Trans-Atlantic Biz Class Discounts

In the ‘70s, Freddie Laker started Skytrain, a discount airline offering rock-bottom fares between London and New York, the most traveled international route in the world. But the airline closed down in 1982 after expanding too quickly during a worldwide recession. Then came People Express, charging $149 each way between Newark and London's Gatwick airport.  But, like Skytrain, the airline took on too much debt to expand, competitors cut fares to compete, and it closed down in 1986.

Now, at least two airlines think that it’s the business traveler who will love low fares.  Eos Airlines recently began offerings business class-only seating (with 21 square feet of personal space and a fully flat seat for sleeping) aboard B-757s between New York’s JFK and London’s Stansted for about $3,250 each way—about $1,000 less than larger competitors’ full-fare business class.  Service is set to begin Oct. 18.

And on Nov. 1, MAXjet begins all-business-class service, also between JFK and Stansted. Fares, according to the airline’s web site, will begin at $799 each way. The airline will fly B-767s with 60-inch pitch seats, much less generous than Eos' offering. But, then again, the fare is much less.

This new competition has caused fares for business class seats on trans-Atlantic flights to drop among the legacy carriers. British Airways, for example, offers lower fares on many days depending on demand. For example, fly on Nov. 17^th, and pick up a ticket for $2,477 each way. As always, shop around because there’s never been a better time to find low business class fares to Europe.