First/Business Class???

Question

Are there any places that have cheap first/business class tickets? Also, what are good methods for cheap upgrades? Is it true that you can buy miles from a travel agency?

On a flight from la to taiwan?

Answer 1

There are a couple of reliable consolidators that do have First class and Business Class tickets. Here are two that you might want to check out.

http//:www.farebuzz.com
http//:www.flyfirstclass.com

Other consolidators also deal with deeply discounted First and Business Class seats.

Depending on the particular destination and airline, you can find some bargain based prices for them.

Travel Agencies do not sell miles unless they are involved in something that I would not want to get involved in. You often see ads in local newspapers about people "selling" miles. Also craigslist.com sometimes have them depending upon your local area.

Just be careful no matter what. An old rule of thumb: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

I know people that will fly into London and buy ongoing fares through a "bucket shop" and some do specialize in First and Business fares, particularly to Africa. You can save money if you are brave enough and independent enough to do it that way and want a London stopover enroute. I know of some clients that have saved thousands doing that.

Yes you can also inquire at the check-in desk but I do agree that flights are a lot fuller now than pre 9/11. Many times they will offer an upgrade charge. Did that just the other night coming back from Hilo, Hawaii. $150 which was not bad at all for the extra room and comfort. Another rule of thumb: It never hurts to ask you never know there might be an upgrade charge available.

Good luck!

Answer 2

I fly...alot....way too much for my own good.

1. Depends on where you are flying from/too... Anything trans-atlantic or trans-pacific is going to cost you big $$. Also any flight from NYC to LA or BOS to SFO...huge money.
Shorter trips have cheaper fares...

2. There's no such thing as a cheap upgrade. In fact, upgrades themselves are harder and harder to come by as all airlines have cut back on their schedules since 9/11 when air travel plummeted. Now that air travel is back to pre 9/11 levels the airlines havent really added alot more new flights and that means every plane is full. I havent been on a 1/2 full plane in two years.

3. You can buy miles...and purchase upgrades with miles...but it wont really help. Upgrades are allocated to frequent flyers first...and all the "Executive Platinum" and other top tier levels get the upgrades. Rarely will they go to anyone who isnt at the top of the frequent flier heap.

So best bet...dont rely on getting an upgrade and save your money and pay for the business/first seat.

Answer 3

fly business class. First is nice but the extra $ are not worth it.