Never Overpay for Business Class Again With These Tricks

We all know the joys of flying economy, particularly when the flight is long and the cabin is crowded. It's no wonder that most flyers would prefer a seat in business class. With business class tickets often costing two to three more than economy seats, the trick is finding a fair deal. Here are some ways it can be done.

Check booking websites

You never know when a booking website like Kayak or Skyscanner will offer a business class seat at a good price. The challenge of using one of these sites is that business class is not available on every airline or route. You may have to do a little online sleuthing to ensure the airline and route you're interested in taking offers business class.

Use credit card points

The ideal situation involves using credit cards to earn rewards points but paying the balance off in full each month so you're never hit with interest charges. These cards are among the best for travelers. Whether or not the annual fee is worth it to you depends on how many card perks you can take advantage of.

Bid on upgrade

Many international airlines allow passengers who've already purchased a ticket to bid on a class upgrade. Here's how it's done:

1. In the days and weeks leading up to departure, look for an email from the airline letting you know that you can bid on a seat upgrade.
2. There are usually minimum bid amounts, so bid above that.
3. Don't plan on using miles to cover the cost of the upgrade, as most airlines require you to pay cash.

Be flexible

If possible, be flexible when searching for flights. Switch things up by trying nearby airports and departure dates. You never know which combination of dates and airports will be the winner. A little flexibility can leave you with more money in your bank account.

Travel off-peak

As with any vacation, the best prices are found during the off-peak season. Besides, you get the added bonus of dealing with fewer crowds.

Travel mid-week

According to Simple Flying, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often the least-busy flying days of the week. You should also have less competition for business class seats.

If you'd like the comfort and mid-air perks associated with business class, it's a matter of approaching the trip with a plan in hand. The better you plan, the more likely you are to save money.