How to Fly First Class for Cheap

How Do You Fly First Class for Cheap?

As airlines continue to nibble away at the amenities, the comfort space, and the all-around ambiance of the coach cabin, flying first-class for cheap has come to seem like the impossible dream for many travelers. The same goes for business class, where you're more likely to see seats, especially on domestic flights.

But there are ways to realize that dream. Below, we'll look at some tips for scoring seats in the front of the plane—be it first class or business class—without breaking your wallet.

Understanding How to Get Cheap First Class Flights

Don’t Book Business Class Directly

You might be tempted to invest in a business-class ticket and then plan to upgrade to first. Don't. A business-class ticket can cost as much as five times more than a coach ticket. Although flying business class is a better experience, it’s not five times better. Plus, you'll probably pay a fortune to get into first class.

Easy Up Fares

Andy Abramson, CEO of Comunicano, Inc., and one of the first Business Traveler magazine's Business Travelers of the Year, recommends making use of easy-up fares. The way to do this is by purchasing "an upgradeable coach or premium economy fare, and then applying your points to get into first class,” he says. In other words, don't buy expensive; buy cheap, and then upgrade.

Remain Loyal

Airline loyalty programs aren't what they used to be: Even for frequent travelers, the perks have been peeling away. All the same, they're worth joining. Those miles you earn will add up, and eventually, you can use them for a free upgrade. But watch for the expiration dates on points and make sure to read all e-mails and other communiqués that come from the airline about the program.

Use Elite or Airline Credit Cards

Some of the mid-tier cards offer travel rewards, but the elite travel cards are where to find the real perks. Cards such as American Express Platinum, Chase Sapphire Preferred, and some of the co-branded cards like the Delta SkyMiles American Express card or the United MileagePlus Card offer big bonuses if you sign up and spend a certain amount within a short period.

For example, the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express card—the most basic of the three Delta-Amex co-branded cards—was offering new cardholders 40,000 bonus miles if they spent $2,000 within their first six months in May 2024. The higher-tier Delta SkyMiles Platinum card offered 50,000 bonus miles after $3,000 in purchases in the first six months.

“Once you pick an airline, the best advice is to get that airline's co-branded card," says Rosemarie Clancy, former vice-president of content and marketing at RewardExpert.com. "Many offer 50,000-mile sign-up bonuses, which is more than half the miles needed to get to Europe in first class, for instance.

"Once you meet your minimum spend, which is usually around $4,000, think about getting a second card for your business, spouse, or even yourself, especially one with transferable points like American Express Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards," Clancy adds. "The Chase Sapphire cards offer bonus points [after spending a certain amount in the first three months] which are often enough, when combined with a mile bonus on an airline card, for one first-class round-trip ticket to London or Paris."

These more general travel cards can be more expensive than the co-branded ones (which aren't exactly cheap, either): The American Express Platinum has an annual fee of $695, whereas the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex charges $350. But if you travel a little more frequently than the average vacationer and you want maximum flexibility, the annual fee pays for itself quickly in perks and rewards.

Buy the Points

There are plenty of websites that allow you to buy and sell points, but steer clear of them. Major airlines frown on the practice, and it may result in you losing your miles or not being able to use the miles you purchased.

Instead, purchase points directly from the airline. They usually cost 2.5 cents per mile, but keep an eye out for promotional pricing deals. Whether it results in paying less for your first-class seat depends on many variables, so crunch the numbers before you purchase. 

Fly When Business Travelers Don't

Business travelers fly all week. The last thing they want to do is fly on the weekends. That’s why you won’t see as many people flying in business suits on Saturdays and Sunday mornings. That might leave more premium seats up for grabs, and at lower rates.

Watch for the Open Seat

If your coach seat is towards the front of the plane, listen for the cabin door to shut. If there’s an open first-class seat, ask the flight attendant if you can move. Although free upgrades at the gate are becoming scarce, things might be more easygoing on-board. Of course, it always helps if you take the time to strike up a conversation with the attendant when you first board the plane.

Upgrade at Check-In

If you really want an upgraded seat and don’t have the miles to get it for free, purchase an upgrade when you check-in, even if you're doing it online. If there are seats available, airlines will often offer them at a discounted rate—since there are only 24 hours before takeoff at this point.

If you don’t mind the gamble, ask the gate attendant what they’re charging for the upgrade. It might be even cheaper than the reduced online rate.

Business vs. First Class

If you’re wondering about the difference between first-class and business class, the answer is that it depends on the airline, the specific aircraft, and the route. At some airlines, there is no difference. At others, first class is a definite step above business class, especially on international flights.

As a rule, first-class customers have no—or at most one—seat next to them. They enjoy better service (i.e. flight attendants assigned exclusively to their cabin), higher-quality food and drinks, and access to the most luxe airport lounges. 

But first-class seats can be pricey. In some parts of the world, a ticket could cost you thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. A first-class ticket from New York to Singapore on Singapore Airlines, the most luxurious flight in the world, can cost over $15,000 per person, for example. Of course, that does get you your very own suite on the plane, a double bed, and meals cooked by world-renowned chefs.

Unless you're truly in the financial stratosphere, it’s difficult to justify the cost of a first-class seat if business class is available. Especially on domestic flights, the perks are similar.

The Bottom Line

“In the old days status fliers would get upgraded at the gate," Andy Abramson says. "That's [still] possible on long hauls when there's plenty of first and business class inventory on the plane, but these days we have smaller planes and fewer seats to fill up.” 

It’s not going to be easy to get the upgrade for cheap. In most cases, you will have to pay for something. But especially for longer flights, it might be well worth the extra cost.