From Wanderluxe, the chic travel blog from The Luxe Nomad
 
Now that you’re wise in the ways of getting bumped to first class on flights, perhaps you’re up for a new challenge. If you’ve travelled thousands of miles to live out your dream vacation, it couldn’t hurt to ask for an upgrade. In some cases, you’re probably more eligible for one than you’d imagine. Just remember your pleases and thank yous and you could get a room upgrade at the executive premier suite (but probably just a standard king-size bedroom TBH).
 
#1 Get With the Program
Many hotel groups worldwide have loyalty programs that come with very impressive benefits. It might not be worth it to get in one if you’re rarely travelling, but if travel is your middle name, it’s definitely something you want to look into. When you book with the Marriot Hotel Rewards, which won the program of the year at the Freddie Awards (the “voice of the frequent flier”), you get a complimentary room upgrade once you’ve clocked in, or checked-in 5o stays. We also like Starwood Preffered Guests, where a suite-upgrade (more like sweet upgrade) is always an option.
 
 #2 Play it Smart
This one will make you go “oooh”. Here’s an anecdote — when you’re ordering wine at a fancy restaurant but you don’t want to seem like a cheapskate, so you get the second cheapest bottle on the menu. The same can be done when you book a hotel room, just think of it as an investment so the hotel knows you have fine taste. Don’t go booking the very bare minimum, then asking for a cheeky upgrade to an ocean-view standard suite. Life just doesn’t work that way, not even in paradise.
 
#3 Because You’re (Not) Happy
If there really is something you’re not happy about in your current room, the staff is at your disposal as promised. That’s the whole point of hospitality, and it’s their job to make sure their guests are happy. So if you were expecting a different view, or the bed arrangements weren’t what you requested for, dial 1 or 0 (depending on the resort) on your room phone for reception. You might be greeted by a bus boy to take your luggage to a bigger, better room. Remember to tip him!
 
#4 Time is  Money (and Luck)
If you’re going to check-in on-the-dot at noon, you’ll be on the list of many rooms housekeeping needs to get ready in a hurry. But if you take a later flight not only is it more affordable, but a late check-in after 6 pm might just enable to you to get a better abode when more rooms become available. Let the hotel know you’ll be arriving late so they don’t rush to have your room ready, and they might just reward you for it. Just don’t be too late or the one’s with the power to grant an upgrade might already have gone home.
 
#5 Short and Sweet Does it
Heads up — it’s highly unlikely that a hotel will  upgrade you if you’re planning on camping out at the hotel for an entire week. A one-night stay means your chances of an upgrade are higher because once you’re out of there, the room can be booked again at its normal price the next day
 
#6 Nothing Personal, It’s Just Business
It’s not completely demanding or fussy either if you say you need WiFi or more space to get your work done. But first, mention that it’s your first time at the hotel and that you travel to the area often. They’ll do you a solid just to keep you coming back. So really, who’s playing who here, eh?
 
#7 Or you could just benefit from The Luxe Nomad member perks which include room upgrades & more!
 
Get many other travel tips and ideas on Wanderluxe ASAP !

From Wanderluxe, the chic travel blog from The Luxe Nomad
 
Vacation begins the moment you check your luggage in at the airport. Flying first class in fact, is a vacation in itself — better food, better service, better liquor, the list just goes on. So what do you do the next time you’re in line for a full-house long-haul flight with no layover? You work your way to the top with these travel hacks. May your leg room be as spacious as your six-bedroom ocean view villa,  and food just as fresh as a minty mojito.
 
#1 Loyalty = Royalty
Good things come to those who wait. Not only do your accumulated frequent flier points earn you a ticket to the business cabin, just having an airlines-affiliated credit card or a loyalty cards puts you in the running for an upgrade. They weren’t bluffing about the rewards — it pays to be part of the club. You see, a first-class business cabin ticket can come up to three times the fare of an economy class ticket but then paid for with miles, is discounted like Miu Miu boots at a sample sale.
Perk: Your own personal flight attendant. Seats are limited in first class so get ready for lots of attention and pampering.
 
#2 Two’s a Crowd
In a crowded economy cabin, that is. You’re more likely to get an upgrade when you’re flying alone, because where will they fit a family of 10 in first class? As long as there are no seating considerations, the odds are in your favour. Don’t expect to be handed an upgrade, go ahead and ask (not demand) for one!
Perk: Lounge access. No more dozing off on uncomfortable (and slightly stinky) seats, or bad coffee from the vending machine.
 
#3 Dress the Part
There’s an unofficial dress code for first class that has no allowance for your flip-flops and Hawaiian shirt. Where an upgrade is possible, the gate agents are more likely to pick a well-dressed passenger. So if you’ve ever wondered why airport style is such a big deal, there you have it. When you look good, you feel good… after a glass of bubbly and some caviar.
Perk: The amenity kits. Comfortable pajamas, fuzzy slippers, warm eye masks, amazing toiletries and a nice little pouch.
 
#4 Timing is Everything
Upgrades are more worthwhile for long-haul flights, but if you’ll be happy just to experience it, fly when the odds are high: bank holidays. What happens during peak times is that passengers tend to book economy or business class, so if you play your cards right, you might just get bunked up from a packed flight to first class. In keeping with time, avoid morning or evening flights which is when the real first-class passengers of the workforce rule the skies.
Perk: Express check-in, express security check and priority boarding. Time is (literally) money!
 
#5 The Inconvenient Truth
We’ve all experienced the wrath of the “nightmare passenger”. Now imagine the crew, whom probably deal with this type of passenger at least a couple of times every single day. There’s one way to make them happy — an upgrade to first class. We’re not saying you should be a nightmare, but when your flight has been delayed or overbooked, or you’ve missed a connection, many airlines see an upgrade as a way to keep you happy, and right they are.
Perk: A culinary feast. Everything is better in first class, and wine isn’t served in little paper cups. Oh, bless.
 
#6 Let the Honeymoon Begin
No one cares if it’s your birthday. Everyone has one. It’s an annual thing. Really, the chances of you flying on your birthday are 1 in 365. But if it’s your honeymoon, well then congratulations, newlyweds! Even if it isn’t, amp up the PDA (but please, let’s not get handsy in public) and show the world you’re madly in love. Psst, we hear Singapore Airlines treats honeymooners extra special.
Perk: Space, and lots of it. Spacious, comfy recliners and more space for clothes and shoes — there’s no extra luggage fee.
 
#7 Just Be Nice, Ya Know?
Put yourself in the shoes of an airlines staff once again, whom apart from dealing with fussy fliers, have to stand around all day. A smile and a genuine compliment can always go a long way, and while we’re not saying you should practice good manners to get a first class upgrade… treat people the way you want to be treated 35, 000 feet up in the air.
Perk: Free WiFi. That is all. Free WiFi.
 
Where would you like to fly first class to?
 
Get many other travel tips and ideas on Wanderluxe ASAP !