U.S. Christmas Shopping Spree for Brits

by erica ~ July 1, 2008

Talk about a shopping spree… just not for New Yorkers.

With the British pound doubling the US Dollar, Crain’s NY is reporting that a British airline is offering discounted flights between New York and England in November and December.

Jet2.com, a discount carrier that offers vacation packages to about 45 destinations, including the United States, is offering a deal of a lifetime for the Brits. Advertised as the “Christmas shopping break,” this offer includes a four-day, three-night airfare/hotel package priced at $1,400 to $1,700, which, according to NYC & Co., is the average amount British visitors spend when visiting New York for five days.

Jet2 has also worked out a deal with Macy’s, which will offer international visitors an 11% discount. Wow, a low-cost trip and a retailer discount? This trip is practically free for those using the British pound!

This is definitely a smart maneuver for the airline, especially when the dollar is so weak. Seems like only yesterday Americans were traveling to Europe for such a “cheap thrill.” (I’m still keeping my fingers crossed that it will happen again!)

Erica Berkovich is an Associate Account Executive at Mediashop PR. She is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Corporate Communications at Baruch.