) to Athens (ATH), clocking in at around 9.5 hours. While the direct route might set you back a bit more—about 15% higher ($4471 for a round-trip) than flights with layovers—the time you save is gold.

For those departing from Los Angeles or San Francisco, Turkish Airlines provides a compelling option. You'll have a stopover in Istanbul, but the airline's top-notch business class amenities make the extra travel time worth it. Plus, these flights typically cost around $3,055 to $4,030 for a round-trip ticket. The layover also allows you to stretch your legs and maybe even enjoy a spa treatment in their exclusive CIP Lounge.

Lastly, from Chicago and Washington D.C., Turkish Airlines provides one-stop service through Istanbul International Airport, with round-trip fares starting at $2,764—a 15% savings over nonstop options. The journey takes around 14-15 hours, with a brief layover in Istanbul.

Miami travelers can enjoy a business class flight with a layover via American Airlines, with flights starting at around $3,484 round-trip. The 11-hour flight ensures a swift journey to Athens.

Lastly, from Chicago and Washington D.C., Turkish Airlines provides one-stop service through Istanbul International Airport, with round-trip fares starting at $2,764—a 15% savings over nonstop options. The journey takes around 14-15 hours, with a brief layover in Istanbul.

How to Travel from Athens International Airport (ATH) to Downtown: Trains, Taxis, and More

Also, let's schedule your airport pickup. Athens International Airport (ATH) is just 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the city center, and here are eight options to plan your ground transportation:

• Metro: Located at Terminal 3’s basement level, the Metro runs from 6 AM to midnight, taking 40 minutes to reach the city center. Tickets cost approximately €10 ($12).
• Taxi: Available 24/7 outside arrivals, taxis charge a flat fare of €38 ($42) by day and €54 ($60) by night to the city center, with payment options including cash or card.
• Express Bus: The X95 Express Bus departs from the arrivals level and runs continuously between the airport and Syntagma Square. The journey takes about 60 minutes and costs €6 ($6,64) per person.
• Private Transfer: Private transfer services can be booked in advance and are available at the airport’s private transfer desk in Terminal 3. Prices start at around €50 ($55) for a standard sedan, offering door-to-door service with professional drivers.
• Ride-Sharing Services: Local alternatives to Uber, such as Beat, operate from the arrivals area, with fares between €35 ($39) and €45 ($50) depending on traffic.
• Car Rentals: Operate from Terminal 3, with major companies like Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise available. Rentals start around €30 ($33) per day, offering flexibility for exploring Athens.
• Shuttle: Hotel-affiliated shuttles to major hotels cost around €25 per person, with reservations recommended.
• Limousine: Luxurious sedan transfers start at €70, perfect for business travelers or those seeking a premium experience.

Choosing the best airline offering business class to Athens

Let’s take a closer look at what airlines like Emirates, American Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and AEGEAN have to offer, so you can make the best choice.

Emirates

Emirates sets the bar high for business class journeys. Its Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft feature lavish business class cabins (known as Business Suites) with direct aisle access in a 1-2-1 configuration. The lie-flat seats, stretching up to 79 inches, are complemented by an 18.5-inch touchscreen entertainment system with Emirates' award-winning ICE, offering over 4,500 channels.

Each seat boasts personal mini-bars, ample storage, and high-speed Wi-Fi. The meal selection is diverse and luxurious. Passengers can enjoy a cocktail list, a rich dessert covered in gold glitter, and a gourmet dining experience that includes dishes like roasted carrot and cumin soup, casarecce with red pepper puree, and dulce de leche tarte.

The amenity kit contains practical products like shaving cream, a razor, a toothbrush, and toothpaste, alongside Bulgari Homme products for rejuvenated skin. Additionally, the kit includes an eye mask for added comfort during the flight.

Emirates partners with various airlines, expanding its global reach. Its Skywards loyalty program offers competitive rewards, with business class flights from the US to Dubai starting at around 145,000 miles round-trip. However, savvy travelers can convert points from programs like American Express Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards to Emirates Skywards at a 1:1 ratio, often yielding better value.

