Examples of Cheap Business Class Costs from Los Angeles to Europe

Flying business class from Los Angeles (LAX) to Europe doesn’t have to be exorbitantly expensive. While standard business class tickets on major airlines can cost $3,000–$6,000 round-trip, savvy travelers can find much lower prices with careful planning, strategic booking, and a flexible travel approach. In this article, we’ll provide two real-world examples of how you can secure business class seats for under $2,500 or even less.

Example 1: Business Class on TAP Air Portugal – Los Angeles to Lisbon for $1,800 Round-Trip

Why TAP Air Portugal?

TAP Air Portugal is a well-known airline that frequently offers competitively priced business class seats, particularly on routes between the U.S. and Europe. The airline’s “Executive Class” provides a comfortable seat that converts into a fully flat bed, a solid meal service, and a high-quality selection of Portuguese wines.

Booking Strategy

  • Advance Booking: Business class deals on TAP Air Portugal are often available when booking 2–4 months in advance. Prices tend to rise significantly as the departure date approaches.
  • Flexible Dates: Flights on weekdays (especially Tuesday and Wednesday) tend to be cheaper than weekend departures.
  • Connecting Flight Considerations: TAP Air Portugal frequently offers the best deals on flights with a stopover in Lisbon. While direct flights from LA to most major European cities in business class are expensive, adding a short layover can dramatically reduce the fare.

Cost Breakdown

  • Round-Trip Fare: $1,800 per person
  • Departure Airport: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
  • Arrival Airport: Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS)
  • Layover: None (direct flight) or 1-hour stopover if heading to another European city
  • Aircraft: Airbus A330-900neo (modern cabin with lie-flat seats)
  • Booking Method: Directly through the TAP Air Portugal website or via Google Flights

Additional Benefits

  • Free Lisbon Stopover Option: If flying to another European city, TAP allows a free stopover in Lisbon for up to five days, allowing travelers to explore Portugal without extra cost.
  • Lounge Access: Complimentary access to TAP’s premium lounges and Star Alliance partner lounges.
  • Mile Earnings: TAP Air Portugal is part of Star Alliance, allowing passengers to earn miles with frequent flyer programs such as United MileagePlus.

Example 2: Business Class on Finnair – Los Angeles to Helsinki for $2,200 Round-Trip

Why Finnair?

Finnair, a member of the Oneworld Alliance, often provides some of the best transatlantic business class fares from the West Coast. The airline operates the Airbus A350-900, offering one of the most modern and comfortable business class experiences on the market.

Booking Strategy

  • Error Fares & Promo Deals: Finnair occasionally runs promotional fares and error fares, which can be booked directly through its website or found via Google Flights and flight deal services like Scott’s Cheap Flights.
  • Off-Peak Travel: Business class fares are often cheapest during off-peak travel seasons (January–March and late September–November).
  • Open-Jaw Ticketing: Booking an open-jaw ticket (e.g., LAX to Helsinki, then returning from another European city) can sometimes be cheaper than a standard round-trip.

Cost Breakdown

  • Round-Trip Fare: $2,200 per person
  • Departure Airport: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
  • Arrival Airport: Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL)
  • Layover: Some itineraries may have a short stopover in another European city before Helsinki.
  • Aircraft: Airbus A350-900 (fully lie-flat seats, excellent entertainment system, high-speed Wi-Fi)
  • Booking Method: Directly through Finnair’s website or via third-party travel sites such as Expedia and Kayak.

Additional Benefits

  • Helsinki Stopover Option: Finnair offers an extended layover program that allows passengers to explore Helsinki for up to 5 days without additional airfare costs.
  • Priority Services: Includes priority boarding, security fast-track, and baggage handling.
  • Sustainability Focus: Finnair is known for its environmentally friendly initiatives, using more sustainable aviation fuel and carbon offset programs.
  • Lounge Access: Free access to Finnair’s premium lounges in Helsinki and Oneworld alliance lounges in LAX.

Example 3: Business Class on Turkish Airlines – Los Angeles to Istanbul for $1,950 Round-Trip

Why Turkish Airlines?

Turkish Airlines is renowned for offering one of the best business class experiences at competitive prices. The airline features lie-flat seats, an extensive in-flight entertainment system, and exceptional onboard catering from DO & CO.

