| Here are 10 top tips for getting cheaper first class | | | | between the US and the EU came into force in 2008, |
| and business class airfares: | | | | the major airlines have recently cut some |
| 1. Always join the frequent flyer programs of the | | | | transatlantic business class airfares to around the |
| airlines you fly on. You should try to have loyalty | | | | $2,000 level. |
| membership from at least 2 of the major world | | | | 6. Ask if you can purchase an upgrade to business |
| alliances. If you can attain elite status you will enjoy | | | | class at the airport. This can be done at check-in, at |
| special perks such as free lounge access, upgrade | | | | the gate or in the frequent flyer lounge. Airlines can |
| priority and seating privileges. Some airlines in the US | | | | offer one-way upgrades on international flights for as |
| will automatically upgrade elite members to first class | | | | little as $200 - this is significantly cheaper than |
| if there is space available. | | | | booking a business class or first class ticket outright. |
| 2. Try a flight on "all-business" class L'Avion which flies | | | | 7. If available buy a premium economy seat - this is a |
| from New York to Paris from around $1,550 return. | | | | class between coach and business class on an |
| Alternatively check out L'Avion's code-share partner | | | | international flight. You are much more likely to get a |
| OpenSkies (a British Airways subsidiary) which flies a | | | | free upgrade if the flight happens to be overbooked |
| 3-class Boeing 757 with only 82 seats between Paris | | | | due to the very limited number of premium economy |
| and NYC. | | | | seats. |
| 3. Also consider flying with some of the more | | | | 8. Buy an economy class ticket and then use your |
| off-beat airlines such as Air India, Pakistan | | | | frequent flyer air miles / points to purchase an |
| International, Iceland Air and Kuwait Airways - they all | | | | upgrade to business or first class. |
| fly between the US and the UK and will undercut the | | | | 9. If commercial airlines are too 'low brow' for you |
| business class cabins of the major carriers by up to | | | | and you wish to fly by executive business jet then |
| 80%. Returns in business class can be had from | | | | get a quote on an "empty leg" fare which can save |
| around $1,700. | | | | you up to 75% off the normal jet charter fare - this |
| 4. If flying from West coast USA to Asia, consider | | | | can be exceptionally good value. Alternatively, |
| one of the minor Asian carriers such as EVA, China | | | | consider a fractional ownership program such as the |
| Airlines and Korean - they often have very good | | | | one offered by NetJets which can be more cost |
| value deals to many Asian cities. Chinatown | | | | effective for a group of travellers than buying full |
| consolidators are another source of low airfares to | | | | fare first class tickets. |
| Asia. | | | | 10. Get up to speed on premium class air travel by |
| 5. Stay informed! Watch out for occasional special | | | | investing in your travel knowledge. Aviation experts |
| offer business class fares available on the major | | | | can help you save a significant amount of money, |
| airlines - you should always be signed up to their | | | | especially with oil prices being at such high levels. |
| mailing lists. Since the "open skies" agreement | | | | |