How to Find Cheap Business Class Flights?

Last updated on Sep 12th, 2024 by Heena Ganotra

Business class is a premium service and business class flights have a premium price. These seats are around three to four times more expensive than regular economy seats. However, it is possible to more relatively affordable deals on the best business class tickets. 

Most people don’t even contemplate buying business class tickets because the cost is a big factor to consider while planning a trip. The tips we have mentioned below can help you find more reasonable prices on business class flights:

1. Flexible Travel Times

Business Class is often used by business travellers and these passengers travel during the weekdays, especially early in the week. When the demand for business class tickets rises, the price also rises. When the demand drops, the prices drop with it. That’s one of the reasons why having flexible travel times can come in handy. 

If you don’t need to leave or reach a destination on a specific date, time, or even month, you can easily find the best business class deals when the traffic and demand are low. This is a great option for people who wish to travel but have no set plans in mind. 

2. Flexible Travel Destination 

Some destinations are more expensive than others. For example, tickets to popular tourist hotspots or big and well-known airports will be more expensive than tickets to lesser-known destinations. You can always choose a less popular airport and then travel to the desired destination through other means. 

Experienced travellers often save hundreds of dollars on business class flight tickets by being flexible with their destinations. You can use online tools like our nearest airport finder to find more affordable airport options near your chosen destination. Once you have a list of options, you can look for the cost of premium tickets to the alternative airport. 

3. Low-Cost Airlines 

Low-cost airlines are more affordable than traditional carriers. For example, Scoot is the low-cost alternative to Singapore Airlines. JetStar is a subsidiary of Qantas and it is also considered a low-cost airline. These low-cost carriers also offer more affordable business class services. 
Scoot Business Class, officially referred to as ScootPlus, offers great no-frills Business Class services. The service is similar to what you can expect from the Premium Economy class offered by Singapore Airlines. Affordable carriers offer great perks like a 30kg checked baggage allowance, premium meals, leather seats that recline 20cms, comfortable armrests, more legroom, premium entertainment offerings, and more.

4. Frequent Flyer Programs 

Airlines like to reward people who remain loyal and travel frequently. If you fly frequently and use the same airline, you will benefit from loyalty points and accumulated air miles. You can redeem these perks to get a free upgrade on your ticket. 

If you have enough accumulated miles and rewards, you can get an air ticket on Business Class for free. However, it is important to keep in mind that you may need to spend a considerable amount of money over time on different airline services to accumulate enough points. While you will get the lowest airfares by redeeming the rewards, earning the rewards can be a bit difficult.

5. Business Class Sale

Airlines will regularly hold sales like the JetStar Super Sale or Qantas Seat Sale and offer tickets at a heavily discounted price. In fact, JetStar recently held a massive sale on international return fares with over 400,000 tickets up for purchase over a two-day window. 
Some sales offer the lowest airfare guarantee, which means you don’t need to deal with any additional expenses or hidden costs. You can travel to international destinations for just a few hundred dollars in Business Class. These sales are ideal for people postponing their trips just to find the best flight deals.

6. Upgrade at the Airport 

Airlines don’t like it when their seats go empty. They continue to seek passengers for empty seats, no-shows, or last-minute cancellations until boarding. If you have a premium economy seat and want to upgrade to a better class, it can be done at the airport. You can either call ahead or simply ask for an upgrade at the ticket counter during check-in. 

It is easy to fly Business Class for less if you offer to purchase an upgrade when the airlines are on a short timeline and need to fill the seats quickly. Economy seats fill in quickly but Business Class tickets aren’t as popular, which means you’re more likely to find a good discount on Business fares. 

7. Online Business Class Auctions 

Many popular airlines like Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Virgin Australia, Air New Zealand, and more allow passengers to bid on Business and First Class seat upgrades. The system is very regulated and requires a lot of guesswork but it is possible to find an amazing deal. You can only bid within a certain price range, which means you won’t be able to bid a dollar or something similar on an upgrade. 

You’re also not allowed to see what another competing bidder is bidding so winning bids can be a little difficult but it isn’t impossible. You may be able to save hundreds of dollars on international return fares by placing the right bid. While there’s no guarantee that you will win the bid, you may get lucky and score a good upgrade.

