For many travellers, flying in business class is the dream, but the often eye-watering price tag usually puts a dampener of things. However, the good news is, if you know where to look and how to play your cards, snagging a cheaper-than-usual business class seat is totally possible.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through our tried-and-tested strategies for finding cheap business class flights, plus we’ll highlight routes and airlines where deals are most likely to pop up.
If you've always wanted to upgrade your flight experience without blowing your travel budget, you’re in the right place.
How Much Are Business Class Flights?
Before diving into how to find cheap business class flight deals, let’s first break down how much business class flights usually cost. That way, you’ll know whether or not you’re actually getting a good deal.
Obviously, prices can vary significantly depending on factors like the airline, route, time of year, and how early or late you book. For long-haul international flights, business class fares typically range from $3,000 to $10,000+. For example, a direct flight from New York to London on a top-tier airline like British Airways or Delta could easily hit $6,000 to $8,000. If you’re flying to destinations like Asia or Australia, expect to pay even more.
For shorter-haul routes, such as domestic flights within Europe or the US, business class prices are generally lower, typically ranging from $1,000 to $2,500. Flights from New York to Miami, for instance, could hover around the lower end of that scale.
Now, when we talk about finding cheap business class tickets, we’re looking for deals that can cut these prices by up to 50% or more. If you can find fares slashed to $2,000-$3,000 for long-haul flights that would normally be $6,000+, or snag a business class seat on a shorter flight for under $1,000, you’ll know you’ve found yourself a deal.
You’ll usually find these discounts through flash sales, last-minute bookings, or by flying off-peak times and using smart fare comparison tools.
How to Find Business Class Flights for Cheap
1. Set Up Fare Alerts
One of the most effective ways to land cheaper business class tickets is by setting up fare alerts on platforms like Google Flights or Skyscanner. These alerts notify you when there’s a drop in prices or when a particularly good deal comes up.
There are also deal-specific websites (like Secret Flying or The Flight Deal) that often feature discounted business class fares you might not find elsewhere. You can even use apps like Hopper that send push notifications for deals on your preferred routes.
Tip: Set your flight alerts for multiple cities - flying out of a nearby airport can sometimes save you hundreds.
2. Book During Sales (Especially Airline-Specific Sales)
Airlines love a good sale, and business class fares are usually included in these promotions. Keep a close eye on seasonal sales such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and New Year’s. On top of this, some airlines have flash sales that last only 24 to 48 hours and can offer deep discounts on business class seats for specific routes.
To get ahead of the game, subscribe to airlines' email newsletters or follow them on social media so you’re among the first to hear about these sales and can jump on those limited-time offers quickly.
3. Flexible Travel Dates & Routes
Flexibility is key when you’re hunting for cheap business class flights. By being open to flying on different days, you can significantly increase your chances of finding a great deal. Aim to fly mid-week (Tuesdays or Wednesdays), as these days tend to have lower prices compared to the busier weekends.
Similarly, consider flying during off-peak seasons like late fall or early spring, when business travel slows down and ticket prices tend to drop.
It’s also a good idea to be flexible with your arrival and departure airports. Sometimes flying into a nearby city and taking a quick train or budget flight to your final destination can save you a significant amount on your business class fare. Expanding your search to multiple routes can open up more opportunities for discounts.
4. Use Points and Miles for Business Class Flights
If you’re a frequent traveller or a credit card points guru, redeeming points for business class seats can be one of the best ways to fly luxuriously without paying full price. Airlines often release limited seats for miles, so keeping an eye on award availability can score you a deal. Use websites like AwardHacker to find the best points deals on business class flights.
Tip: Consider signing up for an airline credit card if you’re looking to rack up points faster - many offer sign-up bonuses that can be worth a free upgrade.
5. Fare Comparison Tools to Find Cheaper Business Class Flights
Finding the best deals on business class tickets doesn’t need to be a hassle, thanks to various fare comparison tools. Websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and of course, Moonsand (hint hint😉) allow you to search for business class deals across multiple airlines. Just be sure to filter your search results specifically for business class, as most flight comparison tools use economy class as the default.
Remember, patience is key! Prices fluctuate, and by using these tools and setting alerts, you'll be notified the moment a deal becomes available.
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6. Bid for an Upgrade
Many airlines now offer passengers the chance to bid for an upgrade to business class after booking an economy ticket. This allows you to name your price for an upgrade, and if the airline accepts, you’ll score those coveted lie-flat seats and premium services at a fraction of the cost.
This is especially common with airlines like Lufthansa, Air New Zealand, and Virgin Atlantic. While it’s not guaranteed that your upgrade will be accepted, it’s a great option to consider if you're flexible and don’t want to pay full business class fares upfront.
7. Look for Error Fares
Error fares are essentially pricing mistakes that result in significantly discounted tickets. These can occur due to human error, currency conversion issues, or glitches in booking systems. Websites like Secret Flying, Airfarewatchdog, and Fly4Free track and publish these deals as soon as they pop up.
The key is to act fast, as these fares are usually corrected quickly once the airline notices. While rare, scoring an error fare can lead to massive savings, sometimes up to 90% off regular business class prices.
8. Book with a Stopover
Non-stop flights may be convenient, but booking a flight with a stopover can often lead to cheaper business class flight deals. For example, flying from New York to Europe via a hub like Istanbul with Turkish Airlines or Reykjavik with Icelandair can significantly reduce costs compared to direct flights.
Plus, many airlines offer stopover packages that let you explore the stopover city (sometimes for free) without additional airfare, making it a win-win for both cost and travel experiences.
Best Airlines and Routes for Cheap Flights in Business Class
Not all routes or airlines are created equal when it comes to business class deals. Here are some airlines and routes where you're more likely to find discounted seats:
- Finnair (Europe to Asia): Finnair is known for its relatively affordable business class fares, especially on its routes between Europe and Asia. Keep an eye on their sales for major savings.
- Turkish Airlines (Europe to the US/Asia): Turkish Airlines often offers great deals on its business class tickets, particularly from Europe to North America and Asia. Their frequent flash sales make them a great option to monitor.
- Qatar Airways (Global Routes): Known for some of the best business class services in the world, Qatar Airways frequently has deals, especially during their annual sales. Routes from Asia and Europe to the US often see deep discounts.
- British Airways (US to Europe): British Airways is another carrier where you can sometimes find surprisingly low business class fares, especially on routes between major US hubs and London.
- TAP Air Portugal (US to Europe): TAP Air Portugal frequently runs promotions on their business class fares, especially between the US and Europe. You can often find fares that are 30-40% cheaper than average on this airline.
FAQs About Finding The Cheapest Business Class Flights
Why are business class flights more expensive?
Business class flights come with added perks like more spacious seats, priority boarding, enhanced meal service, and access to airport lounges. The higher price reflects these premium services, along with the added comfort and convenience.
When is the best time to book a cheap business class flight?
The best time to book is typically 2-4 months in advance, especially during sales events like Black Friday or New Year. Flexibility with dates and keeping an eye out for fare alerts can also help you snag a deal.
Are business class fares discounted during sales?
Yes, airlines often include business class fares in their sales, especially during holiday events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and seasonal promotions. Keep an eye out for these to find a great deal.
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Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Moonsand receives a commission if you decide to make a purchase through one of our trusted affiliate partners, at no extra cost to yourself.
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