Flying with Biman Airlines on a Boeing 737-800NG is an experience you don’t want to miss. After my time in Paris-CDG and Dubai, I decided to explore Bangladesh, a fascinating country with a mix of options to travel, like 30 minute flights, 7 hour train rides, and 12 hour ferries.
I was eager to see how Biman Airlines’ business-class stacked up against other top carriers like United, Delta, American, Aerolineas Argentinas, LATAM, Ethiopian, Air France, and Mauritanian Airlines.
The flight time was short, but I had an incredible time comparing the business class experience, especially in such a compact and diverse country.
Overall Thoughts on My Biman Airlines Flight
Flying with Biman Airlines was an interesting experience, especially in business class. On my flight from Osmani International Airport in Sylhet (ZYL) to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka (DAC), I had a 35-minute flight on a Boeing 737-800NG, thoughThe route is also operated by DeHavilland Dash 8 Q400s and Boeing 787 aircraft.
The business class was quite comfortable, and I enjoyed the complimentary free newspaper. The flight was generally consistent and remarkably similar to other Biman Airlines flights I’ve taken, both in economy and business classes.
The delays were not ideal—about 40 to 60 minutes—but they didn’t bother me too much. I also noticed that the PAs were not in English, which wasn’t surprising since we were in Bangladesh during the dry season. All in all, the experience was positive and consistent, making it a good thing overall.
“Traveling is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” – Anonymous
Biman Airlines Check-In: A Quick Overview
The Biman Airlines check-in experience left a bit to be desired, with online check-in proving almost useless. Despite checking in online, we still had to visit the counter to get our printed and stamped boarding passes, which was an easy process.
However, the line for business class was not clearly delineated, causing a bit of confusion. We weren’t asked to weigh our bags, although there is technically a limit of 20kg for checked-in and 7kg for the carryon.
I managed to avoid checking in my usual normal pilot carryon bag. Security times were incredibly short, almost nonexistent, making the whole process relatively smooth despite these small hiccups.
| Check-in Feature | Experience |
| Online Check-in | Almost useless |
| Boarding Pass Process | Easy but not streamlined |
| Business Class Lane | Not clearly marked |
| Bag Weighing | Not requested |
Service Review: Business Class vs. Economy
The service on my flight with Biman Airlines was very average. There was no difference in the service between economy and business class.
The meal was identical in both classes, consisting of cake, a mango bar, and water served in a box. The flight attendants did not seem trained to offer any special service for business class passengers, making the experience feel quite standard.
From check-in to deplaning, the entire experience was nothing special and rather average.
which reminded me of my experience at airports with long layovers like London Heathrow LHR.
“The difference between good and great service is the little things.” – Anonymous
Seat Comfort: A Great Experience, But No IFE
The seats in business class on Biman Airlines are older and made of cloth-style material, but still very comfortable. The 738 aircraft feels a bit dated with an interior that could use some TLC. While there’s no IFE or WiFi, these features are not needed for short sectors like the 35 minutes from ZYL-DAC.
The legroom is great, offering a comfortable experience with adjustable headrests and soft yet firm cushioning.
The exterior of the aircraft looks a bit dirty, likely due to the high pollution in Bangladesh, but that’s understandable given the number of sectors these planes operate. Even though there’s no blanket, the pillow provided is very nice.
I found the seats to have good recline and ample space to pass your neighbor for aisle access without them needing to move. If you fly on a Dash 8 Q400, the business class seats are the same as economy with a 2×2 configuration.
| Seat Feature | Experience |
| Seat Material | Cloth-style but comfortable |
| Legroom | Great for short flights |
| In-Flight Entertainment | None (Not needed for short sectors) |
| Recline | Good for a 35-minute flight |
Biman Airlines Pricing: Great Value for Money
The pricing for Biman Airlines is a true steal. A business ‘saver’ ticket costs just $61 one way, which is incredibly affordable for business class.
Even economy seats are very reasonably priced at $35 each way, making it a great value, especially compared to other airlines. I booked my flight directly on the Biman Bangladesh Airlines website, which offered more flight options than any other online service I found.
It’s definitely worth avoiding the middle seat and getting such a good deal.
which makes it a great deal when compared to flights to popular destinations like the Dominican Republic
Passenger Comfort: Good, But Not Extraordinary
As far as comfort goes, the overall flying experience was pleasant, but not extraordinary. The cabin temperature was well-regulated, and I had no issues with air quality or noise levels.
