Cook Travel Connects Travelers with Surprising Savings on First Class and Business Class Air Fares

In a Nutshell: For some of us, first-class and business-class flights are the exceptions rather than the rule, but Cook Travel takes upgrading from economy one step closer to reality. For almost 40 years, the company has provided its customers with significant discounts on first-class and business-class flights. Cook Travel is able to deliver these discounts because of its long-running relationships with airlines and other corporations. The company also provides discounts on luxury cruises and luxury hotels, and helps users compare vehicle rental rates. Cook Travel prioritizes providing superior customer service, evidenced through numerous glowing customer testimonials and positive online reviews.

The only thing better than hopping on a plane and traveling to some exotic location for some well-earned rest and relaxation is getting there in comfort and style by flying first class or business class.

While economy seating does the trick, there’s nothing quite like the experience (and roominess) of taking to the skies with a first-class ticket. Of course, for most of us, this is not part of our regular routine.

For the average person, flying first class or even business class tends to be the result of a rare upgrade or a few extra months of saving.

But Cook Travel helps to put first-class and business-class airfares within the grasp of a lot more travelers with its affordable pricing and quality customer service.

“What we do is we offer first- and business-class international tickets at a discount,” said Blake Fleetwood, CEO of Cook Travel. “We’re able to get discounts from the airlines that they don’t really give to the public.”

Fleetwood said Cook Travel’s secret doesn’t lie in computer algorithms or other special technology. He said the company is able to secure its affordable airfares through longstanding partnerships and human connections.

Of course, most people’s travel plans are on hold as we work to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. But when it comes time to book your next flight, Cook Travel may be able to help you go from an economy flier to a first-class jetsetter.

Fleetwood said the airlines are often willing to provide discounts on first-class and business-class tickets to a company like Cook Travel because the bigger priority for airlines is to maintain regular prices for their economy tickets.

“We always give you a discount on almost every airline off the public (first-class and business) prices that you’ll find from the airlines or from websites,” Fleetwood said. “It’s kind of strange that the airlines do this, but they’re trying to not discount their regular prices.”

Whether someone is traveling within 24 hours or in two months, Cook Travel can sell them tickets for up to 60% off, according to the company. And many of Cook Travel’s tickets are refundable and changeable.

In some cases, the company is even able to provide special two-for-one deals.

“Receive a second First Class ticket for your spouse, friend, or colleague at no extra cost when you fly with select airlines,” according to the Cook Travel website. The same goes for select business-class fares as well.

Fleetwood said that most consumers aren’t even aware that services like Cook Travel exist. One reason is that a lot of the big travel booking websites grab a large share of consumers’ attention. But another factor is that less-reputable companies have entered the space at times over the years.

“Most people don’t know (our service) is a thing. There are other websites that offer somewhat similar services,” he said. “Some of them are less reliable, and they’re flaky. They may offer you a discount for a while but in the end, there’s a whole credibility factor.”

But with 37 years of experience and counting, Cook Travel leads the way when it comes to credibility in the field.

While first-class and business-class airfares make up most of Cook Travel’s main offerings, the company also provides impressive discounts, including for corporate travel.

“By gaining an understanding of your company’s corporate travel patterns, budget goals, and travel policies, we work from an informed position to assist you in managing your corporate travel smoothly and cost-efficiently,” according to the company. “We are confident that we can provide your company with both substantial travel savings and superior, VIP service.”

Cook Travel customers can also find discounts on luxury cruises — generally between 5% to 10% less than what the cruise lines are charging, Fleetwood said.

“Planning a vacation shouldn’t be the reason you have to take one!” according to the Cook Travel website. “Whether your plans call for sun-drenched days and romantic nights, relaxing luxury cruises, or exhilarating adventures, we can help you plan every step of your trip.”

The Cook Travel website includes an overview and rating of some of its top selections for the best luxury cruise lines.

The company also helps travelers save money at luxury hotels by connecting them with special discounts made possible through its association with some of the finest hotels in the world, according to the Cook Travel website.

With flights, cruises, corporate travel, and cruises all covered, Cook Travel provides the final piece of the travel puzzle with its car rental comparison tool.

The convenient tool is available for free at the Cook Travel website. Users can enter the vehicle pickup and dropoff locations, and times and dates of travel, then receive a list of available vehicle rental options.

Fleetwood explained how Cook Travel wouldn’t be able to offer the significant discounts for first- and business-class travelers if it were simply an automated platform. Humans and connections are the driving force behind the company’s success and the benefits travelers reap.

This philosophy holds true when it comes to Cook Travel’s customer service as well. For nearly four decades, the company has prioritized superior customer service, and it shows.

“Our dedicated agents average 10-plus years of experience each. You’ll reach a real, live person each time you call to assist with your travel request,” according to the company. “Eliminate the stress and inconvenience of plodding through endless discount-airfare websites or spending hours waiting on hold. Our helpful agents do all the work for you!”

And Cook Travel’s website presents numerous customer testimonials that confirm not only great discounts but high-quality customer service.

One couple, Skip and Vicki K., recount their 25th wedding anniversary trip to Italy where their return flight was unexpectedly canceled at the last minute. The couple reached out to Cook Travel and were able to secure alternative arrangements for their return trip within an hour.

“We will be traveling again next year. We certainly will use your services again. We will also highly recommend you to our other friends. Thank you and we look forward to our next travel planning with you,” the couple wrote on the Cook Travel website.

Cook Travel also maintains a 4.7-star rating on TrustPilot and is highly rated in Yelp reviews as well.

So, when health officials and governments determine it’s safe to take to the skies once again for leisure travel, Cook Travel and its more affordable first-class plane tickets could make for a great way to celebrate traveling once again.