FlyerGoldII,

There are many travel agents that offer discounted business class and first class fares to Asia. They work with consolidators or the airlines directly. 1stair.net is often referenced in these boards.

Most of the TAs are mom and pop outfits that specialize in specific markets. I know the Indian sub-continent TAs servicing the west coast well and they work with Star more than OW. TG (Star partner) has deep discount fares in business and first that get full status miles in its partner programs. The equipment is old but the service is OK. Cathay has deals sometimes but is quite full the next few months (you need HKG specialists for that). BA has official deals for DTW-LHR because of their NWC introduction in the DTT market.

The TA for India from west coast that I was OK with is Pan Air Travel from LAX area (310-915-0088 I believe). I have also had good experience with an agent out of Detroit for East Coast based travel to India (I don't have the info right now).

YOu can spot these usually from ethnic newspapers. Unfortunately, the situation is till buyer beware. I usually cross-check with the local BBB and verify the years in business and complaint history first and then call the airline to make sure that the ticket is Kosher. I insist on credit card payment even if they charge a CC surchage.

You may want to look into Toronto TAs. You probably can get deals on LH (as it is aggressively trying to capture the Indian market). India Abroad from local Indian grocery stores will show you a list of local agents.

Beware of "brokers" that get you award tickets. There is an outfit in Canada that advertises discounted business class and they simply "broker" award tickets and that could get you in trouble.