First Class Weekend Getaway for a Little More than Coach

October 2009
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The front cabin and a five-star hotel for less than $1,000

You don’t have a lot of time, you don’t want to spend a lot of money, but you want to go someplace that feels like you’ve stopped the world and gotten off. Who doesn’t have this urge at least once a quarter?

Right now there’s a great opportunity to satisfy it: Some bargain First Class tickets to Mexico require no advance purchase, and some to Belize and Costa Rica require only a seven- to 14-day advance. Moreover, many luxury hotels are offering great deals. It’s the most for your money, for the least of your time.

Sample First Class Fare: Northwest offers First Class from San Francisco to Cancun for $460 round-trip (plus taxes). Add an ocean-view balcony room at the Ritz Carlton for $189 per-night, or upgrade to a one-bedroom suite for only $80 more.

Business and First Class fares from U.S. cities such as Chicago, Dallas, and New York, to many Mexican destinations including Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Acapulco, are $600-$800. To San Jose, Costa Rica, Business Class fares run about $630 from some U.S. cities, including Chicago and New York. Business Class to Belize ranges from about $630 from Houston to $680 from New York.

Mileage Strategy: No need for one. First Class fares are low enough, so pay cash.

Weekend Getaway: The lack of an advance purchase requirement makes Mexico a great impulse getaway. Belize and Costa Rica require a bit more planning.

Elite Status & Mileage Bonuses:

• American Airlines: 25% Business Class fare mileage bonus. Elite mileage bonus: 25% for Gold, 100% for Platinum and Executive Platinum. Plus double EQMs through Dec. 31. More info: AAdvantage Mileage Bonus

• Continental: Elite mileage bonus: 25% for Silver, 100% for Gold and Platinum, in addition to Mileathon credits now through Dec. 31, and double EQMs through Dec. 15. More info: OnePass Mileage Bonus

• Delta/Northwest: Elite mileage bonus: 25% (Silver), 100% (Gold and Platinum). See page 7 for more sample fares.

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[["<strong>Route<\/strong>","<strong>Airlines<\/strong>","<strong>Fare<\/strong>","<strong>Advance Notice<\/strong>"],["Atlanta - Cancun","CO, DL\/NW ","$718","14 Days"],["Chicago - Mexico City","DL\/NW","$618","0"],["Dallas - Belize","AA, DL\/NW ","$659","14 Days"],["Los Angeles - Acapulco, Puerta Vallarta, or San Jose del Cabo ","DL\/NW","$708","0"],["Los Angeles - San Jose, Costa Rica ","AA, CO, DL\/NW, MX ","$606","7 Days"],["New York - Belize","AA, CO ","$679","14 Days"],["San Francisco - Acapulco or San Jose del Cabo","AM, AA ","$672","0"],["San Francisco - Ixtapa","AM, AA ","$652","0"],["San Francisco - Puerta Vallarta","AM, MX ","$612","0"],["Washington, DC - San Jose, Costa Rica ","CO, DL\/NW ","$629","14 Days"]]
<small><em>Airline Codes: AM-Aeromexico, AA-American, CO-Continental, DL/NW-Delta/Northwest, MX-Mexicana</em></small>