Considering Egyptair’s domestic business class for short hops like Cairo to Hurghada? Does the modest price difference justify the upgrade? We recently put it to the test and our detailed review reveals whether the lounge access, seat comfort and priority services make it worthwhile.
Introduction
Egyptair operates a fleet of Airbus A220, A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft for domestic flights within Egypt. We noticed that prices for domestic business class seats are often only marginally higher than economy – sometimes as little as US$15 more each way. With such small price differences, is it worth paying extra to fly business class on Egyptair’s short domestic flights? We recently had the chance to fly Egyptair’s business class on one of their Boeing 737-800 aircraft from Cairo to Hurghada and here is our review of the full experience.
Website: www.egyptair.com
A Smooth and Efficient Check-in Process
Our journey with Egyptair business class started with a very smooth check-in process at Cairo Airport Terminal 3 (Domestic Departures). Egyptair has dedicated business class counters, so we were able to avoid the economy class lines. The agent quickly printed my boarding pass, tagged our checked bags as priority and we were on our way. For your information, baggage allowance is:
Checked Baggage: 1 piece of 32 kg | Hand Baggage: 2 pieces of 8 kg each
TIP: Do not proceed to the second security point (just before the departure gates) more than 2 hours before your departure time, as they may ask you to wait.
The Small but Convenient Business Class Lounge
The Egyptair business class lounge is located just before the second security screening area. The lounge itself is on the smaller side, with seating for around 30 passengers. It offers the usual amenities you’d expect like hot and cold beverages, sandwiches, pastries and clean bathrooms. It is not an elaborate lounge by any means, but it provides a comfortable place to relax before your flight. The major benefit is skipping the overpriced and unappetising food at the nearby cafes in the terminal.
Priority Boarding Without The Frills
When it was time to board, business class passengers were invited to board first. However, Egyptair does not use separate buses for business class – we all boarded the same buses bound for the remote stands. Still, we were able to board quickly and settle in with minimal fuss.
TIP: You might have to jump the queue if staff does not call for priority boarding.
Spacious Recliner Seats in a Dated Cabin
Egyptair’s 737-800s have 24 business class seats arranged in a 2-2 configuration. The seats are fairly wide recliners with a good amount of legroom and a footrest. The seat pitch was 48 inches and seat width was 19.8 inches, with the tray table in the armrest.
One of us is 6’1″ and had no issues getting comfortable. The seat controls were very basic and the cabin itself looked quite dated. This wasn’t a big issue for us given the short 1.5 hour flight time. But it is something to note if you are expecting lavish surroundings.
Complimentary Snacks and Drinks, But Limited Service
Being a dry airline, Egyptair does not serve alcohol, but they do offer complimentary soft drinks, juice, tea and coffee in business class. We were also given a snack box with a sandwich, cake and packaged condiments. The crew fulfilled requests in a friendly manner, but service was definitely sparse on this quick domestic hop. No amenity kits or other frills were provided.
No In-Flight Entertainment – Bring Your Own!
Egyptair’s 737-800 fleet does not offer any in-flight entertainment, so make sure to bring your own loaded tablet or e-reader if you need entertainment. There is no Wi-Fi either. With the short flight times we did not mind having no IFE, but it is something to consider if you are used to having screens at every seat.
Priority Disembarkation – First Off the Plane!
One of the biggest advantages of flying business on Egyptair’s domestic routes is you are usually the first passenger off the plane upon landing. Our checked luggage was also given priority status, so they came out quickly at baggage claim in Hurghada. This allowed us to swiftly get out of the airport and get on with our vacation.
Comparative Pricing: Business vs Economy Class
On domestic flights, business class seats may only be priced marginally higher than economy seats. Here’s a comparative example:
Sectors | Business Class | Economy Class | Difference |
CAIRO – HURGHADA | 116 | 91 | 25 |
CAIRO – SHARM EL SHEIKH | 125 | 91 | 31 |
MARSA ALAM – CAIRO | 120 | 105 | 15 |
*One way tickets | All prices are in US$ | Skyscanner.com
Is Egyptair’s Domestic Business Class Worth the Extra Cost?
