15 Best Tricks to Fly in Business Class for Less

Our guide on the best Tricks to Fly in Business Class for your next vacation.

Flying in business class offers a luxurious and comfortable travel experience, but it often comes with a hefty price tag. Here are some tricks to help you score business class seats for less.

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Tricks to Fly in Business Class for Less

1. Use Frequent Flyer Miles and Points

Tip: Accumulate frequent flyer miles through travel, credit card sign-ups, and spending. Many airlines offer business class upgrades or award flights using miles and points.

Strategy: Focus on one or two airline loyalty programs to accumulate miles more quickly. Consider using credit cards that offer significant sign-up bonuses and earn points on everyday purchases.

2. Look for Fare Sales and Promotions

Tip: Keep an eye on airline sales, special promotions, and discount events. Business class fares occasionally go on sale.

Strategy: Subscribe to airline newsletters, follow airlines on social media, and use fare alert websites like Secret Flying, The Points Guy, and Scott’s Cheap Flights.

3. Book in Advance

Tip: Business class fares are often lower when booked well in advance.

Strategy: Plan your trips early and monitor fares. Booking 6-12 months ahead can sometimes result in significant savings.

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4. Consider Alternative Airports

Tip: Flying from or to a nearby airport can sometimes result in cheaper business class fares.

Strategy: Check flights from different airports within a reasonable distance. Compare prices to see if there are substantial savings.

5. Travel During Off-Peak Times

Tip: Business class fares can be cheaper during off-peak seasons or times when business travel is lower.

Strategy: Fly during holidays, weekends, or mid-week, and avoid peak business travel periods such as Monday mornings and Friday afternoons.

6. Take Advantage of Airline Mistake Fares

Tip: Occasionally, airlines accidentally publish lower fares for business class seats.

Strategy: Use fare alert services and apps like Airfarewatchdog, Hopper, and Google Flights to get notified of mistake fares. Act quickly, as these fares don’t last long.

7. Use Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)

Tip: OTAs like Expedia, Skyscanner, and Kayak sometimes offer lower business class fares than booking directly with airlines.

Strategy: Compare fares across multiple OTAs and the airline’s own website. Look for special discounts or promotional codes offered by OTAs.

8. Bid for Upgrades

Tip: Some airlines offer upgrade auctions where you can bid for a business class seat.

Strategy: Check if your airline offers this service and place a reasonable bid. Platforms like Plusgrade facilitate these auctions for many airlines.

9. Leverage Airline Alliances and Partners

Tip: Use points or miles from one airline to book business class seats on a partner airline within the same alliance (e.g., Star Alliance, Oneworld, SkyTeam).

Strategy: Look for award availability and consider booking flights operated by partner airlines, which might offer better redemption rates.

10. Use Credit Card Travel Perks

Tip: Some premium credit cards offer travel perks, including business class upgrades, priority boarding, and lounge access.

Strategy: Consider cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Express Platinum, or Citi Prestige, which offer valuable travel benefits and points that can be redeemed for business class travel.

11. Split Your Trip into Separate Legs

Tip: Booking long-haul flights with separate tickets for different legs can sometimes be cheaper.

Strategy: Look for cheaper business class fares on different segments of your journey. For example, book economy for a short leg and business for the long-haul portion.

12. Check Upgrade Options at Check-In

Tip: Airlines sometimes offer discounted upgrades during online check-in or at the airport.

Strategy: Log in to your booking 24-48 hours before departure to see if any upgrade offers are available. Ask about upgrade options at the check-in counter.

13. Fly with New or Budget Airlines

Tip: Some newer airlines or budget carriers offer competitive business class fares.

Strategy: Research airlines like Norwegian Air, JetBlue Mint, and other low-cost carriers that offer premium services at lower prices.

14. Use Companion Fare Offers

Tip: Some credit cards and airline programs offer companion fare deals where a second passenger flies for free or at a reduced rate.

Strategy: Take advantage of these offers if you’re traveling with a companion, doubling the value of your business class purchase.

15. Join Travel Loyalty Programs

Tip: Enroll in airline loyalty programs to accumulate points and enjoy member-exclusive deals.

Strategy: Stay loyal to your preferred airlines to build up points and status, which can lead to free upgrades and discounted business class fares.