NEW YORK, NY–(Marketwire – December 11, 2010) – 1st-Air.Net reports that while premium class around the world fares continue to rise from North America, similar fares from Europe are up to 25% less. Though leading airline alliances have refrained from sharp fare increases in Europe, around the world fares from the U.S. have increased by 26% over the past 2 years. Despite the recent resurgence of the British Pound and the Euro, North American travelers can save up to 25% by originating their itineraries in Europe. In March 2010, 1st-Air.Net reported that the sliding Euro had made Europe a hotbed for premium class ticket origination. Now, carrier initiated fare increases in North America have once again made Europe an excellent value for around the world ticket origination.

In December 2008, the Star Alliance 29,000 mile business class around the world fare from the U.S. sold for $7,855. This same ticket today sells for $10,855, an increase of $3000 or 28%. Around the world business fares originated in any Euro denominated country start at a USD equivalent of $8,569, 21% less than from the U.S. In previous years, U.S. based travelers seeking lower priced business fares would head north of the border to Canada. However, the Loonie’s recent gain on the Greenback has made tickets originated in Canada even pricier than the U.S.

The One World Alliance has also increased its Around the World fares from the U.S. The 3 Continent business class around the world fare originated in the U.S. currently sells for $10,199 + taxes. This same fare type sold for $7,500 in 2008, representing a 26% increase. When originated in Europe, fares start at a USD equivalent of $7,691, or 25% lower than the U.S. fare level.

The One World Alliance (i.e. British Airways, Cathay Pacific), Star Alliance (i.e. Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines) and Skyteam (i.e. Delta Airlines) all offer Around the World fares. There are also customized Around the World fares that can be created that use niche carriers such as V Australia.

Travelers interested in discounted business class around the world tickets may find additional information in the around the world section or the membership programs section of the company’s website. Since 1998, 1st-Air.Net has serviced international premium class travelers worldwide.