How To Book Business Class Cheap: A Beginner’s Guide

1. Flexibility is key!

When searching for business class deals, being flexible will help a lot. What does this mean? Simply put, don’t be too strict on your schedule. If you plan on taking a leave from work and going on a vacation, maybe you can afford to move the dates around a bit. Of course, this won’t work if you have an event or occasion that you can’t miss.

Various airlines offer different deals. The prices of these deals will depend on the flight schedule, destination, time of booking, and other factors. Thus, if you are willing to be flexible on your flight dates, you can wait for a great deal on a business class flight to your dream destination.

Aside from the flight date, you can also be open to changing your destination. The best way to do this is to list at least three destinations that you would love to travel to. Depending on when there are good deals to your destination, you can then book the seats.

Again, this won’t work if you have a single dream destination and a schedule that cannot be changed. But if you are open to being flexible, it is already a great start to finding the best business class deals.

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2. Select the airline carefully.

Another thing you can do is to choose an airline that offers a more affordable business class rate. Some established airlines have a budget alternative for travelers. For example, Singapore Airlines has the budget airline Scoot which offers business class seats at a much lower rate.

For international flights, you don’t have to stick to the most popular airlines. Why not try lesser-known airlines that can offer better business class deals? These airlines usually have a better business class package because they want to become competitive in the industry. Try other airlines like AirAsia, Qatar Airways, or Qantas Airways.

If you are a purist and prefer the major airlines, like United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, or American Airlines, then check out our next tip below to make the most of your selected airline.

3. Make use of your points and miles.

Frequent flyer miles are a great way to fly business class. Whenever you go on a trip with the same airline, you will earn miles or points. These can later be used to purchase a business class ticket or for seat upgrades.

Most airlines offer individual memberships or loyalty programs that will allow you to earn points every time you fly. Other airlines, like Virgin Australia, have programs that allow you to earn points as a family. Aside from earning points from flying, some airlines including Qantas Airways award points for purchases other than flight tickets.

Aside from the frequent flyer program, a few major airlines have partnered with credit card companies to earn points with cards called co-branded credit cards. This means that each purchase you make with the credit card will help you earn points or miles. Many business owners make use of this program by running their purchases through a single credit card. This will earn them enough points to fly for free to a business conference or meeting.

Getting a co-branded credit card is a great idea if you have a preferred airline. If you are a frequent flyer, you will surely earn those points much quicker by sticking to one airline. Some major co-branded credit cards also offer sign-up bonuses for new cardholders. Explore getting cards like American Express Platinum, Delta SkyMiles American Express, United MileagePlus Card, and more. 

4. Try upgrading.

If you don’t have enough points or miles yet to purchase a business class ticket, why not try upgrading? This is a savvy way how to book business class cheaply. Just make sure that the airline allows this change before you start booking your flight.

You can also pay directly when upgrading your ticket. This will still come out cheaper than booking a business class seat directly. If you want to go for this option, you will probably get cheaper deals if you book right before check-in, especially if there are vacant business class seats on the flight. Find out more about when to book an upgrade in the next section.

5. Wait for the right time.

When looking for the best deals, timing is everything. Most airlines offer special early bird rates when booking months in advance. Other promotions may also be available to frequent flyers. A great way to be updated with seat sales and promotions is to follow the airline on social media and subscribe to their email newsletters.

Aside from being on the lookout for promotions, you can also book your flight when businessmen travel the least. People flying for business usually fly on weekdays during their office hours. You may find some luck in purchasing a discounted ticket during weekends when there are more seats available. This also applies to purchasing an upgrade from economy to business class.

Timing is also important when waiting for airline sales. Some airlines hold sales on holidays like Boxing Day and Black Friday. Other airlines announce their sales exclusively to the subscribers of their email newsletters. Once you learn about the sale, make sure to have the date marked on your calendar so you can score the best business class deals first.

6. Try your luck booking mistake fares.

Mistake fare is a popular term in the airline industry. It refers to airlines posting the wrong ticket prices on their website. You may be able to find mistake fares for business class tickets that are almost half the price. 

Often, these airlines are bound to honor the prices that you see on their website. Although if the company can prove that they posted the wrong price, they can cancel your ticket entirely. So, finding mistake fares can either be hit or miss. It is up to you if you want to try this strategy on how to book business class cheap.