Continental starts it with $1,000 round-trips and American matches
Airline pricing has its own calendar. So even though it was the end of the Labor Day weekend in America, at Continental it was already Thanksgiving, which meant it was time to start a fare war. On September 1, the carrier introduced $1,000 round-trip fares for travel from Nov. 18-28, and $1,200 for Christmas travel (Dec. 17 through Jan. 9). Both fares require a 30-day advance purchase.
Only one airline, American, has returned fi re by matching Continental. Last year, Northwest and US Airways also matched Continental’s fares as did BA on some routes. I think history will repeat itself.
When you call to book, remember the seat discrepancies we’ve covered recently. For instance, you’ll be much more comfortable on Continental’s B-777 over its B-757 (see the Feb. First Class Flyer). The best deal is a low fare for a high-quality seat.
I believe it won’t be long before deeply discounted holiday fares are offered to Asia. This charge is usually led by Northwest, and its financial woes and labor troubles may prompt it to offer some of the lowest premium fares yet. My educated guess is that many will fall below $2,000. Sharpen your credit cards.
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Elite Credit
If you must fly to keep up your elite status (commonly referred to as a “Mileage Run”), this is the time to do it, especially since you can accomplish it in comfort. On a per-mile basis, these are some of the lowest fares you’ll find. Plus, Business Class with most carriers can yield 150% elite and mileage credit.
My favorite deal:
Step 1: Begin with American’s Business Class fares, which start at $1,000 round-trip, booked in I class.
Step 2: American’s own AAdvantage loyalty program does not allow you to upgrade I fares, only the much more expensive D and J fares (often $5,000+). However, Asia Miles does permit upgrading an American I class fare to First Class. The cost is a reasonable 50,000 miles from most US gateways to London.
Step 3: You can get 50,000 Asia Miles by purchasing 40,000 Starwood Starpoints directly for $1,400.
Continental starts it with $1,000 round-trips and American matches
Airline pricing has its own calendar. So even though it was the end of the Labor Day weekend in America, at Continental it was already Thanksgiving, which meant it was time to start a fare war. On September 1, the carrier introduced $1,000 round-trip fares for travel from Nov. 18-28, and $1,200 for Christmas travel (Dec. 17 through Jan. 9). Both fares require a 30-day advance purchase.
Only one airline, American, has returned fi re by matching Continental. Last year, Northwest and US Airways also matched Continental’s fares as did BA on some routes. I think history will repeat itself.
When you call to book, remember the seat discrepancies we’ve covered recently. For instance, you’ll be much more comfortable on Continental’s B-777 over its B-757 (see the Feb. First Class Flyer). The best deal is a low fare for a high-quality seat.
I believe it won’t be long before deeply discounted holiday fares are offered to Asia. This charge is usually led by Northwest, and its financial woes and labor troubles may prompt it to offer some of the lowest premium fares yet. My educated guess is that many will fall below $2,000. Sharpen your...