13 Best Luxury Airlines That Take Air Travel to the Next Level

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I’ve experienced my fair share of luxury airlines, and trust me, the economy feels like prison once you’ve tasted the good life at 35,000 feet. After countless flights where attendants knew my name and champagne flowed freely, I can confirm that these premium carriers transform travel from torture into the actual highlight of your trip.

The best places in Dubai become even more spectacular when you arrive refreshed after sleeping in a real bed in the sky. The Palm Jumeirah, with its stunning ocean views and amazing resorts, feels like a natural extension of the luxury that begins the moment you board. These 13 luxury carriers have completely redefined what flying can be. Warning: Your expectations will be permanently ruined.

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Now, let’s dive into the world’s luxurious airlines in 2025.

Top 13 Most Luxurious Airlines in the World

Join me as we unveil the airlines that fly to incredible heights and mesmerize with their commitment to excellence, luxury, and the fine art of traveling in style.

1. 🇶🇦 Qatar Airways: A sanctuary above the clouds

• 🏠 Hub: Hamad International Airport (DOH), Doha
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business (Qsuite), First
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Privilege Club
• ☕ Perks: Qsuite business class with sliding doors, Al Mourjan lounge access, award-winning onboard dining
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Qatar Airways often runs promos like 20% off early bookings or bonus Avios for Privilege Club members. It’s worth checking their offers before you book.

There’s a reason Qatar Airways keeps winning “World’s Best Airline” awards, and it’s not just marketing hype. The Qsuite business class is genuinely incredible. Picture having your own little apartment in the sky, complete with sliding doors that actually close for total privacy. And here’s what’s amazing: if you’re traveling with your partner, those seats literally turn into one big double bed. It’s like they figured out how to make flying romantic again.

Flying through Doha connects you to basically anywhere you want to go, and honestly, their airport might be nicer than your destination. The Qsuite itself feels nothing like a typical airplane seat. You’ve got this massive 21-inch screen, storage space that actually makes sense, and that double bed feature? No other airline has managed to pull that off in business class.

Lounge access here is where things get really wild. The Al Mourjan Business Lounge is like a small city with sleeping pods, an actual spa, and restaurants where you can order real food instead of airport garbage. Flying first class? The Al Safwa First Lounge comes with private dining rooms and your own shower suite, because apparently regular airport showers aren’t fancy enough.

What really stands out though is how genuine the service feels. Flight attendants actually seem to care, probably because Qatar Airways puts them through some serious training. The wine selection is top-notch, and they’re not stingy with the good stuff either. It’s one of those rare experiences where you actually look forward to the flight as much as the destination.

2. 🇸🇬 Singapore Airlines – Sophistication in the skies

• 🏠 Hub: Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First Class, Suites
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: KrisFlyer (Star Alliance)
• ☕ Perks: Singapore Girl service, Book the Cook dining, private A380 Suites with double beds
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Singapore Airlines offers monthly Spontaneous Escapes with 30% off select award flights. If your travel dates are flexible, it’s a great way to book luxury seats at a lower mileage rate.

Singapore Airlines has been the gold standard of Asian hospitality for decades, and they’ve never stopped raising the bar. The legendary “Singapore Girl” isn’t just a marketing icon as the cabin crew genuinely delivers some of the most attentive, gracious service you’ll find anywhere in the world. And if you thought Qatar’s double bed was impressive, wait until you see Singapore’s A380 Suites, which are basically hotel rooms that happen to be flying through the air.

“Book the Cook” is a game-changer that lets you pre-order restaurant-quality meals from renowned chefs before you even step on the plane. No more hoping the chicken option doesn’t run out. You’re getting exactly what you want, prepared to perfection. The Business Class experience on their newer aircraft features lie-flat beds with direct aisle access, and the entertainment system rivals what you’d find in a premium home theater.

