Behind the Curtain: Business Class for the Frugal Flier

(Image by Seth Kugel for the NYTimes)

Typically when I travel, you can find me seated in Economy Class. Give me a magazine, some anti-bacterial gel and a water bottle, and I'm good to go. I'd much rather put my travel budget towards eating out or staying in a nicer hotel - after all, the time I spend flying is a fraction of my entire vacation.

Still, there's something to be said for ample legroom, priority boarding and free, even yummy, food. I accumulate frequent flier points and when I can use them towards a bump to Business Class - always a treat. 

I really related to this recent article by Seth Kugel - the NYTimes Frugal Traveler and author of one of my favorite travel columns. His latest post, "Visiting the Frugal Promised Land: Business Class" had me nearly laughing out loud. Mr. Kugel, notoriously a low-budget traveler, had some miles to use and was given the option of flying Business Class.  Here's an excerpt:

"The advantages became apparent before boarding even started, when I was pointed not toward the regular, jampacked security line, but upstairs and into a disconcertingly friendly and rapid process. “Hello, how are you today, sir?” said a disturbingly smiley man, checking my ticket. “Have a wonderful flight.” I did still have to take off my shoes, but there was next to no line. I eased right through. A few paces down, our business class passenger tributary flowed into the rushing river of the harried coach classes.

At the gate, another luxury: I’d be able to board early, before even the families traveling with small children and passengers needing special assistance. Was that a glint of jealousy I spotted in a toddler’s eye as I waltzed past him onto the ramp? I had never felt so alive."

Definitely check out his full article. 

Next time you travel, if you're considering bumping up to Business or even First Class, give Aldershot Travel a call. We can help you find the best possible arrangement at the best price. 

by Aldershot Travel Burlington on 05/14/2012 in Transportation

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