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!

Kuwait has officially approved the issuance of seven-day transit visas for select travelers entering the country via land, particularly through the Abdali border crossing, as part of its strategy to streamline border procedures and enhance regional mobility. The new visa policy, directed by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, specifically targets Gulf citizens, expatriates residing in GCC countries, European nationals, and diplomatic personnel, especially those arriving from Iraq or transiting through Iran.

Colonel Waleed Al-Azmi, Director of the Abdali Border Crossing Administration, announced that the transit visa allows eligible non-residents to stay in Kuwait for up to seven days, enabling travel between Abdali Port and Kuwait International Airport, or vice versa, to organize onward journeys or complete necessary travel arrangements. The visa is not extendable and does not permit holders to work or study in Kuwait.

To apply, travelers must present a passport valid for at least six months, a confirmed onward ticket, and proof of transit, such as accommodation details or supporting documents for their next destination. The visa application can be submitted through the Kuwait Port Authority, Kuwaiti consulates, or, for some nationalities, via an online portal. The processing fee is KWD 2 (about USD 6.50).

Diplomatic personnel and embassy representatives are also permitted to be present at the border to assist their nationals during the entry and exit process, ensuring smoother procedures and additional support. This move is coordinated between the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with certain exceptions and special exemptions available for select nationalities.

The introduction of the 7-day transit visa reflects Kuwait’s broader efforts to facilitate cross-border movement, support regional connectivity, and maintain robust security and compliance at its borders

Thailand’s tourism sector is facing significant challenges as the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict disrupts travel from key Middle Eastern markets. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) warns that arrivals from five countries Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria could drop by as much as 50%, with early signs of decline already evident in popular destinations like Phuket due to airspace closures.

Thapanee Kiatphaibool, governor of the TAT, explained that several major airlines flying to Thailand including Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Flydubai, Air Arabia, Oman Air, and SalamAir have rerouted flights to avoid conflict zones. Tehran-based Mahan Air has temporarily suspended its Bangkok and Phuket routes, causing the Iranian market to effectively vanish during this period.

These five countries represent about 7% of Middle Eastern visitors to Thailand, with the region (excluding Israel) accounting for 100,781 travelers in June 2024. The timing of the conflict coincides with the Eid al-Adha festival, a peak travel period that last year brought 7,165 tourists from these markets. This year, arrivals are expected to fall sharply to between 3,500 and 5,000 as tourists and airlines postpone trips amid uncertainty.

The TAT is also monitoring potential longer-term impacts on larger Middle Eastern markets such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain, which together contribute 80% of Thailand’s Middle East tourism. Concerns over air travel safety could further dampen demand, affecting hotels in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, and Chiang Mai, which are popular with Middle Eastern visitors.

If the conflict is resolved soon, arrivals may begin to recover in July. Some airlines, including Royal Jordanian Airlines, plan to launch new routes, such as the Amman-Bangkok service starting in August. However, a full recovery depends on how long and severe the conflict’s effects prove to be.

The TAT aims to attract 1.06 million visitors from the Middle East in 2025, an 11% increase over last year, and generate approximately 86 billion baht in revenue. As the situation evolves, Thailand’s tourism industry remains cautiously optimistic but vigilant about the challenges ahead.

Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has reiterated that fees paid for exit and re-entry visas are strictly non-refundable, even if the visa is canceled—a policy that has been reconfirmed as thousands of expatriates plan their summer travel. This clarification was issued following a public inquiry from a resident, to which Jawazat responded unequivocally: “If the exit and re-entry visa is cancelled, the fees are non-refundable”.

Under current regulations, a single exit and re-entry visa costs 200 Saudi riyals and is valid for up to two months, with an additional 100 riyals for each extra month, provided the resident’s permit (iqama) remains valid. For multiple exit and re-entry visas, the fee is 500 riyals for up to three months, and 200 riyals for each additional month.

Notably, for residents who are already outside the Kingdom and need to extend their visas, the extension fees are doubled—200 riyals per month for a single visa and 400 riyals per month for a multiple visa.

The process for issuing, canceling, or extending these visas is managed digitally through the Absher platform. To cancel a visa, users must log in, access “Services for Sponsors,” select the relevant individual, and confirm the cancellation; however, the fee remains non-refundable regardless of the reason for cancellation.

Recent regulatory updates have also introduced higher fees for expatriates outside Saudi Arabia, including doubled extension charges and increased costs for renewing residency permits (Iqama) abroad. Penalties for not using or canceling a visa within the allowed time can be steep, starting at 1,000 riyals for the first offense and rising to 3,000 riyals for repeated violations. Overstaying outside Saudi Arabia after a visa expires incurs a fine of 100 USD per month.

