How to Fly First Class for Cheap

How Do You Fly First Class for Cheap?

Flying first class once felt like an unattainable luxury for many travelers. As airlines continue to trim amenities and reduce legroom in coach cabins, the dream of scoring an upgrade to first class or business class seems even more out of reach. However, with the right strategies, it is still possible to get a premium seat without breaking the bank. Below are some tips for flying in style without overspending.

Key Takeaways

• Avoid purchasing business or first-class tickets outright; try to fly on weekends when fewer corporate travelers are flying, which may result in lower fares.
• Join airline loyalty programs and use co-branded credit cards to accumulate miles and points, which can be redeemed for upgrades.
• Purchase a coach seat and use your frequent flyer miles to upgrade to first class.
• Look for upgrade opportunities close to departure when checking in online or at the gate.

Understanding How to Get Cheap First Class Flights

Don’t Book Business Class Directly

While buying a business-class ticket and upgrading to first class might be tempting, it’s generally not a smart move. Business-class tickets can cost up to five times more than coach, and though the experience is better, it’s rarely worth the price difference. Furthermore, paying for a business-class ticket means you’ll likely face hefty charges to get into first class.

Easy Up Fares

Andy Abramson, CEO of Comunicano, Inc., and one of the first Business Traveler magazine’s Business Travelers of the Year, recommends making use of easy-up fares. The way to do this is by purchasing “an upgradeable coach or premium economy fare, and then applying your points to get into first class,” he says. In other words, don’t buy expensive; buy cheap, then upgrade.

Remain Loyal

Airline loyalty programs aren’t what they used to be: Even for frequent travelers, the perks have been peeling away. All the same, they’re worth joining. Every mile you earn can eventually be redeemed for a free upgrade to first class, though be mindful of expiration dates on points. It’s also wise to keep an eye out for any updates or changes in the airline’s loyalty program.

Use Elite or Airline Credit Cards

Elite travel credit cards often come with significant perks. Cards like the American Express Platinum, Chase Sapphire Preferred, and co-branded cards such as the Delta SkyMiles American Express Card or United MileagePlus Card offer generous sign-up bonuses, which can be a quick way to rack up miles for upgrades.

For example, the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express card—the most basic of the three Delta-Amex co-branded cards—offers new cardholders 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 in the first six months (as of November 2024). Higher-tier, such as the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card, offered 60,000 bonus miles after $3,000 in the same period.

“Once you pick an airline, the best advice is to get that airline’s co-branded card,” says Rosemarie Clancy, former vice president of content and marketing at RewardExpert.com. “Many offer 50,000-mile sign-up bonuses, which is more than half the miles needed to get to Europe in first class, for instance.

“Once you meet your minimum spend, which is usually around $4,000, think about getting a second card for your business, spouse, or even yourself, especially one with transferable points like American Express Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards,” Clancy adds. “The Chase Sapphire cards offer bonus points [after spending a certain amount in the first three months], which are often enough, when combined with a mile bonus on an airline card, for one first-class round-trip ticket to London or Paris.”

These more general travel cards can be more expensive than the co-branded ones (which aren’t exactly cheap, either): The American Express Platinum has an annual fee of $695, whereas the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex charges $350. For frequent travelers, the perks can more than offset the cost.

Buy the Points

You can buy miles directly from airlines, which typically cost around 2.5 cents per mile. However, be wary of third-party websites that sell miles, as these are often not endorsed by airlines and could result in lost miles or other issues. Always purchase miles directly from the airline’s website. Look out for promotions, as you may be able to buy miles at a discounted rate.

Fly When Business Travelers Don’t

Business travelers tend to avoid flying on weekends, meaning fewer premium seats are occupied. So if you’re looking for a deal, aim for a Friday or Sunday flight, when the typical corporate traveler is less likely to be aboard.

First-class seats tend to get cheaper on weekends, when most business travelers aren’t flying.

Watch for the Open Seat

If you’ve booked a coach seat toward the front of the plane, listen carefully when the cabin doors close. If there are open first-class seats available, ask the flight attendant if you can move up. While free upgrades at the gate are increasingly rare, it can’t hurt to inquire politely. Engaging with the crew early in the boarding process can sometimes improve your chances.

Upgrade at Check-In

If you’re looking to upgrade but don’t have enough miles for a free upgrade, consider purchasing an upgrade when you check in. Airlines often offer discounted upgrades online or during the check-in process, especially within 24 hours of departure. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can ask the gate attendant for pricing on available upgrades, which might be even cheaper than the online rates.

Business vs. First Class: What’s the Difference?

The main difference between first class and business class depends on the airline, aircraft, and route. For many carriers, the two have little distinction, especially on shorter flights. However, first class is often a significant step up from business class.

First-class customers enjoy more privacy (with one or no neighbors), superior food and drink, exclusive service (e.g., a dedicated flight attendant), and access to airport lounges.

First-class seats can be costly. For example, a first-class ticket from New York to Singapore on Singapore Airlines, the most luxurious flight in the world, can exceed $15,000 per person. Of course, you get your very own suite on the plane, a double bed, and meals cooked by world-renowned chefs.

Unless you’re financially able to splurge, business class typically provides much of the same luxury (on most airlines), and is far more cost-effective.

Is it Worth Flying First Class?

Whether it’s worth flying first class depends on the airline and the route. On long-haul international flights, first-class perks—such as more comfortable seating and exclusive services—may justify the extra cost. However, business class may be a more sensible and affordable choice for shorter or domestic flights.

How Do You Ask for an Upgrade to First Class?

You can request an upgrade to first class anytime before the flight departs. If you have enough miles or status with the airline, you can request an upgrade online or at the check-in desk. If you’re lucky, you might even get an upgrade at the gate, especially on flights that aren’t fully booked.

How Much Does It Cost to Upgrade to First Class?

The cost of upgrading to first class varies depending on the airline, route, and availability. Some airlines may offer an upgrade for a few hundred dollars, but prices can vary widely.

How Much Does It Cost to Fly Business Class?

Business class tickets are significantly more expensive than economy. For example, an economy ticket from San Francisco to New York might cost around $250. In comparison, a business-class ticket could range from $500 to $1,000, depending on the airline and route. Use sites like Google Flights, Expedia (EXPE), or Kayak to compare prices and find the best deals on business or first-class tickets.

The Bottom Line

As Andy Abramson notes, “In the old days, status fliers would get upgraded at the gate. That’s still possible on long-haul flights when there’s plenty of first- and business-class inventory, but today’s planes are smaller, and fewer premium seats are available.”

Getting a cheap upgrade to first class is increasingly difficult, and in most cases, you’ll have to pay something extra. However, if you’re flying long distances, the additional cost might be well worth it for the comfort and luxury of first-class travel.