first class travel on a budget

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First Class Travel on a Budget: How to Hack Your Credit Cards to Book Incredible Trips for Less Paperback – April 25, 2023

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Seize the Day While Saving Money With this one-stop guide to fiscal literacy in your back pocket, the five-star vacation you’ve been dreaming of is wholly within reach. Known everywhere for his innovative travel hacking tips, Zachary Burr Abel is here to offer his best counsel for navigating airline loyalty programs, credit card promotional deals, and hidden travel fees so you can see the world without emptying your pockets. Full of helpful insights and funny personal anecdotes, this guide skips all the boring financial jargon and goes straight to actionable advice about how to: - Fly first class to Japan using 55,000 miles - Use loyalty programs to get deals on rental cars and hotel rooms - Earn airline points when purchasing that cool pair of sneakers you’ve been eying - Get elite American Airlines status without flying with them - Book luxury hotels by buying points for cheap - Reap the ample credit card rewards offered to small businesses - And so much more! You’ll soon be able to travel as often and as luxuriously as you’d like thanks to these simple, easy steps that will help you stack your savings and make the system work for you. First financial tip? Invest now in this priceless resource.

• Print length 168 pages
• Language English
• Publisher Page Street Publishing
• Publication date April 25, 2023
• Dimensions 6.75 x 0.35 x 8.95 inches
• ISBN-10 1645676625
• ISBN-13 978-1645676621
• See all details

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Editorial Reviews

“This is the best book I’ve ever read.” ― Zach's Mom “Zach’s travel hacks are indispensable. It’s like having the keys to the kingdom or to a secret treasure box.” ― Kate Walsh , actress and entrepreneur “Zach is the travel Jedi. There’s no flight he can’t upgrade, no scheduling nightmare he can’t solve, no vacation he can’t level up. He makes planning travel fun again.” ― Clark Gregg , actor and director “Zach is literally my first call when I’m traveling anywhere. His ability to simplify what is a very complicated process is unmatched.” ― Adam Rose , actor “At any income, any budget, and any skill level, Zach is the most wonderful resource. He makes sure that every dollar you spend gets you closer to dream trips, flights, and experiences worldwide.” ― Anjali Bhimani , actress and bestselling author “Zach is one of the most informative figures I have come across in the world of points and loyalty programs.” ― James Asquith , CEO and Founder of Holiday Swap “Zach has mastered the perfect balance of making his content super credible and informative whilst keeping it light, simple engaging and fun!” ― Gemma Bull, Director, Global Portfolio, Loyalty and Partnerships PR Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) “If anyone can help you unlock the value of a loyalty or credit card program then it is Zach. He has a fun and creative approach that breaks it all down, giving you the opportunity to travel the world on a budget.” ― Dave Canty , Head of Loyalty & Partnerships, Bilt Rewards “Zachary pulls back the curtain to reveal a world of travel destinations, ambition, frequent flyer miles, and an epidemic of advice that will put you in the big seat.” ― Randy Petersen , Founder of FlyerTalk

About the Author

Product details.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Page Street Publishing (April 25, 2023)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 168 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1645676625
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1645676621
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12.7 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.75 x 0.35 x 8.95 inches
• #24 in Air Travel Reference (Books)
• #81 in Budget Travel Guides
• #100 in Hospitality, Travel & Tourism (Books)

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Zachary abel.

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Master These 9 Travel Hacks to Fly First Class on an Economy Budget

Posted on Published: December 12, 2023

Categories Travel Hacking

Traveling in first-class is like getting a taste of the high life. But, once you enjoy the perks of first class it’s hard to go back. This guide will show you how to get first class for cheap so you never have to sit in economy again.

9 Travel Hacks to Fly First Class for Cheap

Additional tips and tricks, first class vs. business class, why book first class for cheap .

Embarking on a journey of flying first class for cheap starts with knowing a good deal when you see it. Regularly searching for luxurious yet budget-friendly travel experiences allows you to get a sense of average prices.

First class isn’t just a seat. It’s a whole new world of travel. More legroom, gourmet meals, exceptional service, and of course the feeling of superiority. Luckily, this level of comfort isn’t just for the wealthy. With the right approach, you, too, can bask in these luxuries.

There’s a common belief that first class is always exorbitantly priced. However, this isn’t the whole truth. Affordable first class flights are not just a myth, they’re a hidden gem in the travel world waiting to be discovered. Opting for first class can elevate your travel experience dramatically. 

In the future you’ll be sitting in those front seats. Below are ways you can get to first class for cheap. 

#1 Don’t Book Business Class Directly

A key hack stands out to achieve affordable luxury travel: don’t book a business class directly if you’re aiming for first class for cheap. This game-changer strategy offers unexpected first-class adventures without a hefty price tag.

Seek Economy, Then Upgrade

Start your booking in the economy class. Keep an eye out for upgrade opportunities post-booking. Airlines often offer discounted upgrades as travel dates approach. This move can lead to significant savings, allowing you to enjoy first class perks at a fraction of the cost.

Understanding Upgrade Opportunities

Airlines frequently have unsold first class seats. They’re more likely to offer these at lower prices closer to the departure date. Be vigilant and check regularly for these opportunities. This strategy requires flexibility but can lead to luxurious travel experiences for much less.

Timing is Everything

Timing your booking and upgrade efforts is crucial. Monitor flight patterns and demand, aiming for less popular travel times. This increases your chances of finding those coveted first class seats at economy prices.

#2 Say Yes During Booking

Navigating the journey to fly first class for cheap, Easy Up Fare Strategies emerge as a savvy traveler’s best friend. This approach is all about seizing opportunities and understanding the airline industry’s pricing tactics.

Understanding Easy Up Fares

Easy Up Fares are special rates airlines offer that allow passengers to upgrade to a higher class at a lower cost during the initial booking process. These are often hidden gems in the checkout process, providing a pathway to first class luxury without the usual expense.

Spotting the Right Deals

Keep your eyes peeled for these deals. Regularly check airline websites and sign up for their newsletters. Often, these special fares are not widely advertised, so staying informed is key.

Flexibility Leads to Savings

Flexibility in your travel dates and times can unlock the best Easy Up Fares. Flying mid-week or during off-peak seasons often means more availability and better chances of scoring a cheap first class upgrade.

#3 Loyalty Pays Off

When looking to fly first class for cheap, never underestimate the power of loyalty. Aligning with a specific airline or alliance can unlock doors to luxury travel experiences without the luxury price tag.

The Power of Airline Loyalty Programs

Joining an airline’s loyalty program is a smart move for frequent travelers. Accumulate points or miles with every flight, and watch how these can be transformed into first class experiences. The more you fly with a particular airline, the closer you get to affordable first class tickets.

Maximizing Mileage Programs

It’s not just about accumulating miles, it’s about using them wisely. Look for special promotions where airlines offer bonus miles or discounted first class upgrades. Sometimes, the difference between an economy and a first class ticket can be just a few extra miles.

Exclusive Member Benefits

As a loyal member, you’ll often have access to exclusive deals and offers, including the chance to upgrade to first class for a fraction of the cost. These loyalty programs are designed to reward frequent flyers, making them a key strategy in your pursuit of first class travel on an economy budget.

#4 Using Elite or Airline Credit Cards

For those wondering if you can fly first class cheaply, leveraging elite or airline credit cards offers a promising path. These cards are not just a means of payment but a gateway to a world of travel perks and benefits.

Choosing the Right Airline Credit Card

Select a credit card affiliated with an airline or a travel rewards program. Cards like the American Airlines AAdvantage Card, Delta SkyMiles Credit Card , and United MileagePlus Explorer Card offer purchase points, which can be redeemed for first class upgrades or tickets.

Maximizing Cardholder Benefits

Each purchase with these cards adds points to your travel bank. Look for special offers where spending in certain categories, like dining or shopping, earns you extra points. Additionally, these cards often come with sign-up bonuses that can jumpstart your journey to a first class seat.

Exclusive Upgrades and Perks

Owning an airline credit card often comes with additional perks like priority boarding, free checked bags, and access to exclusive airport lounges. More importantly, cardholders sometimes get access to cheaper upgrade options or special fares reserved for elite members.

#5 Buying Points Wisely

One of the smartest ways to ensure you can fly first class for cheap is by buying points wisely. This strategy involves understanding the value of airline points and using them to your advantage.

Understanding Point Valuation

Before purchasing points, it’s crucial to understand their value. Airlines value their points differently, so do the math to ensure you get a good deal. For instance, purchasing points during promotional periods can often lead to greater savings on first class tickets.

Look for Point Sale Promotions

Airlines frequently offer sales on points, providing an opportunity to buy them at a lower cost. Sign up for airline newsletters and alerts so you’re informed when these sales occur. Buying points during these promotions can lead to substantial savings on first class flights.

Strategic Points Purchase

Consider buying points when you’re a few short of a first class upgrade or ticket. It’s a cost-effective strategy compared to paying full price for a first class ticket. However, always calculate to ensure that purchasing points is cheaper than paying for the upgrade outright.

#6 Travel Off-Peak

The secret to flying first class for cheap often lies in choosing when to travel. Off-peak travel is a strategic move that can lead to significant savings, especially when eyeing those luxurious first-class seats.

Understanding Off-Peak Travel

Off-peak periods are times when airlines experience lower passenger volumes. This typically includes mid-week days, non-holiday periods, and seasons like late fall or early spring. During these times, airlines are more likely to offer discounted first-class seats or upgrades to fill the premium cabins.

Advantages of Flying When Others Don’t

Traveling when others typically don’t, such as during weekdays or outside-of-school vacations, increases your chances of finding first class for cheap. Airlines are keen to maximize revenue by offering tempting upgrades at a lower cost during these quieter times.

Seize the Opportunity for Cheaper Upgrades

Keep an eye on flights during off-peak times. Airlines might offer unsold first-class seats at a fraction of the usual price. This is when flexibility with your travel dates pays off, allowing you to experience first-class luxury without the price tag.

#7 Watch for Open Seats

A crucial strategy in your quest to fly first class for cheap is being vigilant and watching for open seats. This proactive approach can lead to unexpected but welcome upgrades to luxury.

Stay Alert for Last-Minute Availability

Airlines often have unsold first-class seats as the departure date nears. Staying alert to these last-minute availabilities can be your golden ticket. Regularly check the airline’s website or app for any changes in seat availability, especially in the days leading up to your flight.

Leverage Flight Alerts

Sign up for flight alerts from airlines or third-party websites. These services notify you when a first-class seat becomes available on your desired flight, giving you a prime opportunity to upgrade for less.

Be Ready to Act Fast

When you spot an open first-class seat, be ready to act quickly. These opportunities are often grabbed up fast. Having your details and payment information at hand can make the difference in securing that luxurious seat.

#8 Upgrading at Check-In

Another effective strategy to fly first class cheaply is exploring upgrade options at check-in. This method can be surprisingly successful, especially for those who know how to navigate the process.

Ask Politely at the Check-In Counter

When you arrive at the airport, inquire politely at the check-in counter about the possibility of an upgrade to first class. Being courteous and friendly is essential, customer service agents are more likely to help if you have a pleasant demeanor.

Understand Timing and Availability

Upgrades at check-in are often subject to availability. Airlines are more likely to offer discounted upgrades if there are unsold first-class seats. Arriving early at the airport increases your chances, as there will be more open seats to consider.

Negotiate the Upgrade Price

If an upgrade is available, don’t hesitate to negotiate the price. Airlines are sometimes willing to offer a significant discount on the day of the flight, just to fill the seats. This can be your chance to secure a first-class seat for a fraction of the original price.

#9 Be Flexible and Open to Opportunities

The final piece of advice in your journey to fly first class for cheap is to embrace flexibility and openness to opportunities. This mindset can unlock doors to luxury travel experiences you might not have thought possible.

Embrace Flexible Travel Plans

Flexibility with your travel dates and destinations can be a game-changer. Airlines often have special offers or last-minute deals on first-class tickets that are not widely advertised. Being open to adjusting your plans can lead to significant savings on first-class travel.

Stay Informed and Ready to Act

Keep informed about airline offers and act quickly when an opportunity arises. This could mean subscribing to airline newsletters, using flight deal apps, or regularly checking airline websites.

Explore Alternative Routes and Airlines

Sometimes, flying first class for cheap means taking a less direct route or trying a different airline. Exploring these alternatives can lead to unexpected deals on first-class tickets, making your luxury travel dreams more attainable.

Embarking on a journey to fly first class for cheap requires a mix of savvy strategies and little-known tips. Here are some additional tricks to help you secure that luxurious seat without overspending.

Explore Package Deals and Bundles

Sometimes airlines offer package deals that include first class tickets at a reduced price. Look for bundles that combine flights with hotel stays or car rentals. These packages can offer overall savings and a chance to experience first class.

Participate in Airline Surveys and Feedback Programs

Airlines often seek passenger feedback and may reward participants with points or vouchers. Engage in these opportunities; your next survey could improve your first class upgrade.

Utilize Social Media and Forums

Follow airlines on social media and join travel forums. These platforms can be goldmines for flash deals, last-minute offers, and exclusive promotions not found elsewhere.

Check for Corporate or Group Discounts

If you’re traveling for business or in a group, inquire about corporate or group discounts. Airlines might offer reduced rates for first class seats to companies or larger groups.

Consider Smaller or Newer Airlines

Newer or smaller airlines often have more competitive pricing for first class seats to attract customers. Don’t overlook these airlines when searching for affordable luxury travel options.

Stay Updated with Airline Policies

Airlines periodically update their policies and offers. Staying informed about these changes can help you take advantage of new upgrade policies or loyalty program benefits.

Look for Error Fares

Sometimes airlines mistakenly post extremely low fares, known as error fares. While not common, keeping an eye out for these can lead to an incredible deal on first class tickets.

Use Incognito Mode When Searching

When searching for flights, use incognito mode in your browser. This can sometimes help you see lower prices as it prevents websites from tracking your search history and inflating prices based on interest.

Consider Travel Agents

Some travel agents have access to deals and upgrades not available to the general public. It’s worth checking with a few to see if they can offer a better first class rate.

Volunteer for Later Flights

If your schedule allows, volunteer to be bumped from an overbooked flight. Airlines often compensate volunteers with vouchers or points that can be used towards first class tickets on future flights.

In pursuing luxury travel, understanding the difference between first class and business class is crucial, especially when trying to fly first class for cheap. This knowledge helps you make informed decisions about when to splurge and when to save.

Understanding the Difference

First and business classes offer enhanced travel experiences, but first class usually takes it up a notch. This includes more spacious seating, superior dining options, and often more personalized service. Knowing these differences helps you weigh each class’s cost versus the benefits.

Evaluating the Value of First Class

When deciding whether to upgrade, consider the length of the flight and the amenities offered. If you have a long-layover the hours spent eating free food in the airport lounge can offset the cost. On long-haul flights, the extra comfort of first class can be a game-changer, making it worth the extra cost or points.

Business Class as a Cost-Effective Alternative

If first-class prices are steep, business class can be a great alternative. It still offers a significant upgrade from the economy, with larger seats and better meals, but at a lower cost. This can be a smart choice when first class for cheap isn’t an option.

FAQ: Booking First Class for Cheap

Can you really fly first class for cheap.

Yes, it’s possible to fly first class for cheap by using strategies like booking in advance, being flexible with travel dates, using airline loyalty programs, and looking out for special promotions and upgrade opportunities.

How can I get a cheap first class upgrade?

To get a cheap first class upgrade, be flexible with your travel dates, join airline loyalty programs, use credit card points, check for last-minute upgrade deals, and politely inquire about upgrades at check-in.

When is the best time to book first class flights for cheaper rates?

The best time to book first class flights for cheaper rates is typically during off-peak seasons, mid-week days, or during airline sales. Booking well in advance or last-minute can also yield lower prices.

Do airline credit cards help in getting first class tickets?

Yes, airline credit cards can help in getting first class tickets by accumulating points on everyday purchases, which can be redeemed for upgrades or tickets. These cards often come with additional perks like lounge access and priority boarding.

Are there specific days or times to fly for cheaper first class seats?

Flying mid-week, during off-peak hours, or outside of major holidays and school vacation periods can increase your chances of finding cheaper first class seats due to lower demand.

Can joining airline loyalty programs help in flying first class?

Yes, joining airline loyalty programs can significantly help in flying first class . Members earn miles or points with every flight, which can be redeemed for upgrades or tickets, and they often get access to exclusive deals.

What are easy up fares and how do they work?

Easy Up Fares are special rates offered by airlines that allow passengers to upgrade to a higher class at a lower cost. These fares are usually available during off-peak times or when there is excess capacity in higher classes.

Is it cheaper to upgrade to first class at the airport?

Sometimes, it can be cheaper to upgrade to first class at the airport. Airlines may offer discounted upgrades at check-in if there are unsold first class seats available.

How effective is buying points for first class upgrades?

Buying points can be effective for first class upgrades, especially during point sale promotions or when you are just short of the required points for an upgrade. It’s important to compare the cost of buying points versus the price of the upgrade.

What strategies can I use to find error fares for first class?

To find error fares for first class, regularly check airline and travel deal websites , subscribe to error fare alert services, and follow airlines on social media for any accidental promotions or pricing mistakes.

Veronica Hanson blogs from whatever country she happens to be in at the time, currently she's hanging out in Japan. She's been living as a nomad remote entrepreneur with her family since 2020.

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5 tricks for traveling first class on an economy budget

There’s no better feeling than setting your out of office reply, packing your bag and setting off to explore a new city … except when you get to do it style, traveling in luxury with first class seats, fancy accommodations and five-star food.

While these perks tend to carry a hefty price tag, it is possible to experience them without racking up your credit card bill . We tapped travel experts for their tricks of the trade for upgrading your travel experience on a budget.

