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Flying business class is a game-changer. Extra legroom, tasty meals, priority boarding, and lie-flat seats can make any trip feel like a luxury experience. But with business class tickets often costing thousands of dollars, upgrading might seem out of reach.

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The good news is you don’t have to pay full price to enjoy business class perks. With the right strategies, you can score a business class upgrade for free or at a steep discount. Here are five of the best ways to upgrade your next flight without breaking the bank.

1. Use your points and miles

One of the easiest ways to upgrade to business class for free (or close to it) is by using airline miles or credit card points. Many major airlines allow you to use frequent flyer miles to upgrade from economy to business class, either at booking or later on.

If you have a travel rewards credit card, you may be able to transfer points to an airline’s loyalty program and use them for an upgrade. Many of the best cards can earn upwards of 5x points or miles on your everyday purchases.

If you don’t have enough miles for a full upgrade, some airlines let you pay with a mix of miles and cash — which can still save you hundreds of dollars compared to booking business class out of pocket.

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2. Bid for an upgrade

Many airlines now allow passengers to bid on an upgrade, meaning you can name your price for a seat in business class. If your offer is accepted, you get the seat at a discount compared to buying it outright.

This system is common on airlines like Lufthansa, Etihad, and Aer Lingus. After booking your economy ticket, check your airline’s website to see if they offer upgrade bidding.

To increase your chances, research how much business class seats normally cost on your route and bid at least 30%-50% lower than the full price.

3. Take advantage of airline loyalty status

If you fly frequently with the same airline, consider joining their loyalty program and working toward elite status. Many airlines prioritize upgrades for their most loyal customers.

For example, United Premier members and Delta Medallion members often receive complimentary upgrades when seats are available. Even lower-tier status levels can get you discounted upgrade offers at check-in.

If you don’t fly enough to earn status, some airline credit cards offer automatic elite perks that can help with upgrades.

4. Ask at check-in or the gate

Sometimes, the simplest strategy is just asking. If business class seats are available, some airlines offer last-minute upgrades at heavily discounted rates when you check in online or at the airport.

You can also ask the gate agent if any upgrades are available. This works best if you’re polite and traveling alone, and the flight isn’t oversold.

Check in as early as possible for a better shot at discounted upgrades before they’re offered to other passengers.

5. Fly during off-peak times

If business class is fully booked, your chances of upgrading are slim. But if you travel during off-peak times, airlines are more likely to have empty premium seats they’d rather sell or upgrade at a discount.

Flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are often less crowded. Red-eye and midday flights also tend to have more availability compared to popular morning and evening routes.

When booking, check the seat map to see how full the business class cabin is. If there are lots of empty seats, you may have a better chance of scoring an upgrade.

What do you have to lose?

Upgrading to business class doesn’t have to mean paying full price. With a little planning and strategy, you can enjoy lie-flat seats, priority service, and luxury travel perks without blowing your budget.

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