Reality: Crossing the Atlantic in the plush confines of business class used to cost $5,000, at a minimum. Several all-business-class carriers have entered the market in recent years, however, offering top-notch service and fares at a fraction of the old going rate. Silverjet, for example, flies twice per day from Newark to London, with special fares starting at $919 round-trip (taxes extra). Low-fare carriers in the U.S. have also gotten in on the upper-class market. AirTran regularly offers business-class tickets at fares within reach, such as $354 one way between New York LaGuardia and Orlando. Spirit Airlines charges as little as $164 each way on some routes (e.g., NYC-Myrtle Beach) for its "Big Front Seat."

Current Advice: Sign up to receive airline e-newsletters, which often list special promotions discounting upper-class seats. Also, note that certain domestic carriers—notably, Spirit and AirTran—sometimes allow passengers to upgrade at airport check-in kiosks for as little as $30 or $35.