We surveyed over a dozen routes and found that the following destinations have the best discount First Class airfares of $600 to $800 from many US cities: Montego Bay, Santo Domingo, Turks and Caicos, and Bahamas (Nassau). Many other destinations are available for another $100 to $200.

With fares this low, there is no need to use your frequent flyer miles for a good First Class seat value to the Caribbean.

And buying two published fares will usually cost you less than using 2-for-1 programs because they’re valid only with full fares. These usually cost more than twice the lowest discount First Class airfare.

Elite upgrades are also a lose-lose proposition. If you’re flying American or United, the surcharge could bring your outlay close to that of a discount First Class airfare (and you can’t confirm until just before departure).

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If you’re flying Continental, Delta, Northwest, or US Airways, which all offer “free” upgrades to elites on Caribbean routes, you’ll have a lot of competition, especially in peak season.

Discount First Class airfares to the Caribbean began in 2002 when US Airways, trying to avoid bankruptcy, slashed fares to less than $1,000, a level rarely seen. About $1,600-$2,600 had been the norm.

At the same time, the carrier launched a slew of new routes to the region, and the two initiatives drove down fares overall as other carriers matched US Airways.