Expand your purview, save big-time
Most of the time here at FCF, we show you great deals. That’s what we’re here for. But sometimes we’re compelled to show you the other side of the coin — the really expensive side of the coin — so you can put those great deals into context.
Every time we look at the numbers, it drives us even harder to find ways to avoid airline gouging (the chart below makes for uneasy reading), and that’s what this report is about.
Of course, sometimes you don’t have a choice. You’re cornered, especially when you have a strict itinerary or travel dates you can’t avoid. At least you’re not alone in having to cough up the higher fare in that instance.
When Business Class Fares Are Low
We call fares in the $1,500 to $2,500 range low for Business Class to Europe. When fares are this low, it’s not the time to use your hard-earned miles. We covered when to use miles or cash right here. And there’s more on low Business Class fares to Europe here.
When Business Class Fares Are High
When they’re sticking their noses over ~$3,000 it’s time to put your miles to use. Makes sense. Saves dollars.
Gougeapalooza
Here are some of the high (gouge) fares we’ve seen…
Non-stop Gouge Routes
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So let’s cut to the chase. What are your go-to plays when fares are low or high, and what are some FCF lateral thinking ideas so you can win on your next trip across the pond?
When You Don’t Want to Play the Airlines’ Game Anymore
Be an Opportunity Traveler. There’s too much default travel thinking – I’d say 90% of people fall into this category – where you take what the airlines serve up because you don’t realize there’s a better way to go. We wrote about it in this report.
So let’s apply some Opportunity Traveler ideas to the real world for travel to Europe. Here are some ways to think outside the box, and into a Business Class seat across the ditch.
There are plenty of ways to skin the map for flights to Europe. Here’s what our team has uncovered.
Route vs Route: Similar destination, lower-cost saves $2,094 / 51%
Croatia’s port cities of Split and Dubrovnik are about 100 miles apart, but there can be an ocean of difference in the price to get to each, as shown in these examples from Los Angeles. Outside the box idea: Go to Dubrovnik then leisurely make your own way up the coast to Split. Enjoy the breathtaking coastal views of the Adriatic Sea on the way.
- Los Angeles to Split: Business Class with one-stop via STAR Alliance is $4,123
- Los Angeles to Dubrovnik: Business Class with one-stop via oneworld is $2,517
Fare vs Fare: Better flight, same cost equals convenience upgrade
You can skip and jump from Miami to Amsterdam, or you can just jump. For about the same price, you can eliminate the stop. OK, it’s not exactly outside the box, but it’s still worth highlighting. Call it a “convenience upgrade” or call it a time saver. Fly KLM to save both time and money.
- Miami to Amsterdam: Business Class nonstop via KLM is $3,909
- Miami to Amsterdam: Business Class with one-stop via United is $3,924
Airline vs Airline: Same route, lower cost saves $1,095 / 27%
Two top airlines, one big price difference. Outside the box idea: All things being equal, fly the much cheaper option.
- New York to Athens: Business Class nonstop via Emirates is $2,960
- New York to Athens: Business Class nonstop via Delta is $4,055
Nonstop vs one-hour stop each way saves $1,153 / 32%
Not everyone gets riled about stopping somewhere along the way. Outside the box idea: Go the extra mile and save a lot to Dublin as shown below.
- Los Angeles to Dublin: Business Class nonstop via Aer Lingus is $3,553
- Los Angeles to Dublin: Business Class with a one-hour stop each way via United is $2,400
Time vs Time: Long layover saves $4,358 / 66%
When layovers are longer, as in these examples to Santorini (between 15 and 24 hours), there can be money-saving gold in them hills if you choose carefully. Outside the box idea: Take that time-hit in Helsinki or London (great places to stop over), instead of Zurich, to save over $4,300. Screenshot below.
- Los Angeles to Santorini: Business Class with one-stop via oneworld is $2,275
- Los Angeles to Santorini: Business Class with one-stop via STAR Alliance is $6,633
Major carrier vs lesser-known carrier saves $699 / 23%
Consider two airlines to the same destination where one flies a little below the radar. Outside the box idea: Don’t be an airline snob, the difference between BA and TAP is negligible. Generally speaking, the latter is just not as well-known to American travelers (and that snobbery tax is almost $700)
- Houston to Lisbon: Business Class with one stop via TAP is $2,341
- Houston to Lisbon: Business Class with one stop via British Airways is $3,040