Azerbaijan Airlines A320 Business Class (Tested by a Pilot): Tbilisi to Baku | TBS-GYD

I recently had the awesome opportunity to test out Azerbaijan Airlines’s Business Class product on their A320.

Well, to be honest, I didn’t have a choice. Land borders between Georgia and Azerbaijan are closed (no idea why! /s), and economy was sold out. But I’m always happy to try out something new – and I was definitely surprised by the Azerbaijani Airlines experience (particularly the Yarpag Dolma, still thinking about it now 🤤).

Flight Details: Azerbaijan Airlines 8224, Tbilisi to Baku, Business Class

I’m not easy to impress, and Azerbaijan Airlines was in for quite the challenge – they only had one hour to try!

Airport & Lounge Experience – Tbilisi (TBS)

Check-in was smooth online, and as a business class passenger I headed toward the “Fast Track” security and passport control lane marked Visa Fast Track.

Ironically, it turned out to be the slow track, thanks to the line being shared with crew (they always seem to be in the way! 😉). The regular lane next to it was completely empty. One of those moments where premium status is more for show than reality.

Once through, I made a quick stop at the Primeclass Lounge, which was a pleasant surprise. Clean, modern, and spacious, with subtle touches nodding to Georgian design.

The food and drink spread was generous for a small airport—warm and cold options, real coffee, and a decent wine selection. I could have easily stayed longer… until I heard my name being called 40 minutes before departure.

I bolted for the gate in mild panic, only to stand on the tarmac bus for another ten minutes. Of course.

AZAL Boarding & First Impressions

Boarding was via air stairs, which normally I enjoy (great for quick shots of the aircraft in natural light). But as I pulled out my phone to take a few photos and videos, a ground crew member aggressively shouted at me in Azerbaijani and demanded I delete the footage. No explanation, just a strict “no filming.” Disappointing, especially since that’s the only thing I enjoy about remote stand boarding!

Onboard, things improved instantly. This flight was operated by one of AZAL’s six A320s—an upgrade from the Embraer 190 they usually run on this route, both of which tend to sell out fast between GYD and TBS. The cabin had five rows of business, configured 2-2 across, totaling 20 seats. Economy was packed; business nearly full, with maybe one or two seats free.

Azerbaijan Airlines Airbus A320 Business Class Seat

Seat 3A was… surprisingly kind of incredible. Certainly for a short-haul recliner. It was wide, generously padded, and offered an almost ridiculous amount of recline. Even when upright, the seat felt supportive and comfortable, with a thick pillow and an adjustable footrest.

The headrest actually did its job—height adjustable with side wings that could fold in for support. The tray table was large (enough to work or eat comfortably), though a bit flimsy when unfolded.

There was no in-seat power, no USB charging, no WiFi, and no entertainment system. It’s a product that prioritizes physical comfort over tech bells and whistles—which honestly was perfect for a sub-90-minute flight.

Azerbaijan Airlines Business Class Service & Meal: Wow!

The crew was friendly and professional. Not especially warm or chatty, but very efficient and attentive. Drinks were offered promptly after takeoff, including a variety of wines and spirits (surprisingly decent for a short flight). Refills were offered without needing to ask.

I opted for sparkling water and tea, both of which were properly served and not an afterthought.

But then came the meal: a warm spinach-filled kutab (somewhere between a crepe and an empanada), served with a spiced yogurt dip and a couple of Yarpag Dolma (grape leaves stuffed with rice and herbs).

For a 70-minute flight, it was seriously impressive—fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Easily better than what you’d get on many long-haul flights! I still salivate thinking about that meal now.

Arrival in Baku (GYD): Again, meh.

Sadly, Baku also insisted on bus boarding for all passengers, regardless of class. No dedicated business shuttle, no jet bridge—even though I spotted several empty ones. It felt out of place parking next to empty gates at a very quiet home airport in an oil-rich country. 

We arrived about fifteen minutes late, and the bus transfer added another chunk of time. Annoying, but not deal-breaking.

At immigration, I noticed a few passengers with Global Entry being waved into the fast lane. Whether that’s official policy or just situational flexibility remains unclear, but worth asking if you’ve got GE.

Final Verdict: Is Azerbaijan Airlines Business Class Worth It?

Would I fly Azerbaijan Airlines business class again on this route? Absolutely, especially on the A320. 

The seat is one of the most comfortable recliners I’ve flown in any regional configuration, and the meal was genuinely standout. The price points don’t seem totally unreasonable either, though I wish there were more options for booking Azerbaijan Airlines business class with points.

Just be ready for a few annoyances on the ground. I still don’t understand how an airline won’t pay for gates in an oil-rich country at its home base airport.

What’s great:

• Comfortable, wide recliner with footrest and adjustable headrest
• Excellent meal for the flight length
• Lounge access with real food options
• Efficient, professional crew
• Alcohol included and proactively served

What’s not:

• No tech: no WiFi, power, or entertainment
• Bus boarding both ends, no separate transfer for business class
• Photography not allowed on the tarmac (enforced aggressively)

Tips When Booking AZAL

Don’t make the same mistake I made – make sure to book early! The TBS-GYD route fills up early because of the closed land borders. Many people have families on both sides of the border.

• Book early. Most flights on this route use the E190, which has seats and often sells out days or weeks ahead. 
• Skip filming on the tarmac unless you want to be yelled at (at least at TBS)
• Bring a power bank if you need to charge your phone, since there’s no outlet onboard.

Baku Layover Tips

If you end up with a layover in Baku, you’re in for a treat. It’s a lovely city to visit for 6-12 hours, with very interesting history and museums, a lovely old town, bikes for rent, and some fantastic food. Here are some quick tips:

• Use your layover in Baku wisely. Some quick hits:
  • Sheki Sweet House: Famous sweets, multi-generational craftsmanship.
  • Baku Carpet Museum: Surprisingly cool (really).
  • Old Town (Icherisheher): Great for a quick wander through history.
  • Flame Towers: There’s an excellent viewpoint of the city nearby! 
• Get cash out of an ATM or Money Exchange before using a Yandex, Bolt, or Uber. My driver had me cancel my ride and pay in cash (and then tried to scam me, until I threatened to call the police!)