We’ve been talking about our beloved Leg Stretch Strategy (LSS) since last May and have heard some incredibly positive feedback on the savings that members' have netted. (Conrad in Chicago used it twice already, for example.) But some good things sometimes must end, so we thought we’d better mention it, lest you’re in the middle of booking a LSS.
After the May report, we did two updates, the most recent one in February, when fares dropped even more for the LSS Delta & SkyTeam Partners to Europe and South America where you could get four long-haul segments for just $2,358 in Business Class. FCF regretfully must report all the lower fares have expired.
Lessons Learned?
Fares and deals change—so grab the great ones when you see them. And this is a great one. Our latest LSS—using miles this time / not cash—is in this very issue.Every day there are more than one million fare changes lodged with ATPCO, the primary aggregator of airfares. It’s a very dynamic industry. So, take heed of what we said in our February Leg Stretch report:
“If you haven’t done so, we urge you to take another look at the Leg Stretch Strategy, because it is an astonishing way to save on airfares. The airlines could put a stop to this with a simple change in the fare rules, but they haven’t yet. That could change by the end of this paragraph. Don’t wait. Get out that bucket list and make it work for you.”
That said, my guess is that the fares will be back.
On the Upside
THE MAY LSS: STILL FLYING: The LSS fare outlined in May for a US—Europe—South Pacific itinerary in Business Class is still valid on Air New Zealand. Fares currently start at £4,215 (at today’s exchange rate, about $5,871). With the novel ticketing strategy you likely won't find elsewhere, you essentially get a free round-trip to Europe for booking one to the South Pacific. Not bad. For details, see FCF’s May report.
THE JULY LSS: STILL FLYING ON SOME ROUTES, BUT AT HIGHER RATES: For example, New York, Zurich, Rio de Janeiro was $2,460. It’s now $2,715, an increase of $255. Or Miami, Frankfurt, São Paulo was $2,883. It’s now $3,311, an increase of $428.
Still a deal—just less of one.