The year’s top deal under the microscope

Last month we looked at the holiday fare war started by Continental and immediately matched by American. Fares start at an amazingly low $900, round-trip.

Now, Delta, KLM, Lufthansa, Northwest, SWISS, United and US Airways have joined in, which works in your favor. This year’s Thanksgiving fares to European cities are even lower than last. Given the state of the dollar, that’s something to be thankful for. With so many choices, the goal is getting the best seat. Here’s the alliance lineup.

Oneworld Iberia has new seats but is not discounting them, which means American is your only choice. Look for B767 300 flights, with the carrier’s new Business Class seats. They’re not great, but better than existing seats.

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SkyTeam Seats on Continental’s B777s recline much farther than those on its B767s and B757s. Northwest’s A330s recline much more than those on its B757s. Air France seats are about as good as the best you’ll find on Continental and Northwest.

Star Alliance I’m not a fan of Business Class seats on Lufthansa, United, or US Airways. Best bet: SWISS A340s on Los Angeles-Zurich.

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Holdouts Eos dropped its fare from $2,600 to $1,998—the lowest fare by the way, for a true lie-flat seat to Europe. British Airways charges $2,950+ and Virgin Atlantic $3,600+.

Two Reminders Upgrade to First Class: Last month we outlined one of my favorite deals: A First Class upgrade with an American Airlines $900 Business Class fare. (See page 4 in Sept. FCF).

Mileage Run: If you must fly to keep up your elite status, this is the time to do it. 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.