Changi Airport in Singapore consistently ranks as the world’s best airport, so even your layover becomes part of the luxury experience. Think butterfly gardens, movie theaters, swimming pools, and shopping that puts most cities to shame. The SilverKris Lounges scattered throughout the airport offer everything from nap areas to gourmet dining, making long connections almost enjoyable.

Flying Singapore Airlines feels like being welcomed into someone’s impeccably elegant home rather than boarding a commercial flight. The attention to detail is extraordinary, from the custom-designed amenity kits to the carefully curated wine list featuring both international and regional selections. Every touchpoint has been thoughtfully designed to make you feel pampered, not processed.

3. 🇦🇪 Emirates – A sanctuary above the clouds

• 🏠 Hub: Dubai International Airport (DXB)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First Class
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Emirates Skywards
• ☕ Perks: A380 onboard bar and shower spa, chauffeur service, ice cream sundaes in business class
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Emirates often runs promos that throw in perks like a free hotel night in Dubai or lounge access when you book roundtrip flights. If your schedule’s flexible, it’s worth checking their offers page before locking in a fare.

Emirates basically said “let’s put a bar and spa in the sky” and somehow made it work. Walking onto their A380 feels like entering a flying hotel, complete with an actual bar where you can hang out and meet other passengers. But the real jaw-dropper? First class gets private shower suites. Nothing says luxury quite like washing your hair at 40,000 feet while crossing continents.

Dubai sits perfectly between everywhere you want to go, which is genius when you think about it. Plus, Emirates keeps their planes super new, so you’re not dealing with ancient entertainment systems or worn-out seats. Business class actually gives you room to spread out, and they’ll bring you ice cream sundaes just because they can. Sometimes the little touches matter most.

The airport experience in Dubai is surprisingly smooth for such a massive hub. Emirates lounges feel like upscale hotels, especially the First Class one with its full spa services. You can literally get a massage between flights, which is either completely excessive or absolutely brilliant, depending on how you look at it.

Here’s what makes Emirates special though: they’ve figured out how to be luxurious without being stuffy. The crew comes from all over the world, so every flight feels like a mini United Nations. The entertainment system has basically every movie ever made, the wine list is solid, and the food reflects all the interesting places they fly. It’s fancy enough to impress but relaxed enough that you actually want to come back.

4. 🇯🇵 Japan Airlines – The zen of flying

• 🏠 Hub: Tokyo Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business (Sky Suite), First Class
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: JAL Mileage Bank (Oneworld)
• ☕ Perks: Omotenashi hospitality, kaiseki dining, Airweave bedding, sake sommelier program
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Try JAL’s domestic first class routes for an incredible short-haul luxury experience, or book international business for their famous Japanese hospitality

Flying JAL is like discovering that someone actually figured out how to make air travel peaceful and civilized. The Japanese concept of omotenashi isn’t just customer service, it’s this whole philosophy of anticipating what you need before you even know you need it. Flight attendants bow when they greet you, and somehow it doesn’t feel weird or over the top, just genuinely respectful.

The food situation here is on another level entirely. Forget airline meals, JAL serves proper kaiseki cuisine designed by actual Japanese culinary masters. Even in Business Class, you’re getting multiple courses with seasonal ingredients presented like art. They have an actual sake sommelier program too, so you can pair your meal with premium Japanese sake that you probably can’t even buy on the ground.

Tokyo’s airports are incredibly efficient, which makes sense when you experience how smoothly everything runs. JAL’s lounges embrace that minimalist Japanese aesthetic, creating these calm, zen-like spaces where you can actually relax. The Sakura Lounges feature everything from traditional Japanese baths to quiet meditation areas, plus local specialties you won’t find anywhere else.

What sets JAL apart is this attention to comfort that goes way beyond fancy seats. They use Airweave bedding that’s so comfortable you might sleep better than you do at home. The cabin design feels thoughtful rather than flashy, with clean lines and natural materials that create this sense of tranquility. It’s luxury that whispers instead of shouts, and honestly, that approach is pretty refreshing in a world where everyone’s trying to out-bling each other.

