After purchasing L’Avion, British Airways has been trying to better align the French business class carrier with OpenSkies, the Englang-based BA-owned business/premium economy carrier.

It’s taken several months to get things going, but we’re starting to see some progress. Travelers on OpenSkies and L’Avion will now have access to more of the premium perks that BA frequent fliers are used to:

“All customers flying L’Avion will be able to earn British Airways Executive Club miles effective December 2nd. When flying on OpenSkies in PREM+ and on L’Avion, 125% of the actual flown mileage will be awarded. When flying on OpenSkies in BIZ, customers will continue to receive 150% of the actual flown mileage. L’Avion customers will be able to enter their BA Executive Club number into bookings made via the L’Avion website or through their travel agent.” (from PR Newswire)

Perhaps even more important than extra miles and increased club access, is the codeshare agreement that is set to take place between OpenSkies and L’Avion. The agreement (set to take effect early next year) will expand service between New York and Paris, increasing flights to three daily.

Just a friendly reminder that the business class (Biz) and premium economy (Prem+) airfare sale from OpenSkies is still up and running. You’ll find deals in both classes from New York to Paris and New York to Amsterdam.

Nonstop flights to Amsterdam run $1050+ each-way (fuel surcharge included) in Biz and $550+ each-way (fuel surcharge included) in Prem+. Nonstops to Paris will cost an extra $50 in both classes. Prem+ provides 12″ more legroom, greater seat recline, and more overall space than standard economy class. Biz class seats recline into 6′ flatbeds, feature personal entertainment options, and enough amenities to truly set it apart from Prem+.

Book your airline ticket by November 21, 2008 for travel through March 31, 2009. Visit OpenSkies Special Offers for more details.

There are only a couple of days left to save up to 40% on Air Canada executive class seats. You’ll find deals to destinations throughout Canada from departure cities throughout the U.S. You have to purchase your airline ticket by November 16, 2008 for travel from December 17, 2008 until January 4, 2009.

Enjoy airfares as low as $461+ each-way, while enjoying all of the luxury that Air Canada executive class has to offer. That means added room, satellite radio, premium spirits, and much more.

Keep reading for sample executive class airfares from Air Canada…

The Luxor continues to kick off deals for this winter. On the heels of their 25% off promotion, they’ve released room rates of $55/night for select dates from today through January 31, 2009.

The Luxor offers the luxury and convenience you’d expect from a hotel on the Vegas Strip, and it does it for much less than many of its neighbors. You can cash in on these savings by visiting Luxor Booking or by mentioning the offer code LDBLAST when making a reservation by phone.

This deal is only good until November 27, so you only have two weeks to plan that perfect Vegas vacation.

Last week, Delta Air Lines announced plans to expand its international route system. June of 2009 will see the launch of non-stop flights from Pittsburgh International Airport to Paris-Charles de Gaulle International Airport. The carrier will also introduce non-stop flights to Paris from Raleigh-Durham. The new routes should further strengthen Delta’s joint-venture agreement with Air France.

Business class travelers will be in luck, as the new non-stop flights will include 16 seats in BusinessElite, which will provide the added room, comfort, and entertainment of Delta’s new business class.

Visit the Observer-Reporter for more on Delta Air Lines’ new nonstop routes.

British Airways has teamed up with the Arion-Athens Hotel to offer vacation packages suited for families as well as couples seeking a romantic escape. You’ll find airfare (economy) as low as $296+ each-way, and for as little as $52+/person per night, you can add a stay in the luxury setting of the Arion.

With spacious rooms located just a short distance from markets, restaurants, bars in the historic Psirri area, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in both modern and ancient Greek culture. Along with airfare and hotel deals, you can also find savings on sightseeing tours through British Airways.

Visit British Airways Travel for more details, and check out our Deals Blog to learn more about British Airways Italy vacation packages.

Singapore Air has introduced the first non-stop all-business class flights from the U.S. to destinations throughout Asia. The carrier has reconfigured the Airbus A340-500 aircraft to hold just 100 business class seats. This provides each and every passenger with ample room for reclining, personal entertainment options, the convenience and speed of a non-stop flight, and much more.

All-business class flights from Singapore Air are available from Los Angeles (LAX) and Newark (EWR), starting at $5,993 R/T. Current deals are good for travel through December 31, 2008 and must be purchased by December 24, 2008.

Keep reading for a list of sample all-business class deals to Asia from Singapore Air…

Just got word on great luxury deals to Frankfurt, London and Paris (and another hat tip goes out to Joe Brancatelli of JoeSentMe). Sample: New York to Frankfurt for as little as $750+ one-way.

And there are actually two deals in play here.

If you make your reservations before November 16, you can get $200 off your next trip. If you can’t make plans that quickly, don’t worry, the business class deals to Europe (sans $200 off on a future flight) can still be booked until Dec. 26.

Visit Lufthansa Specials for more details.

OpenSkies has released “limited special offers” in business class (Biz) and premium economy class (Prem+) for flights from New York to Amsterdam and Paris.

