Friday, September 23, 2011

How to Get the Very Cheapest Business Class and First Class Airfare Deals

Here are 10 top tips for getting cheaper first class and business class airfares:

1. Always join the frequent flyer programs of the airlines you fly on. You should try to have loyalty membership from at least 2 of the major world alliances. If you can attain elite status you will enjoy special perks such as free lounge access, upgrade priority and seating privileges. Some airlines in the US will automatically upgrade elite members to first class if there is space available.

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2. Try a flight on "all-business" class L'Avion which flies from New York to Paris from around ,550 return. Alternatively check out L'Avion's code-share partner OpenSkies (a British Airways subsidiary) which flies a 3-class Boeing 757 with only 82 seats between Paris and NYC.

3. Also consider flying with some of the more off-beat airlines such as Air India, Pakistan International, Iceland Air and Kuwait Airways - they all fly between the US and the UK and will undercut the business class cabins of the major carriers by up to 80%. Returns in business class can be had from around ,700.

4. If flying from West coast USA to Asia, consider one of the minor Asian carriers such as EVA, China Airlines and Korean - they often have very good value deals to many Asian cities. Chinatown consolidators are another source of low airfares to Asia.

5. Stay informed! Watch out for occasional special offer business class fares available on the major airlines - you should always be signed up to their mailing lists. Since the "open skies" agreement between the US and the EU came into force in 2008, the major airlines have recently cut some transatlantic business class airfares to around the ,000 level.

6. Ask if you can purchase an upgrade to business class at the airport. This can be done at check-in, at the gate or in the frequent flyer lounge. Airlines can offer one-way upgrades on international flights for as little as 0 - this is significantly cheaper than booking a business class or first class ticket outright.

7. If available buy a premium economy seat - this is a class between coach and business class on an international flight. You are much more likely to get a free upgrade if the flight happens to be overbooked due to the very limited number of premium economy seats.

8. Buy an economy class ticket and then use your frequent flyer air miles / points to purchase an upgrade to business or first class.

9. If commercial airlines are too 'low brow' for you and you wish to fly by executive business jet then get a quote on an "empty leg" fare which can save you up to 75% off the normal jet charter fare - this can be exceptionally good value. Alternatively, consider a fractional ownership program such as the one offered by NetJets which can be more cost effective for a group of travellers than buying full fare first class tickets.

10. Get up to speed on premium class air travel by investing in your travel knowledge. Aviation experts can help you save a significant amount of money, especially with oil prices being at such high levels.

How to Get the Very Cheapest Business Class and First Class Airfare Deals

The 'Ultimate Airfares & Upgrades Guide' is an ebook available from AirTravelGenius.com. You will learn many insider tips and tricks on finding the world's very lowest airfares - from first class to economy class, getting superb value from air miles and the inside track on upgrades. A must for any international air traveller the guide is available from http://www.airtravelgenius.com

More air travel tips and advice can be found at http://www.airtravelgenius.com/articles and visit the blog: Air Travel News and Deals

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