Just because you concentrate of finding cheap travel options, including cheap airplane tickets, discount hotel rooms, cheap auto rentals, and cheap vacation packages, does not mean that you should not look into how to be upgraded for free whenever possible.
The following are ways to snag free travel upgrades:
Upgrade certificates are often available for sale online from frequent fliers who are unable to use them before their expiration date. United/Continental vouchers have been offered on eBay with starting bids as low as $1.
Being a member of an airlines frequent flier program helps your chances of being upgraded when coach is overbooked and premium seats are available.
Having an airline sponsored credit card in your name sometimes can make the difference.
While dressing up when flying does not appear today to improve ones chances of getting upgraded, wearing a military uniform sometimes does. First and Business Class passengers have been known to give up their seats to military personnel.
Offering a few kind words and a smile to gate agents never hurts. When premium seats remain open airline personnel has a lot of discretion as to who is given such seats.
One travel expert claims that chocolate helps him get upgraded or moved to a better economy seat almost half of the time. This person brings chocolate bars that he gives to gate agents and flight crew who have discretion on seating after the cabin door closes.
Passengers who are newlyweds or attending funerals are sometimes upgraded after sharing their news.
People who fly solo are sometimes upgraded because the airline needs a coach seat to allow families to fly together.
Frequent flier miles are another way to upgrade. Delta charges 10,000 miles for an upgrade on domestic round trip tickets and 30,000 miles on flights from the U.S. to Europe. Only certain fares are eligible for such upgrades.
Being a member of a hotels frequent guest program helps in snagging room upgrades.
Hotel guests are most likely to be given an upgraded room during low occupancy times, such as weekends at business oriented hotels. Hotels upgrade guests when vacant suites are available to impress guests in hopes of gaining future business and to create good word of mouth.
The later you check in the better your chances since the hotel will then have a better idea of its occupancy for the night. Guests arriving at 8 pm may be upgraded for free or very little since few unexpected guests typically arrive after that time.
Tipping the bellman or concierge is yet another strategy.
By renting the cheapest car you are more likely to be upgraded for free because such cars tend to sell out first. If asked about paying for an upgrade, refuse. When rental agencies do not have cars that were originally reserved they usually give customers upgraded models at no extra cost.
By arriving early in the day to rent a car, prior to when most people return their cars, the odds of snagging an upgrade are higher.
Remember, loyalty counts and that by joining a car rental companys membership program you may be sent special upgrade offers.
Always keep in mind that politely requesting an upgrade is often the smartest, easiest way of attaining an upgrade.
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