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Overseas (bargain) shopping trips

by Jerry Guo (RSS feed) on Dec 7th 2007 at 5:00PM

Here's a story from this week's New York Times on the rising trend of Europeans flying to New York to bargain shop. What stands out here is not that these are posh socialites getting their fix on 5th Ave. We're talking about average Joes (more like Janes, I suppose) who fly to the states specifically to take advantage of the depreciating dollar and holiday deals.

Several airlines are apparently offering promotions to encourage this kind of things. For instance, on Silverjet, a roundtrip, business-class ticket was marked at $2,000. Not a bad deal, but sounds like you'll have to do a heck of a lot of shopping to recoup your startup costs.

Filed under: Airlines, Budget Travel

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

aawil Dec 7th 2007 7:40PM

I noticed the cost of clothes in europe was astronomical. I have a few friends that when coming to the states, come with very empty suitcases.

Jeffrey J. Dec 15th 2007 6:58PM

On Silverjet's web site they have a promotion called 'Merry Sivilised".

If you look at the terms of the promotion they're completely different for US and non-US customers.

Is this to do with the dollar?

I copied and pasted from the UK and US versions of the web site:

Here's how Silverjet are advertising this in the UK:

Save £100 on the price of our Saver ticket when you book a special Merry Sivilised fare to New York or Dubai for travel in December and January. Prices start from only £999 return.
We may have cut the price, but you’ll still enjoy all of the Silverjet trimmings, including private terminals, check-in 30 minutes before departure, onboard menus from legendary London restaurant Le Caprice and outstanding service.
What’s more, with our increased baggage allowance of 96kg per person, you can fill your bags with last-minute Christmas supplies or bargains from the January sales.
Book online or over the phone by calling 0844 855 0111. Hurry, this offer is available for a limited period only.

And now here's how they're advertising in the US:

Snap up our Merry Sivilised fare and escape to the Arabian sun during December and January. Fly New York to Dubai from only $3,690 roundtrip, including all taxes and fees.
You’ll enjoy all of the best Silverjet features, including private terminals, check-in 30 minutes before departure, on-board menus from legendary London restaurant Le Caprice and outstanding service.
And with our increased baggage allowance of 96kg per person, you can fill your bags with bargains from the East.
Book this offer online or by calling toll free on 877 FLYSILVERJET (877 359 7458), 24 hours a day. Hurry, available for a limited period only.

So there you have it. For Europeans it's 5th Avenue if you want to snap up a bargain.

Americans can only afford bargains from the East, apparently.

Something wrong here?

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