Nina a question about group air

Nina, assuming there is an Inaugural sailing for the new Queen Elizabeth in the fall of 2010 . I have a strange question. I know most airlines do offer group rates. Knowing the majority of the people on the Cunard boards, I know most us will be flying First/Business/Upper Class. Any chance the airlines give group rates for Business/First/Upper Class?

Hi Christina,

The airlines don't usually allow group air in those classes because of the limited availablity of the seats per craft. Group minimum is typically 10 seats and some of these aircraft only have 10-12 depending on the type that they can not afford to have tied up in a group contract.

However, I have very good contacts for this level of air service, particularly with Virgin Atlantic and can secure some excellent rates especially if booked well in advance.

I'll have to reaffirm what Nina said - since group contracts typically don't require payment in full up front, the airlines don't like to tie up First Class seats (limited as they are) in group contracts - so anyone wanting to fly Biz/1st Class will need to pay for it up front, and hopefully get some good rates through Nina's contracts.

Figured as much... So anyone want to fly Virgin Atlantic with me? I'm willing to fly out of either JFK or EWR