4 Tips to Get First Class Flights Without the Price Tag

4 Tips to Get First Class Flights Without the Price Tag Written by Barnaby Taylor. Published on 12th September, 2018. Category: Travel Guides

Whether you’re a regular in first class, or you only upgrade for special occasions, we all know the thrill of getting out of the economy cabin and into the spacious seats of first class. Once you’ve boarded and turned left into the premium cabin, it’s hard to go back, but an addiction to first class travel can get costly.

That’s why it’s worth learning a few tips to get cheap first and cheap business class flights and bag yourself the best fares around. Remember, the service you receive is the same in first class, whether you pay through the nose or get a bargain, so here are some tips for bringing down the costs.

Image credit above: Etihad Airways First Class Suite

Book Through An Agent

In the age of internet booking, most people assume that booking directly with the airline or through a flight search tool is the best way to get a good price. However, this isn’t necessarily the case, and using a flight booking agent can be the best way to get great prices on your flights. This is because they have the knowledge to work out which itinerary would offer you the best value for money, and also, they have access to cheaper fares thanks to their relationships with airlines, so you can get some great deals.

Fly Outside Of Peak Times

There are certain times that can push up prices in business and first class, such as:

• Fridays and Mondays
• School holidays
• Christmas, Easter and bank holidays

However, it’ll depend on your destination and which cabin you are trying to book. For example, airlines such as Emirates who still have separate business and first class may find fewer business seats are sold at the weekend, as they’re normally used for corporate travel. But by contrast, first class might be better value during the week when people don’t tend to take flights for leisure.

Stay Loyal

Airlines love loyal customers, and the more flights you take with them, the better your chances of getting perks. For example, if you often fly on Virgin Atlantic, you can use your Miles to pay in full or in part for your trip, or add luxurious extras such as a chauffeur service. If you have a loyalty card, you’re also more likely to be chosen for upgrades, and since you can sign up for most schemes for free, it’s worth signing up.

Get Bumped Up From Business To First

If you can’t travel off-peak and are finding first class fares too pricey, then you might want to check out the prices for business class flights. If you are flying in business, then many seasoned travellers will tell you that there’s a better chance of getting bumped up to first class, especially if you meet the classic criteria such as travelling solo and being smartly dressed. While upgrades can never be guaranteed, you can sometimes land first class at a business class price.

When you need premium tickets on a budget, make Just Fly Business your first stop. Simply fill in our online contact form, or call the team on 0208 417 1366, and we’ll use our expertise to get you the best deal.