First things first: book smart

Where you decide to go — and what time of year you plan to do it — can make all the difference in how much your trip costs. When it comes to keeping the price down (and having more money to spend on dining and activities), being flexible is key. Since plane tickets often make up a large chunk of the cost of a trip, be flexible with time of year, travel dates and locations, and utilize alerts to snag flights when prices dip. Considering off-season travel can also get you plane tickets and hotels at much lower prices — meaning that bump up to a first-class ticket or a reservation at a five-star hotel may be more attainable.

Get away How to snag a 'glitch' flight (and other travel hacks that will save you money)

Rent an apartment or house instead of a hotel.

When it comes to accommodations, thinking outside of the box can lead to some pretty posh digs. Traditionally, we tend to stay in hotels when we travel , whether it be an all-inclusive resort or a boutique hotel. But home-share options like VRBO and Airbnb are becoming more and more popular, and they aren’t only good for snagging cheap rooms and apartments. These sites list luxury properties are vetted and reviewed by past consumers and give you all the amenities of a five-star hotel and then some.

We’re talking a full kitchen, claw-foot bathtub, private pool, and balconies to sunbathe or people watch. (A 5-bedroom Italian villa with a sea-view for $200 a night? Sign us up). The other benefit of these sites is that you can find a property at a reasonable rate in prime areas that would typically cost you an arm-and-a-leg if staying in a hotel in the same area. For example, if you’re in Paris, France and want to be near the Eiffel Tower, hotels can cost around $600 a night. But a night in a rental in the same neighborhood can be found for $100 and up, depending on the season.

But before booking, read the reviews and look at the pictures. Past visitors are very honest in their reviews about location, amenities and other important factors to consider during your stay at a property. And don't ignore the pictures provided by the host: If most of them are of local landmarks or gorgeous views, chances are the apartment or house itself isn't much to write home about — which is fine if location and ease of sightseeing is your priority. But if you're looking for fancier accommodations, make sure the images of the property reflect that.

Go to the airport lounge

If you find yourself at the airport for an extended layover, delay or cancellation, you should consider going to the lounge. Contrary to popular belief, they're not just for first class ticket holders and frequent flyers. Instead of spending hours roaming the airport in search of overpriced meals and sitting in the uncomfortable chairs at the gate, hanging out in the lounge gives you access to free food, WiFi, comfortable seating, and in some places, a place to sleep, shower and formally dine.

Don’t let the fancy doors outside of airport lounges intimidate you; lounges are easier to access than you think. First, check if the airline you are traveling on has a lounge — you can do that on their app or at the ticket counter. For Delta flights, if you have the gold American Express card, you can access their lounge for as low as $29. For United Airlines flights, simply having a business class ticket lets you in their United Club. If you travel frequently, then consider getting a membership to Lounge Buddy or Priority Pass (both starting at $99/year). These services allow you to look up the airport you are currently in and find their partner lounges available to you at a discounted price — as low as $19. (Many travel credit cards also offer a complimentary membership to one of these programs when you sign up.)

Even if you don’t have one of these memberships, you can still use sites like LoungeBuddy to purchase lounge access in advance (many lounges also accept walk-ins). What does access buy you and at what cost? The Wingtips lounge at John F. Kennedy airport in New York, for example, costs $50 and has an open bar, unlimited snacks, TVs and WiFi, while The Club lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson airport in Atlanta offers all of this plus showers and printing and faxing services for just $39. (If you have sticker shock up front, think of how much you typically drop on water, snacks, drinks and magazines during a layover — and that's minus the comfy chairs.)

Ask for an upgrade

It's notoriously hard to get an upgrade, especially now that airlines seem to be nickel and diming more than ever — with additional costs often added for checked bags, seat selection and extra leg room. But although people are always intimidated to do this, simply asking for the upgrade is the best way to make it happen. Of course, there is a specific strategy, starting with kindness. Greet the staff and acknowledge their work. They are working hard, and have tough, often thankless, jobs in hospitality. Being patient and kind automatically makes you stand out among the other customers they have dealt with all day.

Next, be strategic about how and when you ask for your upgrade. Choose a quiet time; when it’s busy, the staff may be overwhelmed and busy dealing with other issues. Also, never ask loudly in front of other people. As you can imagine, this can quickly trigger a domino effect of endless asks from other customers, which will lead to a hard “no” to all of you. Instead, lean in with your kindness and smile, and ask if there are any opportunities to be upgraded. There may not be any available at the time of the ask, as the boarding process coming to a close (and the flight has no-shows), spots may open up and you’ll be on their radar.

Also, dress the part. Often people travel in their most comfortable clothes that closely resemble pajamas (or even are pajamas). But if you’re hoping for an upgrade to first or business class, find comfortable clothing that can also pass as business casual. If you look the part, the staff may be more inclined to present you with the option.

This is also another area where those travel credit cards will come in handy. If you rack up enough points, you can splurge on the first-class tickets without your bank account taking a hit. (The key is to use one card for the majority of your purchases in order to accumulate the most points possible in the shortest amount of time).

Eat at a five-star restaurant on a budget

Want to experience some top-rated fine dining on your trip? "You can often eat at Michelin-starred restaurants or their equivalent for less if you go for lunch,” says travel writer Travis Levius . “Multi-course afternoon menus often cost a fraction of the dinner menu. If you want to have an evening experience at in-demand fine dining restaurants and you don't have hundreds to spend [or the] connections to snag a table, ask for their bar section if available — not only are these usually available for walk-ins, you can still sample the food from a shorter menu and not feel obligated to rack up a huge dinner bill.”

MORE TRAVEL TIPS

• How to pack a carry-on (so you don't need to check a bag)
• How beat back flight anxiety
• 5 travel savings 'hacks' that may end up costing you
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Want more tips like these? NBC News BETTER is obsessed with finding easier, healthier and smarter ways to live. Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .

First Class Travel on a Budget: How to Hack Your Credit Cards to Book Incredible Trips for Less

Zachary abel.

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 25, 2023

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First Class Travel on a Budget: How to Hack Your Credit Cards to Book Incredible Trips for Less Paperback – April 25 2023

Purchase options and add-ons.

• Print length 168 pages
• Language English
• Publisher Page Street Publishing
• Publication date April 25 2023
• Dimensions 17.15 x 0.89 x 22.73 cm
• ISBN-10 1645676625
• ISBN-13 978-1645676621
• See all details

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Product description

"Zachary pulls back the curtain to reveal a world of travel destinations, ambition, frequent flyer miles, and an epidemic of advice that will put you in the big seat." -- Randy Petersen , Founder of FlyerTalk

About the Author

Product details.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Page Street Publishing (April 25 2023)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 168 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1645676625
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1645676621
• Item weight ‏ : ‎ 360 g
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 17.15 x 0.89 x 22.73 cm
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First Class Travel on a Budget: How to Hack Your Credit Cards to Book Incredible Trips for Less (Paperback)

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• About the Author
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Seize the Day While Saving Money With this one-stop guide to fiscal literacy in your back pocket, the five-star vacation you’ve been dreaming of is wholly within reach. Known everywhere for his innovative travel hacking tips, Zachary Burr Abel is here to offer his best counsel for navigating airline loyalty programs, credit card promotional deals, and hidden travel fees so you can see the world without emptying your pockets. Full of helpful insights and funny personal anecdotes, this guide skips all the boring financial jargon and goes straight to actionable advice about how to: - Fly first class to Japan using 55,000 miles - Use loyalty programs to get deals on rental cars and hotel rooms - Earn airline points when purchasing that cool pair of sneakers you’ve been eying - Get elite American Airlines status without flying with them - Book luxury hotels by buying points for cheap - Reap the ample credit card rewards offered to small businesses - And so much more! You’ll soon be able to travel as often and as luxuriously as you’d like thanks to these simple, easy steps that will help you stack your savings and make the system work for you. First financial tip? Invest now in this priceless resource.

• Travel / Special Interest / Budget
• Travel / Special Interest / Adventure

“This is the best book I’ve ever read.” — Zach's Mom “Zach’s travel hacks are indispensable. It’s like having the keys to the kingdom or to a secret treasure box.” — Kate Walsh , actress and entrepreneur “Zach is the travel Jedi. There’s no flight he can’t upgrade, no scheduling nightmare he can’t solve, no vacation he can’t level up. He makes planning travel fun again.” — Clark Gregg , actor and director “Zach is literally my first call when I’m traveling anywhere. His ability to simplify what is a very complicated process is unmatched.” — Adam Rose , actor “At any income, any budget, and any skill level, Zach is the most wonderful resource. He makes sure that every dollar you spend gets you closer to dream trips, flights, and experiences worldwide.” — Anjali Bhimani , actress and bestselling author “Zach is one of the most informative figures I have come across in the world of points and loyalty programs.” — James Asquith , CEO and Founder of Holiday Swap “Zach has mastered the perfect balance of making his content super credible and informative whilst keeping it light, simple engaging and fun!” — Gemma Bull, Director, Global Portfolio, Loyalty and Partnerships PR Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) “If anyone can help you unlock the value of a loyalty or credit card program then it is Zach. He has a fun and creative approach that breaks it all down, giving you the opportunity to travel the world on a budget.” — Dave Canty , Head of Loyalty & Partnerships, Bilt Rewards “Zachary pulls back the curtain to reveal a world of travel destinations, ambition, frequent flyer miles, and an epidemic of advice that will put you in the big seat.” — Randy Petersen , Founder of FlyerTalk

How to Travel First Class on a Budget

Yes, it’s possible to be frugal and still travel in style. here are some of our favorite tips for getting the vip experience out of any trip..

By Ashley Sepanski

Ask More of Your Hotel Hotels love to use the word “luxury” to reel in travelers, but outside of nice bath products and a robe in the closet, many fall short of what you’d expect to get for the price. And with more and more hotels offering amazing perks like free wine socials , dog-friendly packages , and complimentary breakfasts, why should you settle for anything less than extraordinary?

Some of our favorites VIP benefits:

– Take relaxation to a new level with The Viceroy Riviera Maya’s complimentary Soap Concierge service. After an expert walks you through a selection of curated soaps, receive personalized bars cut fresh from the block.

–  For the creatively inclined, Rosewood San Miguel de Allende welcomes guests with paint, brushes, and adult- and kid-sized easels.

–  Book a suite at the Four Seasons Beverly Hills and experience what it’s like to travel like a star. The hotel offers a free car rental program featuring dream vehicles like a Maserati, Ferrari, and Lamborghini.

–  Live out your rock star dreams at any Hard Rock Hotel by reserving an electric guitar, free of charge.

–  Make a dog’s day at the Red Mountain Resort in Utah. The hotel pairs guests with shelter dogs for hikes in the nearby state park. It may be hard to leave without taking your new friend home.

The easiest way to secure top-notch accommodations is to do your homework. Take advantage of apps like HotelTonight, Trivago, and TripAdvisor to search hotels by amenity and see reviews from fellow travelers.

Hack Your Rental  So you reserved a fuel-efficient Toyota for the weekend, but are staring at the rental agent as she tells you there’s no car available—that is unless you want to pay an additional $50 a day for an SUV. The reservation fulfillment process of rental car companies is probably the most frustrating and up in the air part of your vacation. So how to get the best deal without ending up stranded or paying whopping fees?

It might sound obvious, but start by signing up for a member program. Unlike airline and hotel loyalty programs, many car rental memberships come with immediate benefits regardless of how often you rent with them. Perks include faster service (think skipping the line entirely), access to nicer vehicles that will actually be there when you show up, and free upgrades offered exclusively to members.

Also, as a rule of thumb, save some extra cash by skipping the prepaid fuel and insurance add-ons. You can almost always find cheaper gas on your own, and many credit card companies, such as American Express, offer insurance options with better, more affordable coverage.

Put Your Miles to Work With a list of perks from seat upgrades and pre-boarding, to lounge access and snagging free tickets with miles, joining an airline’s loyalty program is a no brainer. Another bonus: using miles to purchase tickets is often cheaper than paying with money. Don’t have enough to book a ticket? Don’t forget outside of earning miles through travel and credit card purchases you can buy them directly from the carrier. It doesn’t always make sense to shell out cash for points, but if the airline is offering a good deal, say two miles for the price of one, then racking up the points needed for a luxury upgrade suddenly becomes a lot cheaper.

You can also get creative with how you use reward points from other places—think hotels and credit cards. Shake out the metaphorical piggy bank from your hotel rewards program and convert them to miles for an easy family upgrade on your next flight.

Take Lounging Seriously Getting access to an airport lounge might be a matter of what’s in your wallet. Credit cards like the Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite MasterCard and Platinum American Express card come pre-loaded with access to a number of airport lounges around the world. Also, don’t forget to make use of that elite status—travelers at the elite level on both airline and hotel loyalty programs often get rewards like free lounge memberships. Lastly, consider investing in programs like Priority Pass , a subscription that gets you into over 1,000 airport lounges across the globe.

Did you know, most US lounges offer day-pass options? American Airlines, United, and Delta will give you access to the lounges, where free snacks and beverages (including alcohol) are available, as well as better Wi-Fi, private workspaces, charging stations, comfy lounge chairs, and magazines. Although they charge $45 to $59 per day, you’ll feel like a rock star here, rather than sitting on a floor in the terminal trying to find a plug to charge your phone. Another perk? The attendants will keep you alerted to your flight status, which is especially helpful during delays.

Grab A Better Meal Just because you are stuck at the airport doesn’t mean you can’t find fine dining that will have you feeling like a first-class traveler. Might we suggest…

–  The Perfectionist’s Café, London Heathrow. The younger sibling to The Fat Duck, celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal’s Michelin-star awarded restaurant, The Perfectionist’s Café has delicious bites you’d expect from a gourmet restaurant. Try the legendary Marmalade-on-Toast shake for an unexpected breakfast treat, the Truffled Culatello & Mushroom Pizza, or the British classic, Fish & Chips.

–  Tortas Frontera, Chicago O’Hare. A cult favorite with a menu featuring hearty, flavor-packed sandwiches (aka tortas) and a guacamole bar, this savory stop easily solves the “where should we eat?” dilemma.

–  Le Chef, Geneva International Airport. Local, seasonal produce, French-inspired dishes and a view of the Jura Mountains come together for an uplifting dining experience, the perfect way to refuel on long travel days.

–  Porta Gaig, Barcelona El Prat Airport. Another child of a Michelin star-rated spot, you can expect upscale fare that’s innovative and sparkling with flavor. Try the lunch tasting menu, which includes three sample dishes plus dessert.

–  One Flew South, Hartsfield- Jackson Airport. A little closer to home, Atlanta’s international terminal serves up some of the freshest sushi at One Flew South (fresh seafood is flown in every morning from the coast!). It’s the first upscale restaurant to open at Hartsfield and besides sushi serves up “Southernational Cuisine” with local ingredients.

Přejít k obsahu | Přejít k hlavnímu menu | Přejít k vyhledávání

• 10 ways to make economy class feel like first class
• < Travel hacks

Travel hacks

By Hana Leakey August 31, 2023

By Hana Leakey | August 31, 2023

Last update: September 4, 2023

Anyone knows that first class is inherently incompatible with flying on a budget. But what if you could bring first class… to economy class? Here’s how, in 10 simple ways

You’re traveling on a budget , and Kiwi.com sure is here for you in that — we’re masters at selling cheap economy-class plane tickets. But flying in economy doesn’t mean you have to have a miserable, uncomfortable journey! Check out these 10 hacks that’ll improve your flight experience, to make economy class feel like first class.

1: Look at what different airlines offer

Do a little research before you choose a carrier to fly with, as not all economy-class services are the same. Some (mostly budget) airlines merely provide the bare bones of what it’s like to travel on a plane: a seat and a seatbelt, and perhaps an in-flight magazine that serves primarily to promote their overpriced refreshments. Meanwhile, though it’s becoming increasingly uncommon, some legacy carriers still offer free drinks to their economy passengers. The amount of legroom that you get in economy also varies from airline to airline , so it’s worth looking at this, too. After all, few experiences could be further from first-class than sitting with your knees bent almost up to your chest. Speaking of legroom…

2: Choose your seat wisely

This is the most obvious way to better your economy class experience: pick a seat that offers more legroom or a recline function. Again, even by the standards of one airline or aircraft, not every seat necessarily provides the same amount of comfort, and this is even true of budget airlines. A front-row seat, an exit-row seat, or a seat behind a bulkhead (a physical partition) is the way to go for more space. With this in mind, it’s worth booking your flight early . The sooner you book your flight, the sooner you can reserve the best seat for that mock first-class experience.

3: Bring your own sleeping essentials

This is the first category of typically first-class perks on this list (spoiler: we’re going to tell you to provide them all yourself). If you know in advance that you won’t be getting any from your airline, here are some pointers for picking the best sleeping essentials. You want a soft but breathable blanket, a horseshoe-shaped travel pillow so that your neck is supported, and an eye mask with contoured eye cups. The eye cups ensure that the mask doesn’t put any pressure directly on your eyes, allowing them the space they need during the rapid eye movement stage of sleep, resulting ultimately in better-quality rest.

4: Invest in noise-canceling headphones

@kiwi.com Would you be down to try any of these tricks from @emiliabeattie and @joelfriendy ♬ original sound – Kiwi.com

What else can you expect in economy class but don’t tend to hear in first class? Crying children, of course. Drown them out with a good pair of noise-canceling headphones, or for some proper peace and quiet, some decent earplugs. We recommend using wax earplugs — they’re cheap, you mold them so that they actually stay in your ear, and they block out everything .

5: Have lots of entertainment ready

On the topic of noise-canceling headphones, naturally, you’ll need something to play through them. Load up your devices with movies, shows, podcasts, and music to keep your mind occupied during the flight. And if that riveting in-flight magazine just doesn’t quite cut it, read your favorite book, or play some games if you’re traveling with someone else.

