Quick Tip: Ask for the Upgrade!

Here is another quick tip, ask for the upgrade everywhere, you will be surprised how often this works!

Anytime I am checking in for anything, I always ask for an upgrade.  Whether it be the airport, rental car desk, hotel desk, anything, I always ask. However, you must have the right personality when doing this.

Most check-in personnel hear upgrade requests all day, so you have to make yourself stand out.  Flirt a little bit, make a joke, find some common ground, etc., but somehow, make yourself memorable and unique to others.  Then, once you have the person smiling, time to pounce!

When checking into a hotel, I will usually joke and ask if the presidential suite is available, this generally gets a laugh.  Then, I start a little conversation, and ask if there are any empty upgrades available.  Honestly, about 7 out of 10 times this works.

I have found the best luck for upgrades with rental car companies.  This has, however, bitten me a few times.  One trick I implore is booking the "economy" or "compact" car online.  Then, when you show up with luggage in tow, usually they will offer to upgrade you for a small fee.  This is where you state that you are on a company expense account and can't push the limit.  Generally, they will offer you the upgrade for free at this point.  However, like I said though, this has bitten me a few times.  I am a little over 6' and have had to spend a week and 1500 miles in a compact, not fun to say the least.

In the end, always ask for an upgrade, everywhere, and always be in a great mood when you do so!