£1599 + tax (so just under £1700) per person) for restricted business for LGW - MIA. I did get a fare of just under £1100 (incl. taxes) per person LHR to LAX (again Continental ticket, flying direct on Virgin) at Xmas, but that was just an amazing fare... :-)))

I, like you, have a "thrifty" employer (doesn't pay for business class, but will stretch to PE because it is comparable to full fare economy). It can be a bit frustrating. Still, it could be worse than PE (I have never flown it, but imagine that it must be noticeably better than regular economy). Still am looking for a new employer, so maybe will find a more generous one (not that I aspire to do an excessive amount of business travel...)

I hope that Virgin gives you an operational upgrade to UC on your business trip. Any idea what the loads are like in economy on your flight? Might be worth checking in early, being dressed smartly (although I assume you might be already) and being charming to the check-in staff...

Boo




[This message has been edited by Boo Boo Too (edited 04-01-2002).]