Travelers who regularly fly in economy class, at one time or another, have most likely found themselves in a situation where they wish they had a little more comfort and relaxation.
A little pang of envy may even surface when getting an occasional glimpse of the leisurely travel experience people are enjoying on the other side of the curtain.
DON'T MISS: American Airlines follows United in taking away a passenger perk
For passengers who can afford to travel first class, American Airlines (AAL) -) offers a lie-flat seat and access to high-quality headphones. A multi-course meal paired with award-winning wines is available as travelers watch free movies, TV shows, music and play games.
In some of its more luxurious travel experiences, some Delta Air Lines (DAL) -) passengers get a private Delta One suite with a sliding door and a fully-flat bed. They can also enjoy meals, created by celebrity chefs, and fine wines. Travelers can entertain themselves with live TV, movies, music and games in slippers and bedding from Saks Fifth Avenue.
A United Airlines' (UAL) -) United Polaris business class seat can recline into a 180-degree flat-bed. Dining options include appetizers, salads, entrees and desserts. Noise-reducing headphones and bedding from Saks Fifth Avenue are also available.
These are some of the amenities other passengers are enjoying while most are in coach.
But traveling in a little more luxury might not be as out of the question as many think.
Flying in business class from the U.S. to Italy
There has been some buzz lately about options for traveling for less money in business class from several cities in the U.S. to popular destinations in Italy.
Especially for longer international flights, more comfort goes a long way.
"Whether you're looking for a winter getaway or planning in advance for a 2024 vacation, these business-class deals to Italy have you covered," wrote Mackenzie Roche for The Points Guy on Aug. 25. "You can visit Rome, Florence, Milan and Venice or opt to explore a less popular destination such as Bari or Catania for as low as $2,200."
"Best of all, your plans can be flexible," Roche continued. "Multiple carriers are offering discounted fares from many U.S. hubs, and there are deals from now until summer 2024."
Here are some details, according to The Points Guy:
Airlines: Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, Air France and KLM
Routes: From Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, Newark, New York City, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, D.C., to various Italian cities
How to book: Browse Google Flights, then book directly with the airline
Travel dates: September 2023 through July 2024
Book by: As soon as possible
Roughly week-long trips during this time period vary significantly in cost, seemingly at random.
For example, one business class trip from leaving Oct. 22 from Newark, N.J. to Milan, Italy is listed at $5,661 round trip.
Booking with American Airlines the very next week, leaving Oct. 29 and returning Nov. 4, that trip is suddenly reduced to $2,766.
"With American's business class, you'll get to bring two or three checked bags and receive premium meal service," according to The Points Guy. "You'll also get priority privileges such as a dedicated check-in counter, same-day flight changes and priority boarding."
Image source: Getty Images.
Here are some sample flights, also according to The Points Guy:
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), starting at $2,200
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Milan Linate Airport (LIN), starting at $2,590
Miami International Airport (MIA) to MXP, starting at $2,614
SEA to Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO), starting at $2,720
EWR to Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR), starting at $2,742
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to FLR for $2,745
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ), starting at $2,848
"These business-class fares are much cheaper than usual, and, best of all, they're convenient," Roche wrote. "There are deals from most major U.S. cities to various Italian cities."
"Also, the dates are scattered between September 2023 and July 2024, so you have plenty of time to plan your trip after you snag one of these deals."
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