5. 🇭🇰 Cathay Pacific – Elegance at altitude

• 🏠 Hub: Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First Class
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Asia Miles (Oneworld)
• ☕ Perks: The Pier lounges, reverse herringbone business class seats, award-winning wine program
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Cathay’s Premium Economy often goes on sale during off-peak seasons and offers a serious upgrade for not much more. You’ll get priority boarding, better meals, and way more legroom without jumping to Business Class prices.

Cathay Pacific doesn’t need to scream about how amazing they are because honestly, they just are. There’s this quiet confidence about flying with them that feels really refreshing. Hong Kong sits perfectly between everywhere, so you can basically get anywhere from here, and Cathay treats every single flight like it actually matters instead of just going through the motions.

Here, the Business Class setup is pure genius. Every seat faces the window and gets direct aisle access, so you’re never crawling over some stranger to use the bathroom. The seats go completely flat and somehow feel more private than first class on most other airlines. And can we talk about their wine selection? It’s actually good wine, not just expensive wine that tastes like airplane fuel.

The Pier lounges in Hong Kong are where you realize most airport lounges are doing it wrong. Picture massive floor-to-ceiling windows, noodle bars where they actually make your food fresh, and shower rooms that put most hotels to shame. The First Class lounge also has these private cabanas where you can properly nap without some random person snoring next to you.

What makes Cathay truly special? They’re not trying to impress you with gimmicks. The crew is helpful without being annoyingly cheerful, the food focuses on actually tasting good instead of looking Instagram-perfect, and everything just works without drama. 

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6. 🇺🇸 American Airlines – Luxe travel, coast to coast and beyond

• 🏠 Hub: Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Miami (MIA), Charlotte (CLT), Phoenix (PHX)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business (Flagship Business), First Class (Flagship First)
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: AAdvantage (Oneworld)
• ☕ Perks: Flagship Lounges, lie-flat seats on long-haul routes, premium dining partnerships
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book Flagship Business on AA’s A321T transcontinental routes or international flights for the best hard product, and check out their renovated lounges.

American Airlines gets a lot of heat, but the premium products are actually pretty solid when you know what to book. Flagship Business seats on newer planes are legit, especially on those transcontinental routes between New York, LA, and San Francisco. Sure, they’re not reinventing air travel like some airlines, but sometimes you just want to get from point A to point B without any drama, and AA delivers on that front.

The domestic network is massive, which means you can get pretty much anywhere in the US without dealing with connections through weird cities. The transcontinental A321T experience feels more like flying a boutique airline, with proper lie-flat seats and meals that don’t taste like cardboard. International routes get the full treatment too, with updated Business Class cabins that finally compete with what other airlines have been offering.

Flagship Lounges have gotten way better recently, especially the ones in New York and Miami. They’ve ditched that generic airport lounge vibe for something that actually feels premium, with proper restaurants, craft cocktails, and spaces where you can actually get work done or relax. The regular Admirals Clubs are hit or miss, but the Flagship Lounges compete with the best of them.

Look, American isn’t going to wow you with shower suites or double beds, but they’ve figured out how to do luxury travel the American way. Everything feels familiar and comfortable rather than exotic, which honestly works when you’re flying domestically or just want reliable service. The crew knows what they’re doing, the food is decent, and you’ll get where you’re going on time most of the time. Sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

• Read next: Beautiful Places in NYC
• You may also like: Breathtaking Places in Los Angeles
• For more reading: American Airlines First Class Guide

7. 🇬🇧 British Airways – Club World

• 🏠 Hub: London Heathrow (LHR)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy (World Traveller Plus), Business (Club World), First
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Executive Club (Avios) – part of Oneworld
• ☕ Perks: Afternoon tea in-flight, solid airport lounges, stylish business class
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book the new Club Suite on A350 or 787 aircraft for the best experience, or splurge on first class for Concorde Room access at Heathrow.

