More trans-Atlantic flights, but lower prices?

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In recent weeks, airlines have added destinations and frequency on trans-Atlantic routes. USAirways announced new destinations in Lisbon, Milan, and Stockholm, while Delta added Dakar and Johannesburg.

Plus, all-business class startups Maxjet and Eos Airlines have opened for business. (Both of these carriers fly solely from New York’s JFK to London’s Stansted Airport, not to the larger Heathrow or Gatwick airports.)

Are lower fares coming for the busy summer tourist season? Don’t bet on it.

At least not yet, and not in coach. Demand has been strong, and capacity has not reached saturation levels. For example, Continental raised capacity 16.8% last year, but increased revenues 26.6%.

Where you might actually see downward pressure, especially in the summer, is in premium cabins.

Get to know Z fares.

When you buy a plane ticket, it books into a fare basis code, or “bucket,” which starts with a letter. (These letters vary by airline.) Full-fare, refundable economy fares, for example typically start with the letter Y. First class is usually F, P or A, and business class is commonly C, D, or J.

“Z” fares are commonly discounted, nonrefundable business class fares. They are common on trans-Atlantic routes in the summer, when business travel (and paid business class) tends to subside and tourist travel ramps up. Sometimes, they will cost little more than an economy class ticket. Last July, for example, I recall an economy fare to Germany for nearly $1300. Ouch. The Z fare for business class: $1600.

Bottom line: If you’re looking for summer travel across the Pond, and prices seem high, be sure to separately search for both business and economy fares. You might just find a premium-class deal.

2 Responses to “More trans-Atlantic flights, but lower prices?”

  1. Upgrade: Travel Better » Blog Archive » MaxJet’s fatal flaw? says:

    […] Last week, I mentioned MaxJet and Eos, two new all-business class carriers on the New York to London route. Both fly to Stansted Airport, instead of Heathrow or Gatwick. MaxJet is also expanding to the Washington-Dulles to London-Stansted route starting March 15. […]

  2. Reader mail: Where to find cheap last-minute or emergency tickets? » Upgrade: Travel Better says:

    […] for business class. It may cost the same, or even less than coach. You may be too late to buy a Z fare, some of which require 50 or 60 days advance purchase, but it’s worth checking. Some […]

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