When the stars align to get First Class for the price of Premium Economy
There are two kinds of travelers: the ones who’ve carved out their journey in stone. Their dates are locked, like a ship stuck in ice, and they’re unable to shift course no matter how the winds change.
The other ones crave getting the most bang for their buck or miles, and plan around when that's possible.
Enter the Opportunity Traveler.
Here's the truth. If you’re value-conscious, locking in your ticket too early is like shooting an arrow before you see the target. The beauty of flexibility is that it allows you to seize extraordinary opportunities when they arise. And for First Class travel, these opportunities are becoming as rare as sightings of a blue moon.
Still, some travelers lock themselves in. "When should I book my flight?" they ask, hoping for some secret hour like midnight on Saturdays. The answer is simpler: Book when flights are cheapest. It's that straightforward. But here's the catch: Deals don’t sit around waiting for your convenience — they come, they go, and if you're not ready to pounce, you'll miss them.
As we all know, First Class routes are becoming fewer as time goes by. American currently has five nonstop First Class routes to London from the U.S. with typical published fares ranging from:
- Charlotte $5,760 to $13,700 (service begins November 5)
- Dallas $6,600 to $7,510
- Los Angeles $5,780 to $8,280
- Miami $5,780 to $7,330
- New York $4,180 to $5,210
So, when fares are on the high side, it’s time to consider some golden opportunities.
Okay, so you know what’s coming next… a deal, a big deal. Think First Class to London for as low as 72,000 miles each way, but with very limited availability.
That’s right. We found a smattering of First Class one-stop flights to London with maybe 10 days a year where First Class can be had for nearly the price of Premium Economy. These flights range from 72,000 to 90,000 one-way and depart from Austin, Cleveland, Columbus, Houston, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Memphis, Nashville, New Orleans, San Antonio, San Francisco, and St. Louis.
While the nonstop from Dallas to London typically runs 300,000 miles, it's almost laughable how a one-stop option can bring you luxury at a fraction of the cost.
For example :
- Dallas to London nonstop in First Class on American costs 300,000 miles
- Dallas to London nonstop in Business Class on American costs 219,000 miles
- Dallas to London nonstop in Premium Economy costs 90,000 miles
- Houston to London via Dallas in First Class costs 72,000 miles
Dallas to London nonstop in First Class for 300,000 miles
Dallas to London nonstop in Business Class for 219,000 miles
Dallas to London nonstop in Premium Economy for 90,000 miles
Houston to London via Dallas in First Class for 72,000 miles
Nonstop routes vs. one-stop routes
When you compare typical one-way First Class nonstop awards to nearby one-stop awards, you come out way ahead just by making a stop. Here’s a comparison of nonstop routes to those with a stop via their major hubs.
Charlotte-London
The highest cost for a one-stop in the month of February from Atlanta, Jacksonville, Richmond, Raleigh, and Savannah (besides just two low-cost days) is still lower than the lowest cost on most days when compared to the nonstop from Charlotte to London.
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Dallas-London
The highest cost in the month of February from Austin, Houston, and San Antonio (besides just four low-cost days) is still lower than the lowest cost on most days when compared to the nonstop from Dallas to London.
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Los Angeles-London
The highest cost in the month of February from San Diego, San Francisco, and Seattle (besides just two low-cost days) is still lower than the lowest cost on most days when compared to the nonstop from Los Angeles to London.
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Miami-London
The highest cost in the month of February from Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, and Tampa (besides just three low-cost days) is still lower than the lowest cost on most days when compared to the nonstop from Miami to London.
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New York-London
The highest cost in the month of February from Boston, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh (besides just nine low-cost days) is still lower than the lowest cost on most days when compared to the nonstop from New York to London.
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If you're a flexible Opportunity Traveler, congrats. I'll see you up front.