6: Consider getting a leg hammock

Fly Legs Up has created some ingenious gear that allows you to stretch your legs, feet off the floor, in an economy-class airplane seat. It’s essentially a leg hammock that attaches to your tray table, complete with inflatable cushions that can be rearranged to support different lounging positions. This supposedly alleviates pressure from your back, unlocking a whole new level of comfort. It might look a bit difficult to get the “hang” of, but this hack is the closest thing you can get to a first-class airplane bed.

7: Put together your own amenity kit

@kiwi.com if you have a travel coming up, you should try these hacks!💕 #flightessentials #carryonmusthaves #longflight #travelwithkiwicom #oversees #packing #packingtips ♬ In the Bosom – Sweet After Tears

A complimentary amenity kit is something ubiquitous in first class, but can’t always be expected in economy. Collect your favorite toiletry miniatures — eye cream, eye drops, lip balm, face mist, and moisturizer to soothe, some wipes, toothpaste and a toothbrush — to ensure you stay refreshed during your flight. You could even go one step further and mimic a spa experience with a face mask or an essential oil roller. A little aromatherapy never hurt anyone!

8: Stock up on premium snacks

@kiwi.com Let Rafail and Thanasis explain to you the value of cheap tickets you can get on Kiwi.com😄 ♬ original sound – Kiwi.com

We’re not necessarily suggesting caviar and foie gras, here; just your favorite snacks that the airline probably wouldn’t stock in economy class (and even if it did, you’d need to pay for anyway). It might sound simple, but having something to eat that you really enjoy can significantly improve your flight experience… and we wouldn’t particularly trust the meals served in economy to hit that spot.

9: Bring a cocktail kit

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Cocktail Kits 2 Go (@cocktailkits2go)

Even the most generous of carriers are unlikely to serve decent, reasonably-priced cocktails to their economy-class passengers, but don’t let this stop you from feeling like you’re living the high life. Nowadays, you can get cocktail kits that are designed specifically to be taken in your carry-on onto a plane. They usually include all the non-liquid ingredients for a particular cocktail, a mixing spoon or mini shaker, as well as the recipe. Pick up a bottle of mixer after security, and although according to the rules, you’ll still need to get the alcohol on board, it’s a small cost for what you’ll have in the end: a refreshing treat that’s much closer to a bar-standard drink.

10: Arrange your transfer in advance

@kiwi.com Replying to @Bence Gyors ♬ Peace – Official Sound Studio

Getting off a plane and making your way through the airport only to feel lost on the other side is far from the first-class experience. We know you’re cash-conscious, so we’re not saying you should hire a shiny black car or anything, but just knowing ahead of time where you need to go at your destination and how you’re going to get there will make you feel more relaxed. Arrange for a taxi to pick you up if you can afford it, or book onward bus or train tickets in advance of your flight. It’s a little thing that contributes to the overall smoothness of a long-distance journey, which is what first-class travel is all about!

We have more travel hacks and inspiration on  Kiwi.com Stories .

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We’ve all seen those happy flyers sitting up in the front, enjoying a hot towel and a glass of champagne while we trudge back to seat 42B. Comfort, relaxation and luxury — there’s no denying that first class will get you where you want to be in style, but is first class worth it?

Here's a look at the differences between economy and first class, domestic versus international first class and other options you may want to consider before your next flight.

The differences between economy and first class

The most obvious difference between economy and first class is the price. Generally, first class is more expensive than economy class, though the actual difference in price depends on the route, when you purchase the ticket and how many seats are available.

Economy class seats are fairly standard, while you can experience a variety of seats in first class. These may be similar to reclining leather chairs but can also move to lie down to a fully flat bed.

First class passengers can also expect different food when flying, complimentary alcohol and more attentive service.

On the ground, first class tickets can come with:

Airport lounge access.

Expedited security lines.

Extra free checked luggage.

Fast-track immigration process.

Separate check-in service.

In short, first class tickets provide a wealth of benefits for the additional cost, but you’ll want to be sure you’ll take advantage of the extra perks.

» Learn more: A beginner’s guide to flying in business or first class

Domestic vs. international first class

There are also huge differences between domestic versus international first class, both on the ground and when flying. If you buy a ticket from San Francisco to Miami thinking you’ll get a lie-flat seat, you'll be disappointed to find that you’ll be spending five hours in a chair that simply reclines.

International first class products, on the other hand, are some of the most luxurious in the world. On some carriers, this means enjoying a shower mid-flight. On others, you’ll have an entire cabin to yourself, featuring a chair and your own separate bed. You can also expect amenities such as a chauffeur service and high-end airport lounge access.

Meanwhile, there are far fewer domestic first class features. Lounge access, for example, isn't always included except in some specific situations (such as flying a premium transcontinental route).

Seating is also usually fairly limited. Although some domestic first class routes will have seats that lie flat, for the most part, you can expect a leather lounger-type chair. Most of the time, you’ll receive a complimentary full meal with alcohol available as well.

You’ll also receive other benefits, such as a separate check-in line and additional free checked baggage.

» Learn more: The best first class award flights

First class, business class or premium economy?

You aren’t limited to just economy or first class when flying. The options you’ll find vary depending on the airline and where you’re going, but you may also want to consider business class or premium economy.

On long-haul international flights, business class is often a great alternative to first class — and they tend to be pretty similar. You’ll find a seat that converts into a bed, and some business class offerings include doors that turn your seat into a suite. You can also expect high-end food, complimentary alcohol and amenities such as pajamas and mattress pads.

Premium economy, meanwhile, functions similarly to domestic first class on long-haul international flights. It's a step up from standard economy and can feature different food, better alcohol and amenity kits. Premium economy seats tend to be similar to domestic first class seats. They’re larger than a regular economy seat and have a decent amount of recline but don’t lie down.

» Learn more: Delta Comfort Plus versus first class cabin

Is first class worth it?

The short answer to this question is that you’ll need to decide if it’s worth it based on your personal situation. First class can be a lot more costly than economy class, especially on international flights.

In a search, we found an American Airlines economy class ticket from Los Angeles to Paris for $1,180.

Eleven hours is a long time to sit upright in a cramped economy seat, but flying that same route in first class was almost sixteen times the price, coming in at $18,606.

For that rate, you’ll be able to experience Air France’s spectacular La Premiere product. But is it worth paying for the upgrade? It depends on how much you want the upgraded seat and experience, and whether you may be able to make a first class trip more affordable by booking with points or miles.

» Learn more: The best first class airline in the U.S.

Using miles to fly first class

If you want to fly in first class, you may want to consider redeeming miles rather than spending cash. Frequent flyer miles can help offset the costs and redemption rates can also be good.

For example, when we last checked, a first class flight from Houston to Frankfurt in Lufthansa’s first class came in at $12,707.

Instead of paying more than $12,000 for the flight, you can instead choose to redeem miles. That same flight will cost 87,000 Lifemiles and around $22 in taxes and fees.

This is a great value when compared with cash, and you can acquire Lifemiles by transferring your credit card points from American Express Membership Rewards , Citi ThankYou points , Bilt Rewards and Capital One Miles .

Here are some cards to consider:

on American Express' website

on Bilt's website

on Citibank's application

• 4 points per $1 at restaurants plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.

• 4 points per $1 at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per year).

• 3 points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel.

• 1 point per $1 on other eligible purchases.

Terms apply.

• 3 points per $1 on dining.

• 2 points per $1 on travel.

• 1 point per $1 on rent payments up to 100,000 points per calendar year.

Note: You must use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points. If you do not make at least 5 transactions in a statement period you’ll earn a flat 250 points when you use your Bilt Mastercard to pay rent through the Bilt App or Website.

• 5 miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

• 2 miles per $1 on all other purchases.

• 10 ThankYou® points per $1 spent on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked through the Citi Travel site.

• 3 points per $1 on air travel and other hotel purchases.

• 3 points per $1 on supermarkets.

• 3 points per $1 on gas stations and EV charging stations.

• 3 points per $1 on restaurants.

• 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

So, is flying first class worth it?

Flying first class can be an amazing experience, especially if you’re traveling internationally. Along with premium treatment in the airport, you can expect better seats, better food and better service onboard.

However, first class tickets can also be expensive. If you’re looking to save money, consider instead using points and miles to pay for first class flights, allowing you to enjoy some bubbles with cash in your pocket.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

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• How To Fly First Class for Cheap
• Tips to Get Cheap First-Class Flights

Business vs. First Class

The bottom line.

• Budgeting & Savings

How to Fly First Class for Cheap

How do you fly first class for cheap.

As airlines continue to nibble away at the amenities, the comfort space, and the all-around ambiance of the coach cabin, flying first-class for cheap has come to seem like the impossible dream for many travelers. The same goes for business class, where you're more likely to see seats, especially on domestic flights.

But there are ways to realize that dream. Below, we'll look at some tips for scoring seats in the front of the plane—be it first class or business class—without breaking your wallet.

Key Takeaways

• Always try to avoid buying business or first-class tickets outright—or at least purchase seats on weekends, when fewer corporate travelers fly (fares might be lower).
• Joining airline loyalty programs and using co-branded credit cards can often earn you enough miles or points to buy premium seats.
• One tactic is to buy a coach seat, then use your frequent flyer points to upgrade to first class.
• It might be possible to upgrade a seat for less, or even for free, close to departure when you are checking in, or at the gate.

Understanding How to Get Cheap First Class Flights

Don’t book business class directly.

You might be tempted to invest in a business-class ticket and then plan to upgrade to first. Don't. A business-class ticket can cost as much as five times more than a coach ticket. Although flying business class is a better experience, it’s not five times better. Plus, you'll probably pay a fortune to get into first class.

Easy Up Fares

Andy Abramson, CEO of Comunicano, Inc., and one of the first Business Traveler magazine's Business Travelers of the Year, recommends making use of easy-up fares. The way to do this is by purchasing "an upgradeable coach or premium economy fare, and then applying your points to get into first class,” he says. In other words, don't buy expensive; buy cheap, and then upgrade.

Remain Loyal

Airline loyalty programs aren't what they used to be: Even for frequent travelers, the perks have been peeling away. All the same, they're worth joining. Those miles you earn will add up, and eventually, you can use them for a free upgrade. But watch for the expiration dates on points and make sure to read all e-mails and other communiqués that come from the airline about the program.

Use Elite or Airline Credit Cards

Some of the mid-tier cards offer travel rewards, but the elite travel cards are where to find the real perks. Cards such as American Express Platinum, Chase Sapphire Preferred, and some of the co-branded cards like the Delta SkyMiles American Express card or the United MileagePlus Card offer big bonuses if you sign up and spend a certain amount within a short period.

For example, the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express card—the most basic of the three Delta-Amex co-branded cards—was offering new cardholders 40,000 bonus miles if they spent $2,000 within their first six months in May 2024. The higher-tier Delta SkyMiles Platinum card offered 50,000 bonus miles after $3,000 in purchases in the first six months.

“Once you pick an airline, the best advice is to get that airline's co-branded card," says Rosemarie Clancy, former vice-president of content and marketing at RewardExpert.com. "Many offer 50,000-mile sign-up bonuses, which is more than half the miles needed to get to Europe in first class, for instance.

"Once you meet your minimum spend, which is usually around $4,000, think about getting a second card for your business, spouse, or even yourself, especially one with transferable points like American Express Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards," Clancy adds. "The Chase Sapphire cards offer bonus points [after spending a certain amount in the first three months] which are often enough, when combined with a mile bonus on an airline card , for one first-class round-trip ticket to London or Paris."

These more general travel cards can be more expensive than the co-branded ones (which aren't exactly cheap, either): The American Express Platinum has an annual fee of $695, whereas the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex charges $350. But if you travel a little more frequently than the average vacationer and you want maximum flexibility, the annual fee pays for itself quickly in perks and rewards.

Buy the Points

There are plenty of websites that allow you to buy and sell points, but steer clear of them. Major airlines frown on the practice, and it may result in you losing your miles or not being able to use the miles you purchased.

Instead, purchase points directly from the airline. They usually cost 2.5 cents per mile, but keep an eye out for promotional pricing deals. Whether it results in paying less for your first-class seat depends on many variables, so crunch the numbers before you purchase. 

Fly When Business Travelers Don't

Business travelers fly all week. The last thing they want to do is fly on the weekends. That’s why you won’t see as many people flying in business suits on Saturdays and Sunday mornings. That might leave more premium seats up for grabs, and at lower rates.

First-class seats tend to get cheaper on weekends, when most business travelers aren't flying.

Watch for the Open Seat

If your coach seat is towards the front of the plane, listen for the cabin door to shut. If there’s an open first-class seat, ask the flight attendant if you can move. Although free upgrades at the gate are becoming scarce, things might be more easygoing on-board. Of course, it always helps if you take the time to strike up a conversation with the attendant when you first board the plane.

Upgrade at Check-In

If you really want an upgraded seat and don’t have the miles to get it for free, purchase an upgrade when you check-in, even if you're doing it online. If there are seats available, airlines will often offer them at a discounted rate—since there are only 24 hours before takeoff at this point.

If you don’t mind the gamble, ask the gate attendant what they’re charging for the upgrade. It might be even cheaper than the reduced online rate.

If you’re wondering about the difference between first-class and business class , the answer is that it depends on the airline, the specific aircraft, and the route. At some airlines, there is no difference. At others, first class is a definite step above business class, especially on international flights.

As a rule, first-class customers have no—or at most one—seat next to them. They enjoy better service (i.e. flight attendants assigned exclusively to their cabin), higher-quality food and drinks, and access to the most luxe airport lounges. 

But first-class seats can be pricey. In some parts of the world, a ticket could cost you thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. A first-class ticket from New York to Singapore on Singapore Airlines, the most luxurious flight in the world, can cost over $15,000 per person, for example. Of course, that does get you your very own suite on the plane, a double bed, and meals cooked by world-renowned chefs.

Unless you're truly in the financial stratosphere, it’s difficult to justify the cost of a first-class seat if business class is available. Especially on domestic flights, the perks are similar.

Is it Worth Flying First Class?

It depends on the airline; a first-class ticket on a longer, international flight may feel worth it to enjoy a more comfortable experience.

How Do You Ask for an Upgrade to First Class?

You can upgrade to first class anytime before the plane takes off. To fly first class for a relatively low up-charge, or even for free if you have airline status, ask for an upgrade close to departure when you are checking in or at the gate.

How Much Does It Cost to Upgrade to First Class?

It depends on the airline and the distance being flown. Some airlines charge a few hundred dollars to upgrade an economy ticket to first class.

How Much Does It Cost to Fly Business Class?

While an economy ticket from San Francisco to New York could cost approximately $250, a business-class ticket could cost more than double that amount—and go as high as $1,000. Prices will depend on each airline and route. It's easy to compare prices on sites like Google Flights, Expedia ( EXPE ), and Kayak by making sure to unselect "economy" and choose first or business class.

“In the old days status fliers would get upgraded at the gate," Andy Abramson says. "That's [still] possible on long hauls when there's plenty of first and business class inventory on the plane, but these days we have smaller planes and fewer seats to fill up.” 

It’s not going to be easy to get the upgrade for cheap. In most cases, you will have to pay for something. But especially for longer flights, it might be well worth the extra cost.

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The Most and Least Affordable Airlines for Flying First Class [2023 Data Study]

Alex Miller

Founder & CEO

296 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 34 U.S. States Visited: 29

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

35 Published Articles 3257 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 47 U.S. States Visited: 28

Table of Contents

The cost of first class vs. economy seats by airline, the cost of first class vs. economy seats by route, the cheapest airline to fly first class across the busiest routes, methodology, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Extra legroom, preflight service, and complimentary beer and wine are just a few of the enticing reasons why travelers are willing to splurge on first class tickets. Although flying first class may initially appear to be a significant strain on your budget, the undeniable benefits of a more luxurious flight experience with added amenities cannot be overlooked. So whether you’re flying to Los Angeles or New York, first class may be worth it after all.

To find out, we found the average airfare for economy and first class seats across 4 major U.S. airlines and 12 of the busiest domestic flight routes. Keep reading to see if you should splurge on a first class ticket the next time you travel.

When it comes to booking your flight, it can be challenging to determine which airline offers the best deal for your desired seat. Using Google Flights data, we analyzed average one-way ticket prices for both economy and first class seats across 4 major airlines that offer consistent first class seating options –– Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines –– to determine the airlines where you’ll pay the highest and lowest premiums flying first class. 

We found that on average, passengers traveling within the U.S. can expect to pay a premium of $262.97 per flight (one-way) or over $525 (round-trip) when opting for a first class ticket . 

While Alaska Airlines has the highest average first class ticket price, Delta Air Lines stands out as having the highest premiums for first class tickets. Passengers flying with Delta Air Lines can expect to pay an average of $419.62 for a one-way first class ticket and $135.07 for a one-way economy ticket. This translates to a significant price difference of $284.55. 

Luxury doesn’t come cheap, as Delta Air Lines recently unveiled new first class seats with privacy partitions, adjustable neck cushions, and additional storage space to compete with other legacy airlines. 

Alaska Airlines ($281.25) and United Airlines ($250.25) also demonstrate notable price differences between their first class and economy seats. 

Alaska Airlines is unique in that the airline serves food in its first class cabins on flights as short as 550 miles while most other legacy airlines serve food on flights longer than 900 miles.

On the opposite end, American Airlines is the airline with the lowest premiums for a first class ticket. On average, American Airlines passengers will pay $134.58 for a one-way economy ticket and $370.43 for a one-way first class ticket, resulting in a $235.85 price difference . 

Whether you find yourself traveling frequently for work or embarking on the same vacation route annually, we wanted to provide you with a complete picture of ticket prices for the top 12 busiest domestic routes in the U.S. 

