Finding cheap international business class flights during peak travel times can be complicated. Yet, with the right steps, you can get business travel tickets without having to go over your travel budget.
Check out the following tips below to find out just how to do that:
Booking your flight early is one of the most tried-and-tested ways to save money on business class flights. Why? Airlines usually release their cheapest seats in advance. As departure dates approach, flight prices tend to go up, especially during peak travel times.
Thus, by planning your trip months ahead, you’ll have a better chance of snagging a good deal on business class flights to Europe.
Being flexible helps in getting business class flight tickets for cheap. If you can, avoid traveling on busy travel days (e.g. weekends and holidays). Instead, go for lesser busy days. Use flight comparison tools to see the price differences across various dates.
Set up fare alerts to monitor prices for your desired route. There are several websites and apps that allow you to track flight prices and receive notifications when fares drop. Aside from that, you can sign up for newsletters and alerts from air companies as well so that you can be notified when they release news about price drops.
Don’t limit yourself to flying out of the nearest airport. There are times that flying to and from a different airport can save you money. Check the prices from various nearby airports in your city and your destination to see if there’s a better deal.
If you travel frequently, consider purchasing business class tickets in bulk. Some airlines offer discounts if you buy multiple tickets at once. This can be a great way to save if you have several trips planned throughout the year. Additionally, some companies offer corporate travel programs that provide discounted rates for business travelers.
Occasionally, airlines offer last-minute upgrades to business class at a fraction of the regular price. If you’ve already booked an economy ticket, keep an eye out for upgrade offers as your departure date approaches. These deals are usually available at check-in or through the airline’s app.
Negotiate; negotiate; negotiate. If you’re booking through a travel agent, try to negotiate a better deal. Why? It's because they oftentimes have access to exclusive discounts and promotions that are only available if you ask for them. If you negotiate, you might be able to secure a lower price on your business class ticket.
Take advantage of any incentives and rewards programs offered by your employer or credit card company.
Some companies offer travel incentives as part of their employee benefits package, which can include discounts on business class flights. Additionally, there are credit cards offering travel rewards and perks, like discounted business class access.
Sometimes, combining fares from different airlines can result in a cheaper overall ticket. This strategy, known as 'codesharing,' allows you to book the outbound flight with one airline and the return flight with another. Use flight comparison websites to see if this option is available for your route. It might take a bit more effort, but the savings can be worth it.
While round-trip tickets are usually cheaper, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, booking two one-way tickets can be more affordable, especially if you’re flying with different airlines. Compare the prices of round-trip and one-way tickets to see which option offers the best deal for your business class flight.
If you travel frequently for business, consider enrolling in a corporate travel program. Many airlines offer special rates and benefits for corporate travelers, including discounted business class fares. Aside from that, there are added perks like priority boarding, extra baggage allowance, and many more.
Being loyal to a particular airline can pay off. Frequent flyer programs reward regular customers with points that can be used for flight upgrades and/or discounts.
To proceed, stick to one or two airlines to accumulate points faster and enjoy the perks of loyalty programs. Many airlines also offer status matches, where you can match your elite status from one airline to another, expanding your opportunities for savings and upgrades.
Hidden city ticketing involves booking a flight with a layover in your desired destination and skipping the final leg of the journey. While this can sometimes be cheaper than booking a direct flight, it comes with risks. Airlines may penalize you for not completing your journey, and it’s not advisable if you have checked baggage.
Proceed with caution and be aware of the possible consequences of hidden city ticketing.
If you’re booking flights with a foreign airline, monitor the exchange rates. Sometimes, paying in a different currency can result in savings. Do your research and utilize a card that has no foreign transaction fees to save money.
Saving money when going for business class flights during peak travel times requires a bit of strategy and flexibility. If you keep in mind the abovementioned tips, you'll be surefire be able to save some bucks that you can use to spend on your shopping and so on in your next vacation. Happy traveling!