Coast to Coast, First Class, $288!
Oct 9th, 2001 | 11:43 AM
#1
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Coast to Coast, First Class, $288!
This morning I called one of the "big 4" airlines and booked a non-stop, round-trip flight in November from a major east coast city to Los Angeles for myself and my spouse. I was quoted a fare of $288 per person. With that done, I inquired if upgrades might be available using miles from our frequent flyer accounts. To my surprise, I was told that the airline could comfirm upgrades right now, using 10,000 miles from each of our accounts!
The stunning part is that, because almost all airlines are offering double and triple miles for flights booked now and completed before the end of the year, the miles we earn on the flight will more than offset the miles deducted.
When airlines offer passengers first class seats for $288 on coast-to-coast trips, it's time to start planning travel!
The stunning part is that, because almost all airlines are offering double and triple miles for flights booked now and completed before the end of the year, the miles we earn on the flight will more than offset the miles deducted.
When airlines offer passengers first class seats for $288 on coast-to-coast trips, it's time to start planning travel!
Oct 9th, 2001 | 02:26 PM
#3
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Bravo, Traveler! If my experience since early summer is any indication, elite status flyers have been enjoying a LOT of first class upgrades. The danger: that we'll grow so accustomed to it that we'll never be willing to go back to coach. It's great while it lasts though... 
Oct 10th, 2001 | 04:16 AM
#5
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First of all, you are not paying 288 for a first class ticket. You are buying a coach ticket. Your FF miles have a value independent of your ticket price. Just because you are getting more than 10k in FF, that doesn't mean your getting a first class ticket for 288 because those miles can be used on another ticket.
I don't know where you're going but for the past 6 mos. up until 9/11, 288 was no bargain for me. I've been back and forth from NYC to SFO, SJC and DEN and the highest I paid (coach) was 244.
Furthermore, I think the whole "airfar bargain" thing is a big farce. I've been looking to take advantage and go on a long weekend trip just for the sake of doing it and all the fares I've been quoted (been watching daily) have been excessively high for very inconvenient flight times. Try and get a mid-day flight to Vegas and it can be over $300 bucks. Last year I got round trip airfare and 3 nights at Mandalay Bay for $399 through AAA.
I don't know where you're going but for the past 6 mos. up until 9/11, 288 was no bargain for me. I've been back and forth from NYC to SFO, SJC and DEN and the highest I paid (coach) was 244.
Furthermore, I think the whole "airfar bargain" thing is a big farce. I've been looking to take advantage and go on a long weekend trip just for the sake of doing it and all the fares I've been quoted (been watching daily) have been excessively high for very inconvenient flight times. Try and get a mid-day flight to Vegas and it can be over $300 bucks. Last year I got round trip airfare and 3 nights at Mandalay Bay for $399 through AAA.
Oct 10th, 2001 | 06:05 AM
#6
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You still need to wwork hard to find the bargains. If you are fortunate to be able to travel for the sake of travel, and find a good fare, go for it. I've been trying to travel several places for explicit purposes and not finding any particularly stellar bargains out there unless I'm willing to make two changes and leave at 7AM.
Oct 10th, 2001 | 06:33 AM
#7
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Ohoh, both American and United are offering the same double miles deal.
Jim, this had nothing to do with any 'elite flyer' status. I found the web through the airline's search engine, booked it, and then called for the upgrade.
Mary, I agree that first class between say, Chicago and Washington D.C. is little more than a free glass of wine and the right to get off the plane first. But on a six-hour coast-to- coast flight, that roomier seat and leg room makes a world of difference.
Math, when an airline sells you two first-class seats for $288 plus 10,000 miles; then at the conclusion of the flight puts 11,400 miles (2850x2x2)back into your account; they've sold you two first-class seats for $288!
Finally, ohoh, these are non-stop flights leaving at exactly the right times. I always first go to the airline web site because Orbitz, Expedia tend to put up fringe carriers first.
Jim, this had nothing to do with any 'elite flyer' status. I found the web through the airline's search engine, booked it, and then called for the upgrade.
Mary, I agree that first class between say, Chicago and Washington D.C. is little more than a free glass of wine and the right to get off the plane first. But on a six-hour coast-to- coast flight, that roomier seat and leg room makes a world of difference.
Math, when an airline sells you two first-class seats for $288 plus 10,000 miles; then at the conclusion of the flight puts 11,400 miles (2850x2x2)back into your account; they've sold you two first-class seats for $288!
Finally, ohoh, these are non-stop flights leaving at exactly the right times. I always first go to the airline web site because Orbitz, Expedia tend to put up fringe carriers first.
