1st-Air.Net Reports Around the World Business Class Fares May Be on the Rise

NEW YORK, NY–(Marketwire – July 31, 2010) –  1st-Air.Net (www.1st-Air.Net) reports that Around the World business and first class fares may be on the rise for travelers originating travel in the Euro zone or United Kingdom. The resurgence of the British Pound and the Euro could increase the costs for travelers originating Around the World tickets in Europe rather than their home continent. In March, 2010 1st-Air.Net reported that the sliding Euro had made the Euro zone a hotbed for front cabin around the world ticket origination. Though Australian and North American based travelers will still find value by originating their around the world tickets in Europe, the savings may be diminishing.

On July 30^th, 2010 the USD/GBP exchange was 1.56043 to one, marking a five month high. Just two months earlier, the USD/GBP hit a six month low of 1.42689 on May 20^th, 2010. The downward momentum of the Pound and Euro makes around the world business class fares less expensive for Australian, Canadian and U.S. based travelers. The current upward momentum of the Pound and Euro makes around the world business class fares more expensive for Australian, Canadian, and U.S. based travelers originating their itineraries in Europe.

As of July 30^th, 2010 the One World 3 Continent around the world business class fare originating in the U.K. sells for GBP 4,799, or US$7488. On May 20^th, this same around the world ticket type in dollar terms sold for $6,847. This represents a 9% price increase in just over two months for travelers paying in U.S. dollars, all attributed to currency movements.

The One World Alliance (American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific), Star Alliance (Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines) and Skyteam (Air France, Delta Airlines) all offer Around the World fares. There are also customized Around the World fares that can be created that use niche carriers such as V Australia.

Australia and North American travelers interested in discounted business class around the world tickets should consider finalizing their purchases prior to additional upward currency movements, and may visit the around the world section or the membership programs section of the company’s website. Since 1998, 1st-Air.Net has serviced international business and first travelers at savings of 20% or more in markets without competitive fares.