To be honest, the flying economy doesn’t always bring joy. You may feel cramped, there’s very little space for your legs and if you can’t recline in your seat, the journey will seem long. On the other hand, first class feels like a dream. Wide seats, free drinks, better food, and sometimes even a bed! But here’s the best part: you don’t need to spend a fortune to get there. You only have to be aware of a few tips.
Start with increasing your chance to gain points and miles
You don’t need to fly all the time to gain travel points. These days, you can earn miles just by signing up for the right credit card or doing your usual shopping. Many travel credit cards offer big bonus points just for joining and spending a certain amount in the first few months. Those points can easily get you a first class seat on your next trip.
Even if you don’t have a credit card, sign up for the airline’s frequent flyer program every time you book a flight. Those miles add up over time, and someday they can help you upgrade without paying anything extra.
Try your luck with last-minute upgrades and quiet flights
Sometimes, airlines offer cheap upgrade deals when you check in. If the first class isn’t full, they’d rather sell you the seat at a discount than let it go empty. So next time you’re checking in online or at the airport, keep an eye out. You might see an offer to upgrade for much less than what that seat usually costs.
You should consider flying during the week, especially on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Saturdays, for a better chance. When flights aren’t full, you are more likely to receive an upgrade without paying. Good manners and a neat appearance won’t get you the seat you hope for, but it will help you if a seat does become available.
Think smart when booking your flight
What’s surprising is, how you arrange your flight tickets can shape your experience. There are times when flying first class with a stop is more affordable than just pushing through economy on a straight flight. Suppose you are going from New York to Los Angeles. Try to find out if a first class flight with a layover is just about the same price as a direct economy one.
Don’t pass up the chances to buy things when they are on sale. On some occasions, airlines offer you to buy premium seats at a reduced price. Using Scott’s Cheap Flights or Google Flights is recommended and you can sign for alerts so you see the offers early. If you discover your ideal opportunity, act right away.
You can get by with economy seating, but it isn’t very relaxing for long journeys. If your legs hurt after your workout and you find it tough to find a spot, there’s a solution. You don’t have to be wealthy or fly often to experience first class. For instance, if you use points, watch for discounts and fly on sale days, you can join the world of luxury air travel at a regular economy cost.
