Flying LOT European business class from Vilnius to London City turned out to be a reminder that small jets can still feel seriously premium. On LOT’s Embraer E190, each passenger sits solo in a 2-2 layout, with the neighbouring seat blocked to create space and privacy. It’s not the flashiest cabin in Europe, but it’s easily feels one of the most exclusive. If you’re curious how this compact jet and LOT’s short-haul service measure up on a two-and-three-quarter-hour hop into the heart of London, keep reading.
In this review:
Flight Details
Flight No: LO273
From/To: Vilnius (VNO) to London City (LCY)
Departure time: 17:00
Ticket Class: Business
Flight time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Frequent Flyer Points: 1,119 (Credited to Miles+Bonus)
Status Points: 1,119
Aircraft: SP-LMD
Aircraft type: Embraer 190
Number of classes: 2
Number of seats in flying class: 9
Seat: 1A
Position: Window, bulkhead
Airport Experience
Vilnius Airport has come a long way in recent years, and the new check-in and departures area feels fresh, bright, and well organised. LOT’s business class counters were open and quiet, and the fast-track security was impressively efficient – I was literally the only passenger using it and reached airside in under a minute.
I spent the short wait in the Narbutas Business Lounge, located near Gate A12. It was reasonably full but not uncomfortable. The food selection was modest and drinks service self-serve. The only real downside is the lack of natural light or runway views; it’s a lounge for productivity, not plane-spotting.
Boarding & Welcome
LOT Vilnius to London business class boarding had just started when I arrived at the gate. Priority boarding worked exactly as intended – straight through the separate lane and onto the aircraft via a jet bridge, avoiding the usual bus shuffle Vilnius is known for.
The welcome on board was polite and efficient. With only four passengers in the business cabin, service was immediately personal, and I was offered a glass of water.
Seat
The LOT short-haul business class seat on the Embraer 190 follows the airline’s 2-2 layout – each passenger sits alone with the neighbouring seat blocked, creating a private feel. The seat itself was the usual slimline Recaro design in dark grey leather, lightly padded but comfortable enough for a two-to-three-hour hop. Legroom was great – normally I find the bulkhead doesn’t have enough room to stretch out, but not on this E190 cabin!
One frustration: overhead bin space. Row 1 has practically none, and because the crew didn’t stop economy passengers using the forward bins, it quickly filled up. Several economy passengers used the forward lockers, forcing business travellers to stash bags further back. Despite that, the E190’s cabin felt bright and comfortable, and the 1-1 seating gave the flight a surprisingly exclusive atmosphere.
Which is the best seat on LOT E190 European Business Class?
Avoid Row 1 unless you’re travelling light – the overhead bins are tiny, and legroom in 1A is limited by the bulkhead. If you want space to stretch, 1D is the star of the cabin: it has two windows and noticeably more legroom. For travellers who like to keep bags close, Row 2 is the most practical, with decent storage above and below.
See the seating plan on AeroLOPA.
Onboard Experience
The cabin was calm and quiet, with just four passengers in total. The seating made it feel almost private jet-like. The single front lavatory was compact but spotless, though taller passengers might find it a squeeze thanks to the Embraer’s low ceiling curvature.
Cabin crew delivered the service with precision and a light touch – efficient without being distant. They managed to serve, clear, and reset all trays effortlessly, showing LOT’s regional crews know their rhythm well. They handed out menu cards as soon as they were released from their seats.
Food & Drink
Drinks service began almost immediately after take-off, followed by the Do & Co-catered meal. The starter was a salmon and sushi rice dish, that tasted very fresh and was nicely chilled.
The main course of grilled chicken breast came on a generous bed of mangetout, green beans, peas, tomato, sliced olives, sweet potato, and capers. I happen to love mangetout – lucky really, because there was enough for a small farm. The dish came with a white-wine and butter sauce, which tied everything together nicely.
Dessert was a zesty lemon tart with raspberry sauce, light and genuinely good. The tray was cleared swiftly, and I was offered more wine before coffee. Sadly, the instant coffee was undrinkably bitter, even with warm milk – the only real miss of of an otherwise high-quality meal.
In-flight Entertainment
There’s no inflight entertainment or Wi-Fi on LOT’s Embraer jets, so it’s a bring-your-own-screen affair. The only diversion was LOT’s Kaleidoscope magazine, which at least features a few decent travel pieces and route maps. The absence of entertainment was forgivable, but the Wi-Fi is becoming harder to excuse. There was, however, a mains charging socket under the seat.
Arrival
The descent into London City was as scenic as they come. Flying low over the Thames Estuary, the aircraft banked gently left, offering sweeping views of the winding river and the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge. After the firm but well-controlled touchdown on LCY’s famously short runway, the aircraft was quickly parked outside the terminal, ready for the short walk through immigration and onto the DLR. This is always one of the most efficient arrivals in Europe.
BG1 Verdict
LOT European business class delivered exactly what I hoped for – efficiency, a proper meal, and the space to unwind. The sparse seating, excellent food, and polite crew made the journey smooth, even if the overhead storage, and coffee let the side down. If they added a Wi-Fi service then this review would easily be 5 stars instead of 4. Regardless, for business travellers heading to or from London City, LOT remains a smart, civilised alternative to the big hubs.
BG1 Tip
Sit in 1D if you want extra legroom and a double window view, or Row 2 if you value storage space. And skip the coffee – the wine’s a much better idea!
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