Whether you adore flying or consider it a necessary evil, almost anyone would agree that flying first class kicks serious butt compared to flying coach. Those flying at the front of the plane enjoy free drinks other passengers must pay for, free entertainment, higher quality food (also free!) and oh, that lovely, lovely leg space that invites travellers to stretch weary limbs.

Just like I recently flew business class to New Caledonia, and it was amazing!

However, such amenities nevertheless come with a steep ticket price. Those booking first or business class tickets can expect to pay at least double what they would pay for an economy class seat.

Savvy travellers, though, know that bargains exist even among first class fares, and today I want to share these secrets to making travel much more comfortable.

Shop with Sky Miles in Mind

When selecting a credit card, do so with travel in mind, and select the card that offers the biggest rewards for your buck. Then, use that credit card wisely by utilising it for everyday purchases such as trips to the grocery store and pay the card off each month. That way, you reap reward miles without wracking up huge interest charges.

Use your card for large purchases which later get reimbursed by your employer or another agency. For example, if your boss regularly sends you on Staples runs then reimburses the money you spent, use your airline miles to reap rewards.

Taking a pricey prescription medication with a manufacturer rebate program? Pay for the medication using your travel rewards card and simply pay the card off when you receive the rebate check from the pharmaceutical company to both meet your insurance deductible sooner and earn some extra sky miles!

Maximize Your Miles

Once the miles start adding up, keep careful track of when they expire. Should you find the miles about to expire don't quite get you the upgrade you desire, many airlines will allow you to purchase additional miles for around $0.25 per mile. Purchase enough to fill the gap and enjoy a spontaneous luxury trip!

Ideally combine the first two ideas by opening a credit card directly with your favourite airline. This allows you to truly maximise your miles, as not only will you earn miles for everyday purchases, you'll add to them each time you fly as well!

Take a Short Work Week

Plan on flying one of the two US-based airline giants American or Delta? Enjoy a 10 percent to 22 percent discount simply for booking your flight for a Wednesday. Wednesday usually offers the biggest discount, but Delta also discounts flights booked for Saturday and American on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

In addition, try to time your trips for shoulder or off-peak periods. With the exception of the Thanksgiving and holiday travel rushes, the period between November through March falls into the off-peak category.

June, July and August make up peak travel times, so avoid these months to find lower fares.

Besides, a getaway to Australia booked for January transports you from winter to summer!

fly to Australia on the cheap

Leave Room to Upgrade

Begin searching for fares listed as economy premium with upgrade potential.

Often even on full flights, a seat or two in the first class section remain open, and those with premium seats get first dibs on upgrading to a better spot on the plane simply by paying a small additional fee.

Even if no first class seat becomes available, at least you'll still enjoy the roomier leg space premium economy seats provide.

Think One-Way

If you can't afford to upgrade your entire trip, explore whether you can afford a first class upgrade for at least one half of your journey.

For example, if you want to arrive at your destination in style but know you'll be too exhausted for anything other than sleep upon your return, book the flight to your destination in first class and your return in coach.

The Early Bird Gets the Upgrade

Plan on getting to the airport at least an hour to an hour and a half ahead of time. This eliminates stress should the security line stretch endlessly and also leaves you with time to strike up a conversation with the gate attendants whom you can then politely inquire about upgrade potential.

Every worker appreciates those customers who treat them with kindness, and a bit of pleasant banter may just land you with a far cushier seat.

save on airfares

Call the Airline Directly

Even though you may locate lower fares on travel sites like Kayak, always call the airline to actually book your ticket.

Not only can you inform them of the lowest fare you've found, you can inquire about potential upgrades and the best way to get them directly from airline personnel.

Scope Out the Situation and Address Problems Politely

Since first class passengers board first, this gives those with coach tickets the chance to observe whether any empty first class seats remain.

Should a seat be available but you find your own assigned seat comes with problems (a wailing, kicking toddler behind you or just a grumpy gills seat mate who refuses to open the window cover), politely address the issue with the flight attendant and request seat change.

Never make a scene — that old adage about catching more flies with honey than with vinegar applies here.

Enjoy Your Trip!

Now that you've scored a cushy first class seat on the cheap, its time to kick back and enjoy all those extra amenities! Stretch your legs, sip champagne, and enjoy your flight!

Here is an useful graphic to help you find other unique ways to save money on your travels — check it out below!

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by PSECU, a Pennsylvania-based credit union.

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