How PAs Can Find Cheap Business Class Flights for CEOs and Senior Executives

Booking business-class flights for a CEO or senior executive comes with responsibility. You need to find a competitive fare, choose an itinerary that works around a busy schedule and make sure the journey delivers the comfort and service your executive expects.

But business-class prices can vary considerably between airlines, routes and booking channels. Finding a good deal isn’t always as simple as checking an airline website.

Here are six quick tips for PAs and Executive Assistants can find better-value business-class flights without compromising on the quality of the journey.

1. Compare more than one airline

It’s easy to default to familiar airlines, particularly when booking for an executive with established preferences. However, restricting your search could mean missing more competitive fares.

Different airlines can offer very different prices on the same route, sometimes with comparable business-class products.

Consider alternative carriers and routes, particularly for long-haul journeys. For example, flights from London to Australia via Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or the Middle East may offer different combinations of price, comfort and journey time.

The important thing is to compare the overall journey, not just the airline name.

2. Be flexible where possible

Executive diaries aren’t always flexible, but even a little room to manoeuvre can help uncover better fares.

If possible, consider:

• Travelling a day earlier or later. Even a morning or afternoon departure shift can represent huge savings.
• Alternative departure times.
• Different connecting airports.
• A suitable stopover instead of a direct flight.

You don’t want to save money at the expense of a complicated or exhausting journey. The aim is to find the best balance between price and convenience.

3. Look beyond the ticket price

The cheapest business-class fare isn’t necessarily the best deal.

Before recommending an option to your CEO or senior executive, consider:

• Cabin quality: Does the aircraft offer a fully flat bed and a comfortable layout?
• Flight timings: Will your executive arrive rested and ready for meetings?
• Connections: Are transfer times practical?
• Flexibility: What are the rules for changing or cancelling tickets? Very important when booking further in advance.
• Seat selection: Are preferred seats available? Even in business class, some airlines still charge for advance specific seat reservations.
• Baggage: Does the fare include the necessary checked bag allowance?

A slightly more expensive flight may offer considerably better value if it saves time, provides greater flexibility or makes the journey more comfortable.

4. Use a business-class flight specialist

Researching business-class flights can take considerable time. Comparing airline websites, online travel agents, different routes and ticket conditions isn’t always the best use of a busy PA’s working day.

A specialist business-class flight company can do much of this research for you.

They can compare airlines and routes, identify competitive or discounted fares, suggest alternative itineraries and explain the differences between available options.

You provide the requirements; they do the searching.

You also have a real person to discuss the options with, rather than having to manage everything through online booking systems.

For PAs who want to get the best from a specialist agent and understand what to expect, read our guide: How to Brief a World-Class Flight Specialist So You Get Exactly What You Want.

5. Build a relationship for future bookings

If you regularly arrange flights for a CEO or senior executive, having a reliable specialist to contact can be particularly valuable.

Once they understand your executive’s preferences, the process becomes much more straightforward.

They can become familiar with preferred airlines, seating requirements, typical destinations, budgets and travel patterns. They can save frequent flyer numbers, seating preferences and special meal requests.

This means less time explaining requirements every time a new trip comes up. It can also be helpful when plans change or an executive needs to travel at short notice.

Rather than starting your research from scratch for every booking, you have someone who already understands exactly what you need. With SkyClub, there’s no need to sign any contract or commit to any future bookings – we’re ready to help whenever you next need us.

6. Give your flight specialist a good brief

To get the most suitable options, provide as much information as possible when requesting a quote.

Ideally, include:

• Departure and arrival destinations.
• Outbound and return dates.
• Any flexibility around travel dates.
• Number of passengers.
• Preferred airlines or airlines to avoid.
• Preferred flight times and seating requirements.
• Any budget expectations.
• Whether the trip involves multiple destinations or stopovers.

The clearer the brief, the easier it is to find flights that meet your executive’s requirements.

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Find better-value business-class flights with SkyClub

At SkyClub, we understand that arranging executive travel is about more than finding the cheapest ticket. You need competitive fares, suitable flights and a service you can rely on.

Our specialists research first and business-class flights across multiple airlines and routes, helping PAs and Executive Assistants compare options and find the right arrangements for their executives. They have access to fares not available online.

We can help with everything from straightforward return flights to complex multi-city itineraries and long-haul travel.

There’s no need to spend hours searching multiple websites. Simply tell us what you need and let us do the research.

• Competitive first and business-class fares.
• Personal service from experienced flight specialists.
• Help comparing airlines, routes and itineraries.
• No upfront payment or obligation when requesting a quote. We’ll also sense check any quote you might already have as our team love a challenge and can usually beat it.

Looking for better business-class fares for your CEO or senior executive?

Contact SkyClub for an obligation-free quote and let our specialists do the searching. There’s no ‘hard sell’ (we usually find our great fares do the talking anyway!) just friendly advice from experienced business class search experts.

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Frequently asked questions

How can a PA find cheap business-class flights for a CEO?

Compare fares across different airlines, routes and booking channels rather than relying on one airline website. A specialist business-class flight company can also research competitive fares and alternative itineraries on your behalf.

Is it cheaper to book business-class flights through a specialist travel company?

It can be. Specialists may have access to competitive fares and alternative routing options that aren’t available online or when searching airline websites. It’s worth comparing the options rather than assuming direct booking is cheapest.

How far in advance should an Executive Assistant book business-class flights?

There is no guaranteed best booking window. Prices depend on the destination, season, demand and available seats. Starting early generally gives you more choice, particularly for popular long-haul routes, but it’s still worth comparing fares.

Can a business-class flight specialist help with regular executive travel?

Yes. Building a relationship with a specialist means they can become familiar with your executive’s preferred airlines, routes, seating requirements and budgets, making repeat bookings easier and quicker.