Looking to Fly Business Class? Here’s the Affordable Way to Do It

New research conducted by Holidu, a holiday rentals provider, reveals that four European airlines offer the most affordable business class flights compared to economy tickets. While business class is typically 250 per cent more expensive than economy, some airlines have markups as low as 88 per cent. European carriers dominate the list of airlines with the smallest price discrepancies between economy and business class. For example, Austrian Airlines offers a relatively low price difference of 194.82 per cent on average, with certain routes like Vienna to Larnaca costing just 69.66 per cent more for business class.

Among the top 10 airlines with the smallest price differences, four are European, four are Asian, one is African, and one is American. Notably, European airlines were found to be relatively expensive compared to Asian carriers on the list. Japan’s All Nippon Airways took the top spot with a price difference of 82.22 per cent, followed by Japan Airlines and South Korea’s Asiana Airlines. While European airlines like Lufthansa and Swiss Air ranked lower on the list in terms of price difference, they still offer competitive rates for certain routes, especially for mid-haul flights.

It’s important to note that prices can vary based on the specific route and airline, so passengers are advised to check for up-to-date information before booking. Additionally, some airlines may offer additional amenities for business class passengers, such as extra luggage allowance, lounge access, and air miles. Overall, the research highlights that upgrading to business class may not always be as expensive as commonly perceived, especially on select European airlines that offer competitive rates for premium travel experiences.

One of the airlines featured in the study with a relatively low price difference between economy and business class is Austrian Airlines. Based in Vienna, the carrier serves domestic and international destinations across 55 countries. While the average price discrepancy is 194.82 per cent, certain routes like Vienna to Larnaca in Cyprus have a smaller margin of just 69.66 per cent. Business class passengers on Austrian Airlines can enjoy additional perks such as extra luggage, lounge access, and air miles, making the upgrade a worthwhile investment for a more comfortable and luxurious travel experience.

In the global ranking of airlines with the smallest price differences between economy and business class, European carriers hold a significant presence. Despite being relatively expensive compared to Asian airlines, European companies like Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, Swiss Air, and Aer Lingus offer competitive rates for premium travel. With varying price discrepancies based on route and airline, passengers are encouraged to compare prices and amenities before booking. Overall, the research findings suggest that upgrading to business class may be a more affordable option than expected, especially on select European airlines that provide value for money in the premium travel segment.