On the New York (JFK) to Los Angeles (LAX) route, the average one-way economy ticket is $188.29, while the one-way first class ticket averaged $846, resulting in a price difference of $657.71 . For frequent flyers, this price discrepancy can accumulate rapidly over time and can go a long way toward a downpayment on a home, repayment on student loans, or other financial goals.

Similarly, the Los Angeles (LAX) to Maui (OGG) route exhibited a significant price discrepancy between economy and first class tickets. The average one-way economy ticket for this route is $194.29, while the average one-way first class ticket is $745.29, resulting in a price difference of $551 . These price disparities align with the trend seen in LAX, which experienced a notable 42% increase in the average domestic airfare in 2022.

Several routes also had high price differences between first class and economy seats, such as Los Angeles (LAX) to Chicago (ORD) ($327.55) and Newark (EWR) to Orlando (MCO) ($252.83) . 

On the flipside, certain routes such as Los Angeles (LAX) to San Francisco (SFO) featured a comparatively smaller price difference between economy and first class tickets. With an average one-way economy ticket price of $94.73 and an average one-way first class ticket price of $187.45, the price difference amounts to only $92.71 . While you may want to pocket $100 and skip the first class seat, there are other ways to upgrade to first class on your next flight. 

If you’re on the hunt for the cheapest first class airlines then look no further! We found the cheapest airlines for first class tickets across the busiest domestic flight routes. This way, you can filter your routes by the airline the next time you purchase plane tickets using Google Flights. 

Alaska Airlines stands out as the most economical option for popular routes such as Los Angeles ( LAX) to San Francisco (SFO) and Las Vegas (LAS) to Los Angeles (LAX) with one-way first class tickets priced at $159 and $164.71 , respectively. First class seating on Alaska Airlines allows you to check in 2 complimentary bags, enjoy free alcoholic drinks, and relax in seats with generous recline and outlets.

American Airlines offers the cheapest first class flights for routes like Los Angeles (LAX) to Maui (OGG) ($650), New York (JFK) to Los Angeles (LAX) ($684), New York (LGA) to Chicago (ORD) ($240.71), and Atlanta (ATL) to New York (LGA) ($210.57) . 

If you’re flying coast to coast, investing in a first class ticket can help you get cozy in your seat, recline, and maybe even fall asleep. Plus, who wouldn’t want to enjoy a glass of red wine 35,000 feet in the air?

If you’re a fan of United Airlines , enjoy some of the cheapest first class flights from Denver (DEN) to Las Vegas (LAS) ($246.50) or Phoenix (PHX) ($246.50), Los Angeles (LAX) to Chicago (ORD) ($483.21), and Newark (EWR) to Orlando (MCO) ($343.36). 

Learn how to upgrade to first class on Alaska Airlines , American Airlines , Delta Air Lines , and United Airlines in our detailed guides!

To identify the cheapest first class airlines, we obtained ticket price data from Google Flights , focusing on the 12 busiest domestic flight routes within the U.S., according to OAG . 

For each of the 12 routes, we collected data on the cheapest available one-way ticket for both economy and first class seating across 4 U.S. airlines for 7 days. This data collection was conducted for both peak and non-peak departure dates, ensuring a comprehensive representation of pricing trends. The collected prices were then averaged together to get an average one-way ticket price for both economy and first class seating. We excluded certain U.S. airlines from our analysis for the following reasons:

• Hawaiian Airlines: While Hawaiian Airlines does offer first class seating, its flights are primarily limited to travel in and out of Hawaii; therefore, we did not have enough price data for this airline across the 12 busiest domestic routes analyzed in the study.
• JetBlue: While JetBlue does offer first class options with its Mint service, Mint fares are only available on select cross-country and international flights; therefore, we did not have enough price data for this airline across the 12 busiest domestic routes analyzed in the study.
• Southwest: While Southwest does offer Business Select seat options, they are not equivalent to true first class accommodations offered by other airlines.
• Spirit and Frontier: These budget airlines were not included as they do not offer first class seating options.

The data for this study was collected in June 2023.

Flying first class is a luxurious experience unlike any other, but it can come at a hefty price tag. On average, one-way first class tickets cost roughly $260. Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines charge some of the most expensive prices for first class tickets. On the other, hand, American Airlines is one of the cheapest first class airlines and is perfect for popular routes like New York (JFK) to Los Angeles (LAX). Keep our list of the cheapest first class flights handy when you book your next work trip or domestic getaway!

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13 Must-Read Budget Travel Books For Low-Cost Travel

Find the best books for frugal travelers and stretch your travel budget further. If you’re interested in exploring the world without breaking the bank, reading budget travel books and inspirational travel stories can be a great way to learn from the experts and get motivated to take action. Many books focus on travel even if you’re on a tight budget, whether as a student, large family , solo traveler , or simply looking for an affordable, stress-free getaway. These books dispel the myth that travel is expensive and difficult to finance.

If you’re worried about pricey lodging, flights, and activities while traveling, travel books dispel misunderstandings and can address your concerns. They normalize discussions about money and travel. No matter where you are in your travels or financial journey, there is a book that covers the subjects you are interested in. Here are some of the best books for frugal travelers that will help you learn how to stretch your travel budget further.

Best Travel Books For Budget-Conscious Travelers

Table of Contents

1. Affording Travel

2. the affordable flight guide, 3. how to travel the world on $50 a day , 4. first class travel on a budget, 5. the savvy backpacker’s guide to europe on a budget, 6. the grand hostels, 7. travel the world without worries , 8. we are financially savvy travelers, 9. big travel, small budget, 10. take more vacations, 11. the art of slow travel, 12. work, save, travel, repeat, 13. how to travel on a budget.

Although money impacts our ability to travel, it doesn’t have to stop us from following through (and achieving) our travel goals. Affording Travel is a must-read for anyone who is determined to overcome the crippling conviction that they are unable to afford travel.

Author Danielle Desir Corbett is an experienced traveler, travel and personal finance writer, and podcaster. She credits her savings methodology and prioritization of travel to visiting over 27 countries on four continents.

Even if you don’t have a lot of money right now, she explains how to save money to make travel a part of your lifestyle and reveals her greatest savings tactics for doing so.

Here’s what you’ll learn after reading this book: 

• How to budget for vacations.
• Why you should build a travel fund and what steps to take.
• Simple ways to increase your savings for travel. 

Click here to purchase Affording Travel . 

What if you could travel for $50 or less anywhere in the world?

Solo travel writer and attorney Jen Ruiz frequently found inexpensive airline tickets, such as a $38 flight to New Zealand, a $16 flight to Ecuador, and a $70 round-trip ticket to Aruba. The Affordable Flight Guide offers the perfect solution if you’ve been wishing to travel but money has been a barrier. 

This budget travel book will teach you how to: 

• Create flight alerts to receive automated notifications anytime there’s a mistake fare or price reduction.
• How to use credit card points and miles to get free award travel.
• Ways to locate hidden offers on low-cost airlines and reduce extra costs. 
• Unusual booking techniques like paying with a foreign currency and much more!

As a bonus, you’ll have access to a list of must-have free mobile apps, important resources for anyone considering living and working overseas, and side hustle ideas to help you start earning money for your next vacation.

Click here to purchase The Affordable Flight Guide .

New York Times Bestseller Matt Kepnes, also known as Nomadic Matt, has been teaching how to see the world on a budget for more than ten years through his wildly successful budget travel blog.

Matt understands that traditional media shows you pricey hotels, resorts, cruises, and packages because they generate income from them. 

This book will explain why you don’t need those expensive offers and provide tips on how to travel on a budget to any location worldwide.

How to Travel the World on $50 a Day will provide you with realistic, step-by-step instructions to get there—from start to finish—for $50 a day (or less). If you’ve ever dreamed of taking a trip to Europe, honeymooning in Seychelles, or taking your family to Disney World or London, this book shows you how to think outside the box and travel like a local. 

With a mix of tips ranging from travel hacking to smart banking, you’ll discover how to get cheap airline tickets , find discount travel cards that can save money on hostels, tours, and transportation, earn thousands of free frequent flyer miles, and avoid paying bank fees anywhere in the world. 

Matt also interviews other experienced travelers to learn about their road success and how to incorporate their top money-saving strategies into your journey.

Overall, this budget travel guide will teach you how to make the most of your money so you travel for less and longer—whether your trip is for two weeks, two months, or two years.

Click here to purchase How To Travel the World On $50 a Day .

The five-star trip of your dreams is completely within reach when you have this comprehensive and insightful guide in your pocket. Zachary Abel, well-known for his creative travel hacking advice, shares his best advice on navigating credit card promotions, hidden travel fees, and airline loyalty programs so you can explore the world without going over budget. 

This travel on a budget guide is full of insightful observations and humorous personal tales. It bypasses all the tedious financial jargon and provides practical guidance on how to: take advantage of reward programs to save money on hotel stays and car rentals. Ways to earn airline points when purchasing any item and how to become an elite member of American Airlines without ever flying with them, plus much more!

These quick and easy tips will help you maximize your savings and make travel reward systems work for you so that you can travel as often as you wish. 

Click here to purchase First Class Travel On a Budget .

Turn your dream vacation to Germany, France, England, or anywhere else in Europe into a reality. This resource will be helpful to students, backpackers , flashpackers, and budget-conscious travelers who wish to cut costs without compromising the quality of their trip. 

If you’re looking for one of the best travel books for Europe on a budget, The Savvy Backpacker’s Guide to Europe on a Budget provides advice on budgeting, finding affordable flights, creating a travel schedule, and selecting appropriate gear. It also covers outfit choices, choosing hostels, being cautious, and traveling solo or in groups, among other aspects, to ensure a safe and enjoyable overseas experience.

Click here to purchase The Savvy Backpacker’s Guide To Europe On a Budget .

Award-winning journalist Kash Bhattacharya shares his insider knowledge on where to find opulent hostels around the globe and how to dine, have fun, and relax like a local. He highlights how hostel amenities and services are exceptional, ranging from rooftop dinners and swimming pools to culinary classes and co-working spaces. And all of this is accessible from the comfort of your room. Hostels featured in this book are ideal for quick city getaways and best for foodies, nature lovers, and digital nomads .

With these creatively built hostels worldwide, you can travel in style on a budget and make your trips into lifelong memories!

Click here to purchase The Grand Hostels .

Although organizing a large trip overseas can seem intimidating, this book provides detailed guidance on properly planning, packing, and preparing so you can confidently travel anywhere.

Among the subjects discussed are how to overcome financial and time constraints to travel more, how to navigate linguistic or cultural hurdles, and how to pick the ideal travel routes, locations, and times.

Travel the World Without Worries is a go-to resource and companion for all things travel-related, whether you’re going away for a few weeks, months, or even a year.

Click here to purchase Travel the World Without Worries .

Aiming to strike a balance, this budget travel book by Danielle Desir Corbett concentrates on pursuing budget-friendly vacations while upholding your other financial goals. 

Developing a distinctive travel style , making thoughtful financial decisions, and putting money-saving techniques into practice are just a few topics covered. 

You’ll enjoy this read if you hope to travel without jeopardizing your money goals . 

Click here to purchase We Are Financially Savvy Travelers .

Ryan Shauers’ book, Big Travel, Small Budget , offers a fresh perspective on long-term travel. Drawing on his three-year travel experience, Shauers teaches readers how to save money while traveling and provides an inexpensive path to a rich life. 

This book for budget travelers covers various aspects, such as the amount of money needed, how to move overseas, become a temporary expat, and live nearly rent-free thanks to the new sharing economy. These strategies can save hundreds or thousands of dollars when applied separately. 

This book stresses that travel goals are achievable even with a tight budget.

Readers are encouraged to stop delaying travel for “someday” and to use it as a guide to go on more affordable trips for a few weeks, a few months, or even longer.

Click here to purchase Big Travel, Small Budget .

Scott Keyes, founder of Going, formerly known as Scott’s Cheap Flights, shares strategies that have saved his two million newsletter subscribers $500+ million on airfare.

Keyes discovered amazing fares for flights to Italy and Japan, revealing the confusion of buying airfare and the importance of knowing when to book, where to buy, and what to pay. 

Take More Vacations is a guidebook for anyone looking to turn one annual vacation into three, highlighting why traditional vacation planning undercuts enjoyment and how new strategies can lead to cheaper fares and more trips. Keyes also shares the surprising best week for international travel and how small airports can get the best deals. 

He challenges the conventional wisdom that it costs thousands of dollars to fly overseas and shows readers how to make previously unthinkable trips possible. 

This book is a must-read for anyone looking to make their vacations more enjoyable and affordable.

Click here to purchase Take More Vacations .

The Art of Slow Travel by Bhavana Gesota is intended for travelers on a tight budget who prefer to see the world at their leisure and pace. This travel book provides a slow travel philosophy, planning strategies, cultural immersion, responsible travel advice, useful recommendations, and first-hand accounts from slow travelers. 

It illustrates how gradual, slower-paced travel can result in self-discovery, personal development, and a broader perspective on the world. Topics include destination selection, financial planning, lodging, airfare discounts, overland travel, making money while traveling, volunteer travel, digital nomadism , and roadside obstacles.

This book is a valuable resource for those looking to break away from the rat race and truly experience the world at their own pace.

Click here to purchase The Art of Slow Travel .

Work, Save, Travel, Repeat tackles common misconceptions that deter people from starting their own incredible adventures. Filled with the latest strategies for budget travel, Jereme M. Lamps shares useful advice for how to travel cheaply and safely. After reading this budget travel guide, feel more confident you are capable of long-term travel and can handle any issues that may come up.

Click here to purchase Work, Save, Travel, Repeat .

Whether you’re road-tripping or globetrotting, these 50+ budget travel tips will help you save money on dining, transportation, accommodation, and sightseeing. If you like travel guides that get right to the point, you’ll love this easy read.

Click here to purchase How To Travel On A Budget .

To recap, here’s our list of best budget travel books:  

• Affording Travel
• The Affordable Flight Guide  
• How to Travel the World on $50 a Day
• First Class Travel On a Budget
• The Savvy Backpacker’s Guide to Europe on a Budget
• The Grand Hostels
• Travel the World Without Worries
• We Are Financially Savvy Travelers
• Big Travel, Small Budget
• Take More Vacations
• The Art of Slow Travel
• Work, Save, Travel, Repeat
• How To Travel On A Budget

Click here for a list of travel books for children that inspire a love for adventure. 

Inspire Young Explorers With These 22 Amazing Books About Travel For Kids

Jael   Jean – Louis is a freelance writer and college student who is majoring in Psychology. She enjoys learning new things, traveling, and developing her personal finance and financial literacy knowledge. She participates in various activities, including serving as an intern for the mental health club at her school and being a member of the National Honor Society, among other things. Besides keeping herself busy with extracurricular activities, she enjoys reading, crocheting, and living life to the fullest. She also receives excellent support from her family and enjoys spending time with them.

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Is it cheaper to fly or drive when traveling on a budget?

Editor's Note

If you're traveling domestically in the U.S. and trying to save money on your journey, the decision of whether to drive or fly to your destination can be an important one. The cheapest option isn't always what you might think.

You may assume a road trip is always cheaper for those traveling on a budget. However, there are times when flying is not only the fastest way to reach your destination but also the most affordable — especially if you learn how to maximize points and miles for travel .

Of course, every situation is different; in some cases, driving might make far better financial sense, especially if you have a large family or pets in tow.

Here's how to determine which transport mode is best for you and your budget.

How to calculate the cost of driving vs. flying

It's best to always start off by breaking out some pen and paper (and ideally a calculator) and doing the math. Let's examine the numbers of a hypothetical trip between Louisville, Kentucky, and Chicago.

A June 2024 flight between Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) and Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD) costs as little as $99 round-trip with United Airlines if you choose a basic economy ticket.

If you make the same trip in your car, you'll drive 590 miles round-trip. At the time of writing, average U.S. gas prices are hovering around $3.60 per gallon. Assuming a gas tank capacity of 14 gallons and a fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon, you would need to fill your car with fuel 1.68 times to get from Louisville to Chicago; this would add up to a total of $84.67.

For a solo trip, driving between Louisville and Chicago is only slightly cheaper than flying. That minor cost difference may not be worth spending five hours in the car when the flight time is only an hour and a half.

However, if you're traveling as a family or with more than one person, driving may be a far cheaper option per head.

Let's look at a second example with a longer trip that requires an overnight hotel stay to break up the drive.

A June 2024 flight between Atlanta and Miami costs as little as $40 round-trip on Frontier Airlines or $157 on Southwest Airlines (if you want a more full-service experience that includes checked and carry-on bags). This nonstop flight is right around two hours.

The drive between Atlanta and Miami is 1,326 miles round-trip. Assuming the same gas mileage and tank capacity as above, you must fill your car's tank 3.79 times for the full journey. The total gas cost would be $191.02 — only slightly less than five Frontier Airlines tickets for the same trip.

Related: Here's how to save money and earn rewards on gas purchases

The drive time is about 10 hours, so you may also want to stop and spend the night in a hotel during your road trip. This would add at least $100, plus the cost of meals, to the total price of your trip.

This sample trip is a perfect example of when flying is sometimes cheaper than driving.

Here are other things you should consider when choosing between driving and flying.

Consider how many people are in your travel party

If you find a great flight deal or book with a low-cost airline, you can score one-way flights for less than $50. However, that cost goes up when you throw in a spouse and kids. If you travel with a large group, flying may be more expensive than driving — even if you add the cost of gas, meals and an overnight hotel room.

Use a calculator to help compare costs

How do you determine whether flying or driving is the more affordable trip for you? The best way is to crunch the numbers, as shown in the examples above.

Consider how much it costs to fill up your car's gas tank and how many times you'd need to do so for the trip. Then, add estimates for food stops along the way as well as any accommodations you'll need if it's a multiday journey.

