This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
Premium economy, business class and first class are higher on the pecking order than economy, which means that they’ll always be more expensive, right? Not exactly. While you’ll pay more for a superior seat, cabin and overall flight experience the vast majority of the time, a recent discovery in the TPG Lounge shows why you should always check pricing on all cabins before clicking purchase on an economy ticket.
Particularly on award tickets, where you’re exchanging points or miles instead of cash, booking engines at major airlines like Alaska, American, Delta and United have been known to price extra-legroom economy, premium economy and first/business class below economy.
TPG reader Avi recently discovered that he could save 32,000 Delta SkyMiles — worth $384 per TPG’s latest valuation — by flying in first class rather than coach on a trip from New York (JFK) to Orlando (MCO).
Earlier this month, I noticed that something was amiss with award tickets on Delta’s impending A330-900neo, set to begin service between Seattle (SEA) and Shanghai (PVG) this July. While a round-trip ticket was pricing at 86,000 SkyMiles for economy, the same round-trip was available for just 60,000 SkyMiles in Premium Select.
TPG Points & Miles Backpacker Brian Biros notes that on some exotic routes, such as the once-weekly LATAM jaunt between Easter Island (IPC) and Papeete, Tahiti (PPT), even business class cash fares can price at equal to or less than economy fares. For this route in particular, LATAM rarely discounts economy fares, which means that you could stumble upon a discounted business class fare in situations where the economy cabin is nearly full but the forward cabin has plenty of availability.
It’s worth paying particular attention to premium cabin pricing on routes to/from hot tourist destinations such as Orlando (MCO). On routes where families grab up multiple seats at a time without considering that they may be able to afford first or business class, economy cabins can fill up while forward cabins remain empty. This is a perfect storm for scoring a premium cabin fare that’s either similar in price to economy, or perhaps even cheaper.
Have you scored a premium cabin ticket for less than economy? Share your story in comments below!
For the latest travel news, deals and points and miles tips please subscribe to The Points Guy daily email newsletter.
Featured image by the author.
Know before you go.
News and deals straight to your inbox every day.
WELCOME OFFER: 60,000 Points Terms Apply.
TPG'S BONUS VALUATION: $1,200
CARD HIGHLIGHTS: Delta Sky Club and Centurion lounge access, $200 annual airline fee credit and up to $200 in Uber credits annually
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases in your first 3 months.
- Enjoy Uber VIP status and free rides in the U.S. up to $15 each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings.
- 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel.
- 5X Membership Rewards points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com.
- Enjoy access to the Global Lounge Collection, the only credit card airport lounge access program that includes proprietary lounge locations around the world.
- Receive complimentary benefits with an average total value of $550 with Fine Hotels & Resorts. Learn More.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit, up to $200 per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one qualifying airline.
- Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue on your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required.
- $550 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
