Business Classy

By SALLY B. DONNELLY

Weary of commercial travel but can't afford a private jet? There's a new option. Last week Lufthansa began operating an all-business-class flight from Newark International Airport to Dusseldorf, Germany, using planes and crew from the elite Swiss charter company PrivatAir. Passengers at each airport will be escorted through security by an airline agent and then board from a gate next to Lufthansa's club lounge. The Boeing business jet will have 48 big seats, each with a Sony Watchman. There will be plainclothes security officers onboard and a flight attendant for every 12 passengers. Price: $5,813 round trip, compared with $5,906 for regular business class. If the concept flies, similar services may be offered elsewhere. PrivatAir is in discussions with two North American carriers.

--By Sally B. Donnelly