British Airways brings that quintessentially British sophistication to luxury flying, and honestly, there’s something charming about sipping proper afternoon tea while cruising over the Atlantic. The new Club Suite in business class is a game changer with actual sliding doors that give you your own private space. It’s like having a little office or bedroom in the sky, complete with direct aisle access so you never have to wake up your neighbor.

Heathrow might be chaotic, but BA’s premium lounges make the madness worth it. The Concorde Room for first class passengers is pure luxury, with its own champagne bar, à la carte dining, and that old-school British elegance that feels both historic and timeless. Even the regular business lounges have stepped up their game with proper British fare and spaces that actually feel relaxing.

Flying BA feels like being invited to a really posh dinner party at 40,000 feet. The cabin crew has this polished professionalism that comes across as genuinely caring rather than robotic. You’ll get real china and glassware, not plastic cups, and the afternoon tea service is a proper experience with finger sandwiches and scones with clotted cream.

What makes BA special is how they’ve managed to modernize without losing that classic British Airways DNA. The Club Suite cabins look sleek and contemporary, but you still get those lovely British touches like proper tea service and meals that reflect British culinary traditions. It’s luxury that feels rooted in tradition but updated for today’s travelers who want both comfort and authenticity.

8. 🇨🇭 Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) – Exclusivity in the sky

• 🏠 Hub: Zurich Airport (ZUR)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First Class
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Miles & More (Star Alliance)
• ☕ Perks: Swiss chocolates, Alpine cuisine by top chefs, luxurious Senator and Business lounges
• 🧠 Pro Tip: SWISS sometimes runs business class deals for two people flying together. If you’re traveling with a partner or friend, booking as a pair can save you a lot compared to buying tickets separately.

SWISS embodies everything you’d expect from a premium European carrier, Swiss precision meets Alpine hospitality in the most delightful way possible. Flying with them feels like being invited into someone’s elegant Swiss chalet, complete with attention to detail that borders on obsessive. The moment you step aboard, you’re greeted with genuine Swiss chocolates, not some generic airline candy, and the crew delivers service with that famously Swiss efficiency.

Zurich Airport is a masterclass in how airports should work, clean, efficient, and surprisingly pleasant to navigate. The SWISS lounges take full advantage of this, offering spaces that feel more like upscale hotels than airport waiting areas. The Senator Lounge serves regional Alpine specialties alongside international cuisine, while the first class lounge includes a whiskey bar and nap rooms with actual beds.

Business class on SWISS long-haul flights features lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, giving everyone direct aisle access and plenty of privacy. But it’s the little touches that make the difference: the custom-designed amenity kits, the selection of Swiss wines from small local vineyards, and meals created by renowned Swiss chefs using seasonal Alpine ingredients. Even Economy class gets proper Swiss chocolate and surprisingly decent meals.

First class is where SWISS really shows off, with private suites featuring sliding doors and beds that are genuinely comfortable for sleeping. The service feels personal rather than scripted, probably because SWISS maintains that old-school European approach where cabin crew actually seem to care about making your flight pleasant. 

9. 🇬🇧 Virgin Atlantic – Stylish comfort takes to the skies

• 🏠 Hub: London Heathrow (LHR), Manchester (MAN)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Upper Class (Business), The Loft (First-style suites)
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Flying Club
• ☕ Perks: Upper Class bar, onboard spa treatments, quirky British humor, stylish cabins
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book Upper Class for access to the famous onboard bar and lie-flat suites, or try The Loft on A350 aircraft for the most exclusive experience.

Virgin Atlantic refuses to take itself too seriously, and that’s exactly what makes flying with them so refreshing. While other airlines are busy being stuffy and formal, Virgin brings this playful British energy that somehow makes luxury feel approachable. The cabin crew genuinely seems to enjoy their jobs, probably because Virgin encourages personality over robot-like service protocols.

