Flying first class is the ultimate way to travel in luxury, offering spacious seats, gourmet dining, and VIP service. However, the hefty price tags can make it seem out of reach for many travelers. The good news is that with the right strategies, you can experience first-class comfort without paying full price. Whether you’re leveraging points, booking at the right time, or using little-known airline tricks, these insider tips will help you fly first class for less in 2025.
Use Points and Miles to Your Advantage
One of the best ways to fly first class without spending a fortune is by using airline miles and credit card points. Many premium travel credit cards, such as the American Express Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Capital One Venture X, offer generous rewards that can be redeemed for first-class flights. Airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines also have loyalty programs where you can book luxury seats using accumulated miles. Keep an eye out for mileage sales and bonus promotions to maximize your points.
Leverage Airline Elite Status
Frequent flyers with elite status on airlines like Delta SkyMiles, United MileagePlus, and British Airways Executive Club often receive complimentary upgrades from business to first class. Some airlines offer upgrade certificates as part of their loyalty programs, which can be used to secure a first-class seat for free or at a significantly reduced price. If you fly often, consider achieving elite status with your preferred airline to enjoy free upgrades regularly.
Book During Sales and Error Fares
Airlines occasionally offer first-class sales and mistake fares that allow you to score a luxury seat for a fraction of the usual price. Websites like Secret Flying, The Flight Deal, and Scott’s Cheap Flights track these deals and alert subscribers when premium class tickets drop in price. Additionally, many airlines offer seasonal sales—keep an eye out for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and New Year travel deals for discounts on first-class tickets.
Bid for Upgrades
Many airlines now offer a bidding system where economy or business class passengers can bid for an upgrade to first class. Airlines such as Lufthansa, Etihad, and Virgin Atlantic allow travelers to place a bid on open first-class seats a few days before departure. If your bid is accepted, you’ll be upgraded for much less than the standard first-class fare. Be sure to check if your airline offers this option and place a competitive but reasonable bid.
Use Companion Tickets and Upgrades from Credit Cards
Luxury travel credit cards often include first-class perks, such as companion tickets, upgrade certificates, or statement credits for premium flights. The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card and British Airways Visa Signature Card offer companion fares, allowing you to book two first-class seats for the price of one (plus taxes and fees). Other cards, like the Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard, provide automatic upgrades when booking with miles.
Choose Routes with Competitive First-Class Pricing
Certain routes have consistently lower first-class fares due to airline competition. Flights from Asia to the U.S., Europe to the Middle East, and intra-Asia routes often have more affordable premium class tickets than transatlantic or domestic U.S. routes. Airlines like Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines frequently offer competitive first-class pricing, especially on lesser-known routes.
Book Through Airline Partners and Alliances
Sometimes, you can book a first-class ticket for less by using a partner airline’s frequent flyer program. For example, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan often offers better redemption rates for Cathay Pacific and Japan Airlines first-class seats than booking directly through those airlines. Similarly, using Avianca LifeMiles to book first-class seats on Lufthansa can be significantly cheaper than booking through Lufthansa’s own program.
Consider Flying First Class on Discount Carriers
Not all first-class cabins come with a hefty price tag. Airlines such as JetBlue Mint, Air France La Première on select routes, and Turkish Airlines Business Class (which rivals some first-class products) offer a luxurious experience at a fraction of the cost of traditional first-class fares. Booking premium cabins on these airlines can give you a first-class experience for less.
Last-Minute Upgrades at Check-In
If first-class seats are still available on the day of departure, airlines often sell upgrades at a deep discount at check-in. Airlines like United, Delta, and American Airlines frequently offer upgrade options for a much lower price than if you had booked first class outright. This strategy works best if you’re flexible and willing to take a chance on seat availability.
Fly During Off-Peak Seasons
First-class tickets are more expensive during peak travel seasons, such as summer and major holidays. If you’re flexible, book flights during January to March and September to November, when demand for premium seats is lower. During these off-peak months, airlines are more likely to offer discounts and promotions on first-class fares.