However, the lack of modern amenities like adjustable mood lighting or personal screens could make longer flights less enjoyable. The seat’s recline was good enough for a 35-minute journey, but passengers on longer flights might find it less accommodating without the added features that come with more luxurious cabins.
While the aircraft’s interior felt a bit dated, the seats themselves provided a solid level of comfort with enough space to stretch out.
For a more luxurious experience, check out my review on flying with Qatar Airways Qsuite.
| Comfort Feature | Experience |
| Cabin Temperature | Well-regulated |
| Air Quality | No issues |
| Noise Levels | Acceptable |
| Modern Amenities | Lacking |
The Cabin Crew: Professional, Yet Detached
The cabin crew, while professional, didn’t go out of their way to make the business class experience feel special. There were no personalized touches like greetings by name or additional attention during the flight.
The service was functional, but the flight attendants didn’t seem particularly engaged in offering the kind of exclusive service expected in business class.
For instance, they didn’t offer refills of water or check on passengers’ comfort levels, something that could have improved the experience, especially in business class.
Their focus seemed more on the operational tasks rather than providing a superior passenger experience.
much like the efficiency of staff I’ve encountered on flights to Ethiopia.
Comparing Biman Airlines to Other Regional Carriers
When comparing Biman Airlines to other regional carriers, its business class offering is quite competitive in terms of value for money. While it doesn’t have the polished feel of major international airlines, the affordability is undeniable.
For just $61, passengers are getting a decent business class experience, which is hard to beat, especially for a domestic flight in a developing country like Bangladesh.
The seat comfort, food quality, and overall flight experience surpass what many other local airlines offer for the same price point. While it’s not a luxurious experience, it’s certainly a good one for the price.
Frequently asked questions
How comfortable are the business class seats on Biman Airlines’ Boeing 737-800NG?
The business class seats offer great comfort with ample legroom, adjustable headrests, and soft cushioning. While the seats are older and cloth-based, they still provide a pleasant flying experience.
Does Biman Airlines provide in-flight entertainment (IFE)?
No, Biman Airlines does not offer in-flight entertainment (IFE) on the Boeing 737-800NG. For short flights, this is generally not a significant concern for passengers.
How affordable is Biman Airlines’ business class?
Biman Airlines offers excellent value, with business class fares starting at just $61 one-way. This is an unbeatable price, especially for domestic flights compared to other international carriers.
What is the check-in process like for Biman Airlines?
Even with online check-in, you’ll still need to visit the counter to get a printed boarding pass. The business class line isn’t clearly marked, but security is generally quick.
Are there any special services for business class passengers?
The service in business class is very similar to economy. Both classes receive the same meals and basic service, without any extra attention or special perks for business class.
What type of meals are served in Biman Airlines’ business class?
The meal service in business class consists of a cake, a mango bar, and water, which is identical to the economy class meal offering.
Does Biman Airlines offer Wi-Fi on its flights?
No, Biman Airlines does not provide Wi-Fi on its Boeing 737-800NG, as Wi-Fi isn’t considered necessary for the short duration of domestic flights in Bangladesh.
How would you describe the cabin crew on Biman Airlines?
The cabin crew is professional, but their service feels a bit impersonal. They don’t offer personalized touches or go the extra mile to make the business class experience special.
How is the overall cabin comfort on Biman Airlines?
Cabin comfort is decent, with a well-maintained temperature and acceptable noise levels. However, longer flights may feel less comfortable due to the lack of modern amenities like mood lighting or personal screens.
Would you recommend Biman Airlines for domestic flights in Bangladesh?
Yes, Biman Airlines is a good choice for domestic travel in Bangladesh. While it’s not a luxurious experience, the affordable prices and solid service make it a worthwhile option.
Conclusion: Biman Airlines offers a decent domestic business class experience.
Biman Airlines offers a domestic business class that is fine but not outstanding. The Boeing 737-800NG is a bit old, yet it’s still in good condition and well maintained.
While the product may not be the best compared to other options, it is above average for developing countries.
I would definitely fly again, but the business class experience is not something that stands out as exceptional. The domestic experience was memorable, and I would rate it at 8.1/10. I am also looking forward to trying out their long haul product in the future.
Stephanie Kiley, founder of PilotXplore, is a commercial pilot and Doctor of Education based in Connecticut. I shares expert aviation insights, travel tips, and airline reviews, making air travel easier for all. Passionate about flying and learning, she loves exploring new destinations and simplifying aviation for travelers.