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Special to First Class Flyer by Roger Collis, Author of The Survivor’s Guide to Business Travel

‘Hi, I’m looking for a room for next Thursday?’

‘I have a deluxe king for $400.’

‘Is there a corporate rate?’

‘Yes, $270.’

‘And other rooms?’

‘Executive twins are $230, regular twins are $180.’

‘What does that include?’

‘Service and tax. English breakfast is extra.’‘

‘That’s more than I’m ready to pay. What about weekend deals or promotions?’

‘I can give you 50 percent off a regular twin for Friday, Saturday or Sunday night.’

‘What does that make the room rate?’

‘That’s $90.’

‘Can you give me that rate if I stay Thursday and Friday?’

‘Yes, I’d be pleased to do that.’

‘Any chance of an upgrade?’

‘I can probably give you an executive twin for the same.’

‘If you can do it with breakfast as well I’ll take it.’

‘Fine. Your name please?’

Half an ounce of chutzpah can go a long way.

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In celebration of the CEO’s birthday, MAXjet Airways, the low-fare, all-Business Class carrier has slashed it already low fares to $999 for travel from Las Vegas and Washington DC to London. Tickets must be booked by Oct. 23, for travel between Nov. 15, and March 5, 2007.

The Washington Dulles-based airline operates B-767s configured with 102 leather seats, 19 inches wide, with 60 inches of legroom, and reclining to 160 degrees. More:maxjet.com Premium Code: CEOBDAY

Getting the Most Out of First Class Flyer

Look beyond your home airport

It’s a big frequent flyer world out there and you may find information about deals and destinations that will come in handy in some other way. Perhaps by making a connection through another city. Or by purchasing a ticket to a neighboring country or city, and a separate ticket to your destination.

Look at sample fare charts as just that — samples

If your home airport isn’t mentioned, it doesn’t mean a comparable fare isn’t available from there. We don’t have room to list every fare. Base fares are usually listed, before taxes, fees, etc.

Take offer expiration dates with a grain of salt

Airlines often extend promotions, and if we reminded you every time they did we wouldn’t have room for new information— although you will still get reminders from time to time about the most important offers.

Cut us some slack

Fares listed are accurate when we close a story, but in this web-speed world they may have changed by the time they hit your inbox.