Upper Class isn’t just business class with a fancy name, it’s a proper experience. The seats turn into fully flat beds, but more importantly, there’s an actual bar where you can hang out and meet other passengers. It sounds gimmicky until you try it, then you realize how much more social and fun flying can be when airlines actually think about the human experience instead of just cramming in seats.

London Heathrow’s Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse is where things get properly indulgent. We’re talking about a full spa where you can get massages and facials before your flight, plus a rooftop terrace, multiple restaurants, and even a games room. The Manchester Clubhouse brings similar energy with its own unique touches. It’s airport luxury that doesn’t feel pretentious.

What sets Virgin apart is this perfect balance of style and substance. The cabins look genuinely cool with mood lighting and contemporary design, but the service backs up the aesthetics. You’ll get proper cocktails, not just wine and beer, plus meals that actually taste good and amenity kits you might actually use after the flight. Virgin proves that luxury travel can be sophisticated without being boring, and honestly, more airlines should take notes.

10. 🇯🇵 ANA – The essence of Japanese hospitality

• 🏠 Hub: Tokyo Haneda (HND), Tokyo Narita (NRT)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business (The Room), First Class (The Suite)
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: ANA Mileage Club (Star Alliance)
• ☕ Perks: Omotenashi service, The Room business class suites, sake and Japanese whisky program
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book The Room on their 777-300ER for individual suites with sliding doors, or try first class for their famous Suite experience with personal attendant service

ANA takes Japanese hospitality and somehow makes it work perfectly at 40,000 feet. The omotenashi philosophy isn’t just a marketing buzzword here, it’s genuinely how they approach every single interaction. Flight attendants bow when they greet you, and it feels completely natural rather than performative. There’s this calm, respectful energy throughout the entire experience that makes other airlines feel a bit chaotic by comparison.

The Room in business class is aptly named because you literally get your own private room with sliding doors and a proper bed setup. The suites are arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, so everyone gets direct aisle access without feeling cramped. But it’s the little details that blow you away: the pajamas are actually comfortable, the amenity kits include skincare products that don’t suck, and the bedding rivals what you’d find in luxury hotels.

Tokyo’s airports showcase Japanese efficiency at its finest, and ANA’s lounges continue that theme beautifully. The lounges feature traditional Japanese design elements mixed with modern comfort, plus local specialties you won’t find anywhere else. The first class lounges include traditional baths and quiet meditation areas where you can actually decompress before or between flights.

Flying ANA feels like experiencing Japan’s culture of perfection firsthand. The crew anticipates your needs before you realize you have them, the food program features seasonal kaiseki-style meals that are basically edible art, and everything runs with clockwork precision. Even Economy class gets treated with respect and attention to detail that puts most airlines’ premium cabins to shame. 

• Read next: Top Airlines to Asia
• You may also like: Top Airlines to Europe

11. 🇩🇪 Lufthansa – First-class amenities above the clouds

• 🏠 Hub: Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First Class
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Miles & More (Star Alliance)
• ☕ Perks: First Class Terminal in Frankfurt, caviar service, personal chef onboard, private car transfers
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book First Class for access to the exclusive First Class Terminal in Frankfurt with private security and immigration, or try business class on their new Allegris configuration.

Lufthansa‘s First Class isn’t just premium seating, it’s basically a private jet experience disguised as commercial aviation. Each First Class suite feels like a luxury hotel room with a proper bed, separate seating area, and enough space to actually move around. The personal service borders on having your own flight attendant, with crew members who remember your name and preferences throughout the journey.

Frankfurt’s First Class Terminal is absolutely bonkers in the best possible way. You get your own private terminal building with dedicated check-in, security, and immigration, plus a fleet of Mercedes or Porsche vehicles that drive you directly to your aircraft. No crowds, no lines, no stress. It’s like being a head of state, except you just paid for a really expensive plane ticket.

The onboard experience lives up to the ground hype. First class passengers get access to a personal chef who prepares meals à la carte style, plus proper caviar service with all the traditional accompaniments. The wine program features selections from renowned German vineyards alongside international favorites, and they’re not stingy with the vintage champagne either.

