How to Get Business Class Tickets for Cheap [Same Tips Apply to First Class]

It’s entirely possible to earn tens of thousands of points per year without spending thousands of dollars on your credit card. Here are some strategies to maximize rewards:

• Authorized User Bonuses: Some credit cards offer extra points for adding an authorized user. If you’re comfortable adding a partner or a trustworthy, college-age child, this can earn you additional points. Remember, however, you’re responsible for their charges.
• Referral Bonuses: Some cards provide thousands of bonus points if friends are approved using your referral link. Check your contacts for friends or family who might apply.
• Additional Spending Bonuses: Cards often offer bonus points for ongoing spending, such as “Earn an extra 20,000 points for every $2,000 spent this year.” These offers can be very lucrative if you don’t get a better rate elsewhere.
• Shopping Portals: Use online shopping portals linked to loyalty programs or frequent flier programs. They can earn you extra points and miles for purchases you were planning to make anyway.

In conclusion, research all available options to earn miles with your travel or airline card. Consider pairing cards for maximum benefits. For example, pairing cards from the Chase Freedom family with the Chase Sapphire family is an effective way to maximize rewards.

Read also: Get Cheap Flight Fares Thanks to Ovago and Trip Ninja’s Partnership

4. Research Both: Prices and Upgrade Options

Paying cash might be more feasible than you think. For example, a business-class fare from New York to South Korea might cost less than $3,000, rather than the $8,000 you might expect. Additionally, upgrading from economy to business can be cheaper than purchasing a premium fare outright. Start by comparing economy and premium-class fares; you may be surprised at how affordable domestic upgrades to first class can be, sometimes as low as $100 one-way. 

Airlines prefer not to have empty seats in the business class cabin, so they occasionally offer affordable last-minute upgrades. Before your flight, check the “Manage My Booking” section on their app or website. You might find an option to upgrade to a higher class at a reasonable price. Also, check for upgrade offers at the airport, as airlines often provide excellent last-minute deals just before the flight.

While long-haul nonstop flights are faster, they often come at a premium. For instance, a direct business class flight from San Francisco to Bangalore (India) might cost about $1,000 more than one-stop options. If you’re looking to save without significantly increasing travel time, one-stop flights can be an excellent alternative. 

They often provide opportunities to explore world hubs like Paris or London or relax in luxury airport lounges—typically included in the price. Comparing one-stop and nonstop flights based on your budget and preferences is key to finding the best deal, especially if you’re open to discovering new destinations or enjoying premium lounge experiences. Many airlines offer special deals or even free hotel stays for extended layovers, adding value to your travel experience.

Read also: Benefits of Ovago Customer Service: 10 Reasons to Book With Us

6. Be as Flexible as You Can

If you can be flexible with your travel dates and avoid busy holiday periods, you’ll have a better chance of finding an affordable business class fare: 

• Domestic travel: Sundays and Mondays are the most expensive days to start domestic trips. Saturdays and Wednesdays are the cheapest. If you can’t fly on the cheapest days, consider Tuesdays or Fridays, as fares are about 12% lower than peak Sunday prices.
• For international travel, Wednesdays and Saturdays are typically the cheapest days to depart. For example, flying to Europe on a Wednesday can save you about 10% compared to the most expensive day, Friday. 
• Public holiday travel: The best day to fly is often further from the holiday. If a holiday is on a Monday, flying the Tuesday before is likely cheaper than flying the Friday before. Additionally, flying on the holiday itself, such as Christmas or Thanksgiving, is usually more affordable than the surrounding days.

