There have been several occasions over our last almost 12 years of travel, a few occasions by sheer luck at the airport and other times when we researched using the following techniques. Realizing it was more of a stroke of luck than due to our diligence, we started exploring ways to become more successful, but in some of the following, you’ll see it takes a concerted effort to accomplish such a goal.

How to Get Cheap Business Class Seats

Flying business class offers a range of perks and comforts that economy class can’t match, including more spacious seating, superior service, and enhanced dining options. However, the cost can be prohibitively high. Fortunately, there are several strategies to secure business-class seats at a fraction of the standard price. Here are some tried-and-true methods to help you fly in style without breaking the bank.

1. Use Frequent Flyer Miles and Points

One of the most effective ways to get cheap business-class seats is by using frequent flyer miles and credit card points. Many airlines have loyalty programs that allow you to accumulate miles through flights and everyday spending on affiliated credit cards. Here’s how to make the most of your miles:

• Sign Up for Airline Loyalty Programs: Join frequent flyer programs for airlines you travel with frequently. Accumulating miles on these programs can eventually be redeemed for business class seats.
• Credit Card Rewards: Use travel credit cards that offer points for every dollar spent. Some cards offer sign-up bonuses that can be substantial enough to cover business-class flights.
• Strategic Spending: Use these credit cards for daily expenses to quickly accumulate points. Just be sure to pay off the balance monthly to avoid interest charges.
• Transfer Partners: Many credit card companies have transfer partners. Transferring points from a credit card to an airline’s frequent flyer program can sometimes offer better redemption rates.

2. Book During Sales and Promotions

Airlines often have sales and promotions that can significantly reduce the cost of business-class tickets. Stay informed about these opportunities:

• Email Alerts: Sign up for email alerts from airlines and travel websites to be notified of upcoming sales.
• Follow on Social Media: Airlines frequently announce flash sales and special promotions on their social media channels.
• Travel Agents Sometimes have access to exclusive deals that aren’t available to the general public.

3. Use Flight Deal Websites

Several websites are dedicated to finding the best flight deals, including business-class discounts. These websites can save you a lot of time and money:

• Google Flights: Use Google Flights to track prices and set alerts for fare drops.
• Scott’s Cheap Flights: This service sends email alerts about heavily discounted flights, including business class.
• Secret Flying: This website posts error fares and flash sales for business class tickets.
• The Points Guy: Offers insights on how to use points and miles effectively and posting deals and promotions.

4. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates

Flexibility is key when it comes to finding cheap business-class seats. If you can be flexible with your travel dates, you have a better chance of finding lower prices:

• Off-Peak Travel: Business class tickets are often cheaper during off-peak times. Avoid traveling during holidays and peak seasons.
• Midweek Flights: Flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are often less expensive than those on weekends.
• Last-Minute Bookings: Airlines sometimes offer discounts on business class seats that haven’t been filled as the departure date approaches. This can be risky but rewarding.

5. Bid for Upgrades

Many airlines have introduced bidding systems for upgrades, allowing passengers to bid for a business-class seat. Here’s how it works:

• Check Eligibility: After booking an economy ticket, check if the airline offers a bidding system for upgrades.
• Place a Bid: Place a bid within the range specified by the airline. If your bid is accepted, you’ll be upgraded to business class at a fraction of the usual cost.
• Consider the Odds: Bids are more likely to be successful on less popular flights or routes.

6. Use Airline Companion Deals

Airlines often offer companion deals, where you can buy one business class ticket and get the second one at a significant discount or even free:

• Check Airline Promotions: Look out for airline companion ticket offers, especially if you’re traveling with a partner.
• Credit Card Offers: Some credit cards offer companion ticket benefits as part of their perks.

7. Leverage Corporate Discounts

If you travel for work, check if your company has a corporate travel agreement with airlines. These agreements can offer substantial discounts on business class tickets:

• Corporate Travel Desk: Consult with your company’s travel desk or department to see if you can take advantage of these discounts.
• Professional Associations: Sometimes, professional associations have partnerships with airlines offering discounted rates.

8. Consider Alternative Routes

Sometimes flying indirectly can save you money on business class tickets:

• Stopovers: Opt for flights with stopovers, which are often cheaper than direct flights.
• Alternative Airports: Look for flights departing from or arriving at alternative airports. For instance, flying into a nearby city and taking a short domestic flight or train can be cheaper.

9. Book Through Consolidators

Airfare consolidators buy tickets in bulk from airlines and sell them at a discount. While this method requires some research, it can yield significant savings:

• Online Consolidators: Websites like Flystein and SkyClub offer discounted business-class tickets.
• Travel Agencies: Some travel agencies specialize in business class travel and have access to consolidator fares.

10. Join Airline Newsletters and Loyalty Programs

Airlines frequently offer exclusive deals to their newsletter subscribers and loyalty program members. Signing up can give you early access to sales and promotions:

• Exclusive Deals: Members often receive exclusive offers not available to the general public.
• Early Access: Get notified about sales before they are advertised widely.

By using a combination of these strategies, you can significantly reduce the cost of business-class travel. Whether you accumulate miles, stay flexible with your travel dates, or take advantage of sales and promotions, cheap business-class seats are within reach. Happy travels!

We aren’t planning any flights now, but when we do, we will reread this post to remind us to use as many of the above techniques as possible to find the best possible prices on business-class flights. We hope you’ll consider doing the same.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, July 21, 2014: