A free upgrade, like an upgrade to first class on a flight or a better hotel room with a view, can make any trip feel extra special. While upgrades are often seen as perks reserved for frequent travelers or those willing to spend more, some strategies can help anyone get that little bit of luxury without breaking the bank.
Here are five proven ways to score free upgrades on your next trip, making your travel experience smoother, more comfortable, and a lot more enjoyable.
Be Loyal to One Airline or Hotel Chain
Loyalty pays off when it comes to scoring free upgrades. Most airlines and hotels offer tiered membership levels where perks increase the more you travel with them.
While entry-level memberships might offer small benefits, such as priority boarding or free Wi-Fi, higher tiers often come with the chance for room upgrades, complimentary breakfasts, or even first-class seats.
Some airlines and hotels also look beyond just loyalty points when deciding which customers to offer upgrades to. For instance, factors like customer spending habits or even credit score ranges or brackets can sometimes influence eligibility for special offers or perks.
Although it may not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering travel, maintaining a healthy financial profile can open up unexpected doors, including better travel experiences.
Additionally, use your loyalty points strategically when booking a room or flight. Instead of booking a higher-tier room or seat outright, consider booking a cheaper option and requesting an upgrade at check-in. With enough points banked, some airlines and hotels will happily bump you up for free, as long as available.
Time Your Trip Wisely
Timing is everything when it comes to travel, and it can significantly affect whether or not you receive an upgrade.
According to an Expedia study, the optimal booking window for international travel is around 60 days before your trip, with four months being the latest advisable time to book.
For travel, off-peak times, such as midweek or less busy seasons, increase your chances of finding vacancies that hotels or airlines are willing to upgrade for free. Fewer travelers mean less demand for premium rooms or first-class seats, leaving those spots open for last-minute upgrades.
For flights, early morning or late-night departures tend to be less crowded, and airlines are often more willing to upgrade passengers when there are empty first-class seats.
Similarly, hotels experience less traffic during weekdays or in the shoulder seasons (just before or after peak travel periods), meaning they’re more likely to offer you an upgrade to fill a better room that would otherwise go unused.
Ask Politely and Professionally
Sometimes, the simplest way to score a free upgrade is to just ask for one. But how you ask can make all the difference.
Being polite, friendly, and respectful when you check in can go a long way. Front desk staff at hotels or gate agents at the airport deal with countless travelers every day, and a little kindness can make you stand out.
When checking in at a hotel, try asking, “Are there any complimentary upgrades available today?” Mentioning a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary can sometimes work in your favor, as hotels often like to help guests celebrate.
Keep your request reasonable—if you booked a budget room, don’t expect a luxury suite, but you might land a room with a better view or more space.
At the airport, the same approach can work when dealing with airline staff. A simple “I was wondering if there are any seat upgrades available?” delivered with a smile can sometimes get you moved up, especially if the flight is not full. Airline staff are more inclined to upgrade friendly and understanding passengers rather than demanding or entitled.
Book Directly with the Airline or Hotel
Booking directly through an airline’s or hotel’s website, rather than using third-party platforms, can increase your chances of receiving an upgrade. Hotels and airlines prioritize customers who book directly with them because they avoid paying commission fees for third-party services.
When you book through the hotel or airline’s site, you’re seen as a more valuable customer, making them more willing to offer perks like free upgrades.
Additionally, booking directly often gives you more flexibility to communicate with the hotel or airline about particular requests or preferences.
Once your booking is confirmed, you can politely call the hotel or airline to inquire about the possibility of an upgrade. Since direct bookings provide more direct communication, it’s easier for staff to accommodate your requests, especially if they know you’ve booked with them instead of going through a third party.
Travel When There Are Issues with Overbooking
While overbooking is often a headache for travelers, it can work in your favor when trying to score a free upgrade. Airlines and hotels sometimes overbook, expecting a certain number of cancellations or no-shows.
However, when everyone does show up, the staff may need to find solutions to accommodate everyone—and that could mean upgrading some passengers or guests.
When a hotel or flight is overbooked, volunteers willing to change rooms or seats are often rewarded with upgrades as compensation. For example, if you’re willing to take a later flight, the airline might offer you a seat in first class on the next available flight.
Similarly, if a hotel needs to relocate you to a different room, they may upgrade you to a better suite or offer perks such as free meals or extra amenities as a gesture of goodwill.
Final Thoughts
Scoring a free upgrade on your next trip isn’t guaranteed, but it can be possible if you use the right strategies. These five strategies are just a few simple ways to increase your chances of getting extra luxury without paying more. The next time you travel, try these tips, and you might enjoy a more comfortable experience, all for free.