How to Score Free Upgrades on Flights and Hotels

9 April 2025

Ever dreamed of sipping champagne in business class or stretching out in a luxury suite without paying a dime extra? Free upgrades on flights and hotels can feel like winning the travel lottery. The good news? It’s totally possible if you know the right tricks.

Airlines and hotels frequently offer upgrades to travelers, but they don't just hand them out to anyone. The secret lies in strategy, charm, and a little bit of luck. If you're ready to travel in style without breaking the bank, let’s dive into the best ways to snag those coveted upgrades.

1. Timing Is Everything

When it comes to getting an upgrade, the saying “timing is everything” couldn’t be more accurate. Airlines and hotels often offer upgrades when they have extra availability—but you need to be in the right place at the right time.

Best Times for Flight Upgrades

- Fly during off-peak hours – Mid-week flights (Tuesday and Wednesday) are usually lighter on passengers, increasing your odds of an upgrade.
- Check in late (but not too late) – If first class or business class have open seats, airlines may bump you up. But be careful—too late, and all upgrades may be gone!
- Travel alone or in pairs – Larger groups are harder to upgrade, so solo travelers or couples stand a better chance.

Best Times for Hotel Upgrades

- Check in late in the day – Hotel receptionists know exactly which rooms are left by evening, making them more willing to offer upgrades.
- Avoid peak travel seasons – Traveling during off-seasons increases your chances since rooms aren’t in high demand.
- Book for special occasions – Mentioning a birthday, honeymoon, or anniversary (honestly!) can sometimes lead to unexpected perks.

2. Dress and Act the Part

They say, “Dress for the job you want.” The same goes for the upgrade you want. Airlines and hotels are more likely to offer premium perks to travelers who look like they belong in first class.

- Dress smartly – No need for tuxedos, but ditch the sweatpants. Polished, business-casual attire makes you more upgrade-worthy.
- Be polite and friendly – A warm smile and courteous attitude can go a long way. Hotel front desks and airline attendants often grant upgrades to pleasant guests.
- Travel often? Build rapport – If you frequent a particular airline or hotel chain, being well-known by staff can work in your favor.

3. Join Frequent Flyer and Loyalty Programs

Loyalty pays off—big time. Airlines and hotels love rewarding their repeat customers with free upgrades, bonus points, and VIP treatment.

- Sign up for frequent flyer programs – Even if you're not a frequent traveler, airlines prioritize their loyalty members.
- Get a hotel loyalty membership – Chains like Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt often offer complimentary upgrades to loyal guests.
- Join airline alliances – Being part of an alliance (like OneWorld, Star Alliance, or SkyTeam) increases your chances of getting an upgrade across multiple airlines.

The best part? Many of these programs are free to join, so there's no reason not to take advantage of them.

4. Use Credit Card Perks

Your credit card might just be the golden ticket to free upgrades. Many travel-focused credit cards come with built-in perks that can give you an edge.

Top Credit Card Perks for Travel Upgrades

- Automatic elite status – Some premium credit cards offer hotel elite status, unlocking room upgrades and extra benefits.
- Companion upgrades – Certain airline credit cards provide complimentary companion upgrades.
- Airport lounge access – While not an upgrade itself, lounge access can make waiting for your flight feel like an upgrade experience.
- Upgrade certificates – Some credit card loyalty programs provide upgrade vouchers after hitting spending thresholds.

If you travel often, consider getting a card that rewards your travel habits with perks that put you in a prime position for free upgrades.

5. Use Miles and Points Strategically

Even if you don’t have elite status, your accumulated miles and points can be the key to upgrading. Some airlines allow you to upgrade using miles, even if you've booked an economy ticket.

- Book an upgradable economy ticket – Some cheaper tickets don’t qualify for upgrades, but mid-tier economy fares are often eligible.
- Watch for airline upgrade offers – Airlines occasionally send promotions where you can bid for upgrades using points or cash.
- Use hotel points wisely – Many hotel loyalty programs let you use points for suite upgrades or concierge-level access.

6. Be Strategic with Your Booking

Believe it or not, how and when you book your trip can make a big difference in your upgrade potential.

- Book directly with the airline or hotel – Reservations made through third-party sites (like Expedia or Booking.com) are less likely to get upgrades compared to those booked directly.
- Mention special occasions – As noted earlier, celebrating a honeymoon or milestone can work in your favor.
- Ask about upgrade availability – A simple, polite inquiry at check-in can sometimes land you that unexpected upgrade.

7. Be Willing to Volunteer Your Seat

Sometimes, airlines overbook flights and need passengers who are flexible with their plans. If you're open to taking a later flight, you might just land yourself an upgrade in the process.

- Offer to take a later flight – In exchange for your flexibility, airlines occasionally offer first-class seating on the next available flight.
- Ask for additional perks – If you're giving up your seat, kindly ask if an upgrade can be part of the compensation. It doesn’t hurt to try!

8. Follow Airlines and Hotels on Social Media

Staying updated with airlines and hotel chains on social media can sometimes give you an edge.

- Flash sales and upgrade offers – Airlines and hotels occasionally roll out limited-time promotions for upgrades.
- Connect with customer service – A well-placed tweet or message to customer service (when done politely) can sometimes lead to assistance with better seating or accommodations.

9. Build Relationships with Travel Staff

When you travel frequently, small interactions with staff can make a huge difference.

- Greet and engage with airline staff – A friendly chat with the check-in agent or flight attendants can sometimes work in your favor.
- Stay loyal to one hotel chain – If you frequently stay at a specific hotel, getting to know the front desk staff can lead to better treatment in the future.

10. Just Ask (The Right Way)

The simplest trick in the book? Just ask for an upgrade. But there’s a right and wrong way to go about it.

How to ask effectively:
- Be polite and friendly – A demanding attitude won’t get you anywhere.
- Use the right wording – Instead of “Is there a free upgrade?” try: “Are there any complimentary upgrades available today?”
- Smile and make eye contact – Sometimes, a warm demeanor can be just as persuasive as words.

Final Thoughts

Scoring free upgrades on flights and hotels isn’t about luck—it’s about strategy. From joining loyalty programs to dressing well and simply asking nicely, there are plenty of ways to increase your chances of getting that extra bit of luxury without paying for it.

Whether you're jet-setting for business or leisure, these insider tips will help you travel like a VIP without the VIP price tag. So next time you're at the check-in counter or hotel lobby, remember: fortune favors the prepared (and the polite traveler).