Tools like AAA's easy-to-use gas cost calculator do most of the work for you. Simply plug in your point of origin, your destination, and the make and model of your car to find out how much you'll pay in gas to get where you are going.

Compare that price to the flight prices for everyone taking the trip. Flights on weekends or holidays will likely be more expensive, but if your dates are flexible, you may be able to find a good deal .

Choose a flight to anywhere

If you really want to play a wild card, you can use sites like Google Flights or Skyscanner to search for flights to multiple destinations by typing in only your airport of origin and travel dates. The results will show pricing to multiple destinations so you can find the best fit for your budget.

Consider the time commitment

Finally, you can't forget the time commitment between driving and flying. For long road trips, is it worth spending all that time stuck in a car staring at the highway to reach your final destination? Would you rather pay more money to be able to spend that time at home or at your destination? Or is the journey part of what makes the trip appealing?

On the other hand, flying can take nearly as long as driving in some cases. You must arrive at the airport at least an hour before your flight (sometimes more), and if you have a connecting flight, you may have to wait through a long layover.

Bottom line

Driving isn't always the cheapest way to get where you're going. Quick road trips can be a great way to save money, but flying can be a surprising way to save money when booking your domestic getaways this year.

Related reading:

• Key travel tips you need to know — whether you're a beginner or an expert traveler
• The best travel credit cards
• The best places to travel in 2024
• 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases

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• How to fly first class on a budget

Andrew Dickens 22nd Sep 2022 6 min read

You’ve booked your luxury solo travel adventure and you’d like some luxury flights to go with it. But luxury flights don’t come cheap… or do they ? If you know some of the top tips for the system, then it can be possible for you to get business and first-class flights without eating into your valuable spending money.

However, there’s no shortcut. We spoke to expert Nicky Kelvin from The Points Guy  for some tips on getting luxury flights on a budget.

Airlines will look to sell premium seats at the last-minute

Using miles and points to upgrade your existing ticket or buy one outright for business or first class is the way forward. It takes some planning and learning the system but anyone can do it. That’s what we teach people at The Points Guy UK .

One way to find much cheaper cash tickets in first and business class is to look at different departure points around Europe. For example, a business class ticket to New York starting in Paris, Brussels, Dublin or Copenhagen might be as much as 75% cheaper than a direct flight from the UK. And you could spend your savings on a European weekend ahead of your long haul flight.

It’s also always worth asking at the check-in desk whether any upgrades are available and how much they cost. Often, airlines will look to sell premium seats at the  last-minute , and the rates with some airlines on some routes can be reasonable. Overall, you should be aiming to turn up to the airport already knowing you’re going to be flying first or business.

Be poised to book your fixed dates as soon as they become available

The more flexible you are with your dates, the more leeway you have for upgrades and better deals. It also varies depending on where you’re flying to, but my golden rule is to plan ahead if you can. The Points Guy UK uploads the best deals on their website so that’s always a good place to start.

If you’re using miles, be poised to book your fixed dates as soon as they become available. British Airways releases at least eight economy and four business class reward seats on every flight. These are bookable 355 days out, so be ready to hit the button on that day to be in with the best chance of getting the seats, especially on busy routes like Cape Town or Sydney. A top tip is to try phoning a call centre that is open at midnight to lock in the seats the moment they become available.

Smart clothing won’t get you far if you’re trying to upgrade

Paying, or using miles is the only way to guarantee an upgrade. Being nice helps, too. If an airline is forced to move people around cabins, the staff may be swayed by who is the most pleasant, but this is a rarity. Plan ahead and guarantee your bed in the sky.

On most airlines these days, smart clothing won’t get you far if you’re trying to upgrade – comfort is key, so don’t prioritise dressing to impress.

Without paying extra for memberships it can be difficult to get into lounges, too. These memberships are beneficial to those of us who fly a lot and therefore make the extra spend worthwhile. I love my Amex Platinum card as it comes with a free Priority Pass which gets me unlimited access to lounges across the globe, even when flying economy or low-cost.

Airline shopping portals offer the chance to rack up points

We’ve also created The Beginner’s Guide to points  which goes through a step-by-step process to ensure you’re maximising your travel. But there are some extra ways you can also earn points. Credit cards are good as you will earn points on every single pound you spend.

Signing up to free airline and hotel loyalty programmes means that every time you fly or stay somewhere, you rack up points that would otherwise be left on the table. Sometimes it makes sense to credit your points to different programmes depending on what your goals are, so it’s worth learning where is best to credit. The British Airways Executive Club and the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club are the most accessible programmes in the UK with a wide range of ways to earn points, destinations and partner airlines.

Airline shopping portals also offer the chance to rack up huge amounts of points through online shopping. All you have to do is click through to the retailer from the airline portal and shop as usual. Earning rates can be incredible.

Travel more consciously to help reduce your impact on the planet

If you want to travel more consciously, there are some things that you can do to help reduce your impact on the planet. To achieve a net neutral carbon impact, pay the extra to offset your flights. This fee will vary depending on your flight route but, for example, offsetting a return trip from London to Spain would cost about £4, or London to Sydney about £35.

You can also reduce the number of single-use items that add to the environmental impact of your flight. Utilise that hand-luggage space with things like a reusable cup, cutlery set or bamboo towels.

Finally, think about how your activities can impact the local area and people where you’re staying. A really easy way of doing this is by supporting local tour operators who help to support wildlife and preserve local cultures. This will ensure that your visit reduces any negative impact on the surrounding culture or habitat. It will also enhance your own experience, giving you more opportunity for an authentic trip and to see places that are not necessarily in guide books.

If you play your points right, you can fly first class for almost free

Your airport experience and flight frame your entire travel experience. For me, the flying is sometimes even more fun than the destination. That’s the premise behind The Points Guy: if you play your points right, you can fly first class for almost free.

I flew from Singapore to Zurich on Singapore Airlines’ new (at the time) first-class suite. There are six suites but I was the only one on board so they made up a double cabin and I had four crew looking after me. It was an incredible experience and I booked this ticket for just £19 and 125,000 KrisFlyer miles transferred from American Express Membership Rewards. It really is possible to comfortably for less.

Ready to spread your wings? Join  Flash Pack  today  on an adventure  with other like-minded travellers.

Got a story or adventure that could inspire a solo traveller like you? Tag @flashpack on social or email  [email protected]  to be featured.

Images: Flash Pack

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• Best Overall
• Best for No-Annual-Fee

Best for Independent Hotel Purchases

• Best for Beginners
• Best for Everyday Spending
• Best for Students
• Best Premium Travel Card for Affordability
• Best for Dining and Groceries
• Best for Travel Insurance
• Best for Luxury Travel Benefits
• Why You Should Trust Us

Best Travel Credit Cards of June 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us and terms apply to offers listed (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate credit cards to write unbiased product reviews .

The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card, Citi Strata Premier℠ Card, Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students. The details for these products have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.

• Best overall travel credit card : Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Best travel credit card for beginners : Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Best no-annual-fee travel credit card : Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card ( rates and fees )
• Best for spending at hotels : Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card
• Best for travel rewards on everyday spending : Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
• Best travel card for students : Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students
• Most affordable premium travel credit card : Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• Best travel credit card for earning travel credit on dining and groceries : American Express® Gold Card
• Best premium card for travel bonus categories : Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Best for luxury travel benefits and airport lounge access : The Platinum Card® from American Express

Introduction to Travel Credit Cards

Whether you're just dipping your toe into the world of rewards credit cards or you've already flown thousands of miles on points alone, we can tell you: There's a travel credit card for everyone. There's a card if you're looking for free flights, if you're hoping for free hotel stays, or if you're just doing whatever it takes to realize your dream of an overwater bungalow. There are even no-annual-fee travel credit cards that won't cost you anything to keep.

Compare the Top Travel Credit Cards

Earn 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠. Earn 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries. Earn 2x on all other travel purchases. Earn 1x on all other purchases.

21.49% - 28.49% Variable

Earn 75,000 bonus points

Good to Excellent

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High intro bonus offer starts you off with lots of points
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong travel coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't offer a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit

If you're new to travel rewards credit cards or just don't want to pay hundreds in annual fees, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a smart choice. It earns bonus points on a wide variety of travel and dining purchases and offers strong travel and purchase coverage, including primary car rental insurance.

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 75,000 points are worth $937.50 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC

Earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase.

0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (intro fee of 3% for the first 15 months, then 4% of the amount of each balance transfer at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time)

19.99% - 29.99% Variable

Earn 20,000 miles

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No annual fee or foreign transaction fees
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Versatile rewards
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Earn 1.25 miles per dollar on all purchases with no bonus categories to track
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Lower earning rate than some other no-annual-fee rewards cards
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited benefits

The VentureOne Rewards Card is a slimmed-down version of the popular Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. It's one of the few no-annual-fee cards on the market that gives you the option to redeem miles for cash back or transfer them to travel partners.

• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase-or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

Earn unlimited 5x points per dollar on hotels. Earn 4x points on airlines. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining. Earn 1x on other purchases.

21.24%, 26.24%, or 29.99% Variable

Earn 60,000 bonus rewards points

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip cancellation and lost baggage protection
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Airline and hotel transfer partners available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Welcome bonus
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous cellphone protection
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Low annual fee
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Transfer partner network not as diverse or robust as competitors

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card is a true travel credit card, with benefits that rival many of the best travel rewards credit cards currently on the market. This card has a low annual fee on par with that of popular competing credit cards and Wells Fargo's newly announced Points Transfer program allows cardholders to juice maximum value from every point they earn.

Earn 5x miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 2x miles on every purchase.

19.99% - 29.99% variable

Earn 75,000 miles

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No bonus categories to keep track of
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes up to a $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Other credit cards offer higher rewards in certain categories of spending

If you want an easy, no-fuss travel rewards credit card, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great fit. For a moderate annual fee, it offers plenty of value, useful benefits, and a substantial welcome bonus.

• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more

Earn a total of 10 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com. Earn 3X points per $1 on air travel and other hotel purchases, at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations and EV charging stations. Earn 1X point per $1 on all other purchases.

21.24% - 29.24% variable

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Earn 3x points on most travel, restaurants, gas/EV charging, and supermarkets
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Earn 10x points on hotels, rental cars, and attractions booked via Citi Travel
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. $100 annual hotel credit on a single stay of $500 or more
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No foreign transaction fees
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay/interruption benefits and lost/damaged baggage coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Has an annual fee
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Citi Travel rates often are higher than retail cost of travel

Earn unlimited 1.5 points per dollar on purchases.

• 0% intro APR for your first 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of opening your account

17.99% - 27.99% Variable

25,000 online bonus points

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous welcome bonus for a student credit card
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Earns flexible points you can use toward a wide variety of travel purchases
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Other travel rewards cards have higher earning rates
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Few travel-related benefits compared to other travel cards

A good student credit card should offer rewards and useful benefits to those with limited credit history and the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students hits several of those notes. However, while the card is marketed to students, those without established credit may have difficulty getting approved.

• The information related to the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students has been collected by Business Insider and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
• 25,000 online bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days from account opening (redeemed as a $250 statement credit toward travel and dining purchases)
• Unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all purchases everywhere, no expiration on points
• No annual fee or foreign transaction fees

Earn unlimited 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn 5 miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 2 miles on all other purchases.

Earn 75,000 bonus miles

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Excellent welcome bonus and miles earning
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Premium perks including airport lounge access and credits for certain purchases
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Visa Infinite benefits including travel and shopping protections
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. High annual fee
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Annual travel credits only apply to Capital One Travel purchases

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is one of the best credit cards for frequent travelers, with top-notch benefits and a wide range of built-in protections. It comes with a generous welcome bonus and credits that can help offset the annual fee — which is much lower than similar premium cards.

• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more

Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. Earn 1X Membership Rewards® points on all other purchases.

See Pay Over Time APR

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Great rewards for dining and for shopping at US supermarkets
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Monthly statement credit for eligible dining purchases recoups some of the annual fee
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Underwhelming welcome bonus

Foodies and travelers alike will appreciate the American Express Gold's generous welcome bonus and Membership Rewards points earning. Its Uber Cash credits are useful for rides and Uber Eats, and monthly dining credits with participating merchants like GrubHub and Seamless are easy to use.

• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
• Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
• Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $250.
• Terms Apply.

Earn 5x points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1x point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

22.49% - 29.49% Variable

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual travel credit can effectively shave $300 off the annual fee if you use it
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong travel insurance
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong bonus rewards on travel and dining
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Very high annual fee

If you're new to rewards credit cards you may want to start elsewhere, but if you know you want to earn Chase points and you spend a lot on travel and dining, the Sapphire Reserve is one of the most rewarding options.

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 75,000 points are worth $1125 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®

Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 per calendar year) and on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Earn 1X Points on other purchases.

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Long list of travel benefits, including airport lounge access and complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott (enrollment required)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual statement credits with Saks and Uber
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Bonus categories leave something to be desired
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. One of the highest annual fees among premium travel cards

If you want as many premium travel perks as possible, The Platinum Card® from American Express could be the right card for you. The annual fee is high, but you get a long list of benefits such as airport lounge access, travel statement credits, complimentary hotel elite status, and more.

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 year period for TSA PreCheck® application fee for a 5-year plan only (through a TSA PreCheck® official enrollment provider), when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.

Best Travel Credit Card Recommendations

The best travel rewards credit cards offer valuable rewards, easy-to-use benefits, and helpful features like travel coverage. Our team of credit card experts at Business Insider chose the best options available on the market in 2024, and reviewed each one below.

Best Travel Credit Card Overall

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is our top pick for a well-rounded travel rewards credit card. Even infrequent travelers can benefit from the slew of premium perks on this card, typically found on cards with far higher annual fees. 

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card stands out for its travel protection benefits. When you pay for travel expenses with this card and meet certain requirements, you can request reimbursement for unexpected expenses that may arise when your flight is delayed or if your baggage is delayed or lost.

You'll also have primary rental car insurance, meaning you won't have to file claims through your personal car insurance plan or pay for coverage from the rental car company. This card also offers a 10% anniversary points bonus, and up to $50 in annual statement credits for hotel purchases made through the Chase Travel℠ Portal. 

The rewards rate on the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card isn't shabby either. You'll earn 5 points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards; 2 points on all other travel purchases; and 3 points on dining, online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs), and select streaming services. You'll earn 1 point per dollar on everything else.

Chase Ultimate Rewards® points are some of the easiest points to use in various ways. You can redeem them for travel directly through the Chase Travel Portal for a 25% boost in value, where 1 point will be worth 1.25 cents apiece. You can also transfer your points to Chase's airline and hotel transfer partners , which include United Airlines, Hyatt, Marriott, and many other airlines and hotel chains around the world. Cardholders can also use points for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, and more.  

What the experts love: High welcome bonus offer, earns bonus points on travel, dining, and online grocery purchases, you can redeem points for 1.25 cents apiece for travel or through Chase for 25% value bonus

What the experts don't love: Doesn't offer some of the travel perks you'll get with competing cards, such as airport lounge access and a statement credit for Global Entry

Read more: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card card review

Best No-Annual-Fee Card for Earning Travel Miles

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is our top choice for a no-annual-fee travel card ( rates and fees ), and it's got many of the same perks as its bigger sibling, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.

New cardholders can earn a respectable 20,000 miles after spending $500 on purchases within three months from account opening (worth at least $340 in travel according to Business Insider's valuations). While the card only earns 1.25 miles per dollar on most purchases (plus 5x on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel), it's still a compelling choice if an annual fee isn't for you ( rates and fees ).

You'll get the same access to Capital One's airline and hotel partners as you would with annual-fee cards, and a handful of benefits including car rental insurance***, travel accident insurance***, and purchase assurance***. This is also a solid pick if you're looking for a zero-interest credit card  with a 0% introductory APR offer, because new cardholders receive a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (intro fee of 3% for the first 15 months, then 4% of the amount of each balance transfer at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time), then a 19.99% - 29.99% Variable APR ( rates and fees ).

What the experts love: No annual fee, access to transfer partners, generous intro 0% APR offer

What the experts don't love: Few travel benefits, lower earning rate

Read more: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card review

The newly announced Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card earns one of the highest rates of return on hotel bookings for a credit card that isn't co-branded with a specific hotel chain. 

This card has a $95 annual fee, inviting direct comparisons to two other cards on this list: The Sapphire Preferred Card , and the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card . In exchange, cardholders earn at least 3x on dining and travel purchases. Airline purchases earn 4x, and hotel purchases earn 5x.

Wells Fargo simultaneously announced brand-new airline and hotel partners: Choice Privileges, Aer Lingus AerClub, Air France-KLM Flying Blue, avianca lifemiles, and British Airways Executive Club. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card cardholders can redeem rewards at the standard redemption rate of 1 cent per point for cash back, or transfer their rewards to any of the travel partners above for additional value.

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card will be available for in-person applications at select Wells Fargo bank locations on March 9, 2024. Nationwide applications open online and in person on March 20, 2024. 

Read more: Wells Fargo Autograph Journey credit card review

Best Travel Credit Card for Beginners

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great "set it and forget it" card, in the sense that you don't have to worry about various bonus categories for earning rewards. You'll earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 2x miles on all other purchases.

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card also offers one of the most straightforward ways to redeem rewards for travel: you're able to use your miles to cover recent travel purchases from your card statement, at a rate of 1 cent per mile. 

You also have the option to transfer Capital One miles *** to more than a dozen frequent flyer and hotel loyalty programs, including Air Canada Aeroplan, Etihad Guest, and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer. Capital One also added new partners including British Airways and Turkish Airlines, and improved the transfer ratio to 1:1 for most partners. 