Munich and Frankfurt hubs connect you to pretty much anywhere in Europe and beyond, but honestly, half the appeal is just experiencing German engineering applied to luxury travel. Everything works exactly as it should, from the seat mechanics to the entertainment system to the climate control. Business Class on the newer Allegris configuration brings similar attention to detail with updated suites and improved privacy.

12. 🇫🇷 Air France – La Première Class

• 🏠 Hub: Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business (La Première Business), La Première (First Class)
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Flying Blue (SkyTeam)
• ☕ Perks: La Première lounges, Michelin-starred dining, French luxury amenities, personal suite attendant
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Look out for Flying Blue Promo Rewards. Air France often discounts Business and First Class award tickets by up to 50%, making La Première cheaper if you book with miles.

Air France‘s La Première takes luxury flying and gives it that unmistakably French flair that somehow makes everything feel more sophisticated. Each La Première suite is like having your own private apartment in the sky, complete with a separate bedroom and living area, plus sliding doors that create total privacy. The French approach to luxury feels effortless rather than trying too hard, which makes the whole experience genuinely relaxing.

Paris Charles de Gaulle might be massive and sometimes confusing, but Air France’s La Première lounges are absolutely worth navigating the airport chaos. The main lounge features a spa with treatments by Clarins, private dining rooms, and even a library with French literature. Plus, La Première passengers get chauffeured directly to their aircraft, because walking through terminals is apparently beneath first class standards.

The dining program is where Air France really flexes their French heritage. Meals are created by Michelin-starred chefs and feature seasonal French ingredients prepared with techniques you’d expect from top Parisian restaurants. The wine selection focuses heavily on French vintages from renowned regions, though they throw in some international options for variety. Even the amenity kits come from luxury French brands.

Flying Air France feels like being invited into French culture rather than just transported between cities. The cabin crew brings that distinctly French approach to hospitality, attentive without being overbearing, sophisticated without being pretentious. Business Class passengers get excellent service too, with lie-flat seats and access to quality lounges. 

13. 🇦🇪 Etihad Airways – The pinnacle of luxury: The Residence

• 🏠 Hub: Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First Class, The Residence (Ultra-luxury suite)
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Etihad Guest
• ☕ Perks: The Residence three-room suite, personal butler service, onboard shower, private chef
• 🧠 Pro Tip: If The Residence is unavailable, Etihad’s Business Studios still offer a private seat, lie-flat bed, and great food.

Etihad Airways literally created a category that didn’t exist before: commercial aviation that rivals private jets. The Residence isn’t just First Class, it’s a three-room apartment in the sky with a separate bedroom, living room, and private bathroom with shower. You get your own personal butler who takes care of everything from unpacking your luggage to serving meals whenever you want them. It’s so over the top that it almost feels ridiculous, but then you experience it and realize they’ve actually redefined what luxury travel can be.

Abu Dhabi sits perfectly between Europe, Asia, and Africa, making it an ideal hub for connecting flights, but honestly, you might want to extend your layover just to experience the airport lounges. The Premium Lounge spans multiple levels with a spa, fine dining restaurants, and quiet zones that feel more like upscale hotels than airport waiting areas. First class and Residence passengers get access to even more exclusive spaces with personal concierge services.

Even if The Residence is out of your budget (and let’s be honest, it’s priced like a small car), Etihad’s regular First Class and Business Class products are exceptional. First class features apartment-style suites with sliding doors and onboard shower access, while Business Class offers lie-flat beds with direct aisle access. 

What makes Etihad special is their willingness to completely reimagine air travel instead of just incrementally improving existing concepts. The Residence proves that airlines can create experiences that compete with the most exclusive forms of travel, while their other cabins bring similar innovation at more accessible price points.

Reminder: Don’t forget to sign up for Scott’s Cheap Flights to get the best possible deal on international airfare this year!