There are still U.S. to Europe roundtrip British Airways Business Class tickets in the $1500-$2000 range, thanks to the British Airways AARP discount and British Airways Visa discount for British Airways flights. Admittedly, there were cheaper tickets earlier this year in April (see $1167 Business Class to Paris or Keep Award Tickets?) but as of now, these are among the best business class deals I see to Europe.
These various fare discounts to Europe have been useful to some of my clients, many of whom are going to Europe this summer, thanks to the attractive USD to EUR exchange rate–the savvy ones prepaid for their accommodation with no foreign transaction fee credit cards when the exchange rate was hovering around the 1.08 EUR to USD rate, back in late May.
Getting back to airfare, here are a few of the flights clients have either taken advantage of or considered, all of them out of Philadelphia, which has much better rates than other British Airways and US Airways gateways:
1. British Airways Business Class to Amsterdam, via London: ~$1500
One of the best deals is Philadelphia to Amsterdam via London for just over $1500, using the AARP discount and British Airways Visa 10% discount:
Where to Stay: Hotel De L'Europe Amsterdam; also see Amsterdam: Best Luxury Hotels
2. US Airways Business Class to Dublin Nonstop: ~$1600
Another good bet, especially if you want a nonstop option, is US Airways Envoy Business Class nonstop Philadelphia to Dublin for about $1600. Keep in mind you won't be able to apply the British Airways Visa coupon to this flight since it's a US Airways flight, but the AARP discount alone makes it a good deal for business class.
Where to Stay: The Merrion; also see Dublin: Best 5-Star Luxury Hotels
3. To Lisbon, Portugal in US Airways / British Airways Business Class: ~$1600
Lisbon is one of the most underrated European capitals, and well worth a visit. A quick search turned up a non-stop option on US Airways with a return on British Airways. The outbound in US Airways made this fare ineligible for the British Airways Visa discount, but the ~$1600 rate is still a great fare.
Where to Stay: Olissippo Lapa Palace with Virtuoso benefits or Four Seasons Ritz Lisboa, with Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits.
Olissippo Lapa Palace Virtuoso Benefits for TravelSort Clients
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily Buffet breakfast, for up to two in room guests (served in Monsanto Room)
- $100 USD Equivalent Food & Beverage credit, to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Four Seasons Ritz Lisboa Preferred Partner Benefits for TravelSort Clients
- Daily full American breakfast for two people per bedroom, served through In-Room Dining or in the hotel restaurant (including buffets)
- Spa credit of USD100 once during stay (not applicable to products)
- Upgrade of one category, based on availability at time of check-in (excluding signature suites and villas)
- Enjoy a complimentary arrival limousine transfer for all suite bookings
- Complimentary basic Internet in all guest rooms, complimentary premium Internet in all suites.
4. British Airways Business Class to Paris, via London: ~$2000
Admittedly, Paris isn't as great a deal as the other cities above:
Also, if traveling as a couple, you may be able to do better with La Companie's current summer promotion, where some dates still have availability for about $1500 per person, on the NYC EWR to Paris CDG route, which of course is more convenient for many folks who don't live or easily connect to Philadelphia.
Keep in mind though that La Compagnie only offers angled flat seats, so if you need a flat bed seat, you still may want to fly British Airways.
Where to Stay: Four Seasons George V, Paris with Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits or the Mandarin Oriental Paris with Virtuoso benefits
1. Go to AARP.org
Go to AARP.org and click on the “Join” button in the upper left, or go to this link.
2. Complete Your Membership and Register with a Password
After you fill in your details and pay $16, don't forget to register with a password on the right hand side of the confirmation page, since you'll need the password to login to the Brititish Airways AARP portal to access discounted fares.
3. Go to the British Airways AARP Page to Search for Fares
Go to the British Airways AARP Member Benefits page, click on the red “Log in to your AARP account” button and, once the pop up box appears, login using your email address and password. After logging in, you'll be taken to a British Airways AARP search page, where the discounted fares will automatically appear when searching.
FAQ
Do I Have to be an AARP Member to Get the Discount?
Yes–but a 1 year membership is inexpensive, at just $16.
Can I Get the Discount on a One Way or Open Jaw Ticket?
No: the AARP discount is only valid on roundtrip tickets that return to the same origin city.
Can I Use This for British Airways Tickets Departing Europe or Someplace Other Than the U.S.?
No–the discount is only valid for tickets departing from the U.S.
Can I Somehow Combine This with the British Airways Companion Ticket?
No–the British Airways companion voucher is for award tickets. The AARP discount is for paid tickets only.
Have you booked any British Airways Business Class tickets using the AARP and BA Visa discounts?
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