These rules apply to all visa holders, including professionals, domestic workers, and dependents, and are part of broader changes to residency and travel regulations aimed at streamlining processes and ensuring compliance. Authorities urge residents to carefully plan their travel and visa applications, as changes or cancellations will not result in a refund of paid fees.

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is showing promising signs of recovery, with a 33% year-on-year (YoY) increase in tourist arrivals during the first 10 days of June 2025. The island welcomed 43,962 visitors compared to 33,017 in the same period last year.

The daily average number of tourists also rose significantly, reaching 4,396 visitors per day, up from 3,302 during the first 10 days of June 2024. This uptick is encouraging, especially given that June is traditionally an off-season month for travel to Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) projects 177,257 arrivals for the entire month of June. However, industry stakeholders remain cautious due to a shortfall in arrivals during the first five months of 2025. From January to May, tourist arrivals missed projections by a cumulative 279,452 visitors, underscoring ongoing challenges in converting interest into actual visits despite improving macroeconomic conditions.

Between January 1 and June 10, 2025, Sri Lanka welcomed over 1.07 million tourists, marking a 16% increase compared to 927,196 visitors during the same period in 2024. Notably, arrivals in January, February, and May 2025 exceeded pre-pandemic levels seen in 2018, highlighting Sri Lanka’s renewed appeal as a travel destination.

Despite these positive trends, consistent growth remains elusive. A key hurdle has been the delay in launching a global tourism campaign, which has not been updated in 16 years. The much-anticipated ‘Nation Branding’ campaign, set to launch on June 26, is expected to boost Sri Lanka’s visibility in key markets and drive higher arrivals during the lucrative winter season.

In June 2025, India, the UK, and Bangladesh emerged as the top source markets, contributing 12,362, 3,740, and 2,717 tourists respectively. Year-to-date, India leads with 216,422 arrivals, followed by Russia (111,285) and the UK (100,014). These markets remain central to Sri Lanka’s tourism recovery strategy.

Sri Lanka aims to attract 3 million tourists and generate $5 billion in tourism revenue by the end of 2025. To meet this target, the industry needs to draw approximately 1.93 million visitors 64.2% of the annual goal during the remaining months of the year. So far, the sector has generated over $1.54 billion in revenue in the first five months, with $3.46 billion still needed to reach the target.

In 2024, Sri Lanka’s tourism revenue reached $3.16 billion, a substantial 53.2% increase from $2.07 billion in 2023, reflecting the sector’s strong recovery momentum.

Stay tuned for updates on the upcoming Nation Branding campaign and further developments in Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.

Starting July 1, 2025, residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) holding valid residency permits will be able to enter Armenia without a visa, marking a significant expansion of Armenia’s visa-free travel policy. Previously, only UAE nationals enjoyed visa-free access, while expatriate residents had to obtain visas on arrival.

The new policy applies to residents with residency permits valid for at least six months and allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, leisure, or business purposes.

This change is part of a broader Armenian government initiative to enhance tourism, investment, and economic ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, which include the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar. The policy also aligns with Armenia’s visa-free arrangements for residents of the European Union, the Schengen Area, and the United States.

The Armenian cabinet approved this reform in May 2025 to facilitate easier travel for expatriates living in these economically significant regions and to boost Armenia’s attractiveness as a destination for short-term visitors and business travelers.

Armenia’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, combined with its rich cultural heritage—including UNESCO World Heritage monasteries like Geghard and Khor Virap—and natural attractions such as Lake Sevan and Dilijan National Park, makes it an appealing destination for UAE residents, particularly expatriates.

The country is accessible via direct flights from Dubai and other UAE cities through airlines such as flydubai, Air Arabia, and Wizz Air. Armenian tourism officials expect the visa-free entry for UAE residents to increase tourist arrivals, strengthen economic relations, and promote business engagements between Armenia and the GCC.

Lusine Gevorgyan, Chairperson of Armenia’s Tourism Committee, emphasized that this milestone reflects Armenia’s commitment to making the country more accessible to regional travelers seeking meaningful cultural and leisure experiences. The visa waiver is also expected to encourage more frequent travel and investment flows, with officials optimistic about a rise in direct flights and business cooperation.

In summary, from July 1, 2025, UAE residents with valid residency permits will benefit from visa-free entry to Armenia for up to 90 days, a move designed to enhance tourism, business, and bilateral relations between Armenia and the GCC region.