The hits keep coming for first class and business class travelers. We’ve already seen Virgin Atlantic increase fuel surcharges for its “Upper Class” passengers, and now British Airways is following suit:

“Flyers in first class, Club World and World Traveller Plus will pay up to 24 more per flight than those in economy.” (from BBC News)

The fuel surcharge increase (about $47.27 USD) marks the first time British Airways has initiated class-dependent fee levels. British Airways execs (and many travelers) see the move as “appropriate,” noting that first class and business class travelers already enjoy added space, comfort, and baggage allowances. Of course, there are first class and business class travelers that feel as though those additional perks are covered in the cost of the airline ticket.

So, should first class and business class travelers take on additional charges to help offset rising fuel costs? Let us know what you think.

It could happen.

According to this report from Bloomberg, the all-coach JetBlue may go to a “two-class cabin with premium pricing”.

Don’t look for this to happen today or tomorrow, but JetBlue’s CEO did say, everything is on the table.

The airline already has extra legroom (6-rows worth on their Airbus A320 jets), and while they do charge extra for those seats now, they’re thinking of transitioning it into a whole new class.

Interesting. There are reports that some premium travelers are “fleeing the airlines” but JetBlue thinks maybe they can make this work (and make money in these times of soaring oil prices). Not sure if that’s possible, but JetBlue is a scrappy airline, and if anyone can…

Amidst the rising costs, fuel surcharges, fractured routes, long lines, and general annoyances that seem to accompany air travel these days, the number of passengers willing to purchase first class and business class airfare on commercial airlines is dwindling. Full-fare coach airline tickets are taking a hit, too:

“The Standford Transportation Group, a US based aviation consulting firm, has completed its biennial review of US domestic airline passenger activity and business aircraft activity. The study found that the number of airline passengers purchasing the premium, or first class, discounted first class, business class and full price coach airline tickets on US domestic airlines has fallen from 20% of overall airline travel before 9/11 to less than 10% of overall airline travel today.” (from All Things Aviation)

So, where are the “premium” passengers going? Well, a large number of travelers (90% — according to the study) are using discounted airfare for travel. The report also touches on the shift that many business travelers have made from commercial airlines to alternative business aviation options.

We know that higher prices, the weakened dollar, and the growing fuel issue have soured a number of first class and business class passengers on commercial airlines. Regardless of whether these travelers seek out other means of transport or if their companies resort to booking them in a discounted coach seat as opposed to a first class or business class seat, the airlines will likely continue to see business travel numbers and profit drop.

With the announcement that Emirates will be the first commercial airline to bring the super-jumbo Airbus A380 to America, international travelers can start looking forward to a level of luxury that is unparalleled on most transcontinental flights.

Emirates has been committed to creating a first class experience on the Airbus A30 that gives passengers a similar travel experience to heads of state. Designed by B/E Aerospace, the Emirates A380 first class suite is designed to be a “cabin within a cabin,” providing levels of privacy and comfort that are most often associated with luxury hotels.

Keep reading for a look at the amenities Emirates will offer to its first class A380 passengers flying to Dubai…

Rising fuel costs aren’t just affecting US-based carriers. Airlines all over the world are feeling the crunch, leading most major carriers to increase fuel surcharges, tack on fees, and do their best to open up new revenue streams.

In order to combat rising costs, Virgin Atlantic has decided to raise their fuel surcharge for premium economy and “upper class” passengers, meaning if you have more legroom and more luxury, you’re going to pay more for fuel:

“‘With jet fuel prices now at levels that challenge the very nature and structure of the entire airline industry, we have decided to levy fuel charges depending on where you sit in the plane,’ said Steve Ridgway, chief executive of Virgin Atlantic.” (from Luxury Travel)

Virgin Atlantic’s new fuel surcharge policy will mean premium economy and upper class passengers will see an increase on airline tickets from about $35 USD to $166 USD depending on the length of the flight.

