New Strategy For Booking Airlines

[JJReyes]

The Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) and consolidators for premium economy and business class tickets are not flexible about their prices.  It is about 50% of the arline's published price.  The claim of 70% or 75% discount is not true.  

Here's my new strategy although it's too early to tell if it works all the time.  There are 3 major airline code sharing groups namely:  Star Alliance, One World and Sky Team.  I started with an Air France membership (Sky Team), but joined British Airways (Star Alliance) about a week ago.  Don't ask me to explain how code sharing works, however, we ended up with $1,254 one way business class from Los Angeles to Madrid.  This is direct, non-stop flight on Iberia Airlines.  The main benefit are seats that convert to flat beds for a 14 hours flight.  Great for someone with a bad back.  Our return is premium economy on American Airlines from Madrid to New York and then economy class from New York to Los Angeles.  Price is $564 each.  The US domestic carriers charge about $75 extra for economy seat upgrades that give you more legroom.  Out of curiosity, we selected economy seats in the higher category.  There were no additional fees possibly because it was a connecting flight by premium economy passengers.  My back thanks American Airlines.

The new membership is British Airways while the flights are with Iberia and American Airlines.  I think the lower price is because this airline group won't be paying commissions to OTAs.  I am happy and plan to continue with direct booking.