To most, flying business class is a costly extravagance, but what the aware traveler knows is that airlines are actually selling their premium seats at discounted prices all the time. Yes, a number of full-fare business classes will cost some thousands of dollars, but there are numerous ways airlines would give discounts in order to fill those empty seats at maximum revenue. Knowing how airlines price and sell discounted business class seats is the key to scoring a premium flying experience at a fraction of the cost.
Here’s how airlines sell cheap business class flights, with ways to get premium bookings cheaper.
- Last-minute Upgrade Offers
The airlines very much dislike the prospect of taking to the air with empty business or first class seats. That being said, most airlines also extend last-minute discounted upgrade options to economy-class passengers as flight dates draw closer, at lesser rates than purely business class tickets.
How It Works: Some airlines email upgrade offers; others let you check into upgrades as you’re going through the check-in process either online or in person.
Best Airlines for Last-Minute Upgrades: Emirates, British Airways, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa
How to Get It: Check your booking online 24-48 hours before flying or ask at the check-in counter.
Tip: Some airlines will let you bid for an upgrade, naming your price for a business class seat.
- Business Class Sales and Fare Promotions
Airlines periodically run special sales, offering business class tickets at significantly reduced prices. These promotions are usually available during low-demand seasons or as part of flash sales.
When to Look: January to March-after the holiday travel is over-and September to November-after summer’s travel rush
Best Airlines for Sales: Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, American Airlines, Delta
How to Find Deals: Sign up for airline newsletters, follow deal websites like Secret Flying, and use Google Flights fare alerts.
Tip: Booking a round-trip ticket often results in cheaper business class fares than booking two one-way tickets.
- Reward Points and Frequent Flyer Upgrades
Frequent flyers are one of the easiest means to access business class at reasonably lower costs. Most airlines in the world give passengers the privilege of upgrading into business class. Which is either from the economy or from premium economy class by using their miles instead of cash.
How It Works: Earn points through flying or credit card spending, then redeem them for upgrades.
Best Airlines for Points-Based Upgrades: Delta SkyMiles, American AAdvantage, United MileagePlus, British Airways Avios
How to Get It: Earn miles by travel credit cards, airline deals, or frequent flying.
Tip: A few airlines offer discounted mileage upgrades, and hence special offers are always worth checking on their websites before booking.
- Corporate and Bulk Discounts
Companies with frequent business travelers usually negotiate special rates for business-class seats. Some airlines even sell business-class tickets at a discount to consolidators that pass them on to the public.
Who does it benefit: Business travelers, corporate employees, and bulk ticket buyers
Best Airlines for Corporate Discounts: Lufthansa, Emirates, Delta, American Airlines
How to access: Check with your company to see if they have a travel program, or check any ticket consolidators such as SkyLux Travel.
Good to know: Some travel agents specialize in discounted business class fares and have access to unpublished deals.
- Airline Mistake Fares
Sometimes – thanks to human error or some computer glitch- airlines mistakenly send business-class tickets to market at much lower prices. Fast-acting travelers score premium seats for economy-class fares.
How It Works: Mistake fare, owing to error in pricing makes business class fare way cheaper than usual.
Best Websites to Track Mistake Fares: Secret Flying, The Flight Deal, Flyertalk forums
How to Book: If you find an error fare, book immediately. The airline can change the mistake at any time.
Tip: Do not call the airline unless you get a confirmed ticket to avoid cancellations as much as possible.
- Companion Fare Discounts
Some airlines run companion deals whereby a second business class ticket is heavily discounted or even free when bought with a full-price fare.
Who Benefits: Couples, families, and business travelers flying together
Best Airlines for Companion Deals: Qatar Airways: Companion Sales, British Airways: BA Companion Voucher, Virgin Atlantic
How to get it: Check out special airline promotions or apply for a travel credit card which offers companion vouchers.
Good to know: A number of premium credit cards, like the British Airways Visa Signature, offer companion fare benefits.
- Premium Economy to Business Class Upgrades
Essentially, many airlines do offer relatively inexpensive premium economy tickets, which, in turn, make it comparatively easy to upgrade to business class for minimal additional cost. This can be a lot cheaper than booking business class outright.
How It Works: Book premium economy and check for upgrade offers closer to departure.
Best Airlines for This Strategy: Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, ANA, Cathay Pacific
How to Get It: Book a flexible premium economy ticket, then see about upgrading the ticket on either the airline’s website or on their mobile application.
Good to know: Some airlines allow passengers flying in premium economy to join automated upgrade waitlists.
Conclusion
Airlines sell off their business-class seats unexpectedly through last-minute upgrade offers, frequent flyer rewards, sales, and mistake fares. In other words, one can enjoy all the luxuries of business class without really having to pay the full price-if you know where to look and how to book.
By being flexible, tracking the deals, and using your rewards intelligently, you’ll be able to upgrade your flying experience and travel in style for much less. Happy flying!