Discounted Business Class Flights

sukh45

Hi,

I am planning to go Australia in late 2012. I was just wondering if there are any websites/companies which sell discounted business class flights.

For example, I've seen 'flyl4l' which claims to sell seats at 50 to 70% discount by buying company miles. There also seem to be other similar companies.

I'm not questioning this company's credibility but just wanted to know if this market actually exists and if so who are the credible sellers?

Thank you in advance for you response.

Voyager2002

Yes, discounted business class seats do become available. However, I doubt whether they do so as a result of a 'grey' market in frequent flyer miles. Apart from anything else, this kind of trading would be forbidden by the rules of most frequent flyer schemes, so any company that engaged in this kind of trade would be at constant risk of collapse: not exactly an attractive business model.

Earlier this year, I was given a reasonable quote for a business class flight by the company you mention. I later found exactly the same fare (right to the same number of cents) offered indirectly by the airline concerned. I suspect that the company is really a consolidator, and the talk of recycling frequent flyer miles is simply marketing spin.

Anyway, I suggest you do some careful searches using sites like itasoftware and kayak, as well as those of the airlines servicing your route.

CountryGoose

There is a grey market and not somewhere you really want to go. You run the risk of handing over you £££ for a ticket that is issued outside the regulations of the Airmiles/Airlines/Frequent Flyer Programmes. None of the programmes allow the trading of miles seats for cash. If they get even a whiff of trading, your ticket will be pulled and you'll lose your trip and most liely your cash. Worse still, they discover the scam while your abroad, waiting to come home.....

Some people may have got away with it - it's not a risk I would take.

Johnnyy_Boy

Maybe go direct to the airline and try Air Asia ?

Voyager2002

The company the OP mentions seems to be legitimate, and accepts payment by credit card. So the customer would have some kind of protection. Personally, I think they are just a bucket shop with a fancy cover story to make the customer believe that they are unique. The quote they gave me was good, but not outstandingly so, and in the end I did not buy from them.

Air Asia business class is not particularly cheap, and nothing like as good as true business class on a conventional airline.

malkie76

Consider flying ex-EU via London with BA to unlock cheaper business fares (ie start in Amsterdam). You do need to actually start in Amsterdam, and not turn up in London thinking you can skip the first leg.

Also consider buying a flight plus hotel to get cheaper flights. You dont actually have to use the hotel.

It's an extremely popular route, so there is limited availability for miles rewards flights meaning the company you mentio may not be able to get you tickets.

Johnnyy_Boy

Voyager2002 wrote: »

Air Asia business class is not particularly cheap, and nothing like as good as true business class on a conventional airline.

Agreed, I wouldn't choose it but if your budget driven then its an option.

sukh45

Thanks all. Some valuable advice here.

I guess I'll just have to stump up a little more cash and try finding a good deal.