For many travelers, flying business class represents the pinnacle of air travel comfort, offering spacious seats that convert into beds, gourmet meals, priority boarding, and attentive service. However, the high price tag often puts these luxuries out of reach for most. Business-class tickets can easily exceed $3,000, making them a significant investment for any traveler.

Fortunately, savvy travelers have developed numerous strategies to access business-class travel without paying the full fare. With the right knowledge and planning, you can enjoy the perks of premium flying while keeping your budget intact. From leveraging credit card points to utilizing bidding systems and exploring boutique airlines, there are various approaches to help you secure a business-class seat at a fraction of the cost.

In this guide, we’ll explore effective strategies, insider tips, and additional resources that can transform your travel experience, making luxury air travel not just a rare treat but a more frequent reality. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your first trip, these hacks will empower you to fly in comfort without breaking the bank.

1. Bid for Upgrades

Many airlines now offer bidding systems that allow economy passengers to attempt to secure discounted business-class seats. Major airlines such as Air Canada, Lufthansa, Qantas, Virgin Atlantic, and LATAM collaborate with travel tech company Plusgrade to facilitate these auctions. The bidding process is straightforward: travelers visit the airline’s bidding page, enter their booking confirmation, and submit a bid, usually starting around $300.

Keep in mind that successful bids often depend on factors like route demand and time of year. Bidding closer to the departure date may increase acceptance chances, especially for underbooked flights. Additionally, consider the potential for last-minute upgrades at the airport, where agents may offer discounted upgrades for available seats.

2. Maximize Credit Card Points and Airline Miles

Leveraging credit card points and airline miles is one of the most effective ways to access premium travel. Many travel rewards credit cards offer substantial sign-up bonuses and ongoing points for everyday purchases. Experts from Going have noted that business-class flights to Spain can be booked for as few as 54,000 points round-trip, compared to the usual cash price of over $3,000.

To maximize value, consider transferring points between credit card programs and airline loyalty programs, as some offer better redemption rates. Additionally, keeping an eye on promotions can significantly boost your point balance. Some cards also offer additional points for travel-related expenses, enhancing your ability to book business-class travel.

3. Frequent Flyer Programs

Joining an airline's loyalty program can lead to complimentary upgrades based on status. For example, Angel Trinh, a travel expert, shared how her American Airlines Platinum Pro status earned her an upgrade on a flight from Miami to the Bahamas. Earning elite status requires enrolling in a loyalty program and accumulating miles through various means, including credit card spending and hotel stays.

Many airlines now have increased thresholds for elite status, making it more challenging to achieve. However, some airlines offer "soft landing" programs that allow members to maintain their status even if they fall short of the usual requirements. Additionally, consider using co-branded credit cards that offer benefits such as bonus miles for each dollar spent on the airline.

4. Explore “Business-Lite” Options

For those seeking enhanced comfort without the full business-class fare, several airlines offer intermediate cabin options known as "business-lite." These services provide significant upgrades over economy without the high costs. Icelandair's Saga Class and Norse Atlantic's Premium offer wider seats and more legroom, providing a first-class experience on domestic flights.

Airlines like Air France and British Airways have introduced products like Premium Economy, which offers larger seats and enhanced dining options at a more accessible price point. Researching airlines’ offerings on specific routes can help identify the best "business-lite" options available.

5. Utilize Repositioning Flights

Creative routing can help reduce business-class costs significantly. By traveling through larger hub airports where competition is greater, travelers can find lower fares. For example, a business-class flight from Pittsburgh to London might cost around $3,600, but adding a connecting flight from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C., could save over $1,000.

Using flight search engines that allow for multi-city searches can streamline this process. Look for itineraries that include layovers in major hubs, as they often offer better pricing and availability. Additionally, consider using flexible date searches to find the best fares.

6. Volunteer for Flight Changes

When flights are overbooked, airlines often seek volunteers to take later flights, which can lead to upgrade opportunities. Gate agents prefer volunteers and may offer incentives such as travel vouchers, cash, or even premium seats on later flights.

