Haggling for a cheap business class fare can seem like hard work when you fly often, but flying business class offers distinct advantages over flying coach. Business class seats offer more legroom, better service, laptop connections, private TV monitors and personal care amenities. With today's competitive market, business class seats are available to business and pleasure travelers alike.
Go to the ticket counter at the airport on the day of your flight and ask the attendant to add a code to your coach ticket that indicates to the gate agent you're eligible for an upgrade if one is available. Once seated in your coach seat, if you notice empty business class seats, ask if you can move. This works well for getting cheap business class flights. All you have to do is ask.
Use your frequent flyer miles to get a cheap business class seat. If you travel a lot, you have accumulated frequent flyer miles. Use these miles to purchase an upgrade to a business class seat.
If you have a coach ticket, ask the day you plan to travel if any upgrade seats are available for purchase. If any business class seats are empty at the time of departure, you can grab one for only a few additional dollars. Although this is on a first-come, first-served basis, it is worth asking.
Shop around. Spend some time looking around at different airlines to see who offers the best deals. Some airlines offer discounts to businesses that commit to a certain number of flights. Often you can find special deals or coupons online that get you discounts. It pays to keep your eyes open and check frequently to find the best cheap business class flights. Add your name to an advisory list that emails you when specials become available.
Buy non-refundable tickets. This option has drawbacks but the prices are good. You purchase a ticket without a refund policy, so if you miss your flight or are sick, there is no getting your money back. For some, the savings outweigh the risks.
