20 Genius Hacks to Snag Free Hotel and Flight Upgrades Like a Pro

9. Special Occasions - Leveraging Milestones

Celebrating a special occasion during your travels can be a powerful motivator for receiving upgrades. Airlines and hotels often go out of their way to enhance the experience of guests celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or honeymoons. Mentioning your special occasion during booking or check-in can prompt staff to offer upgrades as a gesture of goodwill. This strategy works best when the occasion is genuine and not fabricated. By sharing your celebration with the staff, you invite them to be a part of your special moment, which can lead to memorable experiences and unexpected upgrades.