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Flying Business Class Is Not a Dream

You can experience business class travel on a low budget—just follow these practical tactics. Discover how to turn this luxury into an affordable treat.


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by Olivia Smith

Flying business class is something that is a dream for a lot of travelers, given the added comfort, better service, and overall pleasurable experience associated with it. But the cost can feel out of reach. But with some strategy and smart tips, you can fly business class for less than you might think. 



1.Book Early or Last Minute

It’s possible — booking your flight many months in advance can often net a better deal on business class tickets. Most airlines make available only a handful of discounted seats at first. On the flip side, last-minute deals can be gold. Airlines will occasionally discount prices on the few remaining business class seats close to departure. If you have flexibility with your travel dates, your chances of finding a bargain will be that much higher.


2.Travel by Using Your Frequent Flyer Miles and Points

Join the airline loyalty programs and utilize co-branded credit cards to rack up points when you spend on daily items. Many airlines offer substantial sign-up bonuses that can add up to a business class ticket fairly quickly. Also, if you have flexible reward points like Chase Ultimate Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards, find out whether transferring points to an airline partner would yield better value than redeeming them that way.


3.Discover Error Fares and Special Promotions

Sometimes airlines mess up when pricing tickets, and you end up with a steeply discounted business class fare. Specialist sites such as Secret Flying and Airfarewatchdog are set up for doing this kind of work on error fares. Also, look for special promotions and sales. Airlines frequently have sales, particularly during slower travel periods where the discounts on business class tickets can be significant.


4.Look for Alternate Airports and Routes

Sometimes, taking off or landing at alternative airports has cheaper business class prices. If you’re heading to Europe, for instance, you might fly into a major hub like London or Frankfurt and then hop on a budget airline to your final destination. Likewise, indirect flights with layovers tend to be cheaper than non-stop routes. It can take longer, but the savings can be significant.



5.Upgrade with Cash or Miles

If an outright business class ticket is just too expensive, look at buying an economy ticket and upgrading. You can offer to pay for an upgrade, or use miles to book a better seat on many airlines. Follow upgrade offers as your departure date draws closer. Airlines may reduce the cash or miles necessary to fill leftover business class seats.


6.Travel in Off-Peak Times

Business class seat demand also varies throughout the year. The off-peak travel seasons, like late in winter or early in fall, generally come with a lower price tag. Avoiding major holidays and school vacation periods is also a good way to find cheaper fares. In addition, flights in the mid-week, compared to the weekends, are much cheaper.


7.Book Through Travel Agencies and Consolidators

Travel agencies and ticket consolidators sometimes have access to discounted business class fares not available to the general public. These companies buy tickets in bulk and can save you a ton of money. Do your homework, though, and comparison shop — the myriad of agencies you can find online vary widely in terms of cost and quality.


8.Look for Budget Airlines

Certain airlines are notorious for having lower business class fares. Airlines like Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Etihad tend to offer superb value, for example. Inspire yourself and new destination ideas through your favourite airlines. Newer airlines or airlines that expand their route offerings may also provide introductory savings to reach new customers.



9.Be Flexible and Persistent

How do you get a cheap business class ticket? Monitor airline websites, create fare alerts and be prepared to book when you see a good price. If you’re flexible, to be patient and make it work, you’ll get rewarded down the line.


So there we have it, with frequent flyer miles, keeping an eye out for promotions, and being flexible with your travel plans, you can score business class seats without the business class price tag. 



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