Tips On How To Fly Business For Less Than Economy

Have you ever walked by the Business Class section, looked lovingly at the massive seat/bed, and thought, “I wish I were rich enough to fly business class.”

We have all seen the outrageous prices airlines charge for business class. Wouldn’t it be nice to fly business for less than the economy?

One day I researched the topic and read an article that showed me how it’s all possible.

Spoiler alert, it’s all about the points. You don’t need to be flying with your laptop in your luggage on some fancy work trip to get a business-class seat!

I am sure there are people out there who are just blowing actual dollars on a business-class seat, but from what I read, most people are doing it from the points.

How to Fly Business Class for Less Than Economy

If you want to fly business class with points, you will need two things:

1. Good Credit – You’ll need a solid credit score to qualify for a travel rewards credit card like the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, which allows you to redeem points across multiple airlines.
2. Discipline – Paying off your card regularly and strategic trip planning are key to maximizing rewards.

I’ll share my personal strategy for securing business class flights for just the cost of taxes and fees.

Step 1: Choose Your Airline & Accumulate Points

Pick a major airline that aligns with your travel goals and learn about its partner networks. For example, TAP Air Portugal is a great option for flights between the U.S. and Europe.

Maximize your points by using your card for all expenses during the introductory period. Offer to cover group dinners and activities, then get reimbursed to rack up more rewards.

To avoid debt, treat your credit card like a debit card and make weekly payments to clear your balance.

Another way to quickly boost your miles is by purchasing them during promotional sales, which many airlines frequently offer.

Step 2: Get a Second Rewards Card

Once you’ve maximized the Capital One Venture X Reward Credit Card welcome bonus and benefits, consider adding another travel rewards card to expand your options. Look for one with strong point transfer capabilities to various airline programs.

Using multiple cards strategically allows you to take advantage of different reward structures, maximizing the points earned on every purchase.

Step 3: Maximize Everyday Spending

Many airlines and credit card programs offer additional ways to earn miles faster.

One of the easiest ways is by using airline shopping portals and dining programs, where you can earn extra points at popular retailers and restaurants. Many major brands, such as Home Depot, Starbucks, and Overstock.com, participate in these programs.

By stacking these opportunities, you can accumulate miles quickly—getting rewarded for purchases you’d already be making anyway!

Stay Consistent & Stay the Course

If you’re thinking, this sounds like a lot of work!—it’s really not. With consistency and smart spending, the points add up fast.

The effort is well worth it when you’re reclining in a lie-flat seat on a long-haul flight, enjoying all the perks of business class without paying full price.

Follow these steps, and you’ll be Flying Business for Less Than Economy in no time!

READ NEXT: How To Travel For FREE Not As An Influencer

More Ways to Upgrade to Business Class

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Upgrading at the Airport

There are a few more ways to upgrade to that business class ticket without paying the full fare. One is straight up paying to upgrade at the airport.

I use this method from time to time. You can’t rely on it always being an option, though. If the seats are full, then you are out of luck.

If you want to upgrade this way, see the travel agent at the check-in desk right when they open.

Ask if there are any upgrades available. If there are empty seats, they usually offer an option to upgrade. The prices of the upgrades vary so much it is hard to say what they could be.

Upgrading Online Line

Sometimes, but not always, an airline will ask you to bid on an upgrade ticket. This happens if you purchase an economy ticket and the business class seats are not all full.

The airline sends out emails asking you to name your price to upgrade to business class.

There is always a minimum you must pay in this scenario. If I go that route, I usually just pick the lowest or a little bit above.

Please don’t bid more than you are willing to pay. 9 times out of 10 I always end up getting the seat.

Tips for Business Travelers Loung Access

Lounge access is one of the major perks of upgrading that economy ticket to business class! And till a few years ago, I thought you needed to have a business class seat to use the business class lounge!

Luckily there are many ways to access lounges and still hold an economy ticket!

I should also mention not all lounges are created equal. At least not in the United States. Research the lounge you are interested in visiting to see if it’s worth spending time there. For example, Los Angeles LAX airport has a much better lounge than other US airports.

Here is a list of how you can get into lounges!

1. Buy in! Lounge Buddy has a great site and app to help you find a lounge that will let you pay to stay.
2. Annual Passes with your credit card! If you are an airline credit card holder, chances are you are awarded two passes annually.
3. Get a membership to Priority Pass! This is more of a commitment, unlike Lounge Buddy, where you can get a one-time pass. Priority Pass is for the frequent flyer!

Now that you are ready to Fly Business for Less Than Economy, it’s time to choose a Destination!

READ NEXT: Miles or Hotels, Which Is Better To Use Your Points

Tips for Finding Cheap Flights

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1. Use Search Engines and Flight Comparison Websites:

When I am looking for cheap flights, I use websites like Skyscanner, Kayak, and Google Flights, which aggregate flights from various airlines and booking websites, allowing you to compare prices at a glance.

Many of these tools offer options to view prices across an entire month, enabling you to identify the cheapest days to fly.

2. Book at the Right Time:

Generally, booking your flight several weeks or even months in advance can save you money.

The exact timing can vary, but many experts suggest booking domestic flights 1-3 months in advance and international flights 2-6 months in advance.

Keep in mind that last-minute deals can sometimes be found, but they’re typically more of a gamble.

3. Sign Up for Fare Alerts:

Many travel websites and apps offer fare alert features, where you can set your desired route and be notified when prices drop.

This way, you can book when prices are at their lowest without having to constantly check various sites.

4. Consider Alternative Airports and Flexible Dates:

If you can be flexible with your travel dates or departure/arrival airports, you may find cheaper options.

Some cities have multiple airports, and flying into a smaller or less popular one might save you money.

Similarly, flying on weekdays or adjusting your travel dates by a day or two could lead to significant savings.

5. Incognito Mode, VPN or Clear Cookies:

Some users have reported that flight prices can increase if you repeatedly search for the same route.

While this is a debated topic, using your browser’s incognito mode or clearing cookies ensures that your previous searches aren’t affecting the prices you see.

Use a VPN, like this one to search from the destination which you are traveling to.

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