When it comes to luxury travel experiences, there are few that can rival that of first or business class plane tickets. Airlines are going out of their way to design plush cabins with everything you could possibly need at your fingertips. These added premium inclusions are certainly appreciated when you're in the air, but they don't come without a price tag.
Depending on where you're headed, the cost of flying first or business class has the potential to put some strain on the pocket and leave little for fun once the plane has landed.
First class service at its finest on board Thai Airways. Image: Thai Airways.
So how exactly do you fly business class without the full price tag? There are plenty of ways to get yourself to the pointy end of the plane without having to fork out the big bucks. Look for business class airfares on sale, bid for an upgrade in online auctions before your flight, or use your frequent flyer loyalty points to upgrade. All of those options, however, require some form of chance, so you’re not guaranteed to find yourself further forward in the plane.
The answer? Book a mixed class airfare.
Not sure what that means? Well, we're here to help, taking the mystery out of mixed class airfares.
Food in First and Business Class on board Cathay Pacific is certainly something to write home about. Image: Cathay Pacific.
What are mixed class airfares?
Simply speaking, mixed class airfares are tickets that mix both economy and first or business class seats on international flights. They allow you to live in the lap of luxury for a portion of your journey, ensuring the opportunity to lavish in a lie-flat seat or savour the flavours of carefully crafted celebrity-chef designed menus. What's better is that combinations are available for destinations across the globe, ensuring that no matter where you're going you can get there in style without having to break the bank.
How do mixed class tickets work?
Let’s say you’re looking at mixed class airfares to Europe via Asia. You'll board the plane in Sydney, taking your seat in economy for the first leg of the trip. Disembarking in Asia, you will then board your flight on to Paris where you will enjoy all the in-flight luxuries from your business class seat.
On the way home, you will board your flight from Paris to Asia in business class. After a short layover in Asia, you'll finish your journey to Sydney in economy.
Booking a mixed class ticket allows you to relish all of the fun of a first or business class flight, but in many cases cuts the cost nearly in half!
Champagne taste better in First Class. Image: Cathay Pacific.
How do I book a mixed class airfare?
Booking mixed class airfares is simple as most airlines offer mixed class options. Take a look at various airlines including Qantas, Etihad, Virgin, Emirates, Cathay, Finnair and Qatar mixed class airfares for a selection of available destinations. If you don't see what you're looking for, or you have a question about any potential mixed class airfares, not to worry. Our travel experts are available to assist and customise mixed class airfares that will suit your needs.
Call 1300 038 785 for more information on how you can take full advantage of Flight Centre’s mixed class airfares on your next flight.
*Travel restrictions & conditions apply. Review any specific conditions stated and our general terms at Terms and Conditions. Prices & taxes are correct as at the date of publication & are subject to availability and change without notice. Prices quoted are on sale until the dates specified unless otherwise stated or sold out prior. Prices are per person.
