Traveling across the Atlantic presents a range of choices, from luxurious first-class cabins to more modest business-class options. Recently, I faced a decision between flying LOT Polish Airlines’ Airlines 787 Business Class or Singapore Airlines’ Boeing 777 First Class from Chicago to Warsaw. After much deliberation—and input from readers—I opted for LOT’s 8-hour, 20-minute flight to experience a lesser-discussed Star Alliance carrier. My last journey with LOT was years ago, so I was eager to assess how their business class holds up in 2025.
This review shares initial impressions of LOT’s 787 Business Class, covering seating, dining, entertainment, and service. While a detailed trip report will follow, this post offers a comprehensive look at whether LOT’s offering meets expectations for a premium transatlantic experience.
Overview of Airlines 787 Business Class Experience
LOT Polish Airlines operates Boeing 787 Dreamliners on many transatlantic routes, featuring a business class that’s functional but not cutting-edge. The cabin’s strengths include flavorful dining and friendly service, but outdated seats and limited amenities hold it back. For travelers seeking a reliable yet unremarkable experience, LOT delivers, though it falls short of the polish offered by top-tier competitors like Lufthansa or Singapore Airlines.
This review breaks down the key components—seating, food, entertainment, and service—to help you decide if LOT’s 787 Business Class is worth booking for your next trip.
Seating – Functional but Dated
LOT’s 787 Business Class features a 2-2-2 configuration with 24 fully flat seats. Years ago, this layout was competitive, but in 2025, it feels outdated compared to modern reverse-herringbone or private-suite designs offered by carriers like Qatar Airways or Delta. Each seat provides ample space and converts into a flat bed, which is comfortable for sleeping, especially on an eastbound overnight flight.
Traveling with a companion makes the 2-2-2 setup appealing, as you can sit side-by-side without barriers. On my flight, the cabin was only half full, allowing passengers to spread out, with some enjoying two seats to themselves. This added privacy enhanced the experience, but a full cabin might feel less comfortable, especially if seated next to a stranger, as there’s no divider for added seclusion.
The seats lack modern touches like adjustable privacy screens or spacious footwells, which are standard on newer products. Still, they’re practical for shorter transatlantic hops, particularly if you prioritize sleep over luxury. For solo travelers or those on a daytime flight, the lack of innovation may be more noticeable.
Entertainment and Connectivity – Room for Improvement
In-flight entertainment and connectivity are critical for a premium experience, but LOT’s offering lags behind. The 787’s entertainment system includes a decent selection of movies and TV shows, displayed on personal screens. However, the library feels dated, lacking the latest releases or curated content found on airlines like Emirates or United. Travelers accustomed to extensive catalogs may find LOT’s options underwhelming, so bringing personal entertainment—such as downloaded shows or e-books—is advisable.
A significant drawback is the absence of Wi-Fi. In 2025, connectivity is a standard expectation in business class, and LOT’s failure to offer it feels like a missed opportunity. For passengers on long daytime flights, this limitation could make the journey feel tedious, especially without a robust entertainment library to compensate. Choosing an overnight flight, as I did, mitigates this issue by prioritizing sleep over screen time.
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Dining – Flavorful but Inconsistent
Dining in business class sets expectations for quality and presentation, and LOT’s catering is a mixed bag. The food quality is a highlight, surpassing some competitors, but execution and consistency need refinement.
For the main meal, the menu listed two appetizer options: pickled prawns with fennel puree or roasted carrot soup with parsley. Without being offered a choice, I received the prawns, which were flavorful but lacked finesse in presentation. The main course, cheese ravioli with vegetable puttanesca sauce, was a standout—served on a large plate and clearly prepared with care in the galley. The taste was excellent, though the plating appeared haphazard, as if the sauce was applied without attention to aesthetics.
A post-dinner trolley with cheese and dessert options was a delightful touch, adding a sense of indulgence rarely seen on shorter transatlantic flights. This offering rivaled premium carriers and was a highlight of the meal service.
Breakfast, however, was less impressive. The menu promised hot and cold options, but I was automatically served the cold one without explanation. Upon inquiring, I learned the hot option wasn’t available, which was disappointing in a half-full cabin. Interestingly, a passenger upgraded to business class after boarding—possibly a crew member’s relative—received the hot option, suggesting inventory mismanagement. Later, a flight attendant offered me a hot dish taken from another passenger’s tray, which felt unprofessional by North American standards.
Coffee service further highlighted inconsistencies. The menu listed cappuccinos, but the crew lacked milk-frothing equipment, rendering the option unavailable. The americano, made from a single onboard machine, was tasty but took 15 minutes to arrive due to high demand in a half-full cabin. A full flight would likely exacerbate this delay, pointing to a need for additional equipment.
Overall, LOT’s food quality is competitive, but lapses in menu accuracy, presentation, and availability detract from the experience. Attention to these details could elevate the dining to a higher standard.
Service – Warm but Unpolished
The crew’s warmth and enthusiasm were undeniable, setting a positive tone for the flight. Both the purser and business class flight attendants were attentive, frequently checking on passengers with genuine smiles. Small gestures, like pouring wine at the seat and offering Polish sweets during descent, added a personal touch that reflected cultural hospitality.
Despite their good intentions, the service lacked refinement. Inconsistent meal service, such as serving appetizers without offering a choice or failing to stock menu-listed items, suggested a need for better training or processes. The crew’s apologies for shortcomings were sincere, but these issues could frustrate travelers expecting seamless service in business class.
The practice of upgrading passengers after boarding, while common, felt poorly managed when those upgraded received unavailable menu items. This oversight risks alienating paying customers, particularly in a premium cabin. With refinement, LOT’s service could match the warmth of its crew with the consistency expected in business class.
Comparing LOT to Other Star Alliance Carriers
Within the Star Alliance, LOT competes with carriers like Lufthansa, United, and Air Canada on transatlantic routes. Its 787 Business Class falls short of Lufthansa’s modern seats or United’s Polaris cabins, which offer privacy-focused designs and Wi-Fi. However, LOT’s catering surpasses United’s inconsistent dining, and its friendly service outshines Air Canada’s occasionally impersonal approach.
For travelers prioritizing cost or schedule, LOT’s direct flights to Warsaw and other European destinations are appealing, especially within the Star Alliance network for earning or redeeming miles. However, those seeking a luxurious experience may prefer carriers with newer hard products and robust amenities.
Strategic Considerations for Booking LOT
Choosing LOT’s 787 Business Class depends on your priorities. Here are key factors to consider:
- Flight Timing: Overnight eastbound flights are ideal, as the flat-bed seats facilitate sleep, and the lack of Wi-Fi or modern entertainment is less noticeable.
- Travel Companions: The 2-2-2 configuration suits couples or friends traveling together, offering easy conversation without barriers.
- Budget and Schedule: LOT often offers competitive fares within the Star Alliance, making it a practical choice for direct routes to Poland or connecting flights in Europe.
- Expectations: If you value gourmet dining and cutting-edge amenities, you may find LOT lacking. For a functional, no-frills business class, it suffices.
Pairing LOT with a stopover in Warsaw can enhance the experience, allowing you to explore a vibrant city while leveraging the airline’s hub. Using miles through Star Alliance partners like United or Aeroplan can also make the fare more attractive.
Future Improvements for LOT’s Business Class
To compete with top-tier carriers, LOT could consider the following upgrades:
- Modernized Seats: Transitioning to a 1-2-1 configuration with direct-aisle access and privacy dividers would align with industry standards.
- Wi-Fi Implementation: Adding connectivity would address a major gap, especially for daytime or long-haul flights.
- Enhanced Entertainment: Updating the content library with recent releases and improving screen quality would elevate the passenger experience.
- Service Consistency: Streamlining meal service processes and ensuring menu accuracy would enhance professionalism.
- Additional Equipment: Investing in a second coffee machine or milk-frothing tools would improve beverage service efficiency.
These changes could transform LOT’s business class into a more competitive product, appealing to discerning travelers while maintaining its cultural charm.
FAQ’s
What are the seats like in LOT Polish Airlines’ 787 Business Class?
The seats are fully flat in a 2-2-2 configuration, comfortable for sleeping but outdated compared to modern 1-2-1 designs. They suit couples but lack privacy for solo travelers on full flights.
How is the dining experience in LOT’s 787 Business Class?
Dining is a highlight, with flavorful dishes like cheese ravioli and a dessert trolley. However, inconsistent execution, such as unavailable menu items or haphazard plating, can detract from the experience.
Does LOT’s 787 Business Class offer Wi-Fi or modern entertainment?
No Wi-Fi is available, a significant drawback in 2025. The entertainment system has a decent but dated selection of movies and TV shows, so bringing personal entertainment is recommended.
How does the service quality compare to other Star Alliance carriers?
The crew is warm and attentive, but service lacks polish due to inconsistencies, like menu inaccuracies. It’s friendlier than Air Canada’s but falls short of Lufthansa’s refined standards.
Is LOT’s 787 Business Class a good choice for transatlantic flights?
It’s a practical option for overnight eastbound flights or budget-conscious travelers within Star Alliance, especially with a companion. For luxury or modern amenities, other carriers may be better.
Conclusion
LOT Polish Airlines’ 787 Business Class delivers a functional transatlantic experience with notable strengths and weaknesses. The seats, while outdated, are comfortable for sleeping, especially on overnight flights. The dining shines with flavorful dishes and a unique dessert trolley, though inconsistent execution detracts from the experience. The crew’s warmth is a highlight, but unpolished service and operational oversights need attention. The lack of Wi-Fi and a dated entertainment system further limit its appeal.
For travelers seeking an affordable Star Alliance option with a convenient schedule, LOT is a solid choice, particularly for those traveling with a companion or prioritizing sleep over amenities. However, it doesn’t stand out as a must-fly carrier compared to competitors with modern cabins and robust services. I’d book LOT again for a well-timed eastbound flight, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to choose it over other Star Alliance carriers.
Share your thoughts or experiences with LOT’s Business Class in the comments, and let me know if this review helps you decide your next transatlantic flight. For those considering a trip, exploring Warsaw’s rich culture during a layover could add value to your journey.