You’ll find Amsterdam business class airfare for as low as $1,050+ each-way (fuel surcharge included), while a seat in Prem+ will run you $550+ each-way (fuel surcharge included). Airfare to Paris is just slightly higher, with Biz seats costing $1,100+ each-way (fuel surcharge included) and Prem+ at $600+ each-way (fuel surcharge included).

These business class and premium economy airfare deals from OpenSkies have to be booked by November 21 for travel between November 20, 2008 and March 31, 2009. Visit OpenSkies Special Offers for more details.

Thanks to Joe Brancatelli of Joe Sent Me for the heads-up on this one.

The Luxor is offering “employee discounts for all!” For a limited time, on certain travel dates, you can get the great deals from the Luxor that friends and family of MGM Mirage employees receive, so you can keep a bit of change in your pockets to play the slots. Along with room savings, you’ll also find discounts on meals, massages, spa visits, and show tickets.

Book your room by November 20, 2008 for select dates between November 5, 2008 and January 31, 2009. Visit Luxor Special Offer for more details, and get ready to head to the Strip.

Flexibility can help you grab the best deals in Las Vegas. You can save hundreds on accommodations depending on the time of week you visit, let alone the time of year. If you have a few options when booking, you can find great deals even without the employee discount.

Don’t look now, but 2008 is quickly coming to an end, and with the new year, we can expect to see more changes to major frequent flier programs. In fact, United Airlines has already released a laundry list of changes that will affect its Mileage Plus program in 2009, and at least some of the changes should make members happy (well, “Elite” members anyway).

United Airlines will reinstate the 500-mile minimum accrual for elite members. Not only will elite members receive at least 500 miles on 2009 flights regardless of distance, they’ll also have miles “applied retroactively to flights between July 1, 2008, and December 31, 2008. For elite members who flew United flights of less than 500 miles during that timeframe, all affected mileage balances and bonuses and earned upgrades will be adjusted by the end of the year to ensure that your elite status is correct for 2009.”

Along with reintroducing the 500-mile minimum, United Airlines will reduce certain mileage requirements on international business and first upgrades. In addition to miles, though, a co-pay will be required to obtain the upgrade. The carrier will also expand its international upgrade program in July of 2009. This will “ensure that all Mileage Plus members have a chance to experience the new international first and business class.”

Awards levels will also be shifting with the new year. To get a look at these changes and to get more details on United Airlines’ Mileage Plus Program, visit United Airlines Annual Changes — and stay tuned for details on more changes to frequent flier programs as 2009 approaches.

Escape to the secluded Adare Manor, tucked away in the Irish countryside. Located on 840 acres of, a vacation to the Manor offers you independent living in a private villa. However, you won’t be left to fend for yourself. Your private quarters connect you to all the luxury amenities you would expect from a worldclass resort. Take a trip to the spa, hit the links on the championship-level golf course, or soak in the landscape and history of West Ireland.

Aer Lingus can send you to Ireland and Adare Manor for less with their Ireland resort vacation package. You’ll find roundtrip airfare/6-night stay packages for as low as $599+ (based on 4-person group) from departure cities throughout the U.S.

Visit the Aer Lingus Vacation Store for more details and search FareCompare’s “getaway” maps to find the cheapest filed airfare to Ireland from your home airport.

This is a sweet deal.

Simply register as an Executive Club member, and fly on British Airways Club World business class - and get a free ticket to take someone along with you on your next trip.

The “complimentary companion” ticket must be used between Jan. 15 and Dec. 15, 2009.

See all the details right here.

This sounds lovely - a combination of the comfort of business class, plus Europe, at the holidays.

These American Airlines fares must be purchased by Dec. 26 - and travel is valid for departures between Dec. 20 through Jan. 2, and returns between Dec. 25 and Jan. 9.

Sample fares:

• JFK to Brussells, $880+ one-way
• JFK to London Heathrow, $892+ one-way
• Los Angeles to Frankfurt, $1150+ one-way
• Miami to Manchester, $1292+ one-way

Click here for all the details.

Pretty smart idea, this, and a jaunty tip of the hat to UpgradeTravelBetter for letting us know about it.

Instead of only allowing you to upgrade your seat when you book it, or when you arrive at the check-in counter, AirTran will now let you upgrade once you’re on the plane.

Perfect for those last minute procrastinators - or for those of us who thought the coach seats couldn’t be that small.

See more details here.

United Airlines is introducing daily nonstop flights from Washington Dulles to Dubai, with an “extra” to get you motivated.

How about 10,000 additional bonus miles? That’s what you’ll get if you fly first class. And business class travelers get an extra 7,500 miles.

See all the details here.

And just in case you were wondering, the distance between Washington, D.C. and Dubai is 7,048 miles.

There’s a nice run-down on luxury resorts and hotels with some really great deals in this USA Today article.

