10 Tips for Booking Affordable Business Class Flights
Traveling in business class is a great way to enjoy extra comfort and excellent service. However, it can be expensive if you do not plan carefully. The good news is that you can often find deals that make business class flights more affordable. In this article, we share ten tips on how to book cheap business class flights.
1. Join Airline Loyalty Programs
Many airlines offer loyalty programs that reward frequent flyers. When you join these programs, you earn points or miles each time you fly. Over time, you can use these points to book flights or upgrade your seat to business class without paying full price. Signing up is usually free and can give you access to discounts, exclusive promotions and other perks like early check-in or extra baggage allowance.
2. Make Bids for a Flight Upgrade
Some airlines allow passengers to bid for an upgrade to business class after purchasing their ticket. You can offer an amount you are willing to pay extra for the upgrade and, if your bid is accepted, you can enjoy business class at a discount. This option is available on many airlines and it gives you a chance to experience a higher level of service without paying the full price of a business class fare.
3. Book with Low-Cost Airlines
Although it might seem unusual, some low-cost airlines provide business class products at a more affordable price. These airlines have cut costs in other areas, which sometimes means lower fares for higher class of service. Check online travel agencies and airline websites to see if any low-cost airlines offer business class seats.
4. Search and Compare
Before booking your flight, take some time to search and compare prices on different websites. Use travel search engines that let you compare fares from multiple airlines at once. This can show you how prices change depending on the day and time of your flight. You can also search for special promotions or discounts that might not be available on every site.
5. Buy Tickets in Advance
Buying your tickets well ahead of your travel date can save you money. Many airlines offer lower prices for business class seats if you book in advance. Prices may rise as the departure date approaches, especially if there are only a few seats left in business class. To find the best deal, try to plan your trip several months ahead and keep an eye on price trends by regularly checking the airline’s website.
6. Fly During Shoulder Season
Travel during the shoulder season, which is the time between high and low travel periods, can help you find cheaper business class flights. During these times, there are fewer tourists, which means airlines may offer discounts to fill seats in business class. Shoulder seasons vary depending on your destination, so do a little research to see when these periods fall.
7. Avoid Peak Business Travel Times
Certain days and times of the week are busier for business travel. For example, early Monday mornings and late Friday afternoons are popular among business travelers. Flying during less popular times of the day or on weekends can sometimes result in cheaper fares. Look for flights during mid-week or odd hours when there is less demand.
8. Use Travel Credit Card Points
Many travel credit cards offer rewards points that can be redeemed for flights or upgrades to business class. Using a travel rewards card for your everyday purchases can add up quickly. When you have enough points, you might be able to pay for your business class ticket or upgrade your existing booking for little to no cost. Check the rewards program details of your credit card to see how you can maximize these benefits.
9. Consider Alternative Airports
Sometimes, the airport you normally fly out of or into may not offer the best deals on business class flights. Look into alternative airports near your city, as they can sometimes have lower fares or special deals. Even if it means a short drive or extra travel time, flying from or to a less busy airport might save you money.
10. Book a Connecting Flight
Nonstop flights are usually more expensive than those with connections. To save money, consider booking a flight with one or more stops. Connecting flights can sometimes be cheaper even in business class. While the travel time might be a bit longer, it can be worth it if you get a better deal. Make sure you check the layover duration and overall travel time so that the savings do not come at the expense of comfort.