The nine rules to follow

Rule #1: Know which carriers offer the lowest fares

Continental and US Airways start at just $1,598 from the northeast, up to $800 more from other gateways. The most commonly available departure cities are its hubs: Cleveland, Houston and New York/Newark. The most heavily discounted fares are to England. Other destinations cost $100 to $900 more. (American has not matched fares yet. I’ll be surprised if they don’t soon after you read this. Updates coming.)

Rule #2: With US Airways, fly the A330

Why? Row 1 offers four lie-flat seats for a relatively reasonable $300 surcharge, confirmable the day of departure. (Regular First Class fare: $10,000+)

Rule #3: With Continental, go for the B777s

Business Class seats are far superior to those on the carrier’s B767s and B757s in seat recline and width. Aircraft chart: http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/content/travel/inflight/businessfirst/default.aspx

Rule #4: Die-hard Star Alliance members should fly US Airways

You’ll still earn mileage and elite credit that is valid on United, while avoiding United’s fares, which are up to 33% more.

Rule #5: Die-hard SkyTeam members should fly Continental

You’ll still earn mileage and elite credit on Delta and Northwest, but avoid their fares, which can be up to 33% more. If you fly Northwest (not on sale yet), go for the A330s over the 757s.

Rule #6: Die-hard AAdvantage and Oneworld members should fly American or Iberia

Take American to London because miles flown on British Airways don’t earn mileage or elite credit on AA. But consider Iberia, as its “everyday” fares are often lower than American’s and the miles can be earned in your AAdvantage account.

Moreover, Iberia’s new Business Class seats are good. Before booking AA, consult last month’s First Class Flyer for which routes have the better seats.

[aside headline="International Residents’ Rules" alignment="alignright" width="half" headline_size="default"]

• BA has slashed fares about $1,000CAD from Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver to London.
• Continental is trying to poach travelers from Toronto and Vancouver, and Air Canada is matching, so you can save much more than normal.
• UK Residents: The nine rules above apply almost identically to you.

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Rule #7: If comfort is your driver, consider Eos first—BA and Virgin as close seconds

Eos has dropped its New York/JFK-London/Stansted fare from $2,600 to $2,056 for summer travel—the lowest fare for a lie-flat seat to Europe, and arguably the most comfortable Business Class experience. BA and Virgin offer flights from many US gateways to London for the same money. Ticketing deadline at the moment: April 13.

Rule #8: Take advantage of carriers matching those in Rule #7

American, Delta, and Northwest have also reduced fares anywhere from $100 to $800 to get in on the fare games being waged.

Rule #9: Time it right

Get your dates off by one day and you’ll miss the lowest fares. Wait very long and the fares will expire. Seasonality varies by airline, generally between June and August. Check with carrier for validity periods.

For my favorite summer First Class upgrade deals to Europe, see the March issue of FCF, page 2.