It's once-in-a-lifetime travel, use that honeymoon card to get upgrades! We share tips on how to score upgrades during your honeymoon to make an already incredible trip even more magical.
Your honeymoon is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, so why not make it as special and luxurious as possible? From snagging a better seat on your flight to getting a room with a view, there are tons of ways to upgrade your honeymoon experience. Here's your ultimate guide to scoring those coveted upgrades, with some insider tips and tricks to make your journey unforgettable.
FLIGHT UPGRADES
Book Smart
Timing is key when booking your flight. Airlines love throwing sales, and if you book your tickets during these times, you could save enough to afford an upgrade. Aim for that sweet spot 6-8 weeks before your trip for the best deals.
Use Your Points and Miles
Got a credit card that racks up travel points or miles? Now's the time to cash them in. Those points can often be redeemed for seat upgrades, giving you a comfier and more luxurious flight. Check with your card issuer or airline loyalty program for the details.
Mention Your Honeymoon
When booking your flight, don’t be shy—mention that you're on your honeymoon. Airlines sometimes offer free upgrades to newlyweds, especially if the flight isn’t fully booked. It’s worth adding a note to your booking or mentioning it when you check in.
Check-In Early
Get to the airport early for check-in. Airline staff have more flexibility to offer upgrades before everyone else arrives. Plus, it shows you’re eager and organized, which can only help.
Dress to Impress
It might sound old-school, but dressing nicely can sometimes get you an upgrade. Airlines like to upgrade passengers who look the part of premium travelers.
HOTEL UPGRADES
Book Directly
Hotels often prioritize guests who book directly through their website. By booking directly, you stand a better chance of receiving an upgrade or extra perks.
Boutique Is Better
“I find that smaller, boutique properties tend to be more generous with upgrades,” says Jaike Rowe, Head of Travel at Out Of Office, which is a full-service luxury travel specialist that focuses on inclusive travel. “Schmoozing your way into an upgrade is easier if the hotel's management team is small and close-knit. Larger companies often have huge, centralised reservations teams that don't have much power.”
Join Loyalty Programs
Joining a hotel’s loyalty program can really pay off. Even if you don’t travel often, signing up can get you benefits like free Wi-Fi, late check-out, and potential room upgrades.
Give Them a Heads-Up
A few days before you arrive, give the hotel a call or send an email to let them know it’s your honeymoon. Ask if they have any special packages or complimentary upgrades for newlyweds. Many hotels love to make honeymoons special.
Check-In Later
Arriving at the hotel later in the day can sometimes get you an upgrade. By then, the staff will know which rooms are available and might be more willing to offer you a better one.
Be Nice
Kindness goes a long way. Be polite and friendly to the hotel staff when checking in. A positive attitude can sometimes encourage them to go the extra mile and offer a complimentary room upgrade.
DINING UPGRADES
Reserve Early
Making dining reservations in advance can help you get better tables and special treatment. Mentioning your honeymoon during the reservation process might score you a complimentary dessert or a prime table.
Share Your Special Occasion
When you arrive at the restaurant, let them know you’re celebrating your honeymoon. Restaurants often love to make special occasions memorable and might offer a free glass of champagne, dessert, or a special dish.
Eat During Off-Peak Hours
Dining during less busy times can increase your chances of receiving special attention and upgrades. Restaurants may be more flexible and generous when they’re not rushed.
Build Relationships
If you’re staying at a resort or dining at the same place multiple times, building a friendly rapport with the staff can lead to enhanced service and possible upgrades. Regular patrons who are well-liked by the staff often receive special treatment.
Use Dining Apps and Memberships
Some dining apps and memberships offer exclusive deals, priority reservations, and complimentary upgrades. Do some research to find the best options at your destination.
ACTIVITY UPGRADES
Go with Reputable Operators
Choose reputable tour operators with great reviews. They’re often more willing to offer upgrades or special treatment to ensure you have an amazing experience.
Mention Your Honeymoon
Just like with flights and hotels, mentioning that you’re on your honeymoon when booking activities can sometimes result in special treatment or upgrades. Many tour operators love to make honeymoons special and might go out of their way to enhance your experience.
Look for Packages
Some travel packages include upgrades as part of the deal. Look for honeymoon packages that offer added perks like private tours, complimentary meals, or upgraded equipment rentals.
Be Flexible
Flexibility with your schedule can sometimes lead to upgrades. If you’re willing to join a less crowded tour or shift your booking time, operators might offer enhancements to fill their less popular slots.
GENERAL TIPS
Be Gracious
Whenever you receive an upgrade or special treatment, say thank you. A simple gesture of gratitude can go a long way and might even lead to further enhancements during your stay. And remember, it's not guaranteed. “The biggest mistake people make, assuming that an upgrade is always going to happen, and then being disappointed when it doesn't. Always prepare for the room you've booked, and if you get a special upgrade, that's a bonus.”
Travel Off-Season
Traveling during the off-season can increase your chances of receiving upgrades across the board. Hotels, restaurants, and tour operators are less busy and more likely to offer upgrades to attract guests. “Mid-week stays and off-peak seasons typically offer better chances of upgrades as hotels are less busy. Avoid booking during major holidays or high tourist seasons,” Rowe advises.
Use a Travel Agent
Tap into travel agents to leverage their relationships with hotels, airlines, and tour operators to enhance your honeymoon experience. “Travel agents can request upgrades on your behalf. When it comes to your honeymoon you'll want to splash out, so we'd definitely advise booking through an agent,” says Rowe. “Hotel concierges are also a great resource: that guy from White Lotus isn't representative!”
Engage on Social Media
Engaging on social media can sometimes lead to perks. Follow them, engage with their posts, and share your excitement about your honeymoon. Some companies reward social media engagement with special offers or upgrades. “If you have a strong social media presence, subtly mention this when booking,” Rowe notes. “Go for something like ‘We love to post our holiday photos on Instagram. We'll be sure to tag you.' Positive reviews can also be persuasive—hotels love the extra publicity.”
Leverage Credit Card Benefits
Many premium credit cards offer travel benefits, including complimentary upgrades, access to airport lounges, and travel credits. Review your credit card benefits to make sure you’re taking full advantage of what’s available.
Be Honest
When seeking upgrades, honesty is the best policy. Being genuine about your honeymoon and not making up stories to get perks will earn you respect and potentially more generous upgrades. Don't be shy. “It’s crucial [to mention]!” exclaims Rowe. “Hotels and resorts often go out of their way to enhance honeymoon experiences, but they need to know it’s a special occasion. Many will offer specific amenities and benefits to honeymoon couples and most will honor these forLGBTQ+ couples, too. If they don't, then find another property.”
Upgrading your honeymoon is all about making unforgettable memories. TLDR, the key to getting upgrades is to be polite, appreciative, and proactive. With a little effort and some smart planning, you can make your honeymoon everything you’ve dreamed of and more.
Photo by Snapwire
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