An ever-growing number of unaffiliated airlines is shaking up the aviation business by providing enticing alternatives to big-name carriers.
What’s more, they usually offer very affordable prices.
Many have a geographic focus that makes them particularly well suited to specific routes.
French Bee operates economical nonstops to France and Tahiti, among other in-demand destinations.Credit:Courtesy of French Bee
Heres a closer look.
Business Class?Exclusively, with just 76 lay-flat seats.
Business Class?Yes, featuring private pods with lay-flat seats in a 1-2-1 arrangement.
La Compagnie has business-class seats to France.Getty Images
(It also serves the Indian Ocean island of Reunion from Paris-Orly Airport.)
In a nod to all that overwater flying, cabins are decorated in calming blues.
Business Class?Nope.
Condor’s livery, or paint job, is famously jaunty.Courtesy of Condor
Premium economy may be worth the upgrade.
Coach is nothing special, but premium-economy seats are often a steal compared with what more established competitors charge.
Business Class?Not quite.
Norse Atlantic has often fantastic deals to Europe.Courtesy of Norse Atlantic
Business Class?Itsonlybusiness class.
Unlike most indie airlines,Starluxtrips do earn rewards, thanks to a partnership with Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan.
Business Class?Business and everything else.
Beond has luxury trips to the Maldives.Courtesy of Beond
It offers four cabin choices, from affordable economy to full-on first class.
Watch Out For:Youll need at least one connection to go beyond Taipei.
A green-tea service, brewed with leaves grown on JeJu Island, is a nice nod to HQ.
Starlux Airlines is a noteworthy alternative for Asia trips.Courtesy of Starlux
Business Class?No, but premium-economy seats have seven more inches of legroom than the ones in coach.
The one thing they dont charge for, surprisingly, is Wi-Fi.
Business Class?Yes, with fully flat seats in a 1-2-1 configuration.
Air Premia is a solid alternative for flights to Seoul and beyond.Courtesy of Air Premia
Watch Out For:The pay-per-service model applies to all fare classes.
Zipair Tokyo has sleek premium seats for trips across the Pacific.Getty Images
