BEST AIRLINE TO EUROPE : Virgin Atlantic Airways

Entrepreneur, April, 2000 by Christopher Elliot, Christopher Mcginns

Most Europe-bound business travelers aren't able to take advantage of the deep discounts usually offered to vacation travelers. That's because low transatlantic fares must be booked far in advance and carry penalties for changes or refunds--restrictions business travelers find hard to live with.

Even worse, a business traveler who has paid $1,500 for a last-minute coach- class ticket is usually seated next to a family of six (including two screaming babies), who paid $399 for a round-trip special they booked more than a year ago.

Leave it to kicky Virgin Atlantic Airways to provide a solution to this seeming inequity: the Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy Cabin. Premium Economy tickets are fully flexible and won't penalize you for changing flight dates or times. You avoid lengthy airport lines, thanks to its dedicated check-in desk and use of Fast Track immigration (a shorter passport line). On board, there's a separate Premium Economy cabin featuring extra-wide seats with headrests, footrests and generous amounts of legroom. You can make your selection from a menu that offers three different meals, including a vegetarian option. Best of all, you can leave vacationers to the back of the plane and even get some work done.

Virgin Atlantic currently flies to London from Athens, Newark, JFK, Washington-Dulles, Chicago, Miami, Orlando, San Francisco and Los Angeles (Las Vegas by this summer).

Christopher McGinnis, a CNN and The Weather Channel commentator, is the author of The Unofficial Business Travelers Pocket Guide (McGraw-Hill) and manages his own Web site at www.travelskills.com. Christopher Elliot is Entrepreneur's "Travel" columnist.