6 Insider tips for finding cheap business class flights

Many people spend a lifetime travelling without seeing what’s behind the business class curtain. Price plays a big part in that decision, but it’s possible to turn left when you board a plane for cheaper than you think.

1. Book cheap business class flights on low-cost carriers

Some airlines offer affordable business class-style fares that feel similar to premium economy on a full-service carrier.

ScootPlus, the upgraded option from Singapore Airlines’ low-cost arm Scoot, is available on Boeing 787 Dreamliners and includes a range of perks:

• 15kg carry-on and 30kg checked baggage

• Spacious seating with 47-50cm wide seats and a 96.6cm seat pitch

• Complimentary snacks and drinks (not included in economy fares)

• Priority boarding and guaranteed overhead bin space

• In-seat power sockets compatible with Australian plugs and 30MB of Wi-Fi

Jetstar Business is another budget-friendly option, offering:

• 30kg checked baggage plus 7kg carry-on

• Hot meals and drinks not included in starter fares

• Wider seats with extra legroom

• Priority check-in and boarding

• An amenity kit with headphones

• No change fees if your plans shift

• Lounge access at Qantas Club and partner lounges

2. Bid for an upgrade in online auctions

To get cheap business class tickets, fly with an airline that offers an auction system for its economy passengers. This gives passengers the chance to make a blind bid on an upgrade to business or first class, offering a great deal on the original fare. 

This isn’t a surefire way of getting an upgrade, but when you do win it’s one of the easiest ways to get cheap business class tickets. There’s also the option of paying for a fixed price upgrade when you check-in from most airlines.

3. Upgrade for free with frequent flyer loyalty programs

What’s better than a cheap business class flight? A free one! Frequent flyers will see that they get points every time they fly and one of the perks that these can be spent on is upgrading your seat. Suddenly you’ve gone from economy to business class without adding anything onto your fare.

Virgin Australia’s Velocity program is one of the few that allows ‘family pooling’. This is one way to accrue enough points for a free business class upgrade.

Both Virgin and Qantas programs allow points accrual on purchases other than flights, which can eventually be redeemed for flights. 

Global airline frequent flyer programs like oneworld and Star Alliance allow you to accrue points for a single airline alliance. Oneworld, for example, includes flights from American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Fiji Airways, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways and Sri Lankan Airlines. On Star Alliance, you can earn points for free business class flights on airlines like Air China, Air New Zealand, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines and United.

4. Wait for business class flight deals to drop 

Whether you're after cheap business class airfares to London or Los Angeles, airlines often run limited-time specials on their top seats. One of the best ways to hear about these deals first is by subscribing to airline newsletters.

Promotions like ‘companion flies free’ or early bird offers bundled with tours are typically released early to email subscribers and frequent flyer members. Airlines also share deals on social media, so following your favourite carriers is a smart move.

Since many airlines partner with Skyscanner, it also pays to follow us on social media, sign up for our newsletter, or download the Skyscanner app, where you can set up free price alerts. These are all great ways to stay updated on the latest business class flight sales.

5. Travel alone and flex your flight status

Upgrades to business class are more likely when you're travelling solo, as it's easier to find one available seat than multiple. While there's no guarantee, your chances improve if you're flying alone, especially when using points or placing a bid. Being a member of the airline’s frequent flyer program can also boost your odds.

6. Dress nicely and request a business class upgrade

It doesn’t hurt to dress as though you’re travelling in business class even if your ticket says economy. Airlines are experts at filling their seats, and often overbook flights based on thousands of logged flight data points. Occasionally, this means economy class passengers get bumped up to business class. 

Ask when you check in if there are any business class seats available and you might be rewarded with a seat number in the single digits. While free flight upgrades on check-in used to be common, now they’re reserved for high-tier frequent flyers or travellers who are willing to spend a bit more to get upgraded. Still, it never hurts to ask with a polite smile.