How to Travel in Luxury, With or Without the Price Tag

April 6, 2011— -- Yes, indeed, the rich are different -- and no, Mr. Hemingway, it's not just that they have more money. Some wealthy people really know how to spend it. I'm thinking of those who travel in grand style.

Unfortunately, there are fewer luxury travel options available these days (or so it seems at first glance). The great ocean liners are mostly a thing of the past, and the original Orient Express, established in 1883, rattled down its last European track in 2009.

However, self-indulgent travel still exists, and not all of it costs an arm and a leg (although prepare to pay numerous limbs for certain opulent options). But, here's a surprise: one place you won't necessarily find a lot of "rich people" is in the first and business class seats on many airlines.

For more travel news and insights view Rick's blog at farecompare.com

We took a look at the Bureau of Transportation Statistics' "10 percent ticket sample" to see how many folks actually fly in domestic first class fares and pay the full price. What we found is that most of those forward cabin seats are filled by miles "upgraders."

It's difficult to get an exact number, but it's also pretty clear that those who pay the regular astronomical prices of first class are a distinct minority.

And the prices are astronomical.

A recent check of roundtrip flights on United from Los Angeles to New York's JFK in mid-May showed economy seats selling for $360, while first class seats were going for $6,502.

In other words, you could buy 18 coach seats for the price of one seat in the front of the plane, and still have enough money left over to load up on several cans of Pringles. No wonder hardly anyone's paying full freight for first.

That's one luxury option: use your miles and join the not-exactly-rich-but-luxury-loving-crowd.

I've got some other ideas, too.