Earlier this month, the Fury 325, a roller coaster at North Carolina amusement park Carowinds, was shut down after a visitor spotted a crack in one of the ride's steel support beams.
27.07.2023 - 18:35 / smartertravel.com / Tim Winship / London
Google “La Compagnie” and the top non-sponsored result describes the airline thusly: “Discover Paris and London with La Compagnie, the unique French all-business-class airline, at an affordable price.”
That descriptor is accurate today, but won’t be from September 25, when La Compagnie suspends its service between the U.S. and London. The company linked its withdrawal from the London route to Brexit, the U.K.’s withdrawal from the European Union. “This decision comes in view of the new economic climate and aviation landscape in Europe following the recent United Kingdom European Union membership referendum in June 2016.”
Related:500 Virgin America Points, Quick & EasyAlthough summer load factors on the route exceeded 77 percent, the thinking, presumably, was that post-Brexit, London will lose its status as Europe’s financial hub, in the process losing what had been a reliably steady stream of business travelers.
The airline stressed, however, that the London service was being suspended, not cancelled. “We do believe in U.K.’s unique market position, hence the decision to invest heavily in the London route for the last 16 months. But the recent result of the EU referendum has created an unprecedented level of legal and economic uncertainty for airlines that service Great Britain.”
La Compagnie will redeploy the B757-200 currently servicing London on the New York-Paris route, increasing that service to twice-daily, as soon as October.
In the meantime, business-class flights to London can still be booked for $1,577 roundtrip, including taxes and fees.
The airline is also offering special $1,400 roundtrip Election Escape fares to Paris on select dates in October and November, for travelers “fed up” with the U.S. elections.
Reader Reality Check
Cheap business-class flights to Europe: Aye or nay?
More from SmarterTravel: ‘A First Class Upgrade Every Time’? C’mon! Is the ‘Best Travel Rewards Card’ the Best Credit Card for You? Hotel Tipping – Do You or Don’t You?After 20 years working in the travel industry, and 15 years writing about it, Tim Winship knows a thing or two about travel. Follow him on Twitter @twinship.
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Earlier this month, the Fury 325, a roller coaster at North Carolina amusement park Carowinds, was shut down after a visitor spotted a crack in one of the ride's steel support beams.
Bad news for the airlines often translates as good news for travel consumers.
Likely in response to JetBlue’s systemwide double-points promotion, in effect through February 29, Virgin America is also offering double points, but only on select routes.
Flying to Europe between now and July 31? Good. Flying on a first-, business-, or full coach-fare ticket? Even better. Because, bonus miles.
Alaska Airlines is justly lauded for its Mileage Plan loyalty program, which among other features boasts 17 airline partners, allowing program members to earn and redeem miles for flights throughout the world.
Editors’ Note: On October 1, 2018, Primera Air announced it will cease operations immediately. The following story was published on September 11, 2018.
Could you justify spending $35,000 for a year’s worth of unlimited business-class flights between New York and London or Paris? Probably not. But if so, La Compagnie has a deal for you.
Supersonic speed – mainstream fares
Overall, Delta’s SkyMiles program has established itself as one of the industry’s least generous loyalty schemes. To play, you’ll pay. But with this limited-time award sale, you can at least pay less.
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Enter the WGBH “Downton Abbey” sweepstakes by March 15, 2016, for a chance to win the grand prize: a six-day trip for two to Great Britain, including air, hotel, some meals, rail passes, and tours of Downton Abbey filming sites.
Since diplomatic relations with Cuba were reinstated and a newly liberalized U.S.-Cuba aviation agreement was enacted last year, travel between the two countries has been a decidedly up-and-down affair.