To leverage this strategy, check for business-class availability on subsequent flights and politely inquire about upgrade options if volunteering. Being flexible with travel plans can enhance your chances of benefiting from this method, as it allows you to adjust your itinerary to take advantage of available upgrades.

7. Track Deals with Premium Services

Specialized deal-tracking services can help monitor business-class fare reductions. Going offers an Elite membership that alerts users to premium cabin sales from various airports, while Ashley Gets Around focuses on “mistake fares” that can provide exceptional value. Recent alerts have included deals such as Boston to the Netherlands for $1,999 and Los Angeles to Tokyo for $1,809 round-trip in business class.

Signing up for newsletters from travel websites and forums can keep you informed about flash sales and limited-time offers. Joining social media groups dedicated to travel deals can also provide real-time updates and tips from fellow travelers.

8. Consider Boutique Airlines

A growing number of boutique airlines focus exclusively on business-class service at more affordable prices. French airline La Compagnie operates transatlantic routes with business-class-only aircraft at about half the cost of larger carriers. Similarly, Beond, a Maldivian airline, offers competitive pricing for its exclusive business-class service.

These specialized carriers may operate limited route networks but provide substantial value on the corridors they serve, allowing travelers to enjoy premium services without the premium price. Moreover, boutique airlines often emphasize personalized service and a unique travel experience.

Additional Tips

• Check Airline Websites Regularly: Airlines frequently run promotions that may not be widely advertised. Regularly checking their websites can lead to finding special deals.
• Use Flight Alerts: Set up flight alerts on aggregator websites to be notified immediately when prices drop for your preferred routes.
• Be Flexible with Travel Dates: Traveling during off-peak seasons or mid-week can result in significant savings on business-class fares.
• Join Loyalty Programs Early: Even if you don’t fly often, joining airline loyalty programs can earn you points for occasional travel and help you stay informed about promotions.
• Consider Package Deals: Sometimes, booking flights as part of a vacation package that includes hotels or rental cars can lead to discounts on business-class fares.

Bottom Line

While business-class travel can be costly, these strategies can significantly reduce expenses. By utilizing points and miles, exploring specialized airlines, and planning strategically, travelers can enjoy the luxury of business-class travel more regularly.

With flexibility and patience, the dream of flying in comfort can become a reality without breaking the bank. Stay connected for more travel insights and updates, and follow us on social media for the latest tips and deals!

Oman has launched a new ‘Golden Residency’ visa programme to attract foreign investors and create a more investor-friendly business environment. Announced on August 31 by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, the initiative aims to reinforce Oman’s status as a prime destination for global investment.

Mubarak bin Mohammed Al-Douhani, Director General of Planning at the ministry, highlighted that the programme is designed to provide a stable and dynamic business climate with high-quality, long-term growth opportunities for investors.

In addition to the Golden Residency scheme, Oman will introduce the ‘Majid Companies’ initiative and an electronic authentication service for transferring commercial registration ownership through the ‘Invest Oman’ platform, according to Oman's News Agency.

Key Features of Oman’s Golden Visa:

The programme offers two investment residency options based on real estate, commercial investments, and long-term bank deposits, valid for five or ten years and renewable, pending applicants meet specific criteria. Applications are processed through the ‘Invest Oman’ online portal.

• Tier 1:
  Investment of at least 500,000 Omani riyals in a limited liability company, public joint-stock company, or government bonds
• Or purchase property in Oman worth at least 500,000 OMR
• Or establish a company employing a minimum of 50 Omani nationals (no minimum capital required)

This tier grants a 10-year renewable residency permit. The fee for the residency card is 551 OMR.

Tier 2:

• Investment of at least 250,000 OMR in a limited liability company or public joint-stock company
• Or purchase property in Oman valued at 250,000 OMR or more

Additionally, expatriate workers currently living in Oman who wish to retire may apply for an Extended

Residence permit by demonstrating a fixed monthly income of at least 4,000 OMR.

The Tier 2 permit is valid for five years and renewable. The residency card fee is 326 OMR.

