Travellers who acquire elite status for flying more than 500,000 miles a year, enjoy executive lounges and VIP perks like royalty. Airlines and hotels dangle extras, bonuses and comforts to encourage repeat business to frequent travellers. Short of those several hundred miles and the coveted status, an ordinary wayfarer can still enjoy a host of special benefits by doing a little homework.
A travel credit card for airlines and hotels can pave the way to little luxuries. The American Express Jet Blue Card, for instance, gives its user free offers when flying. Benefits can range from discounts on purchases while in flight, free checked luggage, and access to the executive lounge. Hotels also offer freebies, such as 1 or 2 nights’ free hotel accommodation each year.
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Know that you need to ask. When inconveniences arise and you encounter flight cancelation and changes in flight schedule, look at these as opportunities for special privileges. When the flight cancelation or rescheduling is due to an airline’s lapse, ask for a full refund if you don’t agree with the new schedule or arrangements. There are compensations in certain cases. You might even get to enjoy business class or first class flights. Make sure that your canceled flight will be refunded in full. Ask for the airline’s terms and conditions, or you might end up paying fees or receiving partial refunds.
Be nice when asking. Especially during off-peak season, hotels and airlines often have discounted upgrades. For airlines, the discounts for upgrades will be predetermined and uