3 Tricks for Getting First Class at Economy Prices

Flying first class doesn’t have to mean spending thousands of dollars. In fact, with the right strategies, you can sometimes score a luxury seat for a fraction of the price — or even for free. Over the years, frequent travelers and flight hackers have uncovered clever ways to turn economy fares into first-class experiences. Here’s how you can do it too.

8/14/20252 min read

1. Use Miles & Points Strategically

Airline loyalty programs and credit card points are one of the most powerful tools for scoring first-class tickets without paying full price.

How it works:

Many airlines allow you to upgrade an economy ticket using miles or points.
Some credit cards (like the Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, or certain airline-branded cards) offer generous sign-up bonuses that can cover an upgrade immediately.
Watch for “upgrade sales” in your frequent flyer account — airlines often send emails offering upgrades for fewer miles than usual.

Example:
I once booked a $350 economy ticket from Miami to London on American Airlines. Two weeks before departure, I received an email offering a business-class upgrade for just 25,000 miles and $75 in taxes. The retail price for that ticket in business class? $2,900.

Pro Tip: Focus on earning transferable points (like Amex Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards) so you can move them to different airlines when the best upgrade deal appears.

2. Check for Last-Minute Paid Upgrades

If you don’t have miles, you can still grab a deal by waiting for last-minute paid upgrade offers. Airlines often discount upgrades close to departure if premium cabins haven’t sold out.

How to catch them:

Check your booking online regularly in the days before your flight.
Arrive early at the airport and ask the check-in staff if discounted upgrades are available.
Use airline apps — many now push upgrade offers 24–72 hours before the flight.

Example:
A friend recently booked a $280 economy ticket from New York to Los Angeles on Delta. At online check-in, the app offered him a first-class seat for $119 extra — less than the cost of a premium economy ticket.

Pro Tip: Be flexible. The more open you are to different flights and times, the more likely you’ll find an unsold premium seat at a bargain.

3. Book “Mistake Fares” & Flash Sales

Occasionally, airlines or booking sites accidentally publish first-class fares at economy prices — called mistake fares. If you act fast, you can book them before they disappear.

Where to find them:

Follow flight deal websites like Secret Flying, The Flight Deal, or Going (Scott’s Cheap Flights).
Sign up for premium deal alerts — they often send out business and first-class deals within minutes of discovery.
Set Google Flights filters for “business” and “first” so you can spot sudden drops in premium fares.

Example:
In 2024, a Qatar Airways mistake fare from the U.S. to Bangkok in business class was posted for $650 round trip — less than the usual economy price. Travelers who booked quickly got lie-flat seats and luxury lounge access for pennies on the dollar.

Pro Tip: If you book a mistake fare, wait before making non-refundable plans. There’s a small chance the airline may cancel it, though most honor the price.

Bonus: Combine Tricks for Maximum Value

Some travelers use a combination of these methods — booking a discounted economy ticket during a sale, then using miles or a last-minute upgrade to move into first class. This often results in 70–90% savings compared to buying first class outright.

Final Thoughts

Flying first class isn’t just for celebrities and business executives anymore. By being flexible, tracking deals, and knowing when to pounce on upgrades, you can enjoy spacious seats, gourmet meals, and VIP treatment at economy prices.