2023 is coming to a close, which means the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris are fast approaching. The opening ceremony is scheduled for July 26, with the Games finishing Aug. 11; the Paralympics will run from Aug. 28 through Sept. 8.
24.11.2023 - 22:51 / thepointsguy.com / John F.Kennedy
Believe it or not, sometimes the cost of a first-class ticket is less than an economy seat.
While this can happen with cash fares, I see it occur more frequently with airline miles. When all things fall into place for a surprise pricing redemption, it's usually on a popular travel route and date where demand is soaring for economy seats, but it's not a route that folks typically fly in first class.
Related: 6 tips for finding cheap award flights
A perfect example of this is the roughly two-hour flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) if you're looking to catch some snow and skiing during the winter holidays on Dec. 1, 2023. The cost of an economy seat on Delta is a staggering 32,000 Delta SkyMiles one-way for a 7 a.m. flight. However, you can instead fly in domestic first class for just 26,000 SkyMiles miles on the 11:45 a.m. flight.
Multiply that out for a family of four, and you just saved yourself about 24,000 Delta SkyMiles by flying in the better seat.
It's worth noting that select Delta cardmembers receive an additional 15% off the point cost of the ticket.
To show you that this isn't a one-and-done fluke, here's another route on a different day with the same phenomenon. This time it's a direct itinerary from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), where first class is 35,000 miles while economy is 43,000 miles. Not only is the first-class flight cheaper, but it's a direct flight on a high-demand route.
Related: Expensive airfare and increasing gas prices: Here's how you can save on holiday travel
We used to see this happen pretty regularly around the holidays across multiple programs when more airlines used traditional award charts. Price-conscious leisure travelers would book up economy saver awards while premium cabin saver awards remained available.
As airlines have transitioned more to more dynamic award pricing (meaning the price in miles is roughly tied to the price in cash), this is happening less frequently than it did in the past — but it still happens.
So, when you go to book that holiday flight or your 2024 vacation, don't skip on glancing at the first-class award prices. You may find they are sometimes less than the cost of sitting in the back.
2023 is coming to a close, which means the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris are fast approaching. The opening ceremony is scheduled for July 26, with the Games finishing Aug. 11; the Paralympics will run from Aug. 28 through Sept. 8.
Attention, all travel enthusiasts. If you want to maximize your travel plans and book an additional flight at no extra cost, booking a Flying Blue stopover can help unlock more value from your miles. In 2022, Air France-KLM Flying Blue began allowing stopovers on its own one-way, round-trip and multi-city award ticketed flights. Then, in 2023, the airline loyalty program expanded stopovers to all partner award tickets.
It's no secret that shopping during the holiday season can net you the best savings since stores typically offer Black Friday sales and additional seasonal sales. But did you know that you can save even more money? There are several ways you can save money with online shopping by maximizing shopping portals, promo codes and bonus offers, and by using the right credit card.
If you have elite status with American Airlines AAdvantage or World of Hyatt, you should ensure your accounts are linked. The linking process is very straightforward and can be completed in minutes. But it's worth doing if you're eligible, as then you'll earn extra points, miles and perks during your travels.
The ship is the first of the expanded Prima Plus Class setting sail in April 2025.
There are only 15 other organisations worldwide to achieve World Class status.
Vacation rentals appeal to many travelers, ranging from families who want more space and people on extended vacations to those who want a more local experience.
On Wednesday night, I opened the United mobile app and noticed that the upgrade list went on. And on. And on.
Thanksgiving week and its many sales may have come and gone, but it's not too late to save on a winter trip to New York City (very) early next year.
It's easy to get caught up in the glamour of travel rewards cards and forget that there are many good reasons to keep a cash-back card in your wallet. Cash-back cards generally have a simple earning and redeeming structure, and you can't beat the flexibility of cash rewards.
France has been one of my favorite destinations in the world since I first traveled to Grenoble as a high school exchange student nearly 30 years ago. The following year, I turned 16 while spending a magical summer in Paris, studying art history and taking field trips to the city's landmark museums.
As a frequent traveler, I'm often plagued by flight shame.