Many travelers dream of flying business class. While first class is the ultimate luxury, it’s often out of reach for most of us.

Early boarding, unlimited champagne, access to exclusive lounges—there’s a lot to love about business class. But these perks usually come with a hefty price tag. Timing and strategy are key to making your upgrade worthwhile.

Here are some situations when upgrading to business class can be a smart move for your next trip.

Choosing the Right Airline

Research is crucial. Not all airlines offer the same level of luxury in business class.

For example, Emirates includes Bulgari beauty products in its amenity kits, and Etihad provides a Mercedes-Benz chauffeur service if you’re departing from the UAE. These premium experiences come at a high cost, but you’re paying for a comprehensive luxury experience, both on the ground and in the air.

The Importance of Seat Type

Lie-flat beds are a common feature in international business class, but some seats are more desirable than others. Qatar Airways’ QSuites, for example, offer extra privacy and stylish seating with doors. If you’re traveling with a group, you can book a quad suite to combine your seats into a large shared space.

Also, consider the aircraft. British Airways’ spacious Airbus A380 is more appealing than Latam Airlines’ 787-8 with its 2-2-2 configuration, where you’ll always have a seatmate. Opting for a route with a 1-2-1 layout can ensure you get a window seat without anyone next to you.

Longer Flights Justify the Upgrade

Some travelers are fine with flying economy from the U.S. to Europe, especially if the fare is a bargain. And many wouldn’t splurge on business class for a short domestic flight, as a few hours in economy is bearable.

However, on lengthy trips, the equation changes. For instance, a journey from Los Angeles to Amsterdam with a long layover, followed by a flight to Kigali, Rwanda, can take over 30 hours and might cost around $4,000. In such cases, investing in a business class ticket can make a significant difference in comfort and overall experience.

That Special Occasion Trip

If you have a significant event right after your flight, such as a wedding or an important business meeting, and you’re landing early with no hotel check-in available, it might be wise to consider a business class ticket.

Not only will you arrive feeling refreshed, but airlines like United also provide arrival lounges at select airports, where you can relax and even take a shower.

The Red Eye Flight

Flying overnight can be a strategic choice, often being more convenient or less expensive than staying in a hotel and waking up early to catch a flight. When you opt for a red-eye flight, consider investing the money saved on accommodation into a more comfortable seat. This way, you can sleep soundly and avoid the discomfort of an economy seat.

Traveling for Business

If your company is covering the bulk of your travel expenses, consider spending a bit extra for a business class seat. Since you aren’t paying for the entire trip, the additional cost for an upgrade is a worthwhile investment for increased comfort.

Bid for an Upgrade

When airlines offer the option to bid for an upgrade, it’s often a good deal. This approach helps airlines sell vacant seats, usually at a reduced rate. For example, travelers with Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways have reported getting upgrades at significantly lower costs.

Here’s the typical process: you might spend around $800 on an economy flight back to the U.S. from East Africa and then receive an email inviting you to bid for a business class upgrade. The minimum bid usually ranges from $600 to $1,000, depending on the destination.

Some passengers bid the lowest possible amount, and airlines frequently accept these bids. Considering that a business class ticket can cost up to $4,000 for this route, combining an economy ticket with a successful bid can result in substantial savings of up to $2,600.

Utilizing Airline Miles or Status for Upgrades

The general advice regarding airline miles is to use them promptly. Even for frequent travelers, future travel plans are uncertain, and miles could expire before being used. Therefore, when an opportunity arises to upgrade to business class with miles, it’s often a good idea to take it.

If you’re a loyal member of a particular airline, make sure to activate the upgrade eligibility option on your profile. Your membership status might make you eligible for free cabin upgrades more frequently than expected. For instance, Delta’s Platinum Medallion status holders (two tiers below the highest level) often report seldom flying in economy class within the U.S., despite only booking economy tickets, due to frequent upgrades.

Unwind on Your Return Trip

Whether you’ve enjoyed a month-long journey through Europe or a demanding two-week safari in South Africa, it’s smart to save your business class upgrade for your return flight. After such an exhausting trip, a business class seat can help you transition back to your regular routine more comfortably.

Regardless of your class of travel, always ensure you are getting the best possible deal. Set a Deal Alert for your preferred airline to receive notifications about new offers as soon as they become available. Additionally, visit our website regularly for the latest discounts on flights, hotels, and more.