Overall, we found Egyptair’s domestic business class experience to be worthwhile due to:
- Dedicated check-in counters and priority bag handling
- Access to the business class lounge
- Spacious, comfortable seats
- Priority boarding and deplaning
- Free snacks and drinks on board
- Marginally higher prices compared to economy class
The hard product itself is quite dated and service levels are very basic. But for flights under 2 hours within Egypt, we found the marginal extra cost of business class to be money well spent. The access to their small business class lounge, additional space, expedited processes on the ground and shortened wait times after landing more than made up for the lack of luxury touches in the air.
If trying to stretch your budget, economy would certainly get you from A to B just fine. However, Egyptair’s domestic business class provides a nice improvement for very little extra. We would book it again, especially when travelling at peak times when the airports are more congested.
What is Egyptair’s Domestic Business Class Cabin Like?
Configuration and Seat Details
- 2-2 seat configuration
- 24 recliner seats total on the Boeing 737-800
- Seat pitch of 48 inches
- Seat width of 20 inches
- Footrests are provided but don’t add much comfort
- Recline is decent but seats are showing their age
- Cabin design and finishes look quite dated and worn
- Window seats provide most privacy
Onboard Services and Amenities
- Complimentary snack box with sandwich, cake and drink
- Tea, coffee, juices and soft drinks
- No alcohol served on Egyptair
- No amenity kits provided
- No in-flight entertainment or Wi-Fi
Is Egyptair a Good Airline?
- Egyptair is the flag carrier of Egypt and a member of the Star Alliance
- Operates a fleet of around thirty 737-800 aircrafts for domestic and regional flying
- Considered a safe and reliable airline by industry benchmarks
- Service style is efficient but not especially polished or upscale
Sustainability: Is Egyptair Doing Its Part?
Egyptair follows the Star Alliance’s Sustainability strategy. In its annual report, the airline mentions:
The Star Alliance and its member airlines place considerable importance in enhancing individuals and communities via sustainable air travel. In order to achieve this, members are dedicated to decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and their environmental footprint, all while striving towards the industry’s objective of attaining net-zero carbon emissions.
What is Cairo Airport’s Domestic Terminal Like for Business Class Passengers?
Navigating the Terminal
- Cairo Airport’s Terminal 3 is used for all domestic flights
- You pass through a first security checkpoint just as you enter the terminal and before the check-in area
- Proceed to the small business class lounge after checking in, located on the left before the second security screening
- Gates are mostly remote stands requiring a bus transfer to the aircraft
Checking In
- Dedicated business class counters provide quicker check-in
- Bags get tagged as priority for faster handling
The Business Class Lounge
- Capacity for around 30 passengers (there is a small outside seating area)
- Provides a comfortable pre-flight retreat
- Amenities include snacks, hot and cold drinks and clean but dated bathrooms
- Avoid the overpriced terminal cafes by using the lounge (US$ 7 for a tuna sandwich is particularly unpalatable!)
Boarding and Buses to the Aircraft
- Business class passengers invited to board first
- But all passengers use the same buses to reach remote stands
- However, we were still able to settle in and get comfortable fairly quickly
What is Egyptair’s Business Class Meal Service Like on Domestic Flights?
- Egyptair is a dry airline and does not serve alcohol
- Business class passengers are given complimentary snack boxes
- Usually includes a sandwich, cake or pastry and condiments
- Complimentary hot and cold drinks are offered as well
- Tea, coffee and juices are the beverage options
- Meal quality and choices are quite basic
- Service is friendly but limited due to the short flights
What Kind of Amenities Do You Get in Egyptair Domestic Business Class?
