“On airplanes, do you ever wonder how the college-age girl in nondesigner jeans afforded that first-class seat? How about the ill-suited man in scuffed shoes who nabs the top-floor suite at a hotel? In many cases, they paid heavily for the upgrade or cashed in frequent-flier miles or loyalty points. But others worked the system. To unlock the secrets of free or discounted upgrades for planes, rooms, rental cars and cruise cabins, we went to industry experts and frequent travelers for their tips.
Airline upgrades
Use the upgrade certificates airlines send you for being a frequent flier, or ask friends with transferable coupons near expiration if you can take them off their hands.Though airlines most frequently award their elite passengers upgrades, it never hurts to be the first in line at the gate counter and inquire about a bump in class. (Ask the gate representative, not the check-in agent, who does not control domestic first-class seating assignments.) The bump in class could be free or, at the very least, less expensive than if you had originally booked the top-tier seat. Or, don’t be the first to board; hang back in case economy seats are needed and there is extra space in first class; you just might be offered that elite seat.If you have a flexible schedule and your flight is overbooked, volunteer to give up your seat and ask the agent for a first-class seat on the next available flight.To increase your chances of flying in a higher class, book flights on wide-bodied planes, such as the 747 or 777, which have more first- and business-class seats. Check Seatguru .com for plane configurations. In addition, request upgrades on flights to destinations with little business traffic.” (via newsday.com)
Pointswizard Spin: Click here to read about rental car, hotel and cruise upgrades
