How to Get a Free Hotel or Plane Upgrade

Traveling first class and staying in hotel suites is expensive. Typically, the price difference between first class and coach flights can be several hundred dollars. There are ways, however, to get these upgrades for free. There is no guarantee, but if successful, these simple tricks can mean saving hundreds or thousands of dollars for luxurious upgrades. Saving hundreds of dollars on flights and hotels can mean more money for your next backpacking trip or that new fly rod.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step 1

Join a frequent flier program. Frequent flier programs reward customers who frequently travel on their airlines by offering them free airfare and the ability to upgrade their plane seats. Pick a frequent flier program and use that airline to maximize your frequent flier miles.

Step 2

Ask if there are any upgrades available. If a flight is only partially full you may be able to get upgraded to first or business class simply by asking if there is anything available and by being willing to switch seats. This is also often the case at hotels. When checking into the hotel or flight, simply ask if they are at capacity and if there's any way to upgrade for free. Also, if you frequent a hotel often, ask if they can reward your repeat business with a free room upgrade.

Step 3

Use reward credit cards. Many credit card companies allow you to gain free hotel stays or flights simply by using your credit card and accumulating enough points. If you plan on using a credit card, look into one with travel rewards that allow you to receive hotel accommodations or flights as a reward for using the card. Many of these rewards cards also offer the opportunity to use accumulated points on outdoor activities. For example, Miles by Discover Credit card allows the flexibility to redeem point on travel activities.

Step 4

Be willing to be flexible. When airlines overbook flights, they often offer free hotel rooms and flights as a gift for forfeiting the reservation and being placed on a later flight. Sometimes the free flights offered are first or business class. Maintaining flexibility while traveling helps to increase the chances of receiving a free upgrade.

Article Written By Laura ONeill

Laura O'Neill is a stay-at-home mother and professional online writer specializing in travel and women's studies-related articles. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice from The George Washington University.

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