How to Upgrade to Business Class for a Luxury Travel Experience

From lie-flat seats, in-flight amenities, and gourmet dining to priority boarding and exclusive lounge access, business class has everything you need to relax and enjoy your flight. Unfortunately, paying full price for a business class ticket can be expensive. The good news is that there are many ways to get an upgrade without spending a fortune. 

Does it always make sense to upgrade to business class? Is there a tried and true method for securing an upgrade? What is the best way to find cheap business class flights? Join us as we explore the answers to these questions in depth. Whether you're a frequent flyer looking to optimize your miles or a casual traveler hoping for a luxurious flight, these tips can help you maximize your chances of flying business class for less.

What is business class and why upgrade?

Business class is a significant step up from economy, with enhanced seats, better amenities, and a more seamless travel experience. While business cabins can vary by airline, common features include spacious seating—with lie-flat or recliner-style seats—allowing passengers to rest, along with gourmet meals often curated by chefs and a selection of premium wines and cocktails.

Even before boarding, the business class experience is also different from that of lower tiers. Travelers also enjoy access to exclusive airport lounges, such as the United Polaris lounge or Cathay Pacific’s The Pier, where they can relax with complimentary food, drinks, and even spa services. Priority check-in, expedited security, and early boarding help reduce the all too common pre-flight stress.

Once in the air, the high-end in-flight amenities like noise-canceling headphones, luxurious amenity kits, and plush bedding improve the in-flight experience. Some airlines, such as Qatar Airways with its Qsuite, even offer enclosed private suites for maximum privacy and comfort. Whether for work or leisure, business class ensures a more relaxing and enjoyable flight, making it a worthwhile upgrade for those seeking a premium experience.

When to consider upgrading

Long-haul vs. short-haul flights

For shorter flights, upgrading to business class may not be worth the cost since the benefits are often similar to those offered in premium economy. However, on long-haul routes, the perks of business class truly shine.

The lie-flat seats, elevated meal service, and access to exclusive lounges can make the journey feel like part of your vacation rather than a necessary inconvenience—especially if your flight is longer than eight hours. Overnight flights, in particular, are an ideal excuse for upgrading to business, as the chance to get quality sleep in a fully reclining seat can leave you feeling brand new once you arrive.

Special occasions

Another instance where it can be worth it to upgrade to business class is on special occasions. For honeymoons, anniversaries, or milestone birthdays, the luxurious experience can make the event even more memorable.

Celebrating in this one-of-a-kind environment can add a touch of elegance to your trip. Honestly, if there’s ever a time to splurge—or use your hard-earned miles—consider upgrading to business class for your next special event.

Work-related trips

If you’re traveling for work, an upgrade to business class can be a game-changer. The added space, onboard wifi, and quieter cabin make it easier to stay productive, answer emails, or even prepare for a meeting before you land. Frequent business travelers know that the investment in comfort often translates to better efficiency and less travel fatigue.

How to upgrade to business class

Using airline loyalty programs

One of the most reliable ways to get an upgrade without paying full price is to join an airline’s loyalty program. Airlines reward frequent flyers with miles and elite status perks that can be redeemed for business class seats. For example, Delta's Medallion members can use their SkyMiles to get an upgrade or even receive a complimentary upgrade if there is availability.

If getting an upgrade is a priority for you, you can focus your loyalty on one airline or a specific airline alliance—like SkyTeam, Star Alliance, or oneworld—to maximize your chances of getting bumped up.

Purchasing upgrades at booking

Certain airlines allow their passengers to upgrade to business class during the booking process or by sending an email once you have purchased your ticket. The best part about these upgrades is that they are often at a better price than booking a business class ticket in advance. 

Next time you book a ticket online, be sure to check for business class upgrade offers before completing your purchase—sometimes the price can be more affordable than you think.

Last-minute upgrade options at check-in

While it is quite rare, airlines sometimes offer last-minute upgrades at check-in or at the gate if business class seats remain unsold close to departure. As you can imagine, these last-minute deals are far cheaper than purchasing a business class ticket in advance.

So, if you’re flying a popular route and you’re feeling lucky, politely ask the gate agent about available upgrades—they might be able to offer a discounted rate.

Using credit card benefits

Certain travel credit cards, like co-branded airline cards and high-end cards, offer upgrade benefits, priority boarding, and airport lounge access. Using these cards to book flights can earn you bonus miles, which you can redeem for a business class upgrade. 

On top of that, many high-end travel credit cards include lounge access, priority boarding, and travel credits that can offset upgrade costs.

Sales and promotions

Keep an eye out for airline sales and special promotions, which can include discounted business class upgrades. These are usually advertised through airline newsletters or loyalty programs. That’s why subscribing to airline emails or following them on social media can be a clever way to stay on top of these limited-time offers.

Get to the airport early

Believe it or not, arriving early increases your chances of securing an upgrade, especially if you’re on a fully booked flight. If business class has open seats and economy is oversold, airlines may upgrade passengers to balance the cabin. To improve your chances, consider being polite and loyal to the airline.

Mistake fares

Okay, so this isn’t exactly something that you can control, but it is something that you can take advantage of to score a business class ticket for cheap. Airline mistake fares occur when a pricing error leads to significantly discounted tickets, sometimes including business class. These deals can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars if you’re quick to book. Unfortunately, mistake fares are very rare, so it’s important to be vigilant. 

To know more about these one of a kind deals, check our guide on how to find mistake fares. 

Track prices with Going

Tracking flight prices is the best way to find a good deal on business class. With Going, staying on top of the latest offers is easy. Our Travel Experts monitor fare drops, mistake fares, and exclusive discounts on business class flights and send out the best deals to our members. By joining our Elite membership, you’ll also receive real-time alerts for discounted business and first-class fares. 

What you shouldn’t do to get an upgrade

While politeness and dressing nicely can go a long way, asking for a free upgrade out of the blue won't typically work. Airline staff deal with hundreds (sometimes thousands) of passengers daily, and free upgrades are typically reserved for elite frequent flyers or those affected by overbooked flights. Don’t try to manipulate the system by faking special circumstances, as airlines are trained to spot these tactics.

Also, many airlines prioritize passengers who booked higher fare classes when offering upgrades. If you want a better shot at an upgrade, consider booking a flexible economy ticket or one that allows you to use miles for an upgrade. 

It may sound obvious, but switching seats without permission is also a terrible idea. Moving into an empty business class seat without authorization could result in penalties—or even being removed from the flight. Instead, rely on proven strategies like loyalty programs, credit card benefits, and tracking deals for better results.

Join Going Elite for business and first class flights with the best prices.

Know when to upgrade to business class with Going

Timing is everything when it comes to upgrading to business class, and Going takes the stress out of searching for deals. Flight prices fluctuate constantly due to demand, competition, and airline pricing strategies, so knowing when to book can make all the difference. With Going, you don’t have to spend hours manually tracking prices—our team does the work for you.

By signing up for an Elite membership, you’ll be notified when business class prices drop, giving you the opportunity to snag an upgrade at a fraction of the usual cost. Whether it’s a flash sale, an unadvertised fare drop, or a mistake fare, Going helps you jump on the best deals before they disappear.