Who doesn’t love the idea of a free upgrade when traveling? Whether you’re flying or checking into a hotel, upgrading your seat or room can make your trip more enjoyable and comfortable. While there’s no guaranteed way to score a free upgrade, there are several strategies that can significantly increase your chances of getting one. Here’s a guide to the best ways to get free upgrades on flights and hotels.
1. Join Loyalty Programs
One of the most effective ways to get free upgrades is by joining the loyalty programs offered by airlines and hotel chains. These programs reward you for frequent travel with points that can be redeemed for upgrades, free nights, or additional perks.
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For flights: Major airlines offer loyalty programs (like Frequent Flyer Miles) that give you priority for upgrades to business or first class. The more you fly, the more points you accumulate, and the better your chances for an upgrade.
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For hotels: Chains like Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and World of Hyatt have loyalty programs that reward members with free room upgrades when available. Status with these programs often increases your chances of being upgraded.
The key is to accumulate points or status, and the more you fly or stay, the better your chances for upgrades.
2. Book Directly Through the Airline or Hotel
Booking directly through the airline’s website or the hotel’s official website can improve your chances of getting a free upgrade. Many airlines and hotel chains give priority upgrades to guests who book through their own platforms rather than third-party travel agencies.
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Airlines: Booking directly through the airline’s website often gives you better access to potential upgrades because you’re considered a direct customer.
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Hotels: Hotels tend to prioritize guests who book directly. They may offer complimentary upgrades to keep their direct customers happy and coming back.
Booking directly often means your reservation is considered more reliable, making it more likely for you to get an upgrade.
3. Check In Early or Late
The timing of your check-in can play a huge role in your chances of securing an upgrade.
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Early Check-In: Arriving early gives you a better chance of securing an upgrade if there are still available premium seats or rooms. This works especially well for flights where seats can be upgraded if there are open spots in business or first class.
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Late Check-In: On the other hand, checking in late can also increase your chances. After all the paid upgrades and loyal customer upgrades have been sorted, the hotel or airline might offer the remaining premium seats or rooms for free to fill their capacity.
Whether you check in early or late, timing can give you an edge in securing an upgrade.
4. Use Your Credit Card Benefits
Many credit cards offer travel-related perks, including the chance for complimentary upgrades. Credit cards affiliated with airlines or hotel chains often provide added benefits that increase your chances of getting a better room or seat.
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Airline Credit Cards: Some airline-specific credit cards give cardholders priority boarding, free checked luggage, and even complimentary upgrades if you’ve accumulated enough points or are part of the airline’s loyalty program.
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Hotel Credit Cards: Credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or American Express Platinum offer cardholders enhanced status with hotel loyalty programs, which can lead to room upgrades.
By using your travel credit cards, you can access additional perks that might otherwise be unavailable.
5. Be Friendly and Polite
It may seem simple, but kindness can go a long way. Airline staff and hotel employees deal with many passengers and guests each day, so being polite and friendly can help you stand out in a positive way.
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Be courteous: Greet the staff with a smile, and if you have the chance, engage in friendly small talk. Express appreciation for their hard work.
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Ask about upgrades: Politely ask if there are any complimentary upgrades available. If there’s a genuine opportunity for a free upgrade, staff members may be more likely to offer it to someone who is friendly.
A kind attitude can help you make a great impression, which might encourage staff to offer you a little extra.
6. Travel During Off-Peak Times
Traveling during off-peak seasons can significantly increase your chances of getting an upgrade. During peak travel times (like holidays, summer vacation, or major events), flights and hotels are often fully booked, leaving little to no room for upgrades.
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Flights: During off-peak times, airlines are more likely to have open seats in higher classes, which means your chances for an upgrade are better.
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Hotels: Similarly, hotels tend to have more room availability during off-peak periods, making them more willing to upgrade guests in order to fill their rooms.
If you’re flexible with your travel dates, consider choosing less busy seasons to increase your chances of an upgrade.
7. Book Premium Services and Be Willing to Upgrade
Sometimes, paying for a small upgrade can actually improve your chances of a better experience. For example, booking a seat with extra legroom or a slightly higher room category could increase the likelihood that you’ll be upgraded to an even better service.
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Flights: Booking a premium economy seat could make you a more likely candidate for an upgrade to business class.
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Hotels: Booking a slightly better room, such as a deluxe room or suite, might open the door to an upgrade to the best room available.
Being willing to pay a little extra might not only improve your experience but also increase your chances for an upgrade.
8. Use Upgrade Apps and Services
There are several apps and services available that can help increase your chances of getting a free or discounted upgrade. Some apps allow you to bid for upgrades, while others provide insight into upgrade availability.
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Upgrade Bidding: Services like Plusgrade and UpgradeTravel let you make a bid for an upgrade. While it’s not always free, bidding allows you to control the price you’re willing to pay for a better experience.
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Hotel Upgrade Apps: Apps like Roomer and Hotel Tonight offer last-minute hotel deals and potential upgrades based on availability.
These services give you more opportunities to land an upgrade, sometimes at a fraction of the cost.
9. Stay Loyal to One Hotel Chain or Airline
Frequent travelers who stick with one hotel chain or airline can benefit from loyalty rewards and status. By consistently booking with the same company, you’re more likely to receive VIP treatment and perks, including free upgrades.
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Frequent Flyer Miles: Airlines reward their loyal customers with perks such as priority check-in and access to premium seating.
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Hotel Loyalty: Many hotel chains reserve their best rooms for guests who have achieved elite status through frequent stays.
Building loyalty with one company can help you secure better rooms and seats over time.
10. Ask About Special Promotions or Offers
Sometimes, airlines and hotels offer promotions that include upgrades or special perks. These promotions are often not widely advertised, so it pays to ask. You can inquire about any current promotions or special offers that may be available during your stay.
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For flights: Ask the airline if they have any offers or discounts on upgrades available for passengers who are willing to pay a little extra.
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For hotels: Ask if there are any last-minute offers for upgrades or room enhancements when you check in.
While this may not always result in a free upgrade, it could help you access upgrades at a discounted price.
Conclusion
Getting free upgrades on flights and hotels isn’t a guarantee, but by following these tips and strategies, you’ll improve your chances of enjoying a more luxurious travel experience. Whether it’s through loyalty programs, booking directly, or simply being polite, there are plenty of ways to score a free upgrade. Remember, the key is to be flexible, friendly, and proactive when you’re looking to elevate your trip. Safe travels!