The selection of transfer partners is best suited to someone who wants to travel internationally and who doesn't mind spending some time researching the best ways to redeem miles with the different frequent flyer program options. But the upside is that you can always use your miles to cover your travel purchases. You also get up to a $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit.

What the experts love:  The ability to use your miles to cover your recent travel expenses; it earns at least 2 miles per dollar on every purchase.

What the experts don't love: Other cards offer higher rewards on certain spending categories such as travel and dining.

Read more: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card review

Best Travel Rewards on Everyday Spending

The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card isn't as flashy or well-known as some other travel cards, but that doesn't mean you should overlook it, especially if you spend a lot on its bonus categories. Cardholders earn an impressive 3x points on air travel, gas stations, restaurants, supermarkets, and hotels, and 1 point per dollar on everything else.

Along with a solid welcome bonus offer of 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening (worth $1,200 based on Business Insider's valuations), you'll receive $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) booked through thankyou.com once per calendar year.

While it isn't the best for travel protections, the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card is the only card currently available to new applicants that unlocks the ability to transfer your ThankYou points to Citi's full list of airline and hotel partners , including JetBlue, Singapore Airlines, and Wyndham.

What the experts love:  Strong rewards earning in useful everyday categories, access to Citi's transfer partners

What the experts don't love: Lack of travel protections like car rental insurance, few travel perks compared to similar rewards cards

Read more: Citi Strata Premier℠ Card review

Best Travel Card for Students

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students is a fairly unique offering, as there aren't many student credit cards specifically geared toward travel. New cardholders can earn 25,000 online bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days from account opening (redeemed as a $250 statement credit toward travel and dining purchases). That's a decent offer for a no-annual-fee card, and the earning structure is simple, too — 1.5x points per dollar on every purchase, with no bonus categories to keep track of.

There's also a 0% intro APR for your first 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of opening your account (then a 17.99% - 27.99% Variable APR) which can be handy if you have big purchases (like textbooks or supplies) you want to pay for over time. 

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students is a good choice if you prefer a straightforward card without having to worry about award charts or transfer partners. It's also a safe bet if you want to use it while traveling internationally — it doesn't charge pesky foreign transaction fees, so you won't be on the hook for extra charges if you use it overseas.

However, you won't find many extras — like travel benefits or purchase protections — with this card. If you're looking for better benefits, be sure to check out our guide to the best student credit cards for all the top options.

What the experts love: Impressive welcome bonus offer for a student credit card, good flat-rate rewards earning

What the experts don't love: No flashy extra perks or shopping benefits

Read more: Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students review

Most Affordable Premium Travel Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card was unveiled in late 2021 and offers a massive welcome bonus of 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening — worth at least $1,275 in travel, based on Business Insider's valuation of Capital One miles .

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is loaded with premium benefits that can more than offset the $395 annual fee ( rates and fees ). For context, the Venture X's annual fee, while high, is significantly lower than other premium travel card competitors.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card cardholders receive $300 per year in credits toward travel booked through Capital One, Priority Pass, Plaza Premium, and Capital One airport lounge access (even for authorized users), a 10,000-mile bonus on each account anniversary (worth $100 in travel), and Visa Infinite travel and purchase benefits.

As with other cards that earn Capital One miles , you can transfer rewards to over a dozen airline and hotel partners to book award travel, or use miles to book through the Capital One Travel Portal .

What the experts love:  Between $300 a year in travel credit and a 10,000-mile bonus on each account anniversary, you can offset the annual fee entirely — and that's not even considering other benefits like lounge access.

What the experts don't love:  The $300 travel credit is more restrictive than other cards' — it only applies to travel booked through Capital One.

Read more: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card review

Best for Earning Travel Credit from Dining and Groceries

The American Express® Gold Card is an ideal travel card for anyone who frequently eats out and/or shops at U.S. supermarkets. You'll earn 4x Amex Membership Rewards points on these purchases (though note the $25,000 calendar year annual cap for U.S. supermarkets; after that, you'll earn just 1 point per dollar, but that's a pretty high cap). The card also earns 3x points on flights booked directly with the airlines or through AmexTravel.com, and 1 point per dollar on everything else.

While the $250 annual fee is on the high side, you can offset it thanks to an annual statement credit. You can get up to $120 in annual dining credits**, but it's divided into up to $10 in credits each month, and the credit only applies at select restaurants and delivery services, including Grubhub, Seamless, Milk Bar, Wine.com, and Goldbelly, and participating Shake Shack locations.

You'll also get up to $120 Uber Cash ($10 per month) credit each calendar year (this is only applicable to U.S. Eats orders and rides, and the Gold Card needs to be added to the Uber app to receive the Uber Cash benefit).

What the experts love: "4x points on restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year, then 1x) is great — usually, a card favors one or the other," says Rathner. Plus, the card offers monthly dining credits.

What the experts don't love: Wilson notes that other cards offer similar benefits for a lower annual fee, and Rathner notes that the card's travel and dining credits come with some important limitations — so read the fine print. 

Read more: American Express® Gold Card review

Best Premium Card for Travel Insurance and Bonus Categories

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® has a $550 annual fee, which means it's not for everybody, but if you're serious about maximizing your rewards and you travel frequently, it could be worth it. It offers a bonus of 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. 

Not only do you get up to $300 in statement credits toward travel each year (and Chase has a very generous definition of travel — including everything from airfare to highway tolls), but you also earn 5x total points on air travel and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards (excluding the $300 travel credit) and 3x points on all other travel and dining. You also get airport lounge access through the Priority Pass network , which has more than 1,300 locations worldwide.

New benefits also include access to Chase Sapphire lounges in JFK , LaGuardia , Boston , and Hong Kong, as well as the Chase Sapphire Terrace at Austin Airport . You'll also receive benefits with DoorDash  and Instacart that can save you money on delivery (activation required).

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is currently offering cardholders two years of complimentary Lyft Pink All Access membership (valued at $199 per year) for member-exclusive pricing, priority pickup, and more (activation required). 

When it comes to redeeming points, you can book travel through Chase and get 1.5 cents per point (a 50% bonus over the standard 1-cent-per-point rate), or you can transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards to travel partners like Hyatt, British Airways, and United.

Plus, like the less-expensive Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers some of the best credit card travel insurance around. This includes primary car rental insurance, trip delay insurance, trip cancellation protection, and lost baggage insurance.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® card was previously our pick for the best travel card overall, before the annual fee increased from $450 to $550. While the Reserve did add some additional benefits, the Reserve no longer makes as much sense for casual travelers. As a result, we now recommend the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card as the best travel credit card for most people. 

What the experts love:  Earns 3x points on travel and dining purchases made outside of Chase Travel Portal, annual $300 travel credit, points are worth 1.5 cents apiece for travel booked through Chase

What the experts don't love: You have to squeeze every drop of value out of this card to make that jaw-dropping $550 annual fee worth your while.

Read more: Chase Sapphire Reserve® review

Best for Luxury Travel Benefits and Airport Lounge Access

The Platinum Card® from American Express has one of the highest rewards card annual fees —  $695 — but it can still be well worth it if you can put all of its statement credits and generous welcome bonus offer to use.

You'll earn 5x points on flights when you book directly through the airline or through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 per calendar year), which makes the card a great choice for purchasing airfare. The card offers trip cancellation and interruption insurance, plus some of the best purchase protection, so it's a good option for buying expensive items (and don't forget to see if you can take advantage of an Amex Offer ** for bonus points or cash back).

The Platinum Card® from American Express offers more airport lounge access than any other personal travel card — in addition to Priority Pass membership**, you get access to Amex Centurion Lounges , Delta Sky Clubs (when you're flying Delta), and more. 

The card's annual statement credits can go a long way toward offsetting the high annual fee. You get up to $200 in statement credits toward airline incidental fees** like checked bags and inflight purchases; up to $100 each year in credit toward Saks Fifth Avenue purchases**; and up to $200 in annual Uber credits (including Uber Eats)**. 

Just keep in mind that you're limited to one designated airline you choose each year in your Amex account for the airline incidental fee credit, and both the Saks and Uber credits are divided into portions. You'll get up to $50 in statement credits toward Saks purchases from January to June, and another credit of up to $50 for Saks purchases from July to December.

With the Uber credit, you get up to $15 each month, and a $20 bonus in December for a total of $35 that month.

What the experts love:  Lots of luxury benefits, including airport lounge access and statement credits with Uber and Saks

What the experts don't love: This card's $695 annual fee, and minimal bonus categories

Read more: The Platinum Card® from American Express review

How to Choose the Best Travel Credit Card

While it takes more effort to redeem points or miles compared to cash back, the upside is that you can get much more value for your points compared to simply cashing in your rewards for a statement credit or check at a rate of 1 cent per point.

In fact, it's possible to receive double, triple, or even more than that amount when you're strategic about how you redeem your rewards, particularly if you book expensive luxury hotels or first-class flights. 

In this guide, we've focused mostly on the best travel credit cards that earn transferable points. Transferable points include popular currencies such as:

• Amex Membership Rewards
• Chase Ultimate Rewards
• Citi ThankYou Rewards
• Capital One miles

You can transfer these points to both airline and hotel partner loyalty programs. You can even redeem your points to offset the cash price of your travel at a flat rate.

Travel Credit Card Frequently Asked Questions

If you want a single credit card that does it all and don't mind paying a generous annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a great choice. It comes with the best travel insurance available on the market, as well as a $300 travel credit each year that can be used on most types of travel.

The best travel credit card overall is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, but the best card for your particular situation will depend on what benefits you care about the most, as well as how you feel about paying a high annual fee. 

We'd recommend opening a travel card that earns Amex or Chase points, because these are among the easiest rewards to redeem and you have various travel partners to utilize. But if you've investigated your options and are confident that you can get value out of their rewards, credit cards that earn Capital One miles or Citi ThankYou points can make sense as well.

There are two main types of travel credit cards: Cards that earn transferable points, and airline/hotel co-branded credit cards. Transferable points currencies include Amex Membership Rewards points, Capital One miles, and Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

Airline credit cards and hotel credit cards earn points or miles within a respective hotel or airline program; you don't have the option to redeem your rewards with a wide variety of travel partners (or if you do, the transfer ratio usually isn't great).

To pick the right travel credit card for you, you'll want to evaluate its welcome bonus offer, ease of use, benefits, and annual fee. The best one for you will ideally have a combination of an attractive sign-up bonus , lots of options for earning and redeeming rewards, benefits that save you money, and a low or no annual fee.

Travel credit cards with annual fees are worth it if you're able to get significant value out of their benefits and rewards. Before you apply for a card , make sure you'll actually use all the features that contribute to the card's annual fee. For example, if a card offers an annual statement credit of up to $200 toward travel but you can't use it, you're probably not getting what you pay for.

Travel credit cards work by earning you points (or miles) on every purchase you make, with the goal of helping you earn enough rewards to book free travel . The best travel cards earn points that you can transfer to various airline and hotel partners — like Amex, Chase, or Citi points. 

A great way to work toward getting a free flight is by applying for a travel credit card and earning its welcome bonus offer. Domestic award flights in economy class typically require about 25,000 points, so depending on the welcome bonus offer, you could have enough rewards for a flight right out of the gate. 

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best Travel Credit Cards

Business Insider evaluated dozens of travel credit cards currently available to new applicants and narrowed down the list to the best options based on the following factors:

• Welcome bonus offer — Do new cardholders get a valuable incentive to sign up and meet a minimum spending requirement?
• Ongoing rewards — How many points or miles do you earn on your purchases?
• Benefits — Beyond rewards, does the card offer valuable perks such as statement credits for travel, primary car rental insurance, and airport lounge access?
• Annual fee — Is there an annual fee, and if so, is it affordable or easy to offset with card perks?
• Overall value — Does the card justify its annual fee by offering useful benefits and valuable rewards, and is it worth it?

Read our guide to how we rate credit cards for a closer look at our methodology.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Trip Delay Insurance, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, and Cell Phone Protection Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. Global Assist Hotline Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card Members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection, and Baggage Insurance Plan Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

***Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Refer to your Guide to Benefits for more details. Travel Accident Insurance is not guaranteed, it depends on the level of benefits you get at application.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.

For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, please click here.

• Main content

Business class vs. first class flights: Which is the better choice for you?

W hen it comes to air travel, the difference between a tedious journey and an enjoyable experience often lies in the class of your ticket. If your resources allow, should you opt for business class or splurge even more on first class? Let’s dive into the key differences between business class and first class to help you make an informed decision.

General benefits of flying business or first class over economy

Regardless of whether you’re flying business or first class, both offer significant advantages over economy class. These benefits include more comfortable seating, enhanced in-flight services, and personalized attention from flight attendants.

The seating configurations vary from airline to airline, but generally, passengers can expect more legroom, wider seats, and the ability to recline significantly more than in economy class, including lie-flat seats for most long-haul flights.

Additionally, both classes usually offer premium in-flight entertainment options similar to those available in economy class but possibly on larger screens.

Related: 8 go-to travel essentials for gays who globetrot in style This isn’t your backpacker’s wish list, honey! But for those of us committed to turnin’ necks wherever we go.

The benefits of business class

Flying business class is a significant step up from economy class, offering a range of benefits that can make your journey much more comfortable and enjoyable.

Main advantages include:

• Increased comfort: Business class seats are typically wider and offer more legroom than those in economy class. Many airlines also provide fully flat beds or lie-flat seats for international or long-haul flights.
• Enhanced dining experience: Business class passengers often enjoy upgraded meal options with a variety of choices, served on proper plates with stainless steel silverware, cloth napkins, and complimentary spirits served in glassware made of actual glass.
• Priority check-in and boarding: This benefit allows business class passengers to avoid long lines and board the aircraft before other passengers.
• Extra baggage allowance: Business class tickets usually come with a generous baggage allowance, both for checked luggage and carry-on items.
• Access to business lounges: Lounges offer a quiet and comfortable space to relax or work before your flight, with complimentary food and beverages, Wi-Fi, and sometimes even shower facilities.
• In-flight entertainment: Expect a wide range of entertainment options, including larger personal screens and a broader selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games.

It’s important to note that the flight experience can vary significantly between domestic and international flights. Services in the US tend to be more modest, often resembling premium economy on international flights. On international routes, offerings are more luxurious and can rival first class on some airlines.

The luxuries of first class

On average, first class fares are approximately double the price of business class tickets, but first class takes luxury to the next level.

First-class amenities typically include and surpass business class amenities on international flights, as opposed to domestic ones. However, it’s always a good idea to do some research beforehand to confirm this.

Typical perks include:

• Higher degree of seat recline: First class seats typically offer a higher degree of recline, allowing for more comfortable sleep during long-haul flights.
• Enhanced privacy: When it comes to international travel, first class often provides private suites or cabins, creating a secluded space for passengers to relax or work.
• Extravagant dining options: Menus are usually curated by renowned chefs and include a selection of premium wines and spirits. Some airlines even provide an à la carte dining option.
• Personalized service: Dedicated flight attendants, personal butler services, and, in some cases, concierge services are among the personalized services offered.
• Access to exclusive lounges: Exclusive airport lounges with gourmet dining, spa services, meeting rooms, and more are often accessible to first class passengers.
• Extra amenities: Designer amenity kits, luxury bedding, larger personal entertainment screens, complimentary Wi-Fi, and in some cases, shower suites are among the additional amenities offered.

While the cost of a first-class ticket can be substantially higher than that of a business class ticket, for many travelers, these added luxuries make the extra expense worthwhile, especially for long-haul flights.

LGBTQ+-friendly destinations to fly to in business or first class

Traveling in style and comfort is a luxury that business and first-class flights offer. But for LGBTQ+ travelers, choosing a destination that is not only beautiful but also welcoming and inclusive is essential.

Here are some top LGBTQ+-friendly travel destinations around the world you might consider adding to your bucket list.

With its Mediterranean temperatures and city-on-a-beach feel, Barcelona is a popular destination among queer travelers. Madrid is also known for its inclusivity with a lively LGBTQ+ scene, among others:

With cities like Vancouver offering stunning natural beauty and a welcoming atmosphere, Canada is high on our list of LGBTQ+-friendly destinations.

Australia and New Zealand

Both countries are known for their progressive attitudes toward LGBTQ+ rights and offer a range of attractions, from bustling city life to picturesque landscapes.

Known as the land of smiles, Thailand is famous for its warm hospitality. The city of Bangkok is particularly notable for its vibrant nightlife and LGBTQ+-friendly atmosphere.

South Africa

Known as the Rainbow Nation for its diversity, South Africa is often regarded as the most LGBTQ+-friendly country on the African continent. The vibrant city of Cape Town offers a mix of stunning beaches, a rich history, and a thriving nightlife scene.

A irlines to consider

When it comes to luxury air travel, not all airlines are created equal. Some airlines go above and beyond to deliver exceptional experiences in their business and first class cabins. While their offerings may vary depending on the route, here are some of the best airlines for business and first class:

Best business class airlines

• KLM: The best way to get to northern Europe , KLM’s ceramic keepsakes, issued each year, have become global collectibles. Combined with lounge access at Schipol Amersterdam airport, it’s a win-win.
• Singapore Airlines : Known for its exceptional service and comfortable seating , Singapore Airlines is frequently ranked among the best business class airlines.
• JetBlue : Despite being a low-cost carrier, JetBlue’s Mint is also regarded as one of the best domestic business class seats .

Best first class airlines

In addition to the airlines mentioned above, the following are some of the best travel experiences available:

• Singapore Airlines : New first class suites include showers and joining beds for travelers who want to get cozy.
• British Airways : British Airways is another excellent choice for first class travel , offering luxury service to over 200 destinations.
• Delta Airlines : Recognized as one of the best first class airlines in the U.S. , Delta offers different types of configurations depending on the route, with most domestic routes offering a premium service.

