EOS flights plus hotels in New York and London

[jashermd]

Hello,

I've noticed that EOS is featured on the LL site and I've been interested in trying it for quite some time. It would be great to see some New York and London packages combined with EOS flights. The exchange rate makes going to New York quite attractive for people on this side of the pond, and EOS would make it even more attractive.

Cheers,
Julian

[claassenam]

Forgive me, but what is EOS?

[jashermd]

Hi Claas,

EOS is one of the new 'business class only' airlines (the others are Maxjet and Silverjet) that are doing the New York - London route. They're less expensive than first class on a regular airline but offer flat beds, much more space, etc. The only problem on the London end is that they use Luton and Stansted, which are only 'London' airports if you use a very generous definition of the term...

http://www.eosairlines.com

Cheers,
Julian

[claassenam]

How interesting, I'd never heard of these - thanks for the heads up on a new travel possibility to Europe!

[jashermd]

Hello,

No problem. I'm very tempted to fly with one of them for my next trip to New York -- their fares start around 800 return on my end, which is just about what Virgin charges for premium economy. But there is the whole Stansted thing, which is a pain as Stansted is over 5 hours from Oxford whereas Heathrow is 90 minutes away. And there's the frequent flier miles as well -- I've used miles for quite a few of my Africa trips and going with a non-standard airline might mean losing out on that benefit.

Cheers,
Julian

[claassenam]

How far away is Stansted from London itself? And what would be the best way to get from Stansted to London if you weren't renting a car?

I understand about the frequent flier miles issue - I know feel rather chained to United airlines (and the Star Alliance) which can sometimes be a pain but really pays off when I upgrade the long-haul flights. I think in the long run it really pays to be loyal to one airline assuming they fly where you want to go....

[kboojd]

claassenam wrote:

I understand about the frequent flier miles issue - I know feel rather chained to United airlines (and the Star Alliance) which can sometimes be a pain but really pays off when I upgrade the long-haul flights. I think in the long run it really pays to be loyal to one airline assuming they fly where you want to go....

I totally agree - when EOS first started up, the major airlines matched some of the prices. I was able to find business class air on AA for around $1300-$1500 USD. Now AA seems to be competing by filling up their coach cabin - I have seen coach nonstops JFK-LHR for under $300 - and offering crazy bonus miles for flying AA to LHR - on the order of 25,000-50,000 miles! Too bad I can't wangle a business trip over there right now.

[jashermd]

Hi Claas,

There is a train from Stansted to London but it's pretty expensive (though some of the business-only airlines include a first-class train ticket with their fares). I think it's about an hour and a half.

The main problem is for those of us who don't actually live in London but fly out of there (in other words, the majority of people in this country). Stansted is in the middle of no where and quite hard to get to unless you are coming from London. If I have to go into London, I might as well fly out of Heathrow - I'm not sure that the savings is worth the time I'd waste getting into and out of London.

I really hope one of these airlines will get a slot at Gatwick -- even Easyjet (one of the bargain airlines) flies out of Gatwick so it must not be that unreasonable, and transportation to Gatwick is much more reasonable than transportation to Stansted or Luton.

Cheers,
Julian

[wendy47]

Eos declared bancruptcy about two weeks ago

[bonniejoy03]

What? I am so far behind in my travel magazines and was just reading one with an ad for Eos. The airline looked great and so personalized. Is it still operating or completely shut down. The concept was great.