This new visa programme reflects Oman’s commitment to fostering a robust investment climate and encouraging long-term economic partnerships.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has unveiled “Nusuk Umrah,” an innovative digital platform that enables Muslims worldwide to directly apply for Umrah visas and book pilgrimage services online without the need for intermediaries.

Accessible via the website umrah.nusuk.sa and the Nusuk app available on Google Play and Apple’s App Store, the platform offers a comprehensive suite of services from electronic visa issuance to hotel bookings, transportation, cultural tours, and various support options.

Pilgrims can either select from ready-made packages or customise their own itineraries through a user-friendly multilingual interface connected to government systems, ensuring a secure, smooth experience tailored to individual needs.

This development significantly simplifies the pilgrimage planning process, allowing millions of Muslims globally to arrange their Umrah journeys with greater convenience.

Officials highlight that Nusuk Umrah represents a significant leap in the digital transformation of religious travel, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambition to make Umrah and Hajj more accessible to Muslims worldwide.

How to apply through Nusuk Umrah:

• Register an account on the Nusuk website or mobile app.
• Provide personal information, including ID or passport number, phone number, email, nationality, and date of birth.
• Verify the account with a security code sent via phone or email.
• Select “Umrah Service” and choose preferred dates and times.
• Add companions if travelling with family or friends.
• Review instructions and accept terms and conditions.
• Make payment through secure online methods.
• Receive your e-visa within minutes, ready for your pilgrimage.

In a landmark move to enhance bilateral relations, Pakistan unveiled the ambitious “Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor” on Sunday, promising to deepen educational and professional collaboration between the two neighboring countries. The initiative aims to create lasting connections through scholarships, training programs, and institutional partnerships.

Over the next five years, the Knowledge Corridor will award 500 scholarships to Bangladeshi students seeking higher education opportunities in Pakistan, with a quarter of these places dedicated to medical studies. The program also includes specialised training for 100 Bangladeshi civil servants. Furthermore, scholarships under the Pakistan Technical Assistance Program have been ramped up from 5 to 25, signalling a significant increase in support.

This milestone coincided with the historic visit of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, marking the first trip by a Pakistani foreign minister to Bangladesh in 13 years. During his two-day visit, Dar held extensive talks with Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain that covered a broad spectrum of bilateral issues including trade, culture, education, humanitarian concerns, and diplomacy.

Concluding the visit, both nations signed six pivotal agreements to formalize cooperation across multiple fields:

• Visa-free entry for diplomatic and official passport holders to facilitate smoother official engagements.
• A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on a Joint Working Group aimed at expanding trade relations.
• An MoU between the Foreign Service Academies of both countries to bolster diplomatic training.
• Media collaboration through an MoU between Pakistan’s Associated Press and Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha.
• Academic and policy research cooperation via an MoU linking the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad and the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies.
• Launch of a Cultural Exchange Programme designed to strengthen people-to-people connections.

The Foreign Office described these initiatives as a vital framework that will institutionalize cooperation and foster stronger ties in trade, education, media, culture, and diplomacy, all set against a backdrop of constructive and cordial interactions.

In addition to diplomatic efforts, Dar met with Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin and senior officials to strategize on improving trade, connectivity, and economic collaboration. Notably, both sides agreed to revive the long-dormant Joint Economic Commission meeting later this year  the first such gathering in two decades.

The Foreign Minister also took part in a reception hosted by Pakistan’s High Commissioner, where he engaged with political leaders, academics, civil society, and business figures. Emphasizing the deep-rooted shared heritage, cultural bonds, and common Islamic traditions between the two countries, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a forward-looking and productive partnership with Bangladesh.

Regional concerns, such as revitalizing the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and addressing the Palestine and Rohingya situations, were also central to discussions. Analysts have greeted the Knowledge Corridor and accompanying agreements as a milestone in multi-dimensional cooperation, setting a new tone for educational, trade, diplomatic, and cultural engagement between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

This comprehensive framework not only signals a new chapter in Pakistan-Bangladesh relations but also sets the stage for sustainable and mutually beneficial growth across multiple sectors in the coming years.

