Review: Ukraine International Airlines Business Class (B777-200ER) From NYC (JFK) to Kiev (KBP)

Pros: Rock bottom pricing, Great, friendly service, Convenient non-stop flight to Kiev, Ukraine,Flat bed seats with 180 degree recline, 74 pitch, one of the longest in any business class. Cons: Late departure slot at JFK airport, Club lounge access limited, No WiFi at this time, limited food choices.
Bottom Line: Great value for crossing Atlantic in a premium cabin with Flat-bed seats, especially if traveling to Eastern and Central Europe. No thrills business class experience.

Ukraine International Airlines operates their “Triple Seven” aircraft on long- haul routes to Bangkok, New York, and Beijing. The aircraft provides a quiet and cozy environment for all passengers. The Boeing 777-200ER is equipped with a contemporary Sky Interior mood lighting that adjusts for relaxation purposes. There are three service classes offered: Business, Premium Economy, and Economy. Included in each class is reclining seats, meals, personal inflight entertainment system, and USB charging for personal devices.

Booking

Booking Ukraine International Airlines Business Class is an easy process. You can visit directly airline’s website www.flyuia.com or use number of consolidators like Kayak.com.
I opted for the second option, as I needed connecting flight from Jacksonville, FL to JFK. By combining my itinerary with JetBlue flight, I was able to check in my luggage all the way to Kiev in Jacksonville and most importantly, earn True Blue Rewards for this flight.
One can routinely find Ukraine International Airlines Business class seats from JFK to Kiev under $1000, making it a great bargain. Needless to say I did not use my Rewards points or miles, saving them for more expensive itineraries.

Checking in

I checked in for both flights at Jacksonville International Airport. It was very convenient not to have to pick up my luggage in NY and recheck it again with UIA. However, I did have to go through security second time at JFK while changing the terminals.

Lounge access

This is a real downside of flying Ukraine International Airlines. Business class passengers have access to British Airways lounge at JFK terminal 7, however, this lounge officially closes at 10 pm, while flight to Kiev does not depart till 12:30 AM. Lounge will remain open till the boarding time, but many services, like showers, pre-flight dining etc. stop at 10 pm.

Boarding

Boarding tends to be very chaotic. There is only one entrance for all classes of seats, and after midnight most passengers are tired and irritated. This is another area where improvement is needed.

 

Seats

Ukraine International Airlines B777-200ER features 2-3-2 Business class configuration with only 3 rows of Lie-Flat seats, making this business class intimate. Seats are wide, with long pitch and easy controls. They feature all the necessary ports for power and USB.
Once reclined, bed seat is very comfortable. One might notice slight elevation under the head, which actually was very comfortable for me (usually I require extra pillow). On my flight seat next to me was empty, as was half of the business class cabin. This allowed me to create my little “suite” with one seat reclined for sleeping and another utilized for reading and eating.

Amenities

Standard amenities kit was provided. No thrills here.

Entertainment

19 inch screen and choices of movies, shows and music were available as well as comfortable noise canceling headphones.
As I mentioned in all my flight reviews, I’m not a big consumer of the inflight entertainment, opting instead for sleep or a book.
According to Ukraine International Airlines WiFi service will be available soon.

Service

In flight service was superb. Attendants were very friendly and helpful. This is definitely where UIA shines.

Food and beverage

As I mentioned before, this flight departs 30 minutes after midnight from NYC’s JFK Airport. That is way too late for me to have a meal and then restful sleep. I chose the sleep. I opted to have a welcome drink of Champagne, followed by some red wine before sleep.

Other passengers enjoyed meal that was served surprisingly fast (as I mentioned, Business class service is great).
Before landing, brunch was served.

Arrival

We arrived on schedule after 4pm local time at Kiev Boryspil International Airport. Airport is modern and passport control and customs was relatively fast and friendly.

Bottom Line: I would recommend Ukraine International Airlines Business Class B777-200ER for great value for crossing Atlantic in a premium cabin with Flat-bed seats, especially if traveling to Eastern and Central Europe. No thrills business class experience.