How Can I Score Business Class on the Cheap?
Investigating the company that promises to do it for you.
When you roll past first and business class on your way to 38G — that dreaded purgatory of a cramped, middle seat — do you find yourself wondering why you’re not the one stretching out in 1A? And whether or not there’s a better way to get that seat without going bankrupt? The Fathom Travel Shrink is on the case. Got another burning travel question or dilemma you need solved? Send it to us at TravelShrink@fathomaway.com.
Dear Travel Shrink: Do travel experts have any secret magic ways of scoring business class airfare on the cheap? I have business class tastes but a premium economy budget.
Pavia here. Tastes that exceed budgets? I see you.
For years, I’ve been trying to crack this nut, following the expert tips — set Google Flights fare alerts, monitor my inbox for airline sales, that kind of thing. Among the emails are those from SkyLux, the travel company that offers discounted business and first class airfares. Their promotions advertise Lufthansa business class from $2215, down from $6549, and SkyTeam from $2765, down from $9820, to quote two recent offers. Who wouldn’t want to save $7055 on a ticket?
But that seems too good to be true, doesn’t it? (Besides, does anyone actually get the airfares displayed in airline ads?) I always assumed SkyLux was a bit of a hoax — until last month when a shrewd investor friend who’s a serious traveler told me that he’s been a happy SkyLux customer for years. Your question was the perfect excuse to do a little digging into the company.
Here’s the deal with the deals — pros and cons.