In a proactive safety measure, Qatar Airways has issued a travel advisory banning passengers from carrying or checking in certain models of Anker power banks. This decision follows a recent recall triggered by concerns over potential fire and burn hazards linked to defective lithium-ion batteries.

The affected Anker models include those recalled in June 2025: Power Banks with model numbers A1647, A1652, A1681, A1689, A1257, as well as the popular Anker PowerCore 10000. Additionally, models A1642, A1647, and A1652 recalled in October 2024 are also prohibited on flights.

Qatar Airways has emphasized the importance of passenger vigilance, stating, "We kindly ask all passengers to verify any Anker power banks in their possession prior to travel. If your device is part of the recall, it is prohibited from being brought onboard."

The recall, issued last month by Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), highlights risks of internal short circuits that could cause overheating and potentially ignite fires. In response, the Ministry is coordinating with dealers to offer those affected a free replacement, gift voucher, or a refund for the purchase price.

This ban aligns with broader safety efforts across the aviation industry to prevent incidents caused by malfunctioning lithium-ion batteries. Passengers are urged to check their devices carefully and comply with the advisory to ensure safe travel.

Travelers planning flights with Qatar Airways should take prompt action to confirm whether their Anker power banks fall under the affected models and avoid bringing them onboard to avoid inconvenience and ensure safety throughout their journey.

Kuwait has taken significant steps to ease its visa regulations, enabling all expatriates residing in the country to bring their extended families on visit visas without any salary restrictions, according to a top official from the interior ministry. This bold move is part of Kuwait’s broader efforts to welcome foreign visitors and tourists more smoothly while encouraging stronger social connections.

Col Abdulaziz Al-Kandari, Director of Electronic Services at the Department of Residency Affairs, shared that the previous salary requirement for family visit visas has been completely abolished. Now, any expatriate living legally in Kuwait can sponsor extended family members, including relatives up to the fourth degree by blood and third degree through marriage.

This represents a marked expansion from the past, when family visas were limited mainly to spouses, children, and parents. Despite these relaxed eligibility rules, the family visit visas remain valid for one month. However, applicants can secure these visas rapidly, with complete applications being processed in as little as five minutes through the newly launched online Kuwaitvisa platform and app.

In another notable development, Kuwait has removed the prior mandate that visitors must travel exclusively on Kuwaiti carriers such as Kuwait Airways or Al-Jazeera Airways. Visitors can now enter the country by air, sea, or land using any carrier of their choice, adding crucial flexibility for international travelers.
The revamped visa system offers four primary categories accessible via the Kuwaitvisa platform: tourist, family, business, and governmental visas.

Tourist visas have been streamlined with nationals of 53 countries primarily Western and some Asian nations eligible for visas on arrival or through online applications without any restrictions. These countries include 41 European countries (including Turkey), Japan, Brunei, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Applicants are encouraged to apply online to avoid security delays.

The second category covers expatriates living in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states or those holding valid residence permits in the United States, Canada, the UK, or Schengen countries. Although previously this category required holding "medium to high professions" and salary proofs, the profession and salary requirements have now been eliminated. To streamline approvals, applicants should provide essential documents like passport copies, photos, confirmed air tickets, and hotel reservations.

A third category, which involves applicants not falling under the above two groups, is under review; they would need to prove financial capability through bank statements.

Finally, a fourth category allows visitors attending specific sports or entertainment events to apply for visas aligned with the event timing.

For business visas, any Kuwaiti company can sponsor foreign business partners or visitors. Visa fees vary depending on the nationality of the applicant.

These immigration reforms align with Kuwait’s Vision 2035 digital transformation goals, making travel simpler and more inclusive by leveraging a robust e-visa platform that facilitates fast, transparent visa issuance for a variety of purposes.

This comprehensive shakeup enhances Kuwait’s attractiveness as a destination for tourists, business travelers, and families, promoting openness while supporting expatriates’ social ties without the burden of previous financial constraints.