Before you book your ticket, it’s a smart move to check out the airline’s policies on ticket cancellations or changes. This way, you’ll be in the know and have peace of mind. Life happens, and if any unexpected changes come up, you won’t be left with a pricey ticket you can’t use.

Related: These airlines make travel easier for trans and non-binary passengers Some people don’t want to have to choose between ‘male’ and ‘female’ when booking a flight

So… is first class worth the extra cost?

The answer to this question largely depends on your personal preferences and budget. The price difference between business and first class can be substantial. For some, the added luxury, comfort, and personalized service offered in first class can justify the extra cost.

For others, business class may be a more reasonable choice. It still provides many of the same benefits as first class but at a much lower cost. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which class best meets your needs and budget.

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The Best Carry-On Luggage for Every Budget And Destination

By Avidan Grossman , Gerald Ortiz , and Tyler Chin

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The quest to find the best carry-on luggage shouldn’t be as onerous as your search for the perfect vacation destination —Instagrammable, but not, like, too Instagrammable—but it absolutely is. And though vacation destinations might feel beholden to your limited budget and even more limited OOO days, suitcase options abound at every price point.

The Best Carry-on Luggage, at a Glance

Gotta get to the airport ASAP? Don't run through the airport like a fool—our top picks for the best carry-on luggage are right here.

• The Best Softside Luggage : TravelPro MaxLite 5 Expandable Spinner , $170
• The Best Hard Shell Luggage : Away Carry-On , $275
• Another Solid Hardside Spinner : Arlo Skye The Zipper Carry-On Max , $375
• The Best Duffle Bag, Overall : Lotuff No.12 Weekender , $1,200
• The Best Travel Backpack: Topo Designs Global Travel Bag , $415
• The Best Do-Everything Duffel : Peak Design Travel Duffel , $140
• The Convertible Travel Bag : Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag , $159
• The Best Budget Carry-On Bag : Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner , $83

Even the most cursory search for a good carry-on turns up a bewildering mixture of products from established luggage brands to agile fashion houses to venture-capital infused juggernauts. So, we've drummed up a short guide on how to shop for the best carry-on luggage, from indestructible aluminum-shell bags to slightly squishier softside luggage that you can squeeze under an airplane seat, then outlined some of our top-tier winners below.

Your Luggage-Related FAQs, Answered

→ What's the Difference Between Hardside and Softside Luggage?

→ What Makes a Good Carry-On Bag?

→ How We Tested

The Best Softside Luggage: TravelPro MaxLite 5 Expandable Spinner

Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Spinner

Big on practicality and low on cost, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 offers the best value of any softside bag out there. It's the brand's lightest four-wheel spinner suitcase at five pounds, maximizing on maneuverability for when you're sprinting to catch your flight. The cavernous, expandable interior includes tons of weird little zippered sections and mesh pockets for you to cordon off your toiletries, small items, dirty clothes, and shoes from your clothes without busting out the packing cubes. And after you've racked up plenty of miles on those wheels, the Platinum Elite comes with a limited lifetime warranty for repairs and replacements.

The only ding against the TravelPro is its humdrum looks, which evoke the dated carpeting of one of the airports it'll be dragged through. But that hasn’t kept it from becoming a favorite of frequent flyers. If the TravelPro logo looks familiar, it's probably because you’ve spotted it on the luggage of the flight attendants and pilots that spend most of their lives in the sky.

The Best Hard-Shell Luggage: Away The Carry-On

The Carry-On

There are plenty of good reasons why the Away team has just about upended the luggage industry since it launched. Instagram-ready looks? Check. Durable shell? Check. Smooth Hinomoto spinner wheels, top and side handles, clothes straps, a mesh zip pocket, a laundry bag, sturdy YKK zippers, and—maybe most game-changing of all—a built-in USB charger so you don't have to screw around with airport outlets? Yeah, check. At just under three hundred bucks and spanning a range of handsome, low-key colorways, Away's carry-on means you don't have to choose between getting something cheap and ugly and spending a rent check on something luxe. For an industry that never really did the low-to-mid-tier thing well, that's a very welcome change of pace. Our testers have taken theirs on planes across the country and halfway across the world, and never run into issues. Provided you do , there's a limited lifetime warranty that'll cover any functional damage.

Another Solid Hardside Spinner: Arlo Skye The Zipper Carry-On Max

"The Zipper" Carry-On Max

The Arlo Skye Zipper carry-on is a winner for a couple reasons. The bag’s polycarbonate shell isn’t as hearty as the fabric on the TravelPro or the aluminum of a Rimowa, say, but we found the suitcase a bit more capable of withstanding regular use than many other hard-shelled suitcases we’ve tested. (It's also much cheaper.) All of Arlo Skye’s carry-on sized suitcases boast internal pockets for organizing your travel gear, including a few zippered areas for separating out dirty clothes and shoes. The company also makes a version with an easy-access front pocket, presumably for a laptop or magazines, but we’d imagine you’d rather store those things in a backpack or tote rather than in the suitcase you're hauling into an overhead bin. Arlo Skye’s luggage features a removable external charger, but unlike the USB port from Away that can only juice up your phone, it comes with a USB-C connection for keeping your laptop charged up, too. Still, the five-year warranty that Arlo Skye offers doesn’t compare to Away’s limited lifetime warranty, which is why the latter is still our top choice for long-hauler luggage that you'll want to keep dragging around a decade from now.

The Ultimate Travel Flex: Rimowa Classic Carry-On

Classic Cabin Suitcase

Rimowa, the storied German luggage company founded in the late 1800s, has been a powerhouse in the luggage space for over a century, with a litany of perks to its name: A single-stage telescoping handle, a hinged double latch lock by the main compartment, elastic compression straps with magnetic pull-release fastenings, its signature ridged exteriors, the works. Couple that with some choice collabs with the likes of Dior, Off-White, Moncler, and beyond, and you'll see why Rimowa's become a status symbol among elite travelers and celebs like Rihanna and LeBron James. Each bag will set you back at least a grand, but if you've ever been stuck traveling with a lackluster piece of luggage and thought, Man, I wish my suitcase could do that , chances are Rimowa's can, and masterfully. We went deep on the legacy brand's signature bag here in case you want to hear more about the intricacies of how it maneuvers and exactly how it compares to something more pedestrian like the Away.

The Best Luxury Duffle Bag: Lotuff No.12 Weekender

No. 12 Weekender

Lotuff's handsome, all-American No. 12 duffle bag is our favorite of the genre , with all the details that matter (or matter enough to justify this $1,200 price tag). Take the zipper closure for one, which runs from end to end for extra security, and a wide opening that allows you to shove in a glut of your equally fancy sweaters and toiletries without breaking a sweat. Unlike other cheaply-made and poorly-designed duffles, the vegetable-tanned leather also gives it a first-class patina that only gets better with every trip. But should the leather break or that zipper snag, Lotuff will repair it for a fee, so this bag will stay in your family for many, many flights to come. The interior of the bag features a zip pocket for corralling your loose miscellanea, and the bottom of the bag is also reinforced with double leather for durability. With this bag, you're looking at an investment piece that, if you're treating it right, won't ever need to be replaced.

The Best Travel Backpack: Topo Designs Global Travel Bag

Topo Designs

Global Travel Bag 40L

Backcountry

Topo Design has built up a loyal following of rugged adventurers over its 16 years of business. The Colorado-based brand is making some of the best mountaineering, hiking, and travel packs and gear in the Mountain Standard Time zone, and we've found its Global Travel bag to be an excellent pack for doing exactly as the name implies. The bag actually offers three ways to carry it—whether you use it as a backpack, briefcase, or shoulder bag—but what it really has going for it is its plethora of pockets and U-shape entry, which means the bag unzips to fold in half.

That means no longer having to blindly and aimlessly rummage through your bag in the overhead compartment for one tiny thing before takeoff. Topo Designs put padding almost everywhere this bag touches your body, which also makes running through the airport with two minutes to board less torturous on your frame. Almost everything about the Global Travel bag has been configured to allow you to customize it with the brand's assortment of packing gear: The daisy chain lets you hook on accessory packs; the sizing of the compartments is perfectly measured to accommodate storage cubes; and attachment clips further turn you into a pack mule for even more baggage options.

The Best Do-Everything Duffel: Peak Design Travel Duffel

Peak Design

Travel Duffel 35L

If you have duffels reserved for specific purposes—travel, the gym , schlepping your everyday goods—then you have more space than us, friends. Peak Design, a brand that's become famous for its ingenious storage solutions for hauling camera and video gear, makes a travel duffel that fits the bill for every purpose. Available in 35- and 65-liter options (only the former can be used as a carry-on), the Travel duffel is one of the nicer bags we've seen in the sub-$150 price bracket.

There's also something every satisfying about the way the hand-carry straps snap together with a magnet, and if your arms are getting tired, those straps can be work on your back. The extra-wide zipper allows for great access to your goods, and some internal pockets make it easier to know where you've put your chargers, passports, and other miscellaneous travel goods. While the duffel doesn't fold into itself like the Patagonia bag below, it does fold down fairly flat. One of our staffers brings this duffel with him on his travels and stores it in his other carry-on in case the travel shopping bug bites him and one bag isn't enough to get his goodies home.

The Best Convertible Travel Bag: Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag

Black Hole Duffel Bag, 40L

Remember that hapless kid in fifth grade the whole class mocked for showing up with a rolling backpack the first day of school? ( People don't forget! ) Well, if you still holding onto some secondhand trauma from the incident, Patagonia's streamlined duffel might be good enough to risk straining your back to carry. Late last year, Patagonia updated its popular line of Black Hole bags , swapping out the high-gloss finish for a new matte look that makes good on the eco-conscious brand's commitment to sustainable sourcing. Aside from the new 100% recycled thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) finish, essentially everything about this bag is the same. While we miss the look of the OG bags, we're happy to say the duffel loses none of the specs or details that made the originals so damn great.

The body fabric, lining, and webbing are all made out of water-resistant recycled materials designed to keep your valuables dry, while two padded straps make for an easy switch if you'd rather sling it over your shoulders like a carry-on backpack . The bag's handles are also specially reinforced to make for comfortable hand-carrying so your lower vertebrae will hold up fine no matter how far your terminal is from the gate. Best of all, the whole thing folds into itself for storage. With all due respect to your childhood classmate (who you definitely owe an apology), sometimes carrying your bag just looks cooler than wheeling it around.

The Best Truly Budget Carry-On: Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner

Amazon Basics

20-Inch Hardside Spinner

We've all been there: You forgot to pack for your trip in two days, and wait, you don't have a suitcase. Take advantage of that Prime membership burning a monthly hole in your credit card statement, and scoop up the most popular carry-on Amazon from its namesake brand. With over 45,000 overwhelmingly positive reviews to its credit, this 20-inch hardside spinner has earned more than its fair share of compliments like “perfect for the price,” “light and sturdy,” and “great, all-around suitcase.” For an suitcase that costs less than a Benjamin, this spinner is built pretty well and features everything you'd want from a quality spinner: an expander, interior zippered pocket with additional storage, and smooth-rolling wheels for breezing through that moving walkway like you're The Flash.

4 More Carry-Ons We Like

We've also assembled a number of other worthy alternatives that'll help you jet off in style, even if you're on a Frontier budget. These may be slightly less accessible or less well-rounded than our top picks—and some of these we haven't had the luxury of testing ourselves—but they boast many of the same features you'd hope for in a well-traveled suitcase, from easy-gripping telescoping handles to a roomy, organized interior.

22-Inch 19 Degrees International Expandable Spinner Carry-On

Perhaps no other suitcase brand on the planet has the same name recognition as a Tumi, the workhorse luggage of choice for business travelers, and plenty of celebrities, since it first came on the scene in the ‘70s. Beyond the absolute basics—trustworthy zippers, a bevy of pockets and dividers, and locks for keeping everyone else out except the TSA—this shellacked spinner has style in spades. Add to that a Lever Lock system that fully enables your overpacking tendencies, and Tumi's tracing system (in case you ever lose sight of your bag), and you have hardly any reasons not to scoop one. The polished diagonal ridges on this spinner give it some subtle Rimowa vibes, too, without entreating you spend more than $1,000.

The North Face

Base Camp Duffel

Upgrading from the $30 Carhartt duffel you've had since college to something slightly more distinguished? North Face's base camp bag is the next logical progression, with a similar rugged style for outdoorsy folks, plus a water-resistant, recycled exterior that can handle a little dirt and distressing. It's extremely generous with a 50 liter capacity for tucking in gear, clothes, and beyond. Plus, the price point at under $150 is just right. It's probably the next best thing if for some reason Patagonia's high-vis logos aren't to your liking and you'd prefer something stealthier to haul your stuff into the great outdoors or onto the main cabin.

In the war between direct-to-consumer suitcases, Away is the clear winner by sheer popularity. But for anyone trying hard to not cave into peer pressure, Monos makes a comparable hardside suitcase that doesn't scream Instagram-obsessive-millennial. It's built with nearly the same specs as Away's carry-on and features nearly all the same design details from the interior compression, included laundry bag, 360-degree spinner wheels, and ribbed exterior. It's a whole Andrew Jackson less than the Away if that's enough to sway you to shop a suitcase from a lesser-known brand.

Cabin Luggage

Help your suitcase stand out in a sea of black nylon by copping a polycarbonate spinner in robin's egg blue. Floyd's retro carry-on spinners are inspired by ‘70s skating culture (peep the wheels!), with a breezy, laid-back sensibility that’ll help ease you into the vacation mindset. The glaringly orange, well-apportioned storage section inside only amplifies the brand's ethos of good vibes and great design. If you want swervier luggage that doesn’t look like everyone else's in the terminal, this one's a solid bet that perfectly blends high-vis colorblocking and design chops.

What's the Difference Between Soft and Hardside Carry-On Bags?

Hardside luggage used to be a bit of a novelty. If you had any 15 years ago, you might have been one of the few people in the airport hauling around their characteristic sleek shells—which made finding your bag at the luggage carousel a lot easier. But as these models started to become available in polycarbonate plastics, hardside options become just as ubiquitous as their soft shell counterparts.

By Avidan Grossman

By Lori Keong

By Tyler Chin

On the other hand, the main advantage of soft fabric luggage is its durability. That might seem counterintuitive because shouldn't something with a hard protective shell last longer? But in our experience, after the same amount of use, softside luggage looks more or less like it did when you bought it. Think about it: If you toss a soft fabric cube back and forth against a wall for a year, it might look a little bit busted on the corners, but its stretchy-soft surface would probably absorb much of the impact. But if that cube was made out of a thin, hard substance, you'd probably see a dent or nick in the paint basically anywhere it hit the wall.

That said, a bunch of fabric luggage options (save for the super expensive models) leave a lot to be desired aesthetically. Even when they're new, pulling a fabric suitcase behind you makes you look, at best, like someone who knows their way around a day planner. At worst, especially when they're covered in all sorts of metal rivets and extra zippers, they can look dinky—the tuxedo T-shirt of things to put your clothes in. So it makes sense that hard shell luggage almost always looks much better. Their glossy shells catch the light nicely as they float alongside you. And in recent years, companies have gotten a lot better at making them as durable as can be.

Fabric luggage does have one other advantage over hard shells, though. Thanks to their stretchiness, soft suitcases tend to be a little bit more accommodating to over-packers, while still maintaining the same carry-on size. You'll find it a little bit easier to actually zip them shut, even when they're filled to the brim with extra pairs of clothes. Hard shell suitcases offer a lot less give in terms of packing space, which makes them less than ideal if you tend to accumulate endless tchotchkes while you're traveling. It might not be a dealbreaker, but still something to consider.

What Makes a Good Carry-On Bag?

Size : According to the TSA, carry-on size restrictions vary by airline, but generally, the dimensions max out at 22 by 14 by 9 inches. Another important number to note regarding carry-on sizes is the capacity, usually denoted in liters. Considering size restrictions, the most capacity you'll have is around 40 liters, which is good for a week-long trip, but we did find one duffel bag that has a 50-liter capacity but can fly under the size restrictions because of its shape.

Style : Rolling bags, suitcases, luggage—those are probably the most popular style of carry-on bag. They easy to move around and don't require a rock-hard body to transport around the airport. However, some folks might prefer a lighter-weight duffel bag or backpack to trek into the great outdoors or keep close at home for short weekend sojourns. It all depends on where you're traveling, how much you're hauling, and

How We Tested

We here at GQ have been scanning the wild world of luggage retailers to find the carry-on bags you can comfortably roll up the cobblestone steps of Lisbon, zip-line with through the canopies of Belize , or begrudgingly leave at the gate on the way home for your nephew’s “graduation” from elementary school. We’ve combined our knowledge of the best luggage across a range of prices, styles, and construction types—ones that we've taken on planes, trains, and automobiles—to figure out which offer the best combination of solid construction, useful features, and magnificent looks.

We also added some runner-ups that we haven't had the pleasure of testing, but think combine the right features, price point, and reputation to go toe-to-toe with other contenders in their price range. Not so into the Away? Spring for a slightly more innocuous Monos. Want a heritage bag without blowing more than a grand? Tumi's got your back. After all that, here are our top picks that we’d be happy to drag behind and beside us on every single one of our upcoming trips.

More Best Stuff Recommendations from GQ

The Best Jeans for Men Under $100

The Best White Sneakers for Men Will Really Tie Your Wardrobe Together

The Best Hoodies for Men Look As Good As They Feel

The Best T-Shirts For Men , Period

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Money blog: The 24-minute rule - What time you should actually arrive at cinema to avoid adverts

We've gathered information from the UK's major cinema chains and spoken to experts about how long you can expect adverts and trailers to run until the main event actually begins. Read this and the rest of our Weekend Money content below and we'll be back on Monday with live updates.

