London For Less
Without Sacrificing Quality
By Nancy Walman
No matter what one’s budget is, he is either a tourist or traveler. Thanks to a new vogue in airline travel, the infusion of small, charming boutique-like hotels and the proliferation of second-tier restaurants of undeniable seduction, London is not only affordable, but offers Americans a common language and customs in an uncommon city that has become the world’s most interesting.
Maxjet Airlines, one of the first of a new-breed of transatlantic premium airlines, commenced its operations in early November. Maxjet intends to operate six flights per week between New York JFK and London Stansted using a 767-200. Maxjet puts 102 seats on a plane that typically carries more than 200, and is more like a standard business-class, with roughly the same legroom as major American carriers, for example, and seats that recline almost flat. Couple this with elaborate four course meals, served on real china, first class wines, Champagne and name brand alcohol and a high density ratio of service staff to passengers and you’ll be blown away by prices that are up to 76% below those of traditional Business Class, starting at a mere $679 each way. (An early promotional fare, which ended November 26 2005, offered round-trip fares for $750). Maxjet hopes to have a second daily frequency from JFK and also service from Dulles to Stansted in England in February 2006. Maxjet is definitely the wave of the future and if you accept a few minor kinks like the long ride from Stansted to London and service that is solicitous, if somewhat amateurish, Maxjet reins as the best value in class-act-flying. For Reservations, Call 1888-I-Fly-Max (or in the UK at 0800 023 4300). Maxjet rates a “knowledgeable flyer” A Major on the Walman Report.
MAXjet provides more information on its Web site, which can be viewed at http://www.maxjet.com.