Some examples:

• The Charlottesville-area Clifton Inn, normally $295 for a weeknight, has some dates for as low as $129 a night
• The Bellagio in Las Vegas, where rooms can cost $300 a night, just announced a fall sale with rooms going for $149
• The Stowe Mountain Lodge in Vermont offers a “free massage” with every room booked in November

Here’s a tip: if you are looking at luxury lodgings (particularly on a weeknight) and don’t see a deal, just ask. They can always say “no” but you might be surprised.

Looking for an alternative to a traditional holiday trip? You could always pass up Grandma’s house for a vacation in the storied Irish cities of Dublin or Shannon…and fly there in luxury.

Aer Lingus is offering business class flights for travel to Ireland between 11-23-08 - 11-29-08 and 12-20-08 - 1-02-09 for as low as $715+ from cities including Boston, Chicago, New York, and more.

You have to book this business class holiday special over the phone, so call (800) Irish-Air and start planning your perfect fall or winter getaway.

Visit aerlingus.com for more details.

On the heels of their upgrades to their eleVAte program, Virgin America is now offering deals specifically for their frequent fliers.

If you’re an eleVAte member, you can now save 25% on flights on the following Virgin America routes:

• San Diego to/from San Francisco
• Los Angeles to/from Seattle
• San Francisco to/from Seattle
• Seattle to/from San Diego

Book your flight by 11:59 PM Pacific Time on October 31, and use the promotion code 25OFF. Visit Flights from Virgin America for more details.

Low-cost carrier AirTran continues to reach out to business travelers. Along with offering what they refer to as “first and only affordable Business Class,” they’re also making it easier for travelers to upgrade to business class at the gate.

You can request an upgrade to business class when you purchase your airline ticket, or you can see if an upgrade is available from an agent at your departure gate. Upgrades are first come, first serve, and cost varies depending on the length of the flight for direct flights ($49 - $99) and for connecting flights ($98 - $198).

Visit Air Tran Business Class for more details.

It might be the most relaxing way to earn frequent flier miles. It doesn’t involve piling onto a crowded plane or signing up for yet another credit card. It just requires that you take avacation cruise to one of many destinations all over the world.

For a limited time, Northwest Airlines is offering one WorldPerks Bonus Mile for every dollar spent on the purchase of a cruise from Northwest Airlines.

Keep reading for cruise purchase options…

Virgin America has brought changes to its eleVAte frequent flier program that will allow members to “redeem points for any unsold seat - on any Virgin America flight, at any time.”

This move is meant to get rid of those balckout dates that have come to aggravate frequent fliers across the country. Check out Is Virgin America “Reinventing” Frequent Flier Programs? on RickSeaney.com to learn more about how the carrier’s loyalty program differs from others and how these new changes can make it easier for frequent fliers to actually cash in on their rewards.

The lights dim, the orchestra strikes up the opening chords of the overture, and you feel that twinge of excitement as you lean forward in your seat waiting for that first performer to step on the stage and hit a note that seems to shake the entire theatre.

If this, in any way, sounds familiar, British Airways has the perfect vacation packages for you. They’re offering “winter theatre” packages to London for as low as $685+ per person (for three nights) and $868+ per person (for 6 nights).

Along with airfare and accommodations, you can choose from several shows including The Sound of Music, The Phantom of the Opera, We Will Rock You, Les Miserables, Wicked, and more. Some shows are included in the packages, while others might cost you an extra $25 - $40 to attend.

Visit British Airways Theatre Packages for more details and start practicing your standing ovation.

Qantas has released airline tickets for flights on its Airbus A380 for flights from Sydney and Melbourne to Los Angeles and from Sydney to London and Singapore.

If you’re not flying out of Sydney any time soon, you can still catch a glimpse of how Qantas has tailored the A380 to fit the needs of luxury lovers who are in for the long haul. As you wind your way through the digital aircraft, you’ll find personal suites, touch-screen entertainment systems, reclining seats that convert to beds at the touch of a button, and much more.

Visit Qantas A380 for the full tour and a list of all the luxury amenities you’ll receive once on board.

NWA WorldVacations offers a range of luxury packages for those who are looking for a little more than just first class airfare and a few nights in a swank hotel. You’ll find luxury vacation packages to destinations all over the world, including Hawaii, Jamaica, Mexico, Europe, Vegas, and many more.

When it comes to luxury, it’s all about the perks. In order to entice you into the lap of luxury, NWA WorldVacations offers the following amenities no matter which destination you choose:

• First-class airport check-in
• Roundtrip first-class cabin seating aboard Northwest Airlines*
• Accommodations at deluxe or luxury-rated hotels
• 24-hour assistance from a WorldVacations representative
• Assistance of a hotel concierge for hotel services
• 3,000 - 7,500 WorldPerks Bonus Miles, in addition to credited flight miles
• Hotel taxes and service charges
• Plus, each luxury destination has additional unique inclusions!

Visit NWA WorldVacations Luxury Vacation Packages for more details and a full list of luxury getaways.