5 Tips for Flying Business Class without Breaking the Bank

As someone who loves to travel, I'm all about having a luxurious travel experience not just at my destination but on my flight as well. I also believe in making smart money moves. When done right, flying in a business class suite can be a smart money move and I believe it can be accessible without breaking the bank.

That's why I've put together my best tips for landing a seat in business class without shelling out a tonne of money. Enjoy!

1. Sign up to a loyalty program - Airlines reward loyalty. Find one or two reputable airlines and stick with them. This might not always be possible for short haul flights (and I'm not too fussed about economy class travel for a 3 or 5-hour flight) but for long haul ones, stick with the big players and make sure you're signed up to their loyalty or frequent flyer programs.

2. Use your miles to upgrade - Now that you have joined your preferred airline's loyalty program, make sure you are accruing your miles following each trip. This is so important as some people forget. The best way to avoid losing points/miles (because you forgot to add them and they inevitably expire) is to link your loyalty program account to your ticket, that way your points get added automatically. Now that you're accruing points/miles, when next you're booking an economy flight, check to see if you can use your miles to upgrade to business class. The same principle applies if you would like to upgrade from business to first class.

3. Purchase mixed class tickets - This simply means purchasing economy and business class tickets for your flights. Enjoy the luxury of a business class experience on one leg of your flight (preferably the long haul) and the latter in economy or vice versa. This option often depends on the airline so you might need to check with them or your travel agent.

4. Keep an eye out for upgrade emails - If you have purchased economy class tickets, airlines will sometimes send emails offering upgrades to business class at a substantially reduced price. These emails are usually sent close to your flight so keep an eye out for those.

5. Ask at the airport - Ok, so let's say that upgrade email wasn't sent and you're now at the airport. Here's a tip, you can ask about upgrades at the business class counter/check-in at the airport and purchase directly if an upgrade is available.. This does not often get approved but it doesn't hurt to ask hey?

Bonus tip: Have miles that are expiring soon but you don't have any upcoming trips planned? Why not give the gift of an upgrade to a family member or friend that might be travelling soon by using your miles to upgrade their tickets.

Hope these tips help make your upcoming trips a truly luxurious experience while saving you some money too!

Safe travels,

JJ