Any opportunity traveler can participate
Do you avoid coach because it’s coach, while shunning Business Class because of the price? Of course, not everyone wants to blow between $3,000 and $6,000+ on a Business Class ticket.
So imagine my smile when I discovered availability of $614 one-way Business Class tickets across the pond and back. A deal like this raises some trade-off decisions you’ll need to make, which are good problems to have if you ask me. For example, would I fly coach to the city I originally planned to visit or fly Business Class to a city I wasn’t thinking of, but is actually really cool for not much more?
Through unconventional strategies and taking advantage of real options, you could save up to $4,352, or 71%, over a regular Business Class flight to Europe with today’s opportunities.
How Anyone CAN get It
Star Alliance member, Avianca, frequently offers discounts when you buy its miles, LifeMiles. And FCF’s Sweet Redeems Research uncovers the secret routes where LifeMiles can be redeemed cheaply. Simple as that.
You can purchase LifeMiles for as low as 1.27¢ per mile during the current sale through January 31, and you can buy up to 500,000 miles (post-bonus) annually. Need more miles? With FCF’s unlimited miles strategy, no problem.
Note that LifeMiles bonus deals only apply to existing LifeMiles members as we’ve said many times before. If you’re not a current member, no problem. Become a LifeMiles member now so you are ready for the next sale, because they come up regularly.
The Deal Gets Better
LifeMiles offers a subscription plan called LifeMiles+, which offers members a variety of perks, including a 10% discount on award tickets, for just $20. We’ll include this 10% discount in the sample deals below.
How good can it get?
Sample Savings
United Business Class NEW YORK - LONDON 40,500 Miles / $614 One Way
SWISS Business Class LOS ANGELES - ZURICH 62,100 Miles / $889 One Way
Where the Seats Are Now
More to Know
#1 You can search for availability using LifeMiles online
You just log in to your account, which only takes a few minutes to open.
#2 Low taxes for LifeMiles partner flights
Lufthansa and SWISS can charge as much as $1,973 or more in taxes alone on Business Class flights to Europe. They call them “fuel surcharges.” So much for a “free” award seat.
LifeMiles and most U.S. airlines typically don’t hit you with taxes that high (generally, they’re around $100 to $375 or less).
#3 Miles will not expire as long as you have qualifying earning activity every 12 months, which can include purchasing LifeMiles (for a little as 20 bucks). You can do that.
#4 The LifeMiles site can be glitchy when searching for flights,
with a little patience, I have always been able to work it.
Not everyone can be that flexible. Consider positioning flights when award seats are not offered on your route. And of course, don’t book backwards.
Final Thoughts
Is travel perfectionism holding you back? FCF always recommends grabbing your ticket when you come across a good deal or something you can live with — and if it’s not perfect, upgrade later.