If asked to name some popular British exports, what comes to mind? James Bond? A Jaguar Roadster? The English muffin? Well here’s an entry that will certainly soar to the top of the list for those who appreciate premium international travel: Lower-priced First Class seats on British Airways—until recently, available only from the foggy side of the pond.
For years, BA has offered reasonable 42-day advance round-trip rates for front-cabin travel from London to the US, but those flying from the States were burdened with fares more than twice as high. That inequity was rectified in September, however, when with no fanfare or even an explanation, the carrier decided to adjust the rates so travelers on both sides of the Atlantic can enjoy the (much) lower fares.
Details: A 42-day advance-purchase ticket for the Newark-London run costs $6,378, a 60% savings over the regular fare of $16,000+ (Sunday night stay required, cancellation and change fees apply). See the chart below for new fares from all of BA’s US-London First Class gateways.
Soon after British Airways posted the new, lower fares, Oneworld partner American Airlines quietly fell in line, offering First Class from Chicago to London for $6,997, a savings of $4,719 from its usual fare of $11,716 (same restrictions as BA).
Both carriers offer similarly reduced fares throughout Europe and other international destinations, and the new rates are valid with the free companion ticket offer described in last month’s issue of First Class Flyer (page 6), bringing the fare down to $3,189 (80% off).
United, the other major US carrier that offers First Class across the North Atlantic, is clinging to its high-fare philosophy. Comparing United’s First Class Chicago-London fare to BA’s, United charges $14,979 vs. British Airways’ $6,997—a $7,982 (53%) premium to fly UA’s lesser seat.
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If asked to name some popular British exports, what comes to mind? James Bond? A Jaguar Roadster? The English muffin? Well here’s an entry that will certainly soar to the top of the list for those who appreciate premium international travel: Lower-priced First Class seats on British Airways—until recently, available only from the foggy side of the pond.
For years, BA has offered reasonable 42-day advance round-trip rates for front-cabin travel from London to the US, but those flying from the States were burdened with fares more than twice as high. That inequity was rectified in September, however, when with no fanfare or even an explanation, the carrier decided to adjust the rates so travelers on both sides of the Atlantic can enjoy the (much) lower fares.
Details: A 42-day advance-purchase ticket for the Newark-London run costs $6,378, a 60% savings over the regular fare of $16,000+ (Sunday night stay required, cancellation and change fees apply). See the chart below for new fares from all of BA’s US-London First Class gateways.
Soon after British Airways posted the new, lower fares, Oneworld partner American Airlines quietly fell in line, offering First Class from Chicago to London for $6,997, a savings of...