Discounted business class airline tickets

During these tough economic times travelers need to know how to save.  If they fly frequently they must already be cringing at the huge bite that airfare usually takes from their travel budget. Airplane tickets are one of the most expensive items in travelling that any flyer must pay for, which is one of the reasons why most companies are cutting back on the overseas corporate vacations and making do with office parties. This is also the reason why airlines are trying to lure more passengers into flying more with cheaper rates and bigger discounts. However, if current rates are still hurting the travel budget, savvy travelers can still lower the cost of the flight tickets that they have to pay for with a few tricks.

Travelers can get business class tickets at a lower price just by timing their travels during the off season. Most people who get affordable first class tickets don't get these tickets out of sheer luck. Its either they know how to look for low-cost business class tickets or they know people who can get them these tickets. Or perhaps, they know how to use their frequent flier miles wisely.

Low-seasons for business class usually fall around the holidays. Business executives usually stay home during the holidays, so naturally airlines try to attract other travelers with cheaper flight tickets.  The same is true during off-peak tourist seasons. Lesser tourists travelling to a destination means one can often get a lower price in airfare when going to these destinations.

For more luxurious accommodations (read: more legroom and spacious recliners instead of cramped seats), passengers can also be eligible for an upgrade to first class if one is a CEO or a businessman. CEOs can make use of their connections by booking directly with the airline or with the travel agent, where their reservations can be marked with an OSI (other significant information).  This mark usually refers to a VIP or a CEO, or people that the airline will want to attract as potential long-time customers.

Travelers can also use frequent flier miles to request for an upgrade. This may not be applicable to the occasional leisure traveler, but more to a businessman who flies a couple of times a month. Accumulated miles can be handy in getting a frequent flyer exec a first class upgrade.

Another way is to keep track of special airline offers. Some airlines have programs that can automatically give frequent flier or elite status after the passenger has completed a certain number of miles for a certain promo period.