Heres how a minor-league pitcher became a major-league travel expert.
Its
1992, the first day of spring training. Were in the
dugout of the Gulf Coast Royals, a Kansas City Royals farm
team. The guys are clustered around pitcher Matthew J. Bennett,
whos explaining how he flew from Monterey CA to Orlando
FL for half the money the team gave him allowing him
to keep the change.
Hey, Matthew, one of the guys says, can
you do that for us too?
And Mr. Upgrade was born.
Matthew washed out of the minor leagues, to the everlasting
gratitude of travelers who enjoy flying up front but
insist on the most value for their dollar often flying
First Class for the price of coach.
For ten years Mr. Bennett has been pulling fare-saving rabbits
out of hats for CEOs, Hollywood stars, professional athletes
and just plain luxury travelers.
He was mentored from the start by many of the worlds
most knowledgeable travel consultants. In the course of putting
their secrets to work he evolved his own repertoire of tactics.
The tables are turned as the worlds top agencies ask
for his seasoned advice.
Value-conscious business and leisure travelers from coast
to coast and around the world can acquire Mr. Bennetts
money-saving luxury travel guidance, thanks to the Internet.
Corporate travel managers also rely on his cost-cutting strategies.
First Class Flyer, Mr. Bennetts newsletter and website
(www.firstclassflyer.com), shares insider information on the
best values and sweet deals. Its become the top resource
for timely advice and guidance on
The Best First & Business Class Values
Two-for-one Options
Elite Status Strategies
Credit Card Strategies
Free & Purchased Upgrade Tactics
And Much More
Bennett recently launched a blog called FlightBliss.com, a free source for
ticketing and upgrade strategies, including free Upgrade Alerts via email.
Mr. Bennett is frequently quoted by top news agencies including -
CNN
Newsweek
FOX News
BusinessWeek
New York Times
Condé Nast Traveler
Los Angeles Times
Four Seasons Hotel & Resorts Magazine
Wall Street Journal
TIME
"...ingenious ways to use frequent flier miles for upgrades, and other waysboth obvious and sneakyto escape from the cattle car... It's a great reference for anyone who hates flying Coach" Ed Perkins, Founding Editor Consumer Reports Travel Letter
"Anyone who has flown first class knows how much more comfortable, roomy and enjoyable... check out First Class Flyer." Fine Living Magazine
"Mr. Upgrade and First Class Flyer are a user friendly service that does everything possible to make my travel more comfortable -- in the air, and in my wallet." Mike Steinberg, Senior Vice President
Salomon Smith Barney
"FirstClassFlyer.com, a Web Site that shares insider information on first- and business-class values and upgrade tactics. USA TODAY
"Matt, I've been a subscriber for over 5 years, and use your information regularly -- my subscription fee is worth every penny! Keep up the good work!" Gary Caplan, President
Caplan Management
"Mr. Upgrade writes about deals I can't find anywhere else!" Nell Edgar, Travel Agency Owner
Carlson Wagonlit Travel
More than 60,000 luxury travelers subscribe to First Class Flyer's weekly newsletter.
Mr. Bennett puts it all together from his office in Monterey CA, where most of his travel these days is to a favorite hideaway down the coast on Highway 1, to spectacular Big Sur.
"Firstclassflyer.com offers
advice and a newsletter with
tips on ways to fly up front." - New York Times
"Firstclassflyer.com, a site
that caters to frequent and
first-class fliers." - Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts Magazine
"First Class Flyer is loaded
with tips on flying in comfort
without paying the
exorbitant first class fares!" - Chicago Tribune
"…specializes in finding
cheaper luxury flights for
executives." - Newsweek
"For upgrade strategies, go
to FirstClassFlyer.com." - Kiplinger's Personal
Finance
"The monthly newsletter… which tips off subscribers to
promotions." - Condé Nast Traveler
"First Class Flyer.com, a web
site that shares insider
information on first- and
business-class values and
upgrade tactics." - USA Today
Firstclassflyer.com…a site for
frequent business flyers." - American Express
SkyGuide
"Firstclassflyer.com…feature
s deals and promotions on
business and first class
travel, as well as strategies." - International Travel
News
"Firstclassflyer.com… detailed
information and practical
tips about what many
business and frequent
leisure travelers increasingly
regard as priority No. 1:
flying in a first-class seat on
something considerably less
than a first-class fare." - New York Times
"First Class Flyer is a crucial
resource for road warriors.
Every issue is packed with
insider tips on how to save
money in style." - International Herald
Tribune
"Anyone who has flown first
class knows how much more
comfortable, roomy, and
enjoyable [it is]…check out
First Class Flyer." - Fine Living Magazine