Unlock Affordable Luxury: Tips for Discounted Business Class Travel

Luxury travel can be accessible for those willing to explore alternative options. Tjin Lee, founder of the marketing agency Gusto Collective, recently demonstrated this by saving nearly half on her business class airfare during a trip to Europe with her son, Jake, 12. By transiting through Bangkok, she secured a one-way ticket from Bangkok to Tivat, Montenegro for S$2,725 (US$2,130), compared to significantly higher fares from Singapore.

Lee’s strategy involved a two-hour layover in Istanbul, Türkiye, showcasing a common travel hack among savvy travellers. “Flights out of neighbouring airports can often cost more than 50 percent less,” she noted in an Instagram post. A cheaper alternative for her journey was available for S$1,625, although it required changing airlines. Lee’s experience reflects a growing trend where travellers, like Aaron Wong, founder of the travel hacking site The MileLion, seek out bargain fares by positioning themselves in nearby cities before flying long-haul.

Smart Strategies for Affordable Luxury Travel

Insights from the Travel Trends 2025 survey by online travel agency Booking.com reveal that one in four travellers in Asia prioritises luxury accommodations, yet half seek value for money. Anthony Lu, regional director for Southeast Asia and China at Booking.com, stated, “While premium experiences remain desirable, travellers are increasingly strategic about when and where they book to stretch their budgets.”

Cyndi Hui, a senior director at flight fare aggregator Skyscanner, emphasizes flexibility. “Be as flexible as possible— with your travel dates, destinations, and even departure airports— to unlock the best deals.” Lu further recommends setting up flight alerts and considering underrated destinations like Kuala Lumpur and Ho Chi Minh City, where five-star experiences come at a lower price point.

For redeeming business class tickets, finance influencer Jiax The Piggy Banker suggests exploring non-traditional destinations such as Cape Town, South Africa. “It costs almost the same amount of miles as a Singapore-Japan redemption, but you’re getting twice the flight time,” he explained, highlighting the additional meal service and luxurious experiences available for budget-conscious travellers.

Maximizing Credit Card Rewards and Loyalty Programs

Credit cards are vital tools for savvy travellers aiming to maximize their rewards. By leveraging sign-up bonuses and strategic spending, individuals can convert everyday expenses into business-class flights and upscale stays. Jiax recommends starting with a card that offers up to four miles per dollar spent on frequent categories. For instance, the UOB Preferred Platinum Visa is advantageous for dining and grocery shopping, while the Citi Rewards Card is ideal for online purchases.

Wong stresses that accumulating rewards is about maximizing returns on spending, not increasing expenses. He advocates for a strategic mix of cards, including the UOB Visa Signature and DBS Woman’s World Card, which together can cover most daily spending. With the right approach, users could earn up to 264,000 miles annually.

Joining a frequent flyer program can yield significant benefits, offering perks like priority boarding and upgrades. Wong advises exploring various programs beyond the well-known Krisflyer, as alternatives might provide superior value for specific routes. For example, flying from Singapore to the United States with EVA Air through its Infinity MileageLands programme could require only 75,000 miles, compared to 107,500 miles with Singapore Airlines.

Hotel loyalty programs, while having adjusted to dynamic pricing post-pandemic, can still offer excellent value. Major hotel chains, including IHG, Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott, occasionally sell loyalty points at discounts. For example, a night in the Maldives could be redeemed for as little as US$600 using points, significantly less than the cash rate.

Leveraging Online Travel Agencies and Digital Tools

Online travel agencies (OTAs) like Booking.com and Expedia have transformed travel booking. Lee utilizes platforms such as Expedia and Skyscanner to compare rates and find the best value. She suggests planning trips well in advance, ideally eight to ten months ahead of peak travel seasons.

Yet, data from Expedia indicates that the optimal time to book international flights is 61 to 70 days prior to departure, potentially saving travellers up to eight percent. Lavinia Rajaram, Expedia’s director of global brand communications, noted that booking too far in advance may lead to higher fares.

Flexible travellers can benefit from tools like Skyscanner’s Month View, which displays the cheapest travel days. The DROPS feature alerts users to price drops, while Booking.com’s Genius loyalty program offers discounts and perks for its members.

As travel technology evolves, multi-currency digital accounts like Instarem and Revolut have gained popularity, allowing users to manage various currencies and avoid high exchange rates. Wong appreciates these accounts for enabling users to lock in favorable rates for future spending, although he cautions about the potential for fraud.

Travel in 2025 is becoming increasingly accessible, challenging the notion that luxury is solely for the wealthy. With diligent research and strategic planning, flying business class and enjoying luxurious accommodations can be achieved at a fraction of the expected cost. As Lee articulately puts it, “True luxury often lies in the experience, the time enjoyed, and discovering special places off the beaten path.”