Business class used to be reserved for corporate travelers and the ultra-wealthy. Not anymore. With the right strategies, you can enjoy premium travel at a fraction of the price.

1. Master Points and Miles

Sign-up bonuses on travel credit cards can earn you 50,000-100,000 miles — often enough for a one-way business class ticket to Europe or Asia. Focus on transferable points programs for maximum flexibility.

2. Book Mistake Fares

Airlines occasionally publish fares with errors — sometimes business class for the price of economy. Follow deal-alert sites and act fast when they drop.

3. Use the 'Hidden City' Technique

Sometimes a flight with a connection through your destination is cheaper than flying direct. Book the longer itinerary and simply get off at the connection. Note: only works for one-way trips with no checked bags.

4. Bid for Upgrades

Many airlines now offer upgrade auctions before departure. Bids starting at $100-200 can land you a business class seat worth thousands.

5. Fly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays

These are typically the cheapest days to fly business class. Red-eye flights are also significantly cheaper.

Remember: flexibility is your greatest asset. The more flexible your dates and routes, the better deals you'll find.