American Airlines

American Airlines is a top choice for transatlantic travel, offering premium service and competitive pricing, especially for business class. Their Flagship Business Class on Boeing 777-300ERs and 787-9s provides a 1-2-1 seating configuration, ensuring every passenger enjoys direct aisle access and a spacious, lie-flat seat designed for maximum comfort. The seats also feature privacy dividers, intuitive controls, multiple charging ports, and 18.5-inch touchscreens with a wide selection of entertainment to keep you entertained on the 7 to 9-hour journey to London.

When it comes to dining, American Airlines excels with multi-course meals crafted by top chefs. Expect gourmet appetizers, a variety of main courses, fresh bread, decadent desserts, and a curated selection of wines, spirits, and beers.

The amenity kit is thoughtfully designed with essentials like a toothbrush, toothpaste, lip balm, hand lotion from Allies of Skin, an eye mask, cozy socks, and earplugs—ensuring you arrive feeling refreshed. As a Oneworld Alliance member, American Airlines also offers access to a vast network of global connections and premium lounges, adding to the comfort and convenience of your journey.

For frequent flyers, a round-trip business class ticket to London typically costs around 115,000 AAdvantage miles, but there's a hack: by using partner programs like Etihad Guest, you could book the same one-way seat for as low as 50,000 miles, providing significant savings and making your luxury trip more affordable.

Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines offers an outstanding business class experience on flights to Athens aboard their Boeing 777 and Airbus A330 aircraft. Each passenger enjoys a spacious, lie-flat seat with direct aisle access, adjustable privacy panels, and ample storage space, ensuring a relaxing and comfortable flight. The seating arrangement also features a generous personal entertainment system, perfect for long-haul journeys.

The dining experience truly sets Turkish Airlines apart. Onboard chefs prepare multi-course meals that include fresh salads, authentic mezes, grilled meats, seafood, and a fine selection of wines, spirits, and traditional Turkish tea and coffee. The menu regularly incorporates Turkish cuisine favorites for those looking to sample local flavors, adding to the in-flight luxury.

Travelers are treated to a luxurious Ferragamo amenity kit filled with essentials like socks, facial mist, lip balm, body lotion, earplugs, and dental care products. Slippers are also provided, enhancing comfort throughout the flight. The lavatories are stocked with premium Molton Brown products, including fragrances and hand creams, ensuring a touch of elegance even in the smallest details.

As a member of Star Alliance, Turkish Airlines provides business class passengers with lounge access at Athens Airport, offering a quiet space to unwind before their flight. Frequent flyers can take advantage of excellent mileage options: redeeming just 88,000 Miles&Smiles miles for a round-trip business class flight from the U.S. to Athens while earning up to 90,000 miles for future trips. This combination of comfort, exceptional service, and value makes Turkish Airlines a top choice for business travelers heading to Athens.

AEGEAN

AEGEAN, Greece's largest airline, offers a refined business class experience that blends comfort and hospitality. Its Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft feature business class cabins with generous seat pitch, ranging from 31 to 34 inches, in a 3-3 configuration. While not offering lie-flat seats, AEGEAN focuses on personal space and exceptional service.

Each seat has USB ports and adjustable headrests for a comfortable journey. The in-flight entertainment system, with touchscreens, offers a variety of movies, TV shows, and music. AEGEAN's dining experience showcases Greek cuisine. AEGEAN's amenity kit includes essentials like an eye mask, earplugs, socks, and skincare products from Korres.

As a Star Alliance member, AEGEAN provides access to a global network of connections and lounges, enhancing the overall travel experience. The Miles+Bonus loyalty program offers competitive rewards, with business class flights from the US to Athens starting at around 90,000 miles round-trip. For better value, consider transferring points from programs like Marriott Bonvoy to Miles+Bonus at a 3:1 ratio, with a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 points transferred.

