5 questions to ask.

As many travelers have heard there are ways to get upgrades on flights and services. The key is to know how and when to make your mark. Dressing the part like an actor in a movie or by having good timing or both can lead you into a level of service only reserved for those who not afraid to ask the “5 questions it never hurts to ask.”

Complimentary Upgrades at Airlines

Man showing flight ticket to staff on phone.

Airline complimentary upgrades. Fact or Urban myth?
Complimentary upgrades are subject to availability by the airline, and at discretion of the representative at the check in. You can help you chances into first class by dressing the part. Ask if there’s space available in Business or First class. They will take it into consideration. Remember the key phrase is “complimentary upgrade.” You have to ask at the representative when you’re checking in, and the representative when boarding. Remember, you are asking twice.
Are there any consequences of asking for a set upgrade?
No. It is however up to the discretion of the Airline representative. They need to book all travelers on board after which they will determine availability.
Can the Airline give my seat away while I wait for an upgrade?
No they can not give your seat away under any circumstances. If there is nothing available you will need to take your previously allotted place on the plane.

Class Distinctions.

What is the difference between Business class and 1st class?
Both classes are interchangeable in the US. In Canada and Europe this is known as business class. With airlines that use large airliners you may have both 1st class and business class. An example of this would be the Emirates Airbus. If you get an upgrade here please let me know what that experience was like. You have just won the Airline Lotto.
The seating structure breaks down like this in most if not all major carries across the world.
1st Class
Business
Premium Economy
Comfort
Economy.
Car Rentals

Your car is your responsibility.

Rental agreement with contract.

You have a rental car and you want to extend the rental period. It is your responsibility to pick up the phone- you already have the car in your possession. Look at the number on your contract and notify the company and advise them of the extension. Most importantly calling an agent in another country, state or province will not be able to help you. Check your credit card statement after the rental period to ensure that you have not been over charged. If you see a fraudulent charges contact your credit card company immediately and decline any additional charges.
Signing up for the Emerald service with National https://www.nationalcar.ca/en/emerald-club.html or Preferred service with Avis  with https://www.avis.ca/en/loyalty-profile/avis-preferred   .These services are loaded with perks like ensuring that your car is clean, no waiting in line and being able to pick any car from the specified lane, jump in away you go. It is free to sign up and there are no additional fees.

Hotels

When checking into a hotel if the hotel Room smells of mildew or marijuana whatever it happens to be. If is not up to your standards asked to be checked into a new room that does meet your standards. You can even ask to see the room prior to making a commitment to the room. Asking for an upgrade at this time is a good idea too.
When you give a credit card for a guarantee that means you’re hotel Room is held until 12:00 p.m..  Therefore if the cancelation policy is 24 hours prior that means you have to advise the hotel 24 hours prior to your arrival that you are no longer coming or you will be charged for that night. The hotelier will then let the room and charge you too, don’t give them the satisfaction.

Porters and Bellhops

Man entering or leaving a hotel with luggage.

What about Porter’s? yes baggage porters and bellhops. I can take your bag sir, I feel kind of awkward sometimes. It up to the individual’s discretion. Porters are there to assist you with the baggage and they get paid by regardless. However they rely on tips to round out there income. If you have a great deal of baggage utilize them, who want to carry four or five bags anyways. So as a rule of thumb $3-4 per bag is normal . If you have a full trolley, 20 dollars seems adequate. If you feel that you prefer to carry your own bags, do so and don’t feel any guilt. In fact I gave a porter in Cuba 2 dollars just to leave my bags alone. That’s the exception not the norm.

Room service

In most cases a gratuity of 10 – 15 percent is accepted as a fair sum for this type of service. However in some establishments the gratuity is included with the service. So please read the fine print on the menu. That being said a tip is always appreciated. Although not technically part of room service. The in room “mini bar” use with caution.

Ask the Question, you may be surprised of the answer. Just be bold and ask. What is the worse that can happen? They say no or not available, your curse quietly to yourself, then live with what you had paid for, no big deal. However if you do get that Emirates upgrade on the Air Bus, let us know about the experiences so we can share it with others.

As Always, Your Vacation. Your Escape.

VTE