American Discounts Miles, Waives Fees

Purchase 25,000 miles (2.5¢ per mile) and the carrier will waive the $30 transaction fee. First-time purchasers also earn a 10% bonus on transactions over 10,000 miles. Offer good until Aug. 31. Purchase limit: 40,000 per account per calendar year. Bonus miles take six to eight weeks to post.

United to Leapfrog US Carriers in International Comfort

United Airlines has announced details of its new international Business Class product. The airline reports it “will earn the distinction of becoming the first US carrier to offer fully lie-flat beds in Business Class on overseas flights.” The international Business Class cabin’s

new seat is up to 23.5 inches wide (with armrests down) and reclines to a 180-degree, 6-foot-4-inch lie-flat bed. Each seat will feature audio and video on demand (more than 150 hours of programs). At 15.4 inches, the video screen is three times larger than United’s previous Business Class monitor. The installation across the carrier’s entire international fleet of 97 B767, B747 and B777 aircraft begins later this year but won’t be completed until late 2009.

Initial observations: The carrier was desperate to upgrade and it appears it’s gone all out with the investment. With its four classes of service—First, Business, Premium Economy and economy—United might begin to slightly resemble British Airways.

On the other hand, how sad is it that American isn’t also going all out to invest in a true, lie-flat Business Class seat? Instead, AA is taking the mass-market route (most traveled by US carriers) and installing mediocre seats.

My prediction: American will be behind the comfort curve for the next 5+ years.

Qatar Airways Deal

In June, the carrier began service four times a week from Qatar to Newark via Geneva, using A330 aircraft in a three class configuration. The 12 First Class seats convert into fl at beds, and the 18 seats in Business Class recline to 160 degrees. In July, Qatar Airways began daily non-stop service between Doha and Washington, DC/Dulles.

My Take: This can be a good deal. Qatar’s lowest New York-Geneva Business Class fares

are coming in at $2,699, but only require a three-week advance purchase—compared to SWISS’ non-stop lowest fare of $3,110, which requires a 50-day advance purchase. (Continental, the only other carrier offering non-stop service on this route, is selling Business Class tickets for $2,943, but only for summer travel.) What’s really interesting is First Class: SWISS round-trip, $9,040; Qatar Airways, only $4,600 for travel in August. Fly all the way to Doha on Qatar and you’ll pay $6,564 in Business Class, or $7,500 in First. My advice: The extra grand is money well spent. Qatar mileage partners: All Nippon, Asiana, British Midland, Lufthansa, United, US Airways and Virgin Atlantic.

Thai’s Premium Economy Promotion

The carrier is offering Premium Economy tickets from New York and Los Angeles to Bangkok starting at $1,260. For comparison, regular economy starts at $862 and Business Class starts at $4,700. So this is a good way to get a lot more legroom (42 inches total) for a little more money. Premium economy seats recline 135 degrees. More: (800) 426-5204.