You may hear stories about friends or relatives getting a free upgrade on their business trip or a honeymoon. You also may see this frequently in television shows and movies. However, this chance may never occur to you despite your frequent traveling or loyalty to a certain name. You need to know the secrets behind traveling and not just to ask for an upgrade, but how to ask for the upgrade. You can find yourself in the same situation as your friend with an upgrade.
Sign up for flight or hotel membership before you travel. By joining the club, you are saying either you like the company or you are a loyal customer. Remember to use your charm at the check-in desk for your flight or hotel, including your appearance. By looking professional, you are more likely to impress the clerk as opposed to wearing ripped jeans and a t-shirt. Utilize your communication skills, smile and talk to the clerk and you will have a better chance at getting an upgrade.
Pretend that you are on your honeymoon or a business trip. Airlines and hotels often offer free or cheap upgrade to newlyweds or business people traveling. If you are traveling by yourself, then you could pretend to be a businesswoman. If you are traveling with a friend, you could pretend to be a couple on their honeymoon.
Use health problems as an excuse to get a free upgrade. If you are genuinely injured, you could say that you need a closer seat to the front or a hotel room closer to the ground floor. You could also play scared of turbulence or height when checking in to increase your chance.
Check in very early or at the last possible minute (though not too late so that you will miss your flight). By checking in early, you open yourself up for the possibility of an upgrade. By checking in at the last minute, there may be unfilled seats that the airline company need to fill. Since you are the only customer left, they may have no choice but to offer you the upgrade.
Use your reward miles to claim upgrades or free hotel nights. Keep in mind that by being loyal to a company, you will often find that they offer great rewards. Also be on the lookout for special deals in your inbox or mailbox because companies often send coupons and promotions.
Mention a specific upgrade for hotel rooms. Rather than asking for a room upgrade, ask for an "ocean view" or a "terrace facing" or an "east facing window" when you are requesting an upgrade. Hotels are more likely to offer you the specific upgrade as opposed to a general room upgrade.
Time your visit to the hotel accordingly. Larger city hotels tend to be the busiest during the workweek because of business travels. The other time factor is your check-in time, which should be between 3 to 5 p.m. This mid-day peak is when hotels find out about cancellations, vacancies and shortages. By asking for an upgrade during the mid-day, you stand a higher chance of a room upgrade should there be a vacancy.
