On major airlines, published business class fares can run you between $4000 and $7000. With agencies like Cook Travel, you can get discounts of 40 to 70 percent through flash sales, consolidator fares, and by combining your flights with land packages, especially when you work with agents who specialize in these areas.
But these following 7 airlines have consistently low-cost business class fares. Check them out.
1. Aer Lingus
You don’t need the luck of the Irish to get good business-class deals on Aer Lingus. Aer Lingus offers a very inexpensive business class product that is only about double an economy fare on British Airways or American Airlines (around $1,500-$2,000 RT to Europe). You will have a stop in Dublin, which can be good or bad, depending on if you’d like to also see a little bit of Ireland.
2. La Compagnie
La Compagnie is an all-business-class boutique airline offering some of the best business class deals around. You can fly from Newark to Nice roundtrip for $1,300, and Newark to Paris roundrip for $1,400. Every flight has 76 lay-flat seats, so you will arrive well-rested.
3. Norwegian Air
Norwegian Air advertises itself as the best low-cost airline in the world for long-haul flights. That’s a big claim, but the carrier has a long list of awards to back it up. Norwegian Air is perfect for budget travelers looking for a little more comfort within the three-figure price range, but the seats on this airline do not lie-flat.
4. Icelandair
This airline has a very competitive business class product when flying between Europe and the U.S., but their seats are not lie flat. You can get a one-way fare in first class from Europe to the U.S. for about $1,000.
5. Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines flies to 120 countries, more than any other airline, and services a total of 302 destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. They were voted the best business class in Europe for five years in a row, and are a favorite for travelers to Israel. You get better service on Turkish than most airlines, and often for half the price.
6. Hawaiian Airlines
You can get from Los Angeles to Kauai for under $500, or NYC to Tokyo for around $1500 in the Extra Comfort cabin (a hybrid between economy and business) if you play your cards right. Naturally, you’ll get the most bang for your buck in the off-season, but Hawaiian Airlines is also competitive during summer and over the holidays. You can also fly cheaply to Australia on this airline.
7. British Airways
The airline is a solid choice for transatlantic flights and makes getting from US hubs to European cities in the Club World (business class) cabin for under $2000 doable. Not to mention, you can score big discounts on airfare with BA when you are also booking a land package. (Booking land packages can also help you score discounts on carries like Delta and American Airlines.)
I have already secured accommodations in London for part of the trip. However, when I first arrive, I would like to go from the airport to possibly the town of Bath or Oxford for a couple of nights.