Booking Strategy

  • Advance Purchase: Booking 3–6 months in advance increases the chances of securing the lowest fares.
  • Departure Flexibility: Midweek departures, such as Tuesday or Wednesday, tend to be more affordable than weekend flights.
  • Stopover Option: Turkish Airlines frequently offers lower fares when travelers opt for a layover in Istanbul instead of flying directly to another European city.

Cost Breakdown

  • Round-Trip Fare: $1,950 per person
  • Departure Airport: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
  • Arrival Airport: Istanbul Airport (IST)
  • Layover: Direct flight or optional stopover in Istanbul for up to 7 days
  • Aircraft: Boeing 777 or Airbus A350 (fully lie-flat seats and premium dining)
  • Booking Method: Directly through the Turkish Airlines website or via Google Flights

Additional Benefits

  • Free Istanbul Stopover: Turkish Airlines provides free hotel accommodation for layovers longer than 20 hours in Istanbul.
  • Lounge Access: Complimentary access to the luxurious Turkish Airlines Business Lounge in Istanbul.
  • Miles & More: Earn miles with Turkish Airlines’ Miles&Smiles program or Star Alliance partners like United Airlines.

Example 4: Business Class on ITA Airways – Los Angeles to Rome for $2,150 Round-Trip

Why ITA Airways?

ITA Airways, the successor to Alitalia, offers a comfortable and budget-friendly business class experience with fully flat seats, gourmet Italian cuisine, and seamless connections to other European destinations.

Booking Strategy

  • Seasonal Promotions: ITA Airways frequently offers seasonal sales that significantly reduce business class fares.
  • Using Points and Miles: Travelers with SkyTeam frequent flyer miles (Delta SkyMiles, Air France/KLM Flying Blue) can often find award availability for business class at reduced rates.
  • Alternative Routes: Flights to Milan, Florence, or Venice can sometimes be cheaper than Rome and offer better connections.

Cost Breakdown

  • Round-Trip Fare: $2,150 per person
  • Departure Airport: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
  • Arrival Airport: Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
  • Layover: Direct flight or short connection to other European cities
  • Aircraft: Airbus A350-900 or A330-900neo (fully lie-flat seats and luxury dining)
  • Booking Method: ITA Airways website, Delta Airlines website (SkyTeam partner), or Google Flights

Additional Benefits

  • Exclusive Italian Cuisine: Business class passengers enjoy premium Italian food and wines selected by top sommeliers.
  • Fast-Track Security & Boarding: Priority services included at both LAX and Rome Fiumicino.
  • Lounge Access: Complimentary access to ITA Airways lounges and SkyTeam lounges worldwide.

How to Find These Deals for Yourself

1. Use Flight Deal Websites

Websites like Secret Flying, The Flight Deal, and Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) regularly post discounted business class fares. Signing up for their email alerts can help you jump on deals quickly.

2. Be Flexible with Travel Dates

Flying on a weekday and avoiding peak seasons can help you find significantly cheaper fares. The best deals are often available for travel in January–March and September–November.

3. Consider Alternative European Hubs

Booking flights into smaller European hubs like Lisbon, Helsinki, or Warsaw instead of London or Paris can help you secure cheaper business class tickets. You can always book a separate, inexpensive flight to your final destination.

4. Use Points and Miles

If you have frequent flyer miles or credit card points, you can often use them to book business class flights at a fraction of the cash cost. Airlines like American Airlines, British Airways, and Lufthansa frequently offer award space on flights from LAX to Europe.

5. Keep an Eye on Error Fares

Occasionally, airlines accidentally list business class tickets at lower prices. Websites like Airfarewatchdog and Flyertalk often report these deals, so checking regularly can help you score an unbelievable fare.

Final Thoughts

Business class travel from Los Angeles to Europe doesn’t have to be outrageously expensive. By choosing airlines like TAP Air Portugal and Finnair, using strategic booking techniques, and staying flexible with travel dates and routes, you can experience premium comfort at a fraction of the usual cost. Whether you’re heading to Lisbon or Helsinki, there are plenty of ways to fly affordably in business class while still enjoying all the perks that come with it.