So I've had a good year earning the cash, so I thought I'd spend some to live a little. Thought I might go on a holiday in Hong Kong and Japan. And maybe fly business class.
But I'm a true blue fair dinkum ozbargainer so of course I don't want to spend more than I have to.
So are there ever any sales for business class? I never see them on ozbargains. Where do I even start
You should look at purchasing frequent flyer miles from Alaska Airlines which can then be used for cheap business class redemptions on Cathay Pacific or Qantas to Hong Kong.
http://www.pointhacks.com.au/guide-to-alaska-airlines-mileag…
Although not a destination you mentioned, Qantas had sale fares to LAX a few weeks ago. My business class fares to LAX return were ~AU$5500 incl taxes, hopefully they're still avail if you do want to visit the States. These fares were via a travel agent, don't recall them being advertised at the time.
Occasionally I've seen Jetstar sales on business class fares, but I don't know how good their business class is..
Here you go, just over a year ago right here on OzB: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/191347
Jetstar Business Class Sale: Return Fares Bali $758, Singapore $780, Bangkok $974, Tokyo $1090
Jetstar Business Class is not really comparable to Business Class on a usually full service airline. Jetstar Business Class is almost like travelling in Economy or Premium Economy,
Jetstar international business class is exactly like Qantas Domestic Business.
proper International business class eg Qantas, SIA, Emirates etc have full reclining chairs and personal space
and just be careful some airlines call their Business Class First class instead, which gets a bit confusing as well.
I'd second what jezzster said,
Avianca and American Airlines are also having points sales.
Just redeem these points for Asian buisiness class seat on one world or star alliance.
http://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/community/airline-…
Thanks Stewardo and Jezzster.
So how do these points work? Do they only cover like 30% of the fare or something? Or can you redeem for a full ticket just on points?
Because according to the link Jezzster provided, a return business class ticket costs 60,000 points, which is about USD$1200. But if I want to buy retail, the tickets costs AUD$6500.
Seems like it's too cheap using only points.
I third these guys, Avianca currently have a 125% offer on their points.
Not always easy to find a flight to where you want to go though.
That price is correct - I've got quite a few business flights booked this year with just points which have been purchased.
The trick is finding availability, and you will need to pay taxes on top of the fare, which can range from really cheap to $100+ per person.
The points cover the base fare although taxes are excluded. It is considerably cheaper using points. Next month I'm flying from Singapore to Dublin and then from Edinburgh to Sydney on a mix of British Airways and Etihiad Business Class and Etihad First Class for approximately $4,300. I purchased the fares using American Airlines Frequent Flier Miles during one of their regular bonus points promotions.
The thing to watch is that not all seats are available for purchasing with points, so make sure you check if you can find a ticket using points for the time you want to go. Even if Business class is available for a flight, don't assume it's available for purchase with points.
@zappy32: That's true. Always very important to check reward availability before purchasing points. AA allow you to put a reward flight on hold for a few days before redeeming the points.
Has anyone used:
https://www.optiontown.com
They have a handful of airlines where they allow you to upgrade your already booked economy seats…
Yes, it has never worked for me, its like half the time they just don't bother inquiring with the airline as to whether there are any seats available.
you can also buy a qantas economy ticket and then bid on an upgrade.
How does this work? Link please
Try using Skyscanner and search for your flightpath under 'business class'. I've saved thousands using it around the world - just watch the flight time, as sometimes the cheapest business seats involved multiple airlines and long waits in-between. They search multiple / major and smaller airlines at once. Good luck.
If I were you I'd stay in a 4 or 5 star hotel while overseas rather than flying at the pointy end especially only to Hong Kong or Japan.
If you were going to Europe it'd be a different story.
If you really want to go be really careful about using those companies that pay with points. Qantas for example has really started cracking down on this.
Qantas is also having a 2 for one sale in premium economy. They might have a 2 for one sale in business soon so if you find a friend to go with that isn't a bad way to do it.
Sometimes Garuda Indonesia have good premium business and first class fares,
You might consider this deal and go to NYC or Vegas etc.
http://www.pointhacks.com.au/flight-deal-aa-business-class-u…
I reckon you could have a lot more fun with the cash you save flying cattle class in many other ways – but perhaps thats just me. Even if you wanted to pay extra for the front row seats with the extra legroom! :-)
Sorry, but I have no idea about biz class sales though.