Flying in business class, with lie-flat seats and gourmet meals, is a dream for most airline passengers. But for the vast majority of fliers, the front of the plane remains just that—a fantasy—thanks to the staggering cost attached to it.
But not all business class seats are priced the same. Some carriers offer less expensive options than others, and still come with all the benefits you expect in a business class cabin, like lie-flat seats, elevated in-flight food and drink, and a premium airport experience.
If you’re tired of cramming yourself into an economy seat—with disappearing legroom and less-than-generous recline—or if you’re planning a special occasion trip, it could be worth upgrading to business class. To help you spend your travel budget wisely, we’ve compiled a guide to unearthing cheaper-than-average business class seats—including 12 airlines to consider for flights to Europe, Hawaii, Iceland, and beyond.
This story has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
What prices are considered a good deal for business class?
On average, how much is a first class ticket or business class seat? The price for premium cabins can get quite steep: Top business class flights can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000. Like other airline tickets, average prices vary depending on the flight’s destination, time of year, when you book, and the airline itself. The longer the flight and the plusher the cabin, the higher the fare will climb.
According to a new report from travel booking site Kayak, the most affordable business class fares—coming in at an average price of $1,627—can be found on US routes in the month of August. So anything near or below that price point can be considered a pretty good deal for one-way in business class—keeping in mind the factors like the length of the flight and the amenities your ticket includes.
When purchasing an affordable business class flight that still offers good value, you can expect a spacious seat—one that lies flat on longer routes—elevated in-flight meals, complimentary alcohol, and reserved overhead bin space.
Other perks on the ground will vary from airline to airline. Some carriers “unbundle” their cheapest business class fares, meaning amenities like airport lounge access, seat selection, and over-the-top perks like chauffeur services aren’t offered to keep prices lower. Some airlines don’t offer airport amenities—like lounges—regardless of cabin class.
To get the cheapest business class fares, you’ll have to decide which perks are most important to you. Would you prefer to relax in a lounge during a long layover? Or is a lie-flat bed in the sky with fully closing doors of more importance? Below, see exactly what perks are included in more affordable business class fares, organized by airline.
Jump to:
Airlines with cheap business class flights
TAP Air Portugal
Generally known as an affordable airline, TAP Air Portugal actually offers a solid business class product, especially for a budget carrier. According to Katy Nastro, travel expert at Going.com, TAP Air Portugal routinely prices its business class seats to Europe for less than $3,000 roundtrip—sometimes even slipping below $2,000 roundtrip. For that price, you’ll get lie-flat seats with bedding that includes wrap-around duvets and large pillows, as well as meal service that features Portuguese dishes and wines. The seats and finishes might not feel as plush as other business classes, but you’ll have space to stretch your legs and lie flat at an attainable price point.
Turkish Airlines
Offering a few more amenities at cheaper business class rates is Turkish Airlines, a carrier that Nastro says also consistently offers seats in business class on flights to Türkiye and other destinations in Europe for under $3,000 roundtrip. You’ll be well cared for in Turkish business class, which offers a lie-flat seat that’s more than six feet long and up to two feet wide, with an 18-inch entertainment screen. When it comes to dining, you’ll have access to the airline’s iconic flying chefs, who prepare a litany of Turkish dishes and other cuisines mid-flight and essentially transform the business class cabin into a flying, top-tier restaurant. Plus, business class passengers also have access to the famous Turkish Airlines lounges when they arrive at the airport.
Emirates “Special” business class fares
In order to give customers access to the cheapest business class seats, Emirates unbundles its business class fares. If you book one of these tickets, called “Special” business class fares by the airline, you won’t have access to Emirates lounges, chauffeur service, seat selection, or upgrades to first class. But once onboard the plane, you get all those bells and whistles Emirates business class is known for: ultra-comfy beds, gourmet food, premium cocktails, and even the A380’s onboard cocktail lounge.