We’ll keep you updated if other airlines begin to follow Virgin Atlantic’s lead on this.

Northwest Airlines WorldVacations LIFESTYLE Collection offers first class luxury hotel/airfare packages to the islands of Hawaii for as low as $2,271+.

You can spend your days hitting the links of world class golf courses, exploring the natural wonders of the islands, sipping drinks out of pineapples on the beach, or simply relaxing in your luxury hotel. Whatever your dream Hawaii vacation may be, Northwest Airlines WorldVacations can help you live it.

Keep reading for a look at some of the perks you’ll enjoy with a first class vacation package to Hawaii…

Virgin Atlantic is throwing another perk to its first class travelers. The UK-based carrier has introduced a new Upper Class Wing at Heathrow. The main benefit of this wing? You don’t have to fight the crowds or deal with long security lines.

Keep reading for Virgin Atlantic’s step-by-step guide to Upper Class check and catch a glimpse of the added benefits of flying first class…

These days, it’s all about the little things in first class. As airlines compete to woo business and leisure travelers, they’re adding more than just room to their first class and business class cabins. Entertainment is the name of the game, and most of the major airlines are providing first class and business class travelers with a range of in-seat entertainment options.

So, which airline offers the best first class cabin for the movie buffs out there? I thought we’d start by focusing on two major international carriers, American Airlines and British Airways. Let’s take a look at what’s playing at a first class/business class cabin near you…

You’ did the planning, you gathered the families together, and you survived the wedding day. It’s time to relax.

Northwest Airlines WorldVacations have honeymoon prepackages that offer the lowest first class airfares on Northwest Airlines flights to destinations all over the world. Save some money, and feel the stress melt away as soon as you step on the plane.

Keep reading for a sample of luxury and romance honeymoon packages available from Northwest Airlines WorldVacations…

Alaska Airlines has announced new routes to Maui, providing flights and connections for travelers throughout the Pacific Northwest.

This is good news for a number of Hawaii-bound travelers, as the departure (excuse the pun) of Aloha has affected available flights from the Mainland to Hawaii.

Along with introductory deals for coach seats, Alaska Airlines will also be offering perks for their first class passengers to Maui…

New routes to/from Europe continue to take flight. Starting April 24th, American Airlines starts flying direct from JFK to Barcelona. American Airlines will be offering daily flights along this route, and they will offer economy and business class seats.

Along with benefits of non-stop travel, some passengers will also get to experience some of the latest touches added to American Airlines International business class including up to 30 “next generation” business class seats.

Keep reading to see just what this seat can do…

All International First Class cabins are not created equal. Before you get ready to spend your money on added luxury, amenities, and service, you might want to get an overview of what you can expect seat-wise from the different airlines.

Luckily, the folks at SeatGuru have created an easy-to-use comparison chart for international first class seats. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect from most major airlines when you choose to sit up front on a long-haul flight…

As part of their latest airfare sale, Virgin America is offering deals on first class flights along several of their West Coast routes.

Virgin America prides itself on the luxury of its first class. Massage chairs, a range of entertainment options, and outlets for your laptop are just a few of the first class perks you can expect. If you’re flying first class out of SFO, you can now utilize the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, as well.

Keep reading for sample first class airfare on Virgin America…

You don’t even have to step on the plane to start enjoying that perks that come with flying first class on Virgin America. As part of their continued effort to separate themselves from the competition, Virgin America has now opened up their SFO Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse to travelers flying first class on Virgin America.

A trip to the SFO Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse will cost you $40 per visit, but if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of SFO, it should be well worth it. Keep reading for a taste of the luxurious life you can lead if you fly first class on Virgin America…

Philippine Airlines is running a special promotion that will get you two first class or business class airline tickets to Manila for the price of one.

This “Buy One Take One” travel deal is unlike most in that it requires you to call one of Philippine Airlines’ offices. However, a few minutes on the phone for a “free” first class or business class plane ticket is definitely worth your while.

Keep reading for details and a list of departure cities…