Almost every day I get a call from a subscriber wanting to know how to book two Business Class tickets to somewhere. Most don’t even inquire about First Class, and I confess that I often don’t think to look into it. either. My bad. Why? Because the first rule of savvy flying is: Always check everything you can possibly think of for discrepancies. No exceptions.

You never know where in the world of airfares a good one will turn up. A good example is the British Airways 2-for-1 offer, just extended through 2007. Our research uncovered several routes on which BA’s First Class (fare-basis code F) is LESS THAN the Business Class fare (fare-basis code J). And here’s a little sidelight. Before booking a 2-for-1, check for heavily discounted Business Class fares (booked in I class), which are often $2,800–$3,300. That’s usually less than the 2-for 1-—and both passengers receive mileage credit toward elite status, whereas the passenger flying free on a 2-for-1 earns neither elite nor mileage credit.

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When to fly First Class?

Another rule of savvy flying: Whenever you can find a First Class fare in the neighborhood of Business Class with a 2-for-1 program or otherwise—grab it.

If you’re willing to pay $4,000 per ticket for Business Class, isn’t it worth it to pony up another $500 or $1,000 for First, especially on a carrier such as BA? I would argue that the difference between BA Business and First Class is every bit as substantial as the difference between its economy and Business Class. And, as you can see in the chart below, the fare difference can often be disproportionate.

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