Nine Ways to Save Money on Travel

Introduction

After the slump in travel due to the pandemic, people are now returning to the skies. However, the cost of flying has increased along with the surge in travel rates. According to a 2023 report by travel company Kayak, travel costs have risen by 35 percent compared to the previous year. Despite this, there are still ways to save money while traveling, even if you choose to book a first-class ticket. We have consulted travel and finance experts who have shared their top tips for keeping your expenses in check when opting for a luxury trip. Read on to discover the nine ways in which flying first class can actually save you money in the long run.

1. You’ll save on baggage expenses.

Traveling first class can help you save money on luggage expenses. Unlike most coach tickets, first-class tickets usually include one or two checked bags at no extra cost. Carter Seuthe, CEO of My Credit Summit, explains that while a first-class ticket may be more expensive, the included amenities can offset the cost of luggage fees. Some first-class tickets even waive luggage fees, allowing you to save money when traveling with multiple or oversized bags.

2. You’ll save by accruing more travel points.

By using the right credit card, spending more on a first-class ticket can actually save you money on future trips. Suzanne Bucknam, CEO of Connecticut Explorer, suggests using a credit card that allows you to accumulate points when you fly first class. For example, the United Mastercard offers additional rewards points that can be used towards future travel. Bucknam also recommends using a credit card that allows you to earn points on all your purchases, including groceries and gas, which can add up over time and result in free travel.

3. You’ll save by boosting your airline loyalty benefits.

Staying loyal to one airline can help you save money when flying first class. Many airlines offer loyalty programs that provide perks and benefits to frequent flyers, such as free first-class upgrades. Justin Crabbe, CEO of Jettly, suggests that travelers who accumulate points or miles with a particular airline can potentially save money on future flights by redeeming these rewards. While this applies to flying coach as well, opting for first class can expedite the process.

4. You’ll save on the airport lounge.

Access to the first-class lounge is another way to save money when flying first class. The lounge often provides free WiFi, food, and beverages, including cocktails. Suzanne Bucknam highlights that by taking advantage of the first-class lounge, you can avoid the exorbitant airline bar markup on drinks, resulting in substantial savings.

5. You may save by booking through a travel agent.

Booking your plane ticket through a travel agent can sometimes lead to discounted first-class fares that are not available to the general public. Justin Crabbe advises travelers to consider using a travel agent or taking advantage of discounted fares to potentially save money on first-class tickets. Additionally, booking a first-class ticket over the phone by calling the airline directly may also offer cost savings.

6. You’ll save on hotels for long layovers.

If choosing a first-class ticket means avoiding a lengthy layover that requires a hotel stay, you may be able to save money in the long run. Kyle Kroeger, founder and CEO of ViaTravelers, suggests that a direct flight can be more cost-effective than combining a flight and hotel. It is important to compare the total expenditures, including hotel costs, rather than just focusing on the ticket price.

7. You’ll save if you need to change your itinerary.

Changing your travel plans after booking your tickets can be expensive. Gareth Boyd, co-founder of Frequent Flyer Credit Cards, explains that compared to flying coach, first-class tickets tend to be more flexible. If there is a high chance that you might need to change your flight, the fees associated with altering an economy ticket could end up costing more than if you had originally purchased a first-class ticket. This flexibility can result in significant cost savings.

8. You’ll save by getting a last-minute upgrade.

Opting for a last-minute upgrade or flying standby can also save you money when flying first class. Ann Martin, Director of Operations for CreditDonkey, suggests that airlines are often willing to give steep discounts to standby flyers to fill unsold seats, including first-class seats. While this is a gamble, it can pay off and provide a good deal even if you don’t secure a first-class ticket.

9. You’ll save time—and time is money.

If you’re traveling for work, spending extra on a first-class ticket can save you money by saving you time. Kyle Kroeger points out that arriving at your destination feeling refreshed and rested can help you avoid productivity loss from exhaustion. Additionally, the ability to work comfortably and efficiently during the flight can save both time and money in the long run.

In conclusion, flying first class doesn’t have to break the bank. By taking advantage of the included amenities, accumulating travel points, leveraging airline loyalty benefits, accessing airport lounges, booking through travel agents, avoiding hotel costs for layovers, benefiting from ticket flexibility, securing last-minute upgrades, and saving time, you can actually save money while enjoying a luxurious travel experience.