Saturday 8 June 2024 08:06, UK

Weekend Money

• How long trailers last at each cinema chain - and what time you should get there
• Your comments : Concert prices, state of UK airports, self-service kiosks at Subway and HMRC glitch
• £2,000 tax hikes and interest rate cuts - the two things you need to know from Money this week

Best of the week

• Money Problem : 'I returned an item by post to Nike, they say they never got it and won't refund - what can I do?'
• Why you should consider swapping chicken breasts out of your shopping basket
• 100,000 reportedly due to remortgage onto higher rates before election - here's what you need to know
• How brands get you to buy more, more, more
• How much are student loans, when do you start paying back and what is the interest?
• Best of the Money blog - an archive

Ask a question or make a comment

By Narbeh Minassian , news reporter

The time on your ticket is 7pm, but you already know it's not going to start then.

So, what time do you get to the cinema?

If you're arriving at 7.10pm, you're almost certainly safe, but any later and you may cut it fine.

Here, we've gathered information from the UK's major cinema chains and spoken to experts about how long you can expect adverts and trailers to run until the main event actually begins.

According to the Cineworld website, ads and trailers "normally last between 30-45 minutes before the actual film begins".

The cinema also asks customers to collect tickets at least 20 minutes before the listed time "to make the most of their visit".

There appears to be a shorter wait at Odeon, which claims advert and trailer length is "typically 15-25 minutes" - but this varies with each performance and can be "considerably less".

"We always recommend to avoid disappointment you arrive with enough time to enter the screen at the scheduled performance start time," the website says.

There's a wider range at Everyman, which says it plays 25 minutes' worth of adverts and trailers.

But beware - "the length of ads and trailers varies for special events and it can be between 15 and 40 minutes, subject to type of event".

There isn't any specific information on the website and we got no response when we reached out to them, but Showcase did respond to a customer on social media on this very question.

In a May 2022 tweet, the cinema said: "The advertised time is when the adverts/ trailers start and are approximately 20-25 minutes long before each show."

Vue offers a more precise window: "Please be aware that most films have around 20 to 25 minutes of ads and trailers before the feature starts."

Its only recommendation is to be in your seat at the time stated so you "don't take any chances in missing the start of your film".

'In general, it's 24 minutes'

Karen Stacey, the chief executive of Digital Cinema Media, which supplies advertisement for the likes of Odeon, Vue and Cineworld, told Sky News the wait is typically 24 minutes - 12 minutes for ads, and 12 for trailers.

This remains true whatever the film and whatever the time of day, with about 95% of DCM's schedules "exactly the same".

"It's very formulaic, that's what consumers are used to," she said. "By making it consistent in length, people are always happy to come and join in."

She said 24 minutes gives schedulers enough time to prepare the film and allow a more staggered entry for the audience - while also bringing in revenue.

Any longer than half an hour, though, is "rare".

"Cinemas want to have as many films in as possible and they want to be mindful they don't finish too late in the evening," Ms Stacey said.

"My experience working with them is they are quite strict."

Are there rules over the length?

As the above suggests, there aren't any set rules or procedures governing cinema advertising length.

Kathryn Jacob, chief executive of cinema advertising company Pearl & Dean, said the length was determined by the cinema.

"Some cinemas take only one ad, like the BFI IMAX, and the maximum length is determined by the cinemas themselves," she told Sky News.

"Factors determining the length depend on demand from advertisers and the films that a cinema might want to showcase to the audience that's at the screening via trailers."

Cinema policy is the key decider and she said research has shown audiences find advertising in cinema "part of the entertainment".

Do viewers like the adverts and trailers?

Ms Jacob may have a point.

According to research published by DCM , advertising in cinemas is more effective than in any other media.

For a 60-second advert in the cinema, viewers will watch 48 seconds, which is a far higher proportion than TV or social media.

It is also highly trusted, with DCM citing a survey by IPA Touchpoints claiming nearly 100% of respondents say they trust what they see in the cinema - for comparison, 75% trust TV adverts.

Avid cinema-goer Bill Boswell, who pays £18 a month for an unlimited pass at Cineworld on the Isle of Wight, said he was happy to wait.

"I know that these adverts help pay for the cinema to run," he told Sky News. "The cinema is my place to escape, so it's good for my mental health and I would not want to lose it.

"If I watch at home, I can sometimes reach for my mobile phone, but a film on the big screen would get my 100% attention, so I just accept the pre-show adverts."

But what are the drawbacks?

The main thing Mr Boswell considers is his car, as his nearest Cineworld offers three hours of free parking.

"I would sometimes plan on 30 minutes of trailers and work back so I can fit the free parking in, as the cinema costs enough already," he said.

"If the film is more than two and a half hours, I park outside town and walk to the cinema."

Consumer expert Martin Lewis raised parking tickets as one of the issues in a 2019 tweet, in which he said he waited 33 minutes for a film to start.

Responding to one user, he said greater clarity would help customers to save on parking tickets and babysitting, while giving "legitimate expectation".

"And there's no rigorous research that prices [cinema tickets] would go up - they're often set by market demand," he added.

Are there alternatives?

If you want to avoid the pre-show altogether, your best bet might be independent or community cinemas.

Draycott Community Cinema, for example, is the only cinema in the Somerset village and is run by volunteers.

Committee member Chloe Haywood told Sky News they are always debating how long to make their pre-show.

They try to keep it to two short trailers, often without any adverts - though they are planning to find a sponsor later this year.

"We do find that it sets the audience up for the screening," she said, referring to their brief pre-show.

"We don't have trailers for long. They're to advertise the next two films, any local news that might be of interest, and then standard 'switch off your phones' type info."

We had a lot of feedback after our in-depth look at why concert ticket prices are so high these days...

Here's some of what you said...

Why do arenas and sports events have to charge so much for food and drinks? Over £8 a pint is absolutely scandalous and opportunistic greed. Britain is an absolute rip off. Lee J

In the same way that football has been gentrified, music is being steered towards the rich and middle class - real fans like me are no longer wanted by agents like Ticketmaster. Frontman

The ones responsible are the ones paying the prices like with coffee shops and other consumer products. Stop paying stupid prices, they won't charge them! Toby

Why are resale tickets allowed to be tripled or quadrupled? Recently offered a David Gilmour ticket for £600??? Springbok

1970... $7.50 to see Elvis at his prime in Vegas. The greatest entertainer ever. 2020... £300 to see Taylor Swift. The most overrated singer around today.  I know who got the best deal there! Steve Elliott

A quick calculation shows $7.50 in 1970 is the equivalent of $60.61 today.

Next, a brief mention of Subway's decision to change its ordering process in all stores to electronic kiosks by the end of the year...

Some readers complained in our comments box but when we asked our followers on LinkedIn whether they liked or loathed self-service via a screen, this was the result...

Another post that got you exercised contained quotes from the boss of Emirates comparing Heathrow to a Second World War airport ...

There wasn't much love for the UK's biggest airport from readers - or for any other airport across the country...

There need to be a lot of change at Heathrow! Specially with immigration checks. The long queues are killing me, someone can't wait 2hrs in a queue to get a clearance, it's absurd! Cheka

Heathrow is not the only one. Coming back to UK through Gatwick yesterday was a sobering experience. Tatty floor covering, scuffed and drab paint everywhere. Wall graphics lacking any imagination or vibrancy. Narrow walkways and corridors. Doesn't show the UK in a good light all. Frequent traveller

Heathrow a Second World War airport? Try coming off a plane with 300 others at Leeds Bradford and queueing outside in the cold and pouring rain trying to shuffle in through a small door that looks like it used to be an emergency exit. How difficult can it be to erect something? Paula Blue

I totally disagree Heathrow is as bad as the president says. Has he ever visited Manchester Airport? AJ

A major HMRC glitch on Monday meant 500,000 families did not get their child benefit on time. Multiple readers wrote in with their views...

So they will be paying compensation then? As they would fine us for late payments... Cybertuck

HMRC? Apologise? Due to an error by working tax credits, I've only just been paid six years' worth. And as to child maintenance payments… I can't even begin to discuss that without crying. LWE

Is there any government IT system in this country that works as it should? Tudor1

I don't have children, very sadly, but if I were told that HMRC were "sorry" for this glitch I would probably feel very violent. We get a lot of apologies these days which mean absolutely nothing (regrettably). Gillydhill

Confirming the problem had been fixed late on Monday afternoon, HMRC said: "We are very sorry some customers didn't receive their scheduled child benefit payments as expected and we understand the concern and difficulty this may have caused. 

"We've fixed the problem and affected customers will now receive their payments on Wednesday morning."

The news agenda this week has been dominated by election campaigning - with the first leaders' debate taking place on Tuesday night.

It saw Rishi Sunak cheer his supporters with the repeated claim that Labour would put up taxes by £2,000.

Sir Keir Starmer was, most observers thought, far too slow to respond - but the claim began to unravel the next day.

Data and economics editor Ed Conway's analysis of the Tory calculations suggested the £2,000 rise was actually spread out over four years - so £500 a year may have been a more suitable number for the PM to throw at his opponent.

Concluding his piece, Conway said you "probably shouldn't" believe the figures - but if you used the same methodology as the Tories, it would show they had put up taxes by £3,000 a year over the course of this parliament. Or £13,000, if you wanted to present the numbers in the same way as Mr Sunak did during the debate. 

Read Conway's full analysis here ...

Some distance from Westminster, the 20 countries that use the euro saw an interest rate cut this week - the European Central Bank moving before the US Fed and Bank of England.

A cut in the UK is currently priced in by markets for September - in the meantime, British holidaymakers could benefit from a weaker euro against the pound.

Business presenter Ian King says a potential weakening of the euro could have wider implications.

He explained: "It comes with risks, not least in terms of pushing up the cost of imports - particularly energy, which is priced in dollars, which could in turn push up inflation."

The price of exports into the US could go down - potentially undercutting American firms.

King went on: "A weaker euro would also carry risks in a US election year in which both Joe Biden and Donald Trump, his challenger, will be seeking to out-bid each other with protectionist policies."

Read his full analysis here ...

The Money blog is your place for consumer news, economic analysis and everything you need to know about the cost of living - bookmark news.sky.com/money.

It runs with live updates every weekday - while on Saturdays we scale back and offer you a selection of weekend reads.

Check them out this morning and we'll be back on Monday with rolling news and features.

The Money team is Bhvishya Patel, Jess Sharp, Katie Williams, Brad Young and Ollie Cooper, with sub-editing by Isobel Souster. The blog is edited by Jimmy Rice.

The BBC's content arm is among the suitors vying to buy the television production company which owns the rights to The Gruffalo.

Sky News has learnt that BBC Studios is participating in a sale process for Magic Light Pictures, which has won three BAFTAs and secured a quartet of Oscar nominations.

The auction is being run by Gotham Street, a specialist media deals boutique.

A number of other bidders are also said to be involved in the process given the quality of Magic Light's content library, which includes a number of works by The Gruffalo's creators, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

The Gruffalo has become one of Britain's best-known children's characters, telling the story of an adventurous mouse that fends off a series of would-be predators by telling them about a supposedly imaginary creature called a gruffalo.

In the 2011 sequel, The Gruffalo's Child, the mouse then scares off a young gruffalo by using shadows to project a giant version of itself.

The two films have been distributed internationally by Magic Light, and along with the original Gruffalo books have sparked substantial merchandising revenues as well as a theme park attraction at Chessington World of Adventures.

The woman alleged to be the inspiration for the stalker in hit Netflix series Baby Reindeer is suing the streaming platform for $170m (£133m).

The show is said to be based on the real-life experiences of writer Richard Gadd, who plays himself as he copes with stalker Martha Scott.

Fiona Harvey, 58, claims she is the inspiration for Martha, who begins stalking Gadd after he serves her a free cup of tea in the pub where he works.

In the lawsuit, Ms Harvey has accused Netflix of spreading "brutal lies", including that she is a "twice convicted stalker who was sentenced to five years in prison".

"Defendants told these lies, and never stopped, because it was a better story than the truth, and better stories made money," it states.

"As a result of defendants' lies, malfeasance and utterly reckless misconduct, Harvey's life had been ruined."

Sky News's US partner network NBC News reports the lawsuit described the show's claim "this is a true story" as "the biggest lie in television history".

"Netflix destroyed a woman, claiming, among many allegations, that she was a convicted woman," Richard Roth, a lawyer for Ms Harvey, wrote in an email.

"It never contacted her. It never checked the facts. It never made any effort to understand the truth of its 'true story!'"

The lawsuit seeks actual damages and compensatory damages at $50m (£39m) each, punitive damages at $20m (£16m); as well as "all profits" from Baby Reindeer at $50m (£39m).

A Netflix spokesperson told Sky News: "We intend to defend this matter vigorously and to stand by Richard Gadd's right to tell his story."

Administrators to The Body Shop are aiming to clinch a sale of the stricken cosmetics retailer by the end of the month, even as its former owner veers away from making an offer for it.

Sky News' city editor Mark Kleinman has learnt that FRP Advisory, which was appointed to handle the chain's insolvency in January, has asked for indicative bids by next Tuesday.

British entrepreneur Mike Lynch has been cleared of all charges by a US jury in the high-profile fraud case related to the sale of his software company Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard (HP) in 2011.

Dr Lynch, who was extradited to the US to face trial just over a year ago, was acquitted alongside a former finance executive Stephen Chamberlain who had faced the same charges.

They were accused of conspiracy and attempted fraud over the £8.3bn sale to HP - a deal that has been the subject of costly legal action since.

Labour is promising to get more young people on the housing ladder as it announces its "freedom to buy" scheme on Friday.

The party is pledging to make the existing mortgage guarantee scheme - which sees the government act as a guarantor for people unable to save big deposits - into a permanent fixture if it wins the election on 4 July.

Meanwhile, the Tories are promising a tax cut for parents by raising the threshold for when families have to pay a levy on their child benefit.

The current system means if either parents or a parent's partner earns more than £60,000, they begin paying the high income child benefit tax charge, and lose the benefit altogether when a salary hits £80,000.

But if the Tories win the election on 4 July, they have promised to increase the threshold to £120,000 before any tax is paid, and to £160,000 before the benefit is withdrawn, as well as base it on a household income, rather than an individual.

Ever wanted to own your own Victorian island fort?

Well now you can - with two being listed with a guide price of £1m.

Spitbank Fort in Hampshire and No Man's Land Fort off the Isle of Wight have been listed for auction and can be bought separately - or as a pair if you can't pick between the two.  

During the Second World War, the forts were used to defend the Portsmouth dockyards. 

No Man's Fort is substantially bigger and probably presents itself more as a business opportunity, but Spitbank offers nine large bedroom suites across three floors and could potentially work as a private home to the right buyer. 

No Man's Fort has its own traditional English pub, a nightclub, and a helipad, while Spitbank Fort naturally boasts a wine cave plus a swimming pool and spa complex.

"Throughout my career as an auctioneer I've seen several sea forts hit the market that have achieved impressive prices as buyers have sought to pursue these trophy assets," said Robin Howeson, head of Savills Auctions.

"Having been carefully restored by the current owners, No Man's and Spitbank Fort represent exceptional market value, each guided at £1m. 

"Both offer an opportunity like no other; a waterfront location, up to 99,000sq ft of space and a chance to champion the heritage and legacy of these iconic maritime structures."

The auction takes place on 18 June. 

If you missed out on the general sales but want to bag yourself a last-minute ticket to Taylor Swift's show in Edinburgh tonight , it could set you back a whopping £4,000. 

Not to fear, however, as it is currently possible to land yourself a ticket for as little as £271 - if you settle for a somewhat restricted view. 

We've checked resale giant Viagogo for the latest prices, accurate as of 10.30am. 

As is often the case with popular tours listed on resale sites, many of the tickets are sold individually - so if you're happy to go alone tonight, you're more likely to get a ticket. 

For context, a ticket at general sale cost somewhere between £80-£160 depending on where you sit/stand. 

As it stands, the cheapest seat with an unrestricted view of the stage is currently up for sale at £323.

Just one ticket is up for £271, but has a "restricted view". 

Bringing a crowd

If you're looking to take someone with you, the cheapest pair of tickets without any restricted view will cost you a combined £1,706.

However, if you're happy with a restricted or limited view, you can pay the cheaper price of £538 for the pair (£269 each). 

You can buy up to four tickets in the same area for £303 each (£1,212 together) for a restricted view, or £555 each (£2,220 together) for an unobstructed view of the stage. 

Getting closer to the action 

Standing tickets are much sought after given their proximity to the stage. 

As alluded to at the top of this post, one frankly optimistic reseller has listed four general admission tickets for a staggering £4,256 each (in the "floor" section shown in the map below). 

However, you can get even closer - with one ticket remaining in the separate section to the left of the stage at £651 and another to the right at £559. 

A word of caution

Ticket resale sites, including Viagogo, have previously been accused of "ripping off" consumers amid concerns customers could be turned away at venues because of restrictions on some resold tickets.

The company was told in 2019 that it was required to make a number of changes to the way it collects and presents information about tickets on its site.

It has since pledged to be compliant with UK watchdogs and now offers a "100% order guarantee [which] covers both buyers and sellers".

If you're happy paying over the odds for last-minute tickets, make sure you're buying through a site with such a guarantee and always beware of scams!

House prices in the UK dropped by 0.1% between April and May, data from mortgage lender Halifax shows.

Analysts had expected a drop of around 0.2%, while last week, rival lender Nationwide said its measure of house prices rose in May after falling in the previous two months.

In the 12 months to May, prices rose by 1.5%, Halifax said - faster than the median forecast in a Reuters news agency poll for an annual increase of 1.2%.

"Market activity remained resilient throughout the spring months, supported by strong nominal wage growth and some evidence of an improvement in confidence about the economic outlook," Halifax's head of mortgages, Amanda Bryden, said.

The stable picture for property prices over the last three months was likely to give more confidence to buyers and sellers, she added. 

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