1. Consider Flying With Foreign Airlines for an exceptional premium class experience. With American carriers, you likely won’t encounter language barriers or unfamiliar meal options. But, foreign airlines often provide greater overall luxury and better service in premium cabins. According to Skytrax’s list of the best airlines in the world for 2025, the highest-ranked American airline (Delta Air Lines) was only 22nd. 
2. Verify the Operating Airline Before Booking: On some platforms, only the ticketing airline is displayed, not the actual carrier operating the flight. Choose services like Ovago, which clearly indicate the operating airline. This detail matters because the operating carrier influences airport services, in-flight amenities, and lounge access. Knowing this information helps you make smarter and more informed booking choices.
3. Choose a Solo Traveler Seat for Maximum Comfort: If you’re traveling alone, odd-numbered window seats—such as 3A—often provide extra legroom and greater privacy, making them ideal for long-haul flights. This is particularly true on aircraft like United Airlines’ Polaris Business Class, which features 1-2-1 seating configurations. Remember, seating layouts can vary by airline and aircraft, so check the seat map for your flight to secure the best option for your journey.
4. Beat Jet Lag and Fatigue: Long-haul flights often lead to fatigue due to extended sitting, cabin pressure, and time zone changes. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, adjusting to a new time zone can take about a day per time zone crossed. Incorporating a stopover can make this adjustment easier by giving you time to stretch, walk, and rest. An overnight stopover can further reduce fatigue and improve recovery. For additional support, try jet lag apps like Timeshifter, which offer personalized plans based on your sleep patterns, chronotype, and itinerary to help you adapt more quickly.
5. Use Incognito Mode: Repeated flight searches can lead to higher prices as cookies track your browsing activity. To avoid this, browse in incognito mode or clear your cookies to uncover more options and potentially lower fares.
6. Explore Alternative Airports: Check nearby airports as options to major international hubs. Many airlines offer lower fares to secondary airports, which can result in substantial savings on your flight.
7. Book One-Way Tickets on Separate Airlines: Instead of round trips, mix and match premium flights on different airlines, which may lower the overall cost.
8. Save on Premium Flights by Traveling Off-Peak: Book during off-peak seasons, like after holidays or in spring and fall, when airlines lower business and first-class fares. You’ll enjoy great savings and less crowded airports for a more relaxed journey.
9. Bid for Upgrades: Some airlines allow you to bid for premium class upgrades after purchasing an economy ticket. Research the airline’s upgrade auction policy and set a strategic, budget-friendly bid.
10. Book Premium Economy and Upgrade: Purchase a premium economy ticket and request an upgrade to business class. The upgrade cost is often lower than booking a business class ticket outright.

Read also: Your Guide to Budget-Friendly and Comfortable Air Travel with Airlines Operating in the US

Key Fact to Keep in Mind Now That You Know How to Get Cheap Business Class Tickets (or First Class)

Keep in mind that flight classes are not standardized among airlines. The meaning of first and business class can vary depending on the route, aircraft, and whether it’s a domestic or international flight. One airline’s first class might not be as luxurious as another’s business class. Domestic premium flights often lack the luxurious amenities and lie-flat seats found on international routes.

Some airlines use unique names for their premium classes, such as United Airlines’ Polaris (business class), British Airways’ Club World (business class), Etihad Airways’ First Suite, and Air France’s La Première (first class). Additionally, some airlines combine business and first class into one premium class, while others have more complex categorizations based on the aircraft, destination, or whether the flight is domestic or international.

Given the variation in quality among airlines’ flight classes, always research the class of interest before booking a premium flight:

• Read reviews from Skytrax, which annually ranks airlines by class
• Check trusted platforms like TripAdvisor and Airline Quality
• Use “Where the Widebodies Are” if you want a lie-flat bed on a domestic premium class flight. Enter your departure airport, airline, and/or departure date, then submit to see routes with wide-body aircraft, which are more likely to have lie-flat seats.

These steps will help ensure you won’t be disappointed with your long-awaited or dream premium flight experience.

Flying premium class doesn’t have to be a distant dream. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can make your travel both memorable and budget-friendly. And don’t forget to check out services like Ovago for the best deals year-round. With the strategies above, you’re on your way to enjoying luxurious travel experiences without breaking the bank.