Stop Overpaying: 4 Easy Ways to Fly Business or First Class Without Paying Full Price

Dreaming of stretching out in business class or sipping champagne in first class, but think the sky-high price tag is a nightmare? Good news: You don't have to shell out thousands to fly in luxury. With a few smart strategies, you can upgrade your flight experience without paying full price.

Here are four tried-and-true ways to score premium seats for less.

1. Use points and miles

One of the best ways to fly in business or first class without the hefty price tag is by using airline miles or credit card points. Many of the best travel credit cards offer generous sign-up bonuses that can cover the cost of premium seats.

For example, some cards offer 60,000 or more bonus points after meeting minimum spending requirements. That's enough for a business class ticket on many airlines. Transferring points to airline partners can also get you better redemption rates.

Keep an eye out for airlines' mileage sales or award seat promotions. Sometimes, they discount the number of miles needed for premium seats, letting you book business class for fewer points.

2. Bid for an upgrade

Some airlines let you bid for an upgrade after you book your ticket. Here's how it works:

• The airline invites you to place a bid for an upgrade.
• You decide how much you're willing to pay.
• If your bid wins, you get bumped to business or first class -- often for much less than the regular fare.

Even if you don't win the bid, you lose nothing. It's a risk-free shot at flying in style without the premium price.

Try to research the typical winning bids for your route. If the flight isn't full, you might score a great deal with a modest offer.

3. Look for last-minute upgrade offers

Sometimes, airlines will offer discounted upgrades at check-in or even at the gate if premium seats haven't been sold. These last-minute deals can cost a fraction of the regular price.

What to do:

• Check your airline's app or website as your departure date approaches.
• Ask about upgrade deals when you check in at the airport.
• Be friendly at the gate. Sometimes gate agents can offer discounted upgrades right before boarding.

Some travel credit cards also offer perks like complimentary upgrades or priority boarding, giving you a better shot at last-minute upgrade deals. If you travel frequently, it might be worth adding one of our best credit cards to your wallet.

If you're flying solo, you'll have a better chance of snagging an upgrade since it's easier for airlines to move one person than a group.

Never pay full price for a flight again. Check out our list of the best travel credit cards now.

4. Book premium seats during sales

Even business and first-class tickets go on sale. Airlines occasionally run promotions where premium seats are significantly discounted, especially during off-peak travel times.

How to find these deals:

• Sign up for airline newsletters.
• Follow travel deal websites and forums that share flash sales.
• Use fare alert tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to track premium seat prices.

Some international airlines offer "fifth freedom" flights. These are routes between two countries outside the airline's home country. These flights often have premium seats at lower prices than usual.

Fly high, pay low

Flying in business or first class doesn't have to drain your bank account. By using points and miles, bidding smartly for upgrades, watching for last-minute deals, and booking during sales, you can enjoy premium travel without the premium price.

With a little planning and flexibility, you'll be sipping that pre-flight champagne in no time. And you won't be paying top dollar for it.