From ordering an unusual plane meal to checking into hotels at weirdly specific times, travel experts reveal the unexpected moves that can unlock free flight and hotel upgrades as peak holiday season begins.
As Brits start to prep for their summer escapes, eShores, along with a seasoned flight attendant, have revealed six surprisingly simple tips that can dramatically increase the chances of receiving complimentary upgrades with no air miles, memberships or big spending required.
How to get a flight upgrade:
Choose an “unpopular” meal option
Vegetarian, gluten‑free or halal meals are prepared separately and loaded in specific quantities, so airlines often seat these passengers earlier to keep service running smoothly. As the flight fills up and the cabin is reshuffled, you’re less likely to be pushed toward the back.
Seats towards the front are seen as premium. You’ll get off the plane faster, deal with less cabin noise and enjoy earlier food and drink service, small perks that make a noticeable difference.
Ask for upgrades at the gate, not check-in
If you’re going to ask about an upgrade, timing is everything. Gate agents have live visibility on no-shows and unsold premium seats, unlike check-in staff who work with fixed allocations.
This opens the door to last-minute seat changes, sometimes discounted, sometimes complimentary, into extra legroom seats, premium economy or even higher cabins, where space, comfort and service are all upgraded.
Bring a small gift
A small token of appreciation, such as snacks or a Starbucks voucher, stands out in a busy, high-pressure environment where cabin crew deal with hundreds of passengers per flight. Some travellers say it’s led to better seats or even a First-Class upgrade.
Lisa Wilkes, who has been a flight attendant for 15 years, tells eShores:
“We see a lot of super difficult and mean passengers, so when someone does something nice, we really appreciate it. Often, a gift means you’ll get extra special service or even complimentary snacks.”
How to get a hotel upgrade:
Follow the hotel on Instagram and tag them before your arrival
Many boutique and resort hotels keep an eye on social media, and guests who engage with them ahead of arrival can quietly stand out. If there’s availability, staff may prioritise these guests when assigning rooms.
An upgraded room often means a better view, more space or a quieter spot, all upgrades to comfort, without paying extra.
Arrive just after check-out time
Between 11 am and midday is the sweet spot for upgrades. That’s when higher‑end rooms have just been vacated and assessed by housekeeping, giving reception a clearer picture of what’s available.
With more flexibility at hand, staff are better positioned to offer a room with extra space, a better layout or a more desirable location.
Request a corner room
Corner rooms are often overlooked because their layouts don’t match standard categories, even though they’re usually bigger and quieter. Asking for one gives staff an easy win.
Extra space, fewer shared walls and reduced corridor noise enhance comfort, making a corner room an upgrade, without ever needing to use the word.
Gavin Lapidus, company director at eShores, commented:
“At eShores, we spend every day speaking directly to airlines, hotels and on‑the‑ground partners while building tailor-made holidays, so we see exactly when and why upgrades really happen. It’s rarely about who spends the most; it’s about timing, flexibility and making things easy for staff when plans change at the last minute.
“When flights are reshuffled, or better rooms suddenly become available, polite and informed guests are often the first people staff think to reward. Knowing when to ask and how to approach it, can genuinely turn a standard booking into a luxury experience.”
For more information about eShores and how their experienced travel consultants can help you find your ideal holiday, visit https://www.eshores.co.uk/