British Airways Sharply Discounting Premium Seats to London

Walk-up business class fares cost about $9,200 roundtrip between New York and London (and about half that for corporations that negotiate high-volume discounts). As traffic falls, many airlines are discounting.

But British Airways moves aggressively into major cost-cutting tomorrow when it will start offering its Club World business class at roundtrip fares between the U.S., Canada and London starting at $1,998 between JFK and London.

First class roundtrip travel also is available starting at $3996 from New York to London. First class on B.A. can cost over $12,000 walk-up.

British Airways said that comparable prices for Club World and first class will be available from all 22 North America gateway cities to London and most major cities in Europe. The sale fares will be available from tomorrow, Nov. 25, through midnight Monday, Dec. 1 for travel from Tuesday, Dec. 2, though Sunday, March 22 -- with no blackouts.

Travel must be purchased seven days in advance of travel. Minimum stay is one Saturday night, with maximum stay 11 months. Fuel surcharges are included, but taxes of approximately $260 and the $2.50 Sept. 11 Security Fee are additional.

Sample fares (Club World, followed by first class)

Origin city to London Club World First
JFK&Newark $1998 $3996
Boston $2197 $4396
Philadelphia $1998 $4196
Washington, D.C. $2197 $4396
Baltimore $2197 N/A
Miami $2698 $4696
Orlando&Tampa $2698 N/A
Atlanta $2398 $4396
Chicago $2598 $4596
Dallas/Ft. Worth&Houston $2598 $4596
Denver $3098 N/A
Phoenix $3098 $5096
Los Angeles&San Francisco $3298 $5296
Seattle $3998 $5995

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