Unless you set a high budget for traveling or get sponsored, flying first class and staying in presidential suite will feel heavy in your pockets. Typically, the difference between a first and economy class plane ticket is several hundred dollars. Same goes for hotel rooms. However, there are ways to get free hotel and flight upgrades. By no means I guarantee these but it sure is worth a try because of the luxury upgrades for the economy price!
Tips To Get Hotel & Flight Upgrades For Free
Ticket Upgrades | (c) Photo By Greg Wesson
Join a Frequent Flier Program
Such programs reward customers who travel on their airlines often by offering them free flight tickets and the ability to upgrade their plane seats. Pick a frequent flier program that suites you and use that airline to maximize your frequent flier miles.
Ask About Available Upgrades
If a flight is partially full, you might be able to upgrade your plane seat to first class simply by asking if there are any upgrades available. This also applies to hotels. When checking into a hotel or a flight, simple ask if they are at a capacity and if there is any way to upgrade for free. Most hotels will know if you are a frequent guest or not so if you ask, they might reward you with a free hotel room upgrade.
Use Reward Credit Cards
Most credit card companies allow you to gain free or discounted hotel stays or flights by simply using their credit cards. If you plan on using one, look into the ones with travel rewards that allows you to receive hotel accommodations or flights as a reward for using their credit cards.
These are some credit cards that offer you rewards on flights and hotels.
- Capital One
- Continental Airlines
- British Airways
- Citi Hilton
- Chase Sapphire
Willingness to be Flexible
When airline carriers overbook their flights, they often offer free hotel rooms and flights as a gift for forfeiting the reservations and being placed on a later flight. At times, free flights offered are first class. So if you maintain a flexible traveling plan, it could help you to receive a free flight upgrade.
Try these when you get the opportunity so to get your next flight upgrade or a free hotel upgrade.
My name is Salika Jay, and I'd like to welcome you to my travel blog! Ever since I was a kid, I loved traveling the world. I started this blog to share my journeys around the world and everything travel.
That’s for sure. Thanks for the comment!
Shamis recently posted..Coolest Spas Around The World
nice information. frequent flyer program is good to get free flight upgrades.
Thanks for that tip Kel!
Shamis recently posted..Horizon Air Apologizes For Booting A Very Tall Passenger
I simply ask about available upgrades usually 2 weeks before the flight and you will be surprised at the great response you get..