Europe
Holiday Business Class Fares Begin to Europe, But It’s Not Time to Bite
The backyard barbeque is barely warmed up, yet one airline is already trying to tempt you with some year-end holiday fares. Continental wins the 2008 award for early kickoff of turkey-season travel, with round-trip Business Class fares to Europe starting at just $1,020 (plus taxes) for November travel; $1,220 in December/January.
But informed travelers know the gravy lies ahead...
You see, Mass Market Carriers (MMCs) routinely launch fare sales ahead of the competition in order to snag the jumpy traveler, who doesn't wait for the prime value. Fare matching is usually forthcoming by a Premium Service Carrier (PSC) or two.
The problem(s) with Continental: It's behind the premium service quality curve on the trans-Atlantic, and offers an inconsistent comfort experience. (If you're not careful, you could find yourself in any one of three VERY different seats on flights to Europe.)
The airline's fast-forward to the holidays (fare sales usually aren't for travel five months out) is a great way to generate cash during hard times. Too far in advance, though, and an airline needs to be careful it's not mortgaging too much of its future. That's becoming a greater temptation, nowadays.
The best part about Continental and its deal is that it gets the attention of competitors with similar temptations and an excess of inventory for the premium cabins during low-season. The benefit to travelers is that the competitors often have better seats, mileage programs, routings, and lucrative upgrade opportunities to First Class.
My Advice: Unless you're a Continental loyalist (remember you can earn CO miles when traveling on other carriers), don't get hooked by the first airline's lure -- wait for the followers to cast their lines. Availability is wide open at the moment.
> Thanksgiving Travel: Outbound permitted: Nov. 23 through Nov. 29. Return: Nov. 27 through Nov. 28 OR Dec. 2 through Dec. 4.
> Christmas and New Year's Travel: Outbound: Dec. 20 though Jan. 2, 2009. Return: Dec. 25 through Jan. 9, 2009.
More unique analysis on how to get the best value for holiday travel to Europe is coming in First Class Flyer.
P.S. If for some reason you have already purchased a Continental ticket, know that you can cancel it for a $300 fee with the ability to use it for future travel when you discover a better value.
For 13 years, First Class Flyer has been two steps ahead of the airlines, providing customers with insider tips on upgrade secrets, mileage plans and how to fly well, for less.