- No amenity kits offered on these shorter flights
- No headphones provided
- No in-flight entertainment
- Power ports are not available at the seats
The lack of amenities is likely due to the short 1-1.5 hour flight times on domestic routes. While amenity kits and headphones would be nice, their absence did not detract from the experience much.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Flying Business Class on Egyptair?
Pros
- Dedicated check-in and boarding
- Access to the business class airport lounge
- Spacious, comfortable recliner seats
- Extra legroom and recline
- Priority baggage handling saves time
- First off the plane
- Free snacks and drinks served onboard
Cons
- Dated cabin interiors on older aircraft
- Very limited meal choices and simplicity
- No in-flight entertainment or Wi-Fi
- No amenities like headphones
- Service not as polished and attentive as other airlines
Overall, the pros of access to the business lounge, extra space, expedited processes and minimal cost over economy make Egyptair’s domestic business class an appealing choice on flights within Egypt. The cons like lack of luxury are easy to overlook on these shorter flights.
Tips for Flying Egyptair Domestic Business Class
- Book early to select your preferred seats for free (Try Skyscanner)
- Arrive at the airport 2 hours before departure
- Head straight to the business class check-in counters after the first security check
- Proceed to the lounge but do not go to the gate too early (your flight should be within 2 hours)
- Board first when invited and settle in quickly
- Keep expectations in check – this a very basic business class
- Bring your own entertainment as there is no entertainment on most domestic flights on Egyptair
- Enjoy priority baggage handling and deplaning
Final Verdict: Should You Fly Egyptair for Domestic Business Class?
While it lacks some of the luxury frills and amenities of other airline’s business classes, Egyptair does provide solid value for money. The ability to book seats in advance, relax in the lounge and disembark quickly after landing were the biggest advantages for us.
The experience is basic, but well worth the small premium over economy class – especially when flying during peak congested times. We would recommend trying Egyptair’s domestic business class if you can get it for only $15-$30 over economy. For travel within Egypt, it hits a sweet spot between price and comfort.
Check-in (Priority)
Lounge
Boarding (Priority)
Seat Comfort
Food & Beverage
In-Flight Entertainment
Service (on-board)
Arrival (Priority)
Punctuality
Value for Money
OVERALL
FAQs
Q: How would you review Egyptair’s 737-800 business class for domestic flights?
A: We would rate the Egyptair 737 Business Class experience as average. The service was basic, with friendly and attentive flight attendants. The business seats were comfortable and spacious but dated. Overall, it was good value for money.
Q: How comfortable are the seats in Egyptair’s 737-800 business class?
A: The business class seats on Egyptair’s 737-800 have ample legroom and adjustable backrest but no personal entertainment system. However, this was sufficient for a short-haul flight.
Q: What is the service like from the flight attendants on the domestic business class flights?
A: On Egyptair’s 737-800 domestic business class flights, the flight attendants offer prompt and friendly service. However, in our experience, they would rarely go above and beyond their basic duties.
Q: Is there any special business lounge at Cairo airport for Egyptair business class passengers?
A: Yes, there is an exclusive (but small and basic) business lounge at the Cairo airport for Egyptair’s business class passengers (domestic sector). It offers a range of services including basic food, beverage and seating area, making the wait for your flight a bit more comfortable.
Q: How is the food and service in the Egyptair 737-800 business class?
A: The food and service in Egyptair’s 737-800 business class are basic on domestic flights. They serve sandwiches, cakes and beverages. The attentive flight attendant ensures that all your dining needs are met satisfactorily.
Q: Does Egyptair use 737-800 aircraft for most of their domestic flights?
A: Yes, Egyptair uses the Boeing 737-800, among other aircrafts, for many of their domestic business class flights, offering passengers a comfortable and smooth flight experience.
Q: How different is the 737-800 business class from the first class on Egyptair?
A: Egyptair does not have first class on its Boeing 737-800 planes.
Egyptair can do so much better. For a local short haul flight, it looks adequate especially at these price points.