Positioning Flights: Save Big on Business Class Tickets With the Right Departure City (with examples)
Many travellers are surprised to learn how much cheaper business class flights can be by starting their journey from a different city. This strategy, known as positioning flights, is one of the most effective ways to save hundreds or even thousands of euros or dollars on business class tickets. We see it working every week.
What is a Positioning Flight?
A positioning flight is a separate, low-cost flight from your home airport to another city where a cheaper long-haul business class flight originates. From there, you begin your main journey.
For example, if you live in Frankfurt but find a more affordable business class ticket from Dublin, you book a flight to Dublin before your long-haul trip.
Why Do Positioning Flights Work?
Airlines price tickets based on:
- Local competition.
- Demand in the country or region.
- Currency exchange rates.
- Travel habits of local customers.
Airlines often offer lower prices from certain European cities to fill seats on long-haul flights, especially where local demand is lower.
Examples Where Positioning Flights Save Money
After years of monitoring business class pricing, we’ve identified consistent patterns:
- Dublin, Ireland: A top choice for affordable business class flights to North America due to lower departure taxes, strong competition, and frequent promotions.
- Spain (Madrid & Barcelona): Often cheaper for North America routes compared to Germany or Switzerland. Oneworld members BA, Iberia, American, and Star Alliance member TAP frequently offer deals.
- Scandinavia (Oslo, Stockholm, Gothenburg): Great for business class flights to Asia and sometimes North America, driven by lower demand and competition from Qatar Airways, Finnair, and others.
- Budapest, Hungary: Attractive pricing for Asia and South Africa routes, especially with Turkish Airlines and LOT, often beating larger Western European hubs.
These routes have been consistently cost-effective for years, though prices vary based on promotions and availability.
Risks of Positioning Flights
While positioning flights can save money, they come with risks:
- Since flights are booked separately, a delayed or cancelled positioning flight could cause you to miss your long-haul flight.
- Airlines aren’t obligated to rebook you if flights are on separate tickets.
- Weather, strikes, or other disruptions can complicate transfers between airports or countries.
- Planning requires extra time, longer layovers, or overnight stays to minimize risks.
- Always compare the total cost (positioning flight plus hotel) against a direct flight or shorter connection.
How to Minimize Risks
To use positioning flights safely:
- Allow ample time between flights (4–6 hours minimum, or overnight).
- Choose reliable airlines with strong on-time performance.
- Consider travel insurance that covers missed connections.
- Stick to European positioning flights to avoid visa or entry issues.
- Select routes with multiple daily flights to reduce cancellation risks. Use tools like Google Flights to check schedules.
- Book a positioning flight arriving the day before your long-haul flight, ideally in the early evening (5–8 PM), for cost and convenience.
- Plan an overnight stay at a hotel to ensure you don’t miss your long-haul flight and to reduce fatigue by avoiding an additional flight on the same day.
Our Experience Tracking Thousands of Deals
Having shared thousands of business class deals, we know positioning flights are a favourite among frequent flyers looking to save significantly, especially when booking months in advance. This strategy unlocks promotions from cities where airlines offer sales.
Is It Worth It?
For many travellers, yes, especially on pricey long-haul flights where savings can exceed €1,000. However, positioning flights require careful planning and flexibility. With some effort, the savings can be substantial.
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FAQ
What is a positioning flight?
A separate flight to a city where a cheaper long-haul business class flight begins.
How much can I save with positioning flights?
Savings range from hundreds to thousands of euros or dollars, depending on the route.
Are there risks with positioning flights?
Yes. Delays or cancellations of the positioning flight could cause you to miss your main flight. Plan carefully with extra time.
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