8. Booking Tickets at the Right Time 

Booking tickets at the right time can also help you save a lot of money and get cheap Business Class fares. Most inexperienced travellers believe that they can get great discounts if they book early. They believe that the earlier they book the better. However, that’s not always the case. 

Experienced travellers agree that the period between four months and three weeks before the departure date is the best time to book. You are likely to find the best deals and discounts during this period. That’s likely because more casual travellers will be looking to buy tickets during this timeframe and they are looking for good deals.

9. Sign Up for Fare Alerts 

Many airlines issue fare alerts that inform you when the prices drop. You can stay up-to-date on the latest prices by subscribing to the alert service. You will receive an email or notification the moment the airfares drop. If you act quickly enough, you should be able to find the best price on Business Class flights. 

You will need to purchase tickets quickly because these deals are often for a limited number of seats and are picked up within minutes.

10. Try Cheap Last-Minute Business Class Flights

As mentioned before, airlines are often keen to fill all of the seats available before the flight takes off. There are several cheap last minute business class deals available just before check-in closes. All you need to do is ask the agent at the check-in counter if there are any upgrades available. 

If upgrades are available, they will be eager to sell them to you at a discounted price. That’s especially true if they have had a cancellation. We recommend being polite and friendly when you ask because these upgrades are usually left up to the employee’s discretion. Some upgrades are even available for free. Want to know how to get cheap last-minute flights? Know the best tips now and save big the next time you book tickets at the last moment.

11. Travelling Alone

It is more difficult to get the best business class deals if you’re travelling with someone. It is rare for more than one seat to be available for a free or discounted upgrade. Airlines will assume that one great deal is sufficient. They will see it as an opportunity to sell your companion a Business Class ticket at full price. 

It is easier to find these deals if you’re a part of the airline’s frequent flyer club. If they see that they’re your preferred airline, they will offer perks that they won’t offer anyone else, including free upgrades if you’re travelling alone and the seat is available.

12. Dressing the Part

This might seem like silly advice but it certainly works. If you dress well and are polite, you will fit in with the ideal business class travellers and the airline will be more inclined to offer you a good upgrade deal. 

This happens because most airlines will overbook to avoid letting their seats go empty. When they overbook, a few passengers from economy and premium economy are bumped up to business class. If you look pleasant and smile charmingly, you’re more likely to score a free upgrade. 

These tips will help you experience the comfort and convenience of business class on international flights and domestic flights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Does JetStar have business class?

Ans. Yes, JetStar does offer Business Class. In fact, JetStar Business Class seats are a little more affordable than other well-known airlines. If you’re looking for discounted premium tickets, JetStar is a good choice.

Q. Is Business Class better than Economy Class?

Ans. Airlines charge a premium rate for business class seats because business class offers many perks and a more comfortable trip. You can expect better seats, better food, and better service. Business Class is better than Economy Class in many ways but whether the additional cost is justified depends on individual travellers.

Q. Can you upgrade to business class at the airport?

Ans. Yes, you can upgrade to Business Class at the airport. Most airlines encourage last-minute ticket purchases to fill the seats. It is better to sell these seats at a discounted rate than to let the seat go empty. These last-minute tickets are often more affordable than buying business class in advance. However,

Q. How much more is the Business Class price?

Ans. Business Class flight price can be two or three times the cost of economy. Sometimes, during peak seasons and weekdays, the price can be as much as five times the cost of the economy.

Doesn’t travelling by business class sound more appealing now? 

Don’t worry, it isn’t as complicated as it sounds. All you need to do is compare rates, pick the right carrier, and choose the right time. And the best part is that we can help you with that! MyTicketsToIndia will find the best Business Class flights from India to Australia and back at affordable rates. We have a dedicated customer service team that can help you find great discounts on these premium tickets. 

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About Heena | View Posts

A writer by both passion and profession, Heena Ganotra is "half agony, half hope" but all heart. And oh, she has been a book lover from the start! Her love for books is what convinced her to make a career in the wonderful world of words. She loves what she does and is out-and-out a satisfied soul with a wish to spread happiness and kindness in abundance. Insight- Some say she is living the best life anyone could because she reads, writes, travels, and makes merry. They’re right because what else does one really need! :)