Arriving in Athens: Navigating Athens’s airport efficiently

Upon landing at Athens International Airport (ATH), also known as Eleftherios Venizelos, business class travelers enjoy swift disembarkation and priority luggage handling, ensuring a speedy start to your Greek adventure.

Post-landing, follow the clear signage to passport control and baggage claim. Pay close attention to signs directing you to domestic departures for connections or baggage claim for Athens-bound travelers. Non-EU travelers, including U.S. citizens, should follow "non-EU" signs. Avoid "Schengen" lines.

Athens Airport offers a range of lounges for comfort and convenience:

• Aegean Business Lounge: Located in the Schengen area, it offers complimentary Wi-Fi, refreshments, and a business center.
• Goldair Handling Lounge: Situated in the non-Schengen area, it provides similar amenities with a focus on luxury.
• Skyserv Lounges: Two lounges (one in each area) offering comfortable seating, food, and drinks.

Maximize your time by visiting the airport museum, shopping for Greek goods, or enjoying a meal at the food court.

Tips for business class travelers heading to Athens

• Consider traveling in the shoulder seasons to snag the best deals on business class flights to Athens. April and October offer pleasant weather and lower fares, with savings up to 20% compared to peak summer months.
• Flying on Tuesdays or Wednesdays can yield significant savings, as these are typically the cheapest days to travel.
• Opting for one-stop flights can reduce ticket prices by up to 30%. However, be mindful of connection times. Aim for layovers of 2-3 hours to minimize stress and maximize efficiency.
• Utilize Priceline's "Name Your Own Price" tool to bid on business class tickets. Savvy travelers can save up to 40% by bidding strategically. Remember, flexibility is key, as you won't know the exact flight times until your bid is accepted.
• For seamless exploration, purchase the ATH.ENA Card, is a multi-day pass offering unlimited public transportation access, including buses, trams, and the metro. Available in 24-, 48-, or 72-hour options, this card simplifies getting around Athens and saves money compared to buying individual tickets.

FAQs

Which airlines offer the best business class experience to Athens?

Two airlines that stand out for their business class experience to Athens are Emirates and Turkish Airlines. Emirates is known for its luxurious amenities and onboard lounge. Turkish Airlines offers excellent service with spacious seating and delicious cuisine.

What are the main benefits of flying business class to Athens?

Superior in-flight service, gourmet meals, and premium beverages further elevate the travel experience, making long-haul flights more enjoyable and productive.

Can I pre-order meals on business class flights with Emirates, American Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and AEGEAN?

Yes, you can pre-order meals on business class flights with all these airlines.

What is the cheapest day to fly business class to Athens?

The cheapest days to fly business class to Athens are typically Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Fares can be up to 15% lower compared to weekends, particularly Fridays and Sundays.

How long does it take to fly from the US to Athens, Greece?

The flight duration from the US to Athens varies depending on the departure city. On average, a non-stop flight from the East Coast (e.g., New York) takes around 9-10 hours, while flights from the West Coast (e.g., Los Angeles) can take approximately 12-13 hours.

Are there airport lounges available for business class travelers flying to Athens?

Yes, Athens Airport offers several lounges for business class travelers. In the Satellite Terminal, the Goldair Handling x AIA Lounge provides food and drinks until 10:00 PM. In Terminal A (Non-Schengen), options include the Aegean Business Lounge (open until midnight), the 24-hour Goldair CIP Lounge, and the Skyserv Aristotle Onassis Lounge, which closes at 8:00 PM. For Terminal B (Schengen) travelers, there’s the Aegean Business Lounge, the 24-hour Goldair CIP Lounge, the Lufthansa Lounge (open until 9:00 PM), and the Skyserv Melina Merkouri Lounge, open until 10:00 PM.

Can I use frequent flier miles to book business class flights to Athens?

Yes, you can use frequent flier miles to book business class flights to Athens. Some popular programs include: AEGEAN Miles+Bonus, Emirates Skywards, American Airlines AAdvantage, and Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles.