S7 Business Class: Is It Worth the Ruble to Moscow?

S7 Airlines Business Class: A Review from 2018, Revisited

Back in 2018, I had the opportunity to fly S7 Airlines Business Class on a couple of routes to and from Moscow's Domodedovo Airport (DME). At the time, I wasn't sure if there would be much interest in a review, but with the World Cup approaching, I figured it was worth sharing my experience. S7 is Russia's largest domestic carrier, operating a fleet of Airbus A319, A320 & A320neo, A321 & A321neo, Boeing 737-800s, and Embraer 170s. Globus, a subsidiary of S7, handles flights to leisure destinations, and from my experience, there's no discernible difference between flying with either.

Check-in was smooth, with a dedicated line for Business Class/Priority passengers. Lounge access varied; in Munich (MUC), we used the Atlantic Lounge, which was underwhelming, while the Aspire Lounge in Larnaca (LCA) was a pleasant surprise. On the ground, we were offered a pre-departure drink of water or orange juice, along with a bottle of San Benedetto water, a menu, and a surprisingly nice amenity kit featuring L'Occitane products and slippers.

The seats are upholstered in leather, featuring a distinctive purple and fluorescent green color scheme. The A319s and E-170s are typically all Economy Class, although some A319s have been converted to Extra Edition with a Business Class section. Other aircraft (A320, A321, and B737) have eight Business Class seats in a 2x2 configuration. One of the highlights at DME was being transported to the plane in a private vehicle, a stark contrast to the bus gates used for other passengers.

The in-flight dining experience was generally positive. On the MUC flight, choices included Caucasian Baked Chicken, Algerian Style Beef, or Roasted Edmond Vegetables. From LCA, options were Faustino Beef, Baked Salmon in Orange Sauce, or Hash Browns with fried vegetables. The presentation of the dishes was excellent, and the portions were appropriate for the flight time. While I prefer my food hotter, the entrees were flavorful. The silverware was also of impressive quality. Dessert options included Cheesecake from Germany, a Fruit Tart from Cyprus, and Panna Cotta to Italy.

Service was attentive, with a dedicated flight attendant for Business Class who was readily available for drinks and other requests. While S7 didn't initially offer in-flight entertainment (IFE), my more recent flight included own-device entertainment, similar to what US airlines offer. However, Wi-Fi was still unavailable. Announcements were made in both Russian and English, although the English could be improved.

Overall, while S7 may not be on par with Aeroflot, it's a favorable alternative to many other European airlines. The service can be inconsistent, but it's generally more personal. Plus, their Oneworld Alliance membership makes them a good choice for American AAdvantage and British Airways Avios members. My wife and her mother, however, preferred Aeroflot's Business Class experience on their flights to/from Larnaca.