U.S., Europe, and South America in First Class: The Secret Flight Path That Saves You Thousands
Since we first introduced the Leg Stretch Strategy back in May 2017, it’s been like finding the hidden tracks on a luxury album—those secret melodies that take you further without costing a note more. And today, we’ve uncovered a new, super-stretchy example in First Class that will make you reconsider everything you thought you knew about premium air travel.
The Golden Stretch: First Class Edition
For those new to the concept or who need a refresher, let’s hit rewind for a moment. The Leg Stretch Strategy is like turning your standard round-trip ticket into a magic carpet ride across the continents. Imagine it: You’re not just flying from Point A to Point B—you’re weaving a tapestry that crosses three continents with stopovers that cost you nothing.
Think of it as playing hopscotch, but instead of jumping between chalk squares, you're landing on different continents—North America included—without paying extra to touch down. Those stopovers are the secret sauce, turning a simple trip into a grand adventure. And the kicker? You're flying First Class, all while sidestepping the hefty First or Business Class price tag. That’s where the gold truly lies.
Stretch Your Travel, Save Your Treasure
Picture this: Kevin, an artist from the U.S., has a palate that stretches from the vineyards of Europe to the vibrant sights of South America. To satisfy both, most people would simply book a flight to Europe, return home, and then fly out again to South America on a different airline ticket. It's the straightforward route, but not the clever one. Kevin’s about to unlock a map that pirates would envy—where he can tie these two destinations into one seamless trip and save enough money to dine at Michelin-starred restaurants all over the world.
Navigating the Leg Stretch Map
Here’s how it plays out: The journey begins in Europe. Yes, that’s right—your treasure hunt starts across the pond. But before you throw your hands up in confusion, hold on—this doesn’t disqualify U.S.-based travelers. It just requires a little mind-bending travel alchemy. You can still jump into this magic money-saving strategy by starting with your next trip to Europe, and with a one-way ticket, most likely by paying with miles or buying a cheap one-way ticket to start the trip, and then bookend your travels with a cheap one-way ticket using miles or cash to return back home when you're done. (Example below.) Or better yet, start another Leg Stretch since you’ll already be in Europe — where the next Leg Stretch begins. Many travelers follow this strategy indefinitely, continuously reaping the rewards.
Once in Europe, the Leg Stretch Strategy takes you to South America, but with free stopovers in the U.S. along the way. If you live in Miami or New York, these stopovers are like coming home to refuel your ship before setting sail again. You can spend months at home before resuming your First Class adventure. All you need to do is complete the full voyage within 12 months; the treasure is yours.
The Loot: First Class Comfort, Business Class Price
Let’s compare the treasure maps. Booking a standard round-trip First Class ticket to Europe, then another to South America, could easily drain $12,622 from your coffers. But with the Leg Stretch Strategy, you’ll score two First Class tickets for a mere $5,618—like doubling your gold with a single flip of the coin.
Kevin’s Four-Segment Leg Stretch
Leg Stretch Strategy Combines the U.S. - Europe - South America on American Airlines - on one airline ticket
Examples of the FRee Upgrade + Savings
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Perspective:
First Class for $894 LESS Than Business Class
The savings when you compare the four First Class segments ($5,618) on an FCF Leg Stretch Strategy ticket to two normal round-trips in Business Class:
Business Class Fares…
Not flying from Miami or New York? Take a positioning flight instead. It might require an extra step, but it puts you in the ideal spot to make the most of your LSS adventure. And you may have to make a connection anyway depending on where you start.
So, if you’re ready to unlock this treasure trove, pack your bags, stretch your legs, and let your flights take you farther for less. With the Leg Stretch Strategy, the world is your oyster in First Class — at a fraction of the price.