Want to look great on a budget? You don’t need to be wealthy to enjoy the experience. Secure comfortable seating without spending too much with just a few handy tricks. Learn how to fly in comfort, without breaking the bank.
Plan like it’s a hobby
Booking a business class seat isn’t a rush to the last minute, think more like setting a seed. There are plenty of great fares out there, but airlines tend to put up their very best months in advance, so you’ll want to begin hunting a couple of months in advance. Finally, set up fare alerts on your favorite booking sites or apps and you’ll get a nudge when prices do just that.
Some carriers, however, operate short-term specials primarily midweek. Set the travel bargain accounts as your social media friend or read airline newsletters, you may unsubscribe at any point. A 24-hour flash sale in business class might show up when you wouldn’t really expect it.
Embrace flexibility
The more flexible you are the better your chances of a steal. Take a look at what happens if you swap your ideal travel days by a day or two. But often, depending on the route, the price difference can be in the hundreds, flying Tuesday morning instead of Thursday evening.
Also, try various airports. Do you live near two or three international airports? Check all of them. With a quick shuttle or train trip, it could mean a very cheap ticket. If you’ve got extra time, add a connection too. A short layover can make a truly astronomical fare or two reasonably low.
Points, perks, and sneaky upgrades
If you’re not a points guru, you probably have a few rewards in your collection. Airline loyalty points and credit card miles are, to all intents and purposes, business class coupon codes. Try booking a coach seat and upgrading with points. That upgrade sometimes comes cheaper than a business ticket.
Be sure to check the check-in desk as well. You might be able to buy an upgrade to business class at a cheaper price, thanks to arrangements agents can make on your behalf. Sometimes, saying “Is there any way to get an upgrade at this price?” makes a difference.
Watch out for ‘mistake fares’ on deal sites. They’re real, rare and when airlines play it wrong with pricing you’ll find business class seats for nearly economy prices. If you see one, book fast, because they don’t hang around very long.
You don’t need to be an insider or pull some crazy hack to fly business class for ‘cheap.’ Just a little bit of planning, some flexibility and a spoonful of creativity. The next time you’re plotting out a trip, try these tricks. Sooner than you realize, you might be kicking back with a bit of champagne at 35,000 feet.
