Two months ago I wrote that it’s the golden age of air travel with cheap fares all over the world. Most of those fares have been in economy, with sub-$400 roundtrips to Europe and Asia with amazing flash sales.
I certainly prefer travel in business class, and readers have been asking for those deals, recently I’ve highlighted West Coast to several European cities from $2000 roundtrip, business class to several Asian destinations for $1954, West Coast to Africa from $2146 roundtrip, United business to Asia from $1700 roundtrip, Business class to Europe $409 one-way and Singapore Airlines Business Class to Europe or Asia for Less Than $2000 roundtrip. This last was my favorite deal of all.
Airlines are more aggressively discounting business class than before, not just economy, even if most of the eye-popping sales are in coach (and even if $2000 is of course still a lot of money). When I can buy paid business class for less than 50% more than I ‘expect’ to ‘usually’ pay for economy that’s a good deal.
Now that American Airlines is bringing back Dallas Fort-Worth – Rio de Janeiro service Delta has thrown cheap business class fares their way.
Most Delta itineraries, most days, are available for $1693 roundtrip provided fare rules are satisfied.
Key details of Delta fare INNQ7NDQ:
- 50 day advance purchase
- 7 day minimum stay
- Non-refundable, $300 change fee
Here’s a sample itinerary.
It makes absolutely no sense to spend 150,000 SkyMiles (Delta flights) or even 200,000 SkyMiles (partner airlines) for saver awards on this route given the pricing.
(HT: Nick J.)
I noticed yesterday that DL had IAH – GRU for less than $500 in economy.
What aircraft is AA using to fly to Rio?
Looks like similar fares are also available ex-Europe on Delta (BRU, ZRH, MAD, DUS and more) but some of the layovers are on the long side.
The prices for US-Rio have been through the roof lately, practically trebling or quadrupling in the past year or so, with JFK-GIG regularly being north of $2000 . . . in economy, all while fares practically anyplace else have been cratering. A good example of antitrust immunity being abused by AA and LATAM. Looking forward to Delta starting JFK-GIG at the end of December, but wish they would start sooner.
would be great if one get only get to EZEE or SCL for something similar.. I really don’t understand why pricing there is $$$$$ and there are nothing but full awards (AA, DL, UA) at stupid silly prices for months in the future on plans that show pretty much EVERY seat available to book.. Is there some magic to finding a deal to SA (arg, chl)?
@tivoboy I don’t know about awards, but I’ve seen cheap fares ex-USA to EZE and SCL on Mexicana, Avianca, Copa, and LATAM.
AA is using a 787-8 for the DFW-RIO
@mark. thanks for the tip. I’ve seen some fares on COPA and Mexican air. They are cheaper for sure, but yeah with connections something like 30hr overall flight times.. ouch! I just don’t get it, are the airline assuming that what is currently an essentially empty flight will become a half full flight?
From Rio to the US roundtrip business is USD 650 with taxes. Many cities to choose from: MIA, DFW, PHL etc. Books business in I and first in P.
Agree with tivoboy, I have been looking for business class awards on AA and UA from SFO or LAX to EZE and they don’t exist without spending 300K miles round trip. What a joke these mileage programs have become.