How to Fly First Class or Business Class for Less

You want to fly comfortably and get to your destination quickly, but you don't want to spend all the vacation budget on your flight. Flying first class doesn't have to be the ridiculously expensive weight that it's always been. Being flexible is key to finding a cheaper and more comfortable way to fly.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Plan your trip to fly during the middle of the week or on Sunday. The middle of the week is the best choice, both ways, if you can manage it. Be flexible with your departure date and your arrival date to get the best selection of fares you can find. Planning six months in advance makes it easier to find cheap first class and business class fares.

2. Bid on last-minute first class fares. You might have to change your plans slightly, but last-minute fares are significantly cheaper than planned fares. Be careful when planning your trip around a last-minute fare though. You might not be able to get a flight for the day you're bidding.

3. Ask while you're checking in, if there are any first class or business class seats available for your flight and if they might bump you up for free. Some airlines sell reduced fare first class seats at the ticket counter the day of the flight. If you ask, the airline might put you on standby for another flight with first class seats available. It never hurts to ask.

4. Take opportunities to get bumped any time they present themselves. The airlines usually provide upgrades or vouchers, as well as accommodations, for anyone willing to stay behind from an overbooked flight.

Tips & Warnings

• For other ideas on flying first class or business class for cheaper, look at eHow's tutorial about getting an upgrade to first class.

Resources

• eHow: How to Get an Upgrade to First Class.