Insider Etiquette: The Art of Earning an Upgrade Without Ever Having to Ask.
The most unforgettable upgrades are the ones you don’t see coming.
A suite with sweeping views. A better seat on the plane. A chilled bottle of bubbly waiting when you arrive. They’re never requested—or expected—and that’s what makes them magical.
While there’s no secret formula, there are ways to travel that make these moments more likely. It’s about timing, relationships, and the way you carry yourself through doors.
Be the guest people remember—for all the right reasons.
Behind the smiles, the hospitality world can be a stressful place. Kindness, patience, and a genuine smile go further than you think. Staff remember travellers who make their day easier by being polite and flexible. And when an opportunity for an upgrade appears, guess whose name comes to mind first?
Mark the moments.
If your trip marks something special—an anniversary, a birthday, a long-awaited reunion—mention it when you book or when you arrive. People love making those moments unforgettable. Keep it natural, not calculated.
Choose your moment wisely.
It’s not always possible, especially for families, but when you can, travel outside peak dates. You’ll find calmer spaces, fewer crowds, and more availability for a little extra luxury. Midweek check-ins or shoulder-season trips often open unexpected doors.
Build trusted relationships and stay loyal.
A great travel advisor is more than a planner—they’re a trusted partner in your journeys. The more you work together, the more they understand your style: the little luxuries that matter, the things you’d rather avoid, the moments that make a trip feel special. Over time, they begin to anticipate your needs before you even voice them, quietly shaping each itinerary so it feels effortlessly perfect.
If you’re a member of a loyalty scheme, they’ll also make sure your loyalty points work hard for you work quietly in the background—booking in ways that earn rewards, redeeming points where they have the most impact, and combining those perks with their own network of insider benefits.
And because they care about your experiences, they work to ensure each journey is better than the last—layering in surprises, securing those extra touches, and opening doors you didn’t even know were there.
Share the love.
If someone makes your trip truly memorable—especially a small business owner—nothing means more than a heartfelt referral. Tell your friends. Leave a glowing review. Gratitude is remembered, and it often comes back to you in the most surprising ways.
Upgrades aren’t really about luck. They’re the natural result of travelling well—with thought, with class, and with a presence that inspires people to go the extra mile for you.