“Once you fly business class or first class, you never go back,” someone once told me before my upcoming trip to Dubai.
Sure. I was flying in the coveted business class section on Emirates—and yes, it was epic. But is emptying your bank account really worth stretching your legs out at a crescent-shaped bar as you sip on a freshly-poured martini aboard a 15-hour flight? Well, yes, and no.
Any savvy traveler will tell you that you don’t have to pay full price for a business or first class seat. Not always, anyway. It’s possible to fly in style without breaking the bank if you know where to look and what strategies to use.
If you’re on the hunt for how to get cheap business class tickets or even cheap first class airline tickets, here’s a breakdown of some of the best ways to secure those exclusive seats in the front of the plane.
Use points and miles
One of the most effective ways to get cheap business class tickets is by using frequent flyer points and miles. Many airlines offer great value for business class redemptions, especially if you’re flexible with your dates and destinations. Here’s how:
- Credit card sign-up bonuses: Some travel credit cards offer huge bonuses that can be used to book business class tickets. Popular cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred, American Express Platinum, and Capital One Venture often have deals where you can earn enough points for a business class ticket after meeting the spending requirements.
- Transferable points programs: Programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards and American Express Membership Rewards allow you to transfer points to airline partners, giving you the flexibility to find the best deals.
- Look for sweet spots: Certain routes and airlines offer better value when redeeming points for business class tickets. For example, Asia or the Middle East can often be a great redemption region for US-based travelers.
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Book in advance or be flexible with dates
If you’ve ever asked yourself, how can I get cheap business class tickets, one of the simplest answers is to book early or be flexible with your travel dates. Airlines typically release their cheapest business class tickets months in advance. Keep an eye out for promotions and special fares.
- Use fare alerts: Websites like Dollar Flight Club can notify you when flight deals and error fares for business class tickets pop up for your desired route. By setting up these alerts, you can jump on cheap fares as soon as they become available. Just this week, I received a flight deal alert for a business class roundtrip between New York and Miami on Delta for just $499.
- Fly during off-peak seasons: Business class fares tend to be lower during times of lower demand, such as after the holidays, in early spring, or late fall. Traveling during these periods can significantly reduce the price of a premium ticket.
Take advantage of upgrade opportunities
Another way to score cheap first class airline tickets or cheap business class tickets is through upgrading from economy. Here are a few tips for making this happen:
- Use upgrade certificates: Many frequent flyer programs offer upgrade certificates or options to upgrade with points or miles. Delta, United, and American Airlines all have these programs for their loyal members.
- Ask at the airport: Sometimes, airlines offer last-minute upgrades at a significant discount at check-in or even at the gate. While this isn’t a guaranteed method, it’s worth asking if business class isn’t sold out.
- Use airline loyalty programs: Being a frequent flyer with elite status can increase your chances of getting complimentary upgrades or scoring heavily discounted upgrades
Bid for business class upgrades
Many airlines offer a “bid to upgrade” program where passengers can place a bid for a business class seat after purchasing an economy ticket. Airlines like Lufthansa, Etihad, and Qantas use this system, allowing travelers to potentially score a business class upgrade for much less than the usual price.
The higher you bid, the better your chances are of an upgrade.
To determine how much you should bid, first subtract the cost of your economy ticket from the standard price of a business class seat. Then, place a bid for approximately 20-40 percent of the difference.
Fly from secondary airports
Major airports tend to have higher business class ticket prices due to demand, but flying from nearby secondary airports can sometimes yield cheaper fares.
Let’s say I want to go to Miami from Los Angeles. Upon my search, I found roundtrip business class tickets from LAX to MIA for $2,052.
Fort Lauderdale is a close by airport that I can fly into for $1,382. I’m saving $670 on a business class ticket just by adding 20 minutes to my drive.
Look for fifth freedom flights
Fifth freedom flights are when an airline operates a flight between two countries that are not its home base. These routes often offer cheaper business class fares. For example, Emirates flying between New York and Milan, or Singapore Airlines between Houston and Manchester, can offer luxury seats at a discounted rate compared to standard business class tickets. Here’s a sample of some of the most popular fifth freedom flights:
Book via foreign websites or use VPNs
Flight prices can differ based on your geographic location. Sometimes, booking from a country where the currency is weaker or the demand is lower can result in cheaper fares.
- Use a VPN: Changing your virtual location can help you access different pricing from international versions of airline websites. Be sure to clear your cookies to avoid price hikes based on browsing behavior.
- Check regional airline websites: Airlines sometimes offer region-specific promotions, especially in countries where demand for premium cabins might be lower.
Leverage hidden city ticketing
Final thoughts
Securing cheap business class tickets or cheap first class airline tickets may seem like a daunting task, but with the right strategies and a bit of flexibility, it’s more achievable than you think. Whether you leverage points and miles, take advantage of error fares, bid for upgrades, or fly during less popular times, there are many ways to experience luxury travel without paying full price.
Always be on the lookout for promotions, monitor fare alerts, and consider trying some lesser-known tactics like using VPNs and purchasing fifth freedom flights. By using these insider tips, you can save big on premium travel and enjoy the comfort and perks of business class without emptying your wallet!
