How to Fly Business Class for the Price of Economy

Co-authored by Stef Katz and Amy Bobinger

Last Updated: November 20, 2022 References

Business class can have a lot of perks over flying economy, like roomier seats, better food, and even a chance to lie down and take a nap. All that luxury comes with a price tag to match, but that doesn't have to hold you back from traveling in style—even if you're on a budget. We have tips on how you can score an upgrade to business class at a steep discount, and sometimes even for free!

1

Snag tickets during a business class sale for a steep discount.

Airlines sometimes offer discounted rates specifically on business tickets. Check different airlines to see if they're running a promotion before you buy your ticket. If you can catch one of these sales, you can sometimes score business tickets for the same—or less—than flying economy.^{[1]
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- Business class sales are sometimes be overlooked by travelers—people searching for the cheapest flights will be looking mostly at economy, and those who want to fly in style will often focus on first-class flights.
- You can sometimes find two-for-one sales that allow you to buy two business-class tickets for the price of one, which is perfect if you're traveling with someone else.^{[2]
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- Subscribe to airline emails and travel deal websites so you'll be notified about promotions.^{[3]
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2

Book on the same airline you normally fly with.

If you fly a lot, that loyalty could pay off. The more often you fly on the same airline, the more likely you are to be chosen for an upgrade. Those upgrades are sometimes free, so you could find yourself flying business class for about the same price as your economy class ticket.^{[4]
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- If the airline you choose has a loyalty program, be sure to sign up! You could get exclusive access to discounts or earn rewards like free upgrades or extra perks when you fly.

3

Be flexible with your travel details.

You might find a deal for a different day, time, or airport. Comparing flight prices takes a little sleuthing, but it can pay off big time. Try searching for business class flights that arrive at an airport close to your destination—you might be able to save a lot of money by flying into a smaller airport, then taking a shorter flight, buying a bus ticket, or renting a car to get to where you're going.^{[5]
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- Also, when you're looking for sales, you may find that tickets are offered more cheaply if you fly home a day later or wait a day longer to leave.

4

Choose a flexible flight ticket for priority upgrades.

Flexible flight tickets allow you to make changes to your flight. With an ordinary economy ticket, there are often fees associated with changing your flight time or your seat.^{[6]
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5

Redeem your credit card points or miles for upgrades.

Use any reward points from your airline credit card. If your credit card allows you to redeem rewards for travel purchase or airline miles, this is a great way to get an affordable (or free) upgrade. Even better, the tickets are sometimes discounted when you buy them with points, so even when you take into account the value of your points, you might still be getting a better deal than if you bought the ticket with cash outright.^{[8]
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- Be sure you know the process that's required by your airline and/or your credit card company before you buy your ticket.
- Some of the most popular travel reward cards include American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.^{[9]
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- If you want to fly first class for the price of the economy, have a credit card from your preferred airline.
- Use it to pay for everything, such as food and bills.
- Be an active member in their rewards program.

6

Buy an upgrade from the airline's website.

This can be cheaper than buying business class tickets directly. Choose your flight, then buy a regular economy ticket. Once you book, check your reservation on the airline's website or app, and look for an option to upgrade. You'll have to pay to upgrade your ticket, but you can often find discounted upgrades—especially once you get closer to your departure date.^{[10]
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- You can also check for an upgrade at the kiosk once you get to the airport.

7

Bid on an upgrade.

Some airlines sell their upgrades to the highest bidder. After you buy your ticket, keep an eye on your email inbox. You may get an email from the airline with an option to bid on an upgrade. If so, name your price—if you have the highest bid, you'll get to enjoy your flight in business class!^{[11]
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- Keep in mind that if you bid too low, you may not meet the airline's minimum price—and you'll likely be outbid by another traveler!
- Try bidding between 20% and 40% of the regular cost of an upgrade to business class for the best chances of winning.
- You'll typically be notified if you win between 24 and 72 hours before your flight.^{[12]
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8

Ask politely for an upgrade when you check in.

Sometimes you can get a free upgrade at the check-in counter. This is actually pretty rare, but it does happen sometimes. Dress in nice business attire and speak politely to the person behind the counter. Also, keep in mind that you may be more likely to get upgraded if you're by yourself—it's easier to find one open business seat than two together.^{[13]
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- Try saying something like, "If there are any upgrades available, I'd love to be considered for one, please!"^{[14]
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- Try to check in early. If there is a seat available, the first person to ask will usually be the one who gets it.
- If you're traveling because of a special occasion—like for your birthday, honeymoon, or anniversary, be sure to mention it! It could increase your chances of getting upgraded.^{[15]
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9

Volunteer to get bumped from an overbook flight.

Airlines often overbook their flights on purpose. That way, the flight is still full even if some people cancel. If everybody shows up, though, they may need some people to volunteer to take a later flight. If that happens, offer to take a later flight, but politely ask if there's an upgrade available in exchange for waiting.^{[16]
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- Your chances of being bumped are higher if you travel during peak times, like holidays, since those flights are most likely to be completely sold out.^{[17]
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- However, you also run the risk that business class seats will all be filled on your next flight. Some travel experts recommend flying on the weekends or on Tuesday and Wednesday, when business class is less crowded.^{[18]
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- If you're hoping to get bumped, it can help to check in later, when the airline knows the seats have all been filled.

10

Ask for an upgrade if you've been inconvenienced.

Sometimes airlines make mistakes. Maybe your flight got pushed back, or they might have misplaced your bags during that last transfer. If something like that happens, politely ask if someone at the gate if there's an upgrade available. It's not a guarantee, but if you keep a generally good attitude about the situation and ask nicely, they might be able to bump you up to business—or even first-class—to make it up to you.^{[19]
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- Tell the flight attendant if there's anything wrong with your seat on the flight, like a broken armrest or tray table. You'll probably be reassigned to another seat, and it could be in business class.^{[20]
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11

Try flying premium economy for a budget-friendly experience.

You may be more likely to get upgraded if you have a premium economy ticket. These seats are actually located between economy and business class. The price and experience typically fall somewhere between the two classes, as well. You'll usually get more legroom, and the seats are sometimes larger. Also, you'll usually be allowed to board the flight before the rest of economy, and you may get certain in-flight perks, like better food options.^{[21]
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- These tickets are usually about twice as much as regular economy, but are still less pricy than business class. If you have airline rewards, you can sometimes be upgraded to these seats for free.
- You can also fly economy plus—it's not as plush as premium economy, but it's also less expensive, and you'll still get a roomier seat.