When the Great Deal Business Class Fare Is Not So Great Anymore

You see it. You take a look at the price. You double check. 

A business class to Europe, Asia, or the Middle East is suddenly a fraction of the price you have seen over the past few weeks. Dates are available. Flight times aren’t terrible. And it is Business Class. 

Sounds good right? 

Sure but hear us out. 

Just because you are getting the cheapest business class ticket does not mean its going to be the cheapest business class trip. With many airlines breaking their business class products apart it can be easy to overlook some of these details. Based on the fare you select you may lose the ability to select your seat in advance. Lounge access. Extra bags. Change and cancellation rules. These could be added to the total of your trip.

There may still be a reason to book that cheaper business class ticket. For some people its going to be the best deal they can find. But just be aware of what you're buying before that cheap price is not so cheap anymore.

What's Not Included With Business Class 

There used to be a pretty simple understanding with Business class. If you wanted to spend more to get your comfort level then you would choose business over economy.

Not always the case anymore. 

Some airlines have multiple tiers of Business class now. You can get a lower fare which will allow you to get a Business class seat and service but maybe you won't have all the frills when you're at the airport. Some of these fares will add on the ability to select your seat. Or allow you access to a lounge. 

So why does this matter? 

If you're searching online and looking for business class deals the lower fare is going to look better on paper. There are always going to be examples of cheaper fares that look better when you're searching.

Say you have two business class fares to a destination. One is less than the other. You will most likely look at the price and want to book that ticket. However, what if you need to select a certain seat? That may not be available with the cheaper ticket. Or you're trying to book a trip with a high level of flexibility. Again you may have to add that onto your ticket.

Some travelers have found that when they factor in what they actually need, their cheaper ticket ends up costing more if they book the next fare.

Next time you're searching for cheap business class flights, remember what you're really looking for. What is your trip going to cost you once you're done adding things to your ticket?

Seat Selection May Cost You More Money 

If you're flying solo and don't really care where you're sitting, you're fine to book that cheaper ticket with less advance seat selection. But what if you're flying as a family?

You may want to be together. You may want a window seat. Close to each other or have more privacy. Some business class products will offer you more privacy than others.

Just remember your business class ticket doesn't guarantee that you will be able to select any seat you want. You may have to pay extra for some seats.

Something else to keep in mind when searching for cheap business class flights is not all business class is created equal.

If you know the plane that you're traveling on you can look up what the product will be on that aircraft. There are some airlines that have amazing business class seats on certain planes but not all of their aircraft have that product available.

Again it's important to look up what you're getting on the plane you're flying. Even more if you're flying as a family. A seat selection fee may not seem too expensive on one person, one flight. Multiply that by four and you're going to spend more money.

You May Have to Pay For Lounge Access

Another thing to not assume when you're searching for business class deals is that you will get lounge access.

You may or may not. 

It's another perk that some airlines will break off and charge extra for. It's all going to depend on the fare type you're purchasing. You may have to pay for it if you're flying the cheaper fare and not if you're on a higher fare.

Lounge access is a good thing to have but it all depends on your travel plans. If you're taking a non stop flight and don't plan to be at the airport early there isn't much reason to add that on.

If you're traveling with kids and have a long layover it's going to be nice to be able to relax and eat at a lounge. Maybe even plug in your device and catch up on some work.

You also shouldn't pay for lounge access if you're already receiving it. Some airlines will let you into their lounge if you're traveling with their frequent flyer miles. Others will accept credit card membership. 

Make sure you're not paying twice. 

Flights Can Change. Your Ticket Might Not

Probably the last topic you want to think about when you're finding that great business class deal. But it could save you some money. 

Most discounted business class fares will have restrictions. If you decide to change or cancel your trip you will have to follow the terms of that ticket. TravelBusinessClass states that there may be charges for changing/canceling. You can find more information on the airlines website for what is allowed with each fare.

If you're booking a trip for yourself that you know is set in stone you may not have to worry about this. But if you're traveling with family things can happen. Kids get sick. Trips get changed. Things can come up. 

You shouldn't always book the most flexible business class ticket. Just know what you are getting if you do choose that lower fare.

It's like it was mentioned before comparing your fares. See what you're missing and how much it will cost to add them on.

There are some cases where paying more up front is a good thing. Other times it's not what you're looking for. Just know what you're paying for. 

Consider Your Total Business Class Fare 

The best way to find cheap business class tickets is to not just look at the fare.

Compare the whole trip. 

What is your total airfare if you wanted to add on a seat selection? Or pay for lounge access? How about your baggage allowance? Make sure you're not exceeding what is offered with that ticket.

Also take a look at your itinerary. Is that cheaper fare adding on an extra connection? Do you have to stay closer to that airport? If it's not what you're looking for then don't book that ticket.

Sometimes it's worth the money to get your ideal itinerary. Especially if you're traveling internationally. 

When Finding Your Best Business Class Deal 

This is also why it's beneficial to use TravelBusinessClass when searching for Business class tickets. They can help you find different flights that may be cheaper for you.

TravelBusinessClass works with Business and First Class tickets and offers you a travel advisor to help find you the best deals. They can search all airlines and find you different options that may work better for your trip.

They can help you find those lower fares that you want but also keep in mind what you may be missing on that trip. If you're traveling with family they can look up the business class seat that works for your needs.

They publish prices on their website that may meet your budget but make sure to check on what else may cost you money. Baggage may not be included in your airfare.

Find the right business class fare that you enjoy and that is not costing you more than what you're looking to spend.

Find Cheap Business Class Flights That Are Worth the Money

There is nothing wrong with finding that cheap business class ticket. Just make sure you're getting what you want out of that flight.

If you're ok with not having lounge access then don't worry about adding that on. Don't pay for a seat if you're happy to just sit anywhere. Find that low fare that you can't change or cancel if that is what you're looking for.

If you're finding a business class ticket that you have to pay for every extra that you want. You may want to look into a different ticket.

There are plenty of business class fares that will fit your budget. You just have to know what you're paying for.

Use TravelBusinessClass to find that fare that you love. Along with your itinerary and business class seat.