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Tips: Europe

Discount Business Class travel competition sharp: British Airways & Virgin
09/10/2007 | Read/Post Comments (8) | Permalink
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British Airways is gaining ground on arch-rival Virgin Atlantic, both in the comfort of its seats, and the opportunity of discounted Business Class travel using mileage upgrades.

BA requires 25,000 miles for a Premium Economy to Business Class travel upgrade vs. 40,000 for Virgin Atlantic.

Strangely, BA allows upgrades only on tickets purchased directly through it, which excludes business travelers who must book through their company's designated travel agency or preferred selling agency.


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Otherwise, the price of purchased miles is nearly identical, with BA gaining an edge, often with lower upgradeable fares. Both carriers allow one-way upgrades, but only with one-way bookings.

Bottom line: Unless you’re a die-hard fan of one or the other carrier, go with the better fare and/or schedule.



Comments
Posted by: XSPANOPOULOS | 12:21 PM CT September 16

We hope by this fall we can travel in the USA & 2008 TO EUROPE, GREECE so we will be looking for the best flights & prices. Thank you for your in formation. XAN

Posted by: GCharles | 12:31 PM CT September 16

Why is there such great price difference between, say Economy seating and Business Class/First Class. It's the same Airplane, if it goes down we're all go down, or is it the "likker" and maybe the silverware. I have been going to Europe many times these first class are never full, so why not offer these seats to other passengers for a decent price instead flying half empty or half full, besides, it may get customers use to something better. But then again, the Airline has to be willing to do so. Just a thought, GC

Posted by: CCiraulo | 11:41 PM CT September 16

Deal or no deal, I would be hesitant to take BA as they are always on some type of strike. I much prefer Virgin myself. Personal preference though.

Posted by: JSanderson | 11:34 AM CT September 17

Thank you for the information on BA upgrade. Is it 25000 for round trip USA to Europe? J.S. California

Posted by: JDoyle | 6:17 PM CT September 23

joining

Posted by: JLien | 11:50 PM CT September 23

Hi, I am looking for the best price to get lie down seats from Hawaii to Paris. What airline do you recommend? I understand I may not get lie down seats from Hawaii to LAX or SFO but then I would like to have lie down seats from LAX or SFO to Paris. Also are there any good travel agencies that specialize in great fares for lie down seats for Europe.

Posted by: JNagy | 12:34 PM CT October 31

Very excited to read about the AirFrance award tix in last newsletter. However, I tried for 2 weeks by phone (can't do anything online) to AirFrance for two RT First (not Biz) award tix San Francisco-Paris during the last two weeks of April or the first three weeks in May. Each res agent gave me some information, and the last guy told me that there is usually only 1 award seat in First per flight, often none. I did find ONE seat in September, so this is a valid offer, but not very usable. AirFrance will not hold the res until the miles are transferred from AmEx. I am unwilling to move 200K miles from AmEx into AirFrance ... probability of actually getting the tix is low. I'm a loyal Virgin Atlantic Upper Class passenger, but wanted to see what AirFrance first class was like. Any advice for me to get two first class seats on Air France sometime in April or May? I'd much rather fly directly into Paris than use the EuroStar from London. Heathrow is such a terrible airport it would be nice to avoid it for awhile!

Posted by: MYekta | 10:40 AM CT November 3

I need some information about the cheap upgrades for Delhi

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