Buzz
Although airfares have risen due to increased post-pandemic demand and a pilot shortage, premium seats traditionally reserved for business travelers have seen discounts, largely due to the decline in corporate travel. This has opened up opportunities for big savings on first and business class tickets, especially for destinations off the beaten path—sometimes with discounts as high as 70%. Here’s what you should know before booking your next flight.
Currently, air travel demand follows a k-shaped pattern.
There are essentially two groups of travelers: those with a strong desire to fly economy—whether for leisure or to visit family—and business travelers who typically have their flights covered by their employer.
Airlines are finding it challenging to meet the demand from economy-class travelers, leading to price hikes, especially to popular vacation spots like Miami and Las Vegas. Conversely, airlines are having trouble filling premium seats on key business routes, particularly for international travel, which has resulted in significant price reductions—ranging from 20% to 70%. According to The Wall Street Journal, here are a few examples:
American Airlines has been offering business-class tickets from Chicago to London for as low as $2,389—less than half the price of the same trip in 2019.
First-class tickets on Delta Airlines from Chicago to Atlanta are available for $407, which is a 40% discount compared to the same fare in 2019.
La Compagnie, a French airline, has been offering business-class flights from New York to Paris for $1,662—68% cheaper than the price in 2019.
Austrian Airlines has business-class tickets for flights from New York to Vienna priced at $1,861 for September, which is 70% less than in 2019.
What’s fascinating about these deals is that while they are still more expensive than economy tickets, the savings are substantial enough that first-class seats might suddenly feel within reach—especially if you’re willing to treat yourself to extra comfort. For example, the price difference between economy and first class on a Chicago to Atlanta flight is $250 now, compared to $413 previously.
Things to keep in mind before booking your flight
One of the reasons business and international travel has dropped is due to lingering pandemic concerns. Although the EU plans to reopen most of its borders by September, the emergence of fast-spreading COVID variants may alter those plans. If you decide to book a first-class international flight, make sure it’s refundable or that you’ll receive a voucher for the value of your ticket in case the flight is cancelled.
The distinction between business and tourist destinations isn’t always clear-cut (e.g., both New York and Paris serve as both), so you’re more likely to find discounts when traveling to less typical tourist spots—think Atlanta-Denver over New York-San Francisco, for instance. Since discounts can vary, your best bet is to experiment with Google Flights and see what deals come up for destinations that pique your interest.
Another thing to keep in mind is that you may not receive the full first-class experience, as some airlines are still limiting meal services due to COVID-related reductions.
In conclusion
With economy flights filling up fast, opting for a premium seat could offer greater flexibility when booking for your desired travel date. However, even at a discount, flying first class remains a significant expense and must fit within your budget. Still, the added comfort might justify the extra cost, especially for long-haul international flights as they become more accessible again.
