Affordable business class airlines

Flying business class is a luxury most of us fantasize about from the time we book our tickets to the time we debark, hurting and exhausted, from the economy cabin. Of course, perks like lounge access and legroom are tempting, but the cost of an upgrade is usually too hard for the average traveler to justify. Luckily, it doesn’t always have to be. Not only can you look out for Z-class fares, business tickets sold at discounted rates, but a number of airlines also consistently offer great prices on premium seats. If you want to take your next trip in style, put these carriers at the top of your to-fly list.

1. Turkish Airlines

First time in business class selfie. Photo: Tim Wenger

Turkish Airlines is known for its flying chefs and exceptional service — and the airline does this at grand scale by flying to 131 countries, more than any other airline, and services a total of over destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. It makes getting to dream destinations like Budapest or Bangkok a whole lot easier and getting there in business class a lot more likely. Flying Turkish Airlines business class is an experience from checki-in to baggage claim — you’ll check in at a separate counter, have access to either the Turkish Airliness business lounge or the business lounge of a partner airline (think United Polaris, if you’re departing from the US). Then there’s the lie-flat seats and boutique feel of the business cabin — it’s a great place to cozy up over a movie, get some work done, and enjoy a full night’s sleep on a long-haul flight.

Travelers have booked round-trip itineraries for as little as $2,500 round trip, which is a bargain considering premium seats on international flights can easily cost three times that much. No matter where you’re headed next, Turkish Airlines probably flies there, so keep your eye out for killer deals like these:

• San Francisco to Istanbul: Approximately $2,549 round-trip.

• Miami to Madrid: Around $2,235 round-trip.

• New York to Istanbul: Starting from $2,207 round-trip. ​

Read Matador’s detailed review of flying Turkish Airlines Business Class

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2. Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines

You can get from Los Angeles to Kauai for around $500, or NYC to Tokyo for around $1,500 in the Extra Comfort cabin (a hybrid between economy and business) if you play your cards right. Naturally, you’ll get the most bang for your buck in the off-season, but Hawaiian Airlines is also competitive during summer and over the holidays when everyone jets off to get their tan on. Consider the carrier if you plan on traveling to Hawaii, Asia, or the South Pacific in the near future by. utilizing these metrics:

• Typical fare range: $1,200 to over $2,500 round-trip, where many major airlines start above $2,000 for longer business class flights.

• Off-peak deals: Occasionally, round-trip business class fares to destinations like Japan or Australia can be found for under $1,500 depending on time of year – head to Japan in winter for better rates, which is a double-win if you’re heading there on a ski trip.

• Upgrade options: Upgrades from economy to business class are available for 45,000 to 90,000 HawaiianMiles, depending on the route and season.

• Booking tip: Booking 60 to 90 days in advance can yield savings of approximately 15 percent compared to last-minute purchases.

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3. Jetstar Airways

Photo: Ceri Breeze /Shutterstock

There’s something contradictory about flying business class on a budget airline, but it’s probably your best bet if affordable prices are your priority. Jetstar Airways is a low-cost carrier and subsidiary of Qantas Airlines. It flies between North America, Asia, and Oceania, offering premium seating on select international routes. As of May 2025, Jetstar Airways offers some of the most affordable long-haul business class fares among low-cost carriers, particularly on routes between Australia and Asia. While exact prices fluctuate based on factors like route, season, and booking time, recent data indicates that business class fares on Jetstar’s long-haul routes can start as low as $500 one-way.

Jetstar’s Business Class is offered exclusively on its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, which are used for long-haul international routes (meaning. in this case, sleep comfort is part of plane’s design). The cabin features 21 seats arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration, providing a comfortable and spacious layout for travelers. Passengers enjoy a range of amenities including extra weight for carry-on baggage and checked baggage, in-flight meals and drinks, comfort packs with stuff like toiletries and refreshing spritzes, in-flight entertainment, and priority boarding. For added perks, travelers can upgrade to the Business Max bundle—typically about $200 USD extra—which includes lounge access and the ability to earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points and status credits. There’s no denying you’ll get the budget-business treatment, meaning no fully lie-flat seats, but you’ll still get way more sleep than you would in an economy cabin.

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4. British Airways

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Treating yourself to business class on British Airways is a great way to channel your favorite Downton Abbey aristocrat without breaking the bank. The airline is a solid choice for transatlantic flights and makes getting from US hubs to European cities in the Club World (business class) cabin for under $2,000 surprisingly doable. AARP members also have access to up to $200 discounts, which can go as high as $400 during special promotions. As of May 2025, British Airways is offering significant discounts on long-haul business class (Club World) fares as part of its “Original Sale,” available for bookings made quickly after a sale is announced. These deals currently include up to $750 off return Club World flights to various destinations, with examples such as New York from approximately $1,710, Washington, D.C. from around $1,875, and Dubai from about $2,370.

