Flying Business Class

[sippican]

DH does all our airline research----sometimes cruise line, sometimes airline. In preparation for oue far east river cruising he found an airline consolidator. We have Dayton OH to Saigon and return for $3200pp business class. Jumped on it--found nothing cheaper. Pat

 

I've been looking online at some of the consolidators. Which one did you use?

Does anyone have any expereinces to share regarding using discount consolidators?

[CaroleSS]

As I would suppose that posting the consolidator on these boards would be prohibited by CC, could you email yours to me please?

teddy_spaghetti

at yahoo<dot>com

[Hoyaheel]

Premium Economy is a very good product on certain airlines. I know Air France has a awesome Premium Economy. Check with the experts on the Cruise Air board for advice. But you need to be careful with the code shares. For example delta shares with air France their economy plus not as good

 

My husband loves AF Premium Voyageur - he's able to sleep in those seats, whereas Delta & KLM have the same economy seats (just with more legroom & recline) and he can't sleep in those. I can sleep in coach so I don't mind, but if we can get PV on AF for not too much more $, we'll book it (nice mileage bonus on delta skymiles too, though that will probably change next year)

 

The downside of course is that you have to fly through CDG:rolleyes: Not so bad if you're deplaning there, but a bear for making a connecting flight. Last year, we booked 2 PV seats to Paris in November and only paid ~$300 more per person to get the PV seats (over regular economy).

[coolerchick]

The downside of course is that you have to fly through CDG:rolleyes: Not so bad if you're deplaning there, but a bear for making a connecting flight. Last year, we booked 2 PV seats to Paris in November and only paid ~$300 more per person to get the PV seats (over regular economy).

 

I hear that airport is a nightmare! Of course, London Heathrow (HELLthrow) not much better.

 

Another tip - sign up for all the airlines newletters - they will send you specials.

 

Also, if you do not care about the airline - what about trying to get a business seat by bidding on Priceline. Has anyone ever managed to get a good seat that way?

 

I'm fussy about airlines so I have never tried it.

[Viking Cruises]

We just booked a Viking River cruise Bucharest-Budapest Summer 2014. Viking was "offering" $400 off each on airfare so had the TA check Viking's prices. Lowest was $1995 each R/T US to Bucharest and back from Prague - with $400 off that comes to $1595 each cattle class. Kayak is showing about $1450 R/T and we are still outside the timeframe where most airlines schedule. NOT a deal from Viking. More of a bait and switch. We usually river cruise with Uniworld, but Uniworld's similar trip begins in Istanbul which we have visited many times. In addition to the airfare "issue," Viking is quoting $699 each for the pre/post stays in Bucharest and Prague. That's an extra $2,800 for the both of us. Five star hotels in each city can be had for between $400-500 total both of us each location. Of course, Viking as blocked the pre-cruise hotel in Bucharest and will not release a room according to the TA who checked with Viking. Not really a problem - just an inconvenience to move hotels (trip includes one night in Bucharest) - since I am familiar with Bucharest having spent time in the city during the Ceaucescu era (and traveled extensively in eastern Europe). So far, Viking is not winning me over and I'm unimpressed with Viking's efforts.

 

Dear Globehoppers,

 

We’re very excited that you’ll be joining us on board next year, but are sorry to hear that you are currently frustrated and underwhelmed. We’d like to continue working with you and your Travel Agent to see if something can be done in the way of specific arrangements you are hoping to make. Please contact us directly at TellUs@vikingcruises.com so that we can put you and/or your Travel Agent in touch with a Viking Travel Specialist. They will be happy to discuss the details of your upcoming cruise.

 

Sincerely,

Viking Cruises

[CaroleSS]

HELLO....we are with Avalon...where are they?!?!

 

p.s. thank you to Viking for showing up on these boards and caring about customer service!!!!