Getting to the front of the airplane for free is the holy grail of travel.
Whether you are flying on an airplane, renting a car, or checking in to a hotel, getting a free upgrade is the holy grail of travel. Sometimes this perk is offered as a salve against a delay, but it can also be offered at the discretion of a reservation agent.
Instructions
Check in
1. Be nice. Smile when the reservations clerk asks if he can help and do not look exasperated, even if you just spent a long time waiting in line.
2. Mention anything special: an anniversary, an important birthday, a last chance get away before you have a baby.
3. Ask if there are any better rooms at the same price if no upgrade is offered. Reservations clerks have leeway to offer a better view, usually accompanied by a larger room, or a premium room when occupancy is low.
4. Carry a loyalty card for each hotel chain and ask if the card offers a better room at the same price during check-in. Likewise, have car rental company loyalty cards.
5. If you are traveling with more than one person, and one of you can afford a business or first class ticket, you can ask the agent if others in your party can get an upgrade too. Airlines are cracking down on free class upgrades, and selling upgrades, but someone who is already in first class has a better chance of getting a traveling partner into the cabin.
Tags: first class, grail travel, holy grail, holy grail travel, same price