British Airways didn’t top this list but it is up there with Turkish Airlines in terms of its legacy status — British is not a budget airline, so snagging these fares is an accomplishment worthy of the “pro traveler” label. That’s particularly true given they include all standard Club World amenities: lie-flat seats, lounge access, priority boarding, gourmet dining, and a generous baggage allowance. Depending on when you travel, you might be able to snag a solid deal — British Airways Holidays is offering bundled flight and hotel packages, such as a week in St. Lucia from approximately $975 per person and Orlando from about $710 per person, with low deposits and installment payment options.

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5. Icelandair

It’s almost worth flying business class to Reykjavik for the breakfast spread in Keflavik International Airport’s Saga Class Lounge alone. Though you’ll want to fly roundtrip to take advantage, that’s actually enticing — Saga Class is the airline’s take on business class, and it’s uniquely Icelandic, down to the availability of local music available in-flight (including Icelandic punk rock, if you’re feeling rowdy),  Little touches like hot towels and chilled Champagne make all the difference when you upgrade on Icelandair, especially if you’re traveling internationally. The carrier flies to most major European cities, and has done a lot to market itself to North American travelers in recent years, so you might just come across an offer you can’t refuse.

A recent deal flew travelers from New York (JFK) to Zurich for $859 — and you’ll want to include extra time in a layover in Reykjavik if you have one so you can take advantage of that lounge. With a stop in Reykjavik You can hit most major European destinations from JFK in New York as well as Boston, Denver, Minneapolis, Chicago, Seattle, and a handful of other US hubs.

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6. JetBlue

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JetBlue is like the Wild Turkey bourbon of airlines: it’s cheaper than so-called top-shelf alternatives without sacrificing its quality, promising something both affordable and smooth. Travelers with high standards and low budgets can opt to fly premium (regarded as business class rather than economy plus) with JetBlue Mint, which has had coast-to-coast deals for under $500 in the past. You can also keep an eye on seasonal flights to the Caribbean from Boston or NYC.

JetBlue Mint includes such features as lie-flat seats and even the occasional suite in which you can seclude yourself behind a closed door. The airline is known for serving its Mint customers tapas-style meals curated by NYC-based restaurants along with ample snacks, Tuft & Needle sleep kits, and included Wi-Fi. What JetBlue lacks in branded business class lounges it attempts to make up for in onboard service, so don’t be shy about ordering another round of included alcoholic beverages. There are some stellar deals for 2025, as well:

• New York (JFK) to St. Lucia: Starting at $266 one-way in Mint class.

• Seattle to New York (JFK): Round-trip fares from $998

• Los Angeles, San Diego, or San Francisco to New York (JFK): From about $1,200 round-trip

• Boston to Madrid: Premium Mint seats from $2,799 round-trip

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7. Aer Lingus

You don’t need the luck of the Irish to get good business-class deals on Aer Lingus. The airline is an obvious choice for flights to Ireland, but it’s also great for flights between the US or Canada and continental Europe. Business-class seats aren’t always cheap, but Aer Lingus regularly beats out its competitors on transatlantic routes, making it a great airline to get you across the pond.

Flying in Aer Lingus Business Class on long-haul routes includes fully lie-flat seats on Airbus A330 and A321LR planes, and if you’re on the A311LR, you can upgrade to the more private “throne seats.” The cabin includes adjustable seating with lumbar support, power outlets, and built-in massage functions. You’ll chow down on Irish-inspired meals and a selection of wines, spirits, and of course, a pint of Guinness.

• Dublin to New York (JFK): Round-trip business class fares are available from approximately $1,800, depending on travel dates and availability.

• Dublin to Boston: Similar fares starting around $1,800 round-trip can be found for this route as well. ​

• Dublin to Chicago (ORD): Business class tickets are priced from about $2,000 round-trip.

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8. Avianca

The anticipation was tantalizing. Photo: Tim Wenger

Avianca, Colombia’s flagship carrier, is a convenient way to travel in comfort between the US and Latin America. There’s no escaping it when searching for flights to Bogotá or Buenos Aires, which is a good thing considering it generally has great offers on both economy and business seats. I was recently upgraded on an Avianca flight from Montevideo to Lima, and the cushy cabin and premium meal plan nearly spoiled me for my connecting flights. While you may not have the same luck that I did, the service, in general, is great and you may snag a similar deal ahead of time. Avianca is a member of Star Alliance, which means as a business class flier you can access the United Polaris lounge at the departure airport for your international flight.

Its long-haul routes use Boeing 787 and Airbus A330 planes that are set up for lounging and sleeping. On these flights, passengers enjoy fully lie-flat seats arranged in 1-2-1 or 2-2-2 configurations, along with ample personal space, power outlets, and privacy dividers. The inflight dining experience includes multi-course meals that blend Latin American and international cuisine, complemented by a selection of wines and spirits. Travelers also receive amenity kits with essentials like moisturizers, socks, and an eye mask.

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