How to Get Free Upgrades: Hotels, Tickets, Late Check-Out
Even in a recession, flying in first class on a coach ticket, booking a basic hotel room and laying your head down in a suite and lingering in your room past checkout are all possible if you know how to go about getting the upgrade. Although these free upgrades are still within the grasp of the traveler, those who work in the travel industry say they are harder than ever to come by.
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Instructions
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Do Your Homework
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If you want to be upgraded to first class on your next flight, find out how many first-class seats are available.The night before your flight, go onto the airline's website and act as though you are buying a first-class ticket. When prompted to choose a seat to gains some insight into how many seats are available. Also, determine what type of aircraft the carrier flies on your route. Long-haul domestic flights and international flights generally utilize widebody aircraft, meaning more seats in first class.
When you reserve your coach-class ticket, select a seat that is as close to the front as possible. Your proximity to the front cabin may come in handy later. -
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Before dressing for your flight, call the airline and ask about the "non-rev" dress code to find out what the airline requires of its employees who travel. Business casual is generally accepted by most airlines today. Jeans are even permitted in some cases as long as they are pressed and not torn. Dress neatly for your flight. When you approach the airline's the check-in counter at the airport, you want to look presentable and be polite. Nicely ask the ticket agent if he will code your reservation for possible upgrade. Some airlines charge for last-minute upgrades, but it never hurts to ask.
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When you arrive at your departure gate, wait until the gate agent is not harried before approaching. Ask nicely for an upgrade if first-class seats are not all filled. Your name will trail behind frequent flyers who have requested first-class as well as those paying the additional fee and airline employees, their friends and families. You might get lucky.
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Don't jump up when your row in coach is called. Be one of the last to board the flight. If you've made a favorable impression on the gate agent, you might get a last-minute call for an upgrade. If asked to change your assigned seat, be willing to do so. Your next seat assignment might be in first class.
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When all else fails, note as you enter the airliner whether seats remain unfilled in first class. You can always discreetly ask a flight attendant if you might move to the front cabin..
Paying for a Double Room and Sleeping in a King-Size Bed.
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Whether you reserve your hotel room on the phone or through an Internet booking service, you'll want to know something about the various grades of rooms available. Before leaving home, log onto the hotel's website and jot down the terms for various types of rooms. When you arrive at the front desk, nicely ask whether you might be moved to the type of room you desire.
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Rather than asking to be ushered into an executive suite, ask about a room with a view or one with a larger floor plan. Late in the day, when smaller rooms have been assigned, desk clerks are sometimes willing to accommodate these requests.
Appearance and attitude are as important in the hotel lobby as they are in the airport. Look your best and be on your best behavior as you ask for a nicer room. -
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If you want to linger beyond check-out time, you'll want to call or visit the front desk and ask if you might have a later check out. Some hotels are starting to charge for that privilege, but others are agreeable within reason. An additional hour or two is usually permitted.
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Tips & Warnings
Timing is everything. Time of day matters but varies depending on the upgrade you seek. Early morning is best for getting an airline upgrade. Fewer passengers opt for early morning flights, and chances are that later in the day cancellations and delayed flights will have not only frayed the nerves of gate agents but also bogged down the system. Hotel room upgrades, however, are more likely late in the day when the smaller rooms have all been filled. Your best chance at getting an upgrade on your next flight is to become friends with an airline employee. Most airlines offer their employees "buddy passes" that can be handed out to friends and extended family. You'll pay a reduced rate for your ticket (usually much less than an economy fare), and when there is room in first class, you may get bumped up. Because many airlines have combined first class and business class on international flights, some jumbo jets include as many as 40 or more seats in that section. Upgrades are often most available (not to mention most needed) on those flights.
Upgrades are seasonal. Airline upgrades are most available in late fall, winter and early spring before vacation season. Moving up to first class is almost impossible around holidays and during spring break. Summer is the height of travel season, and upgrades are difficult, if not impossible, to come by.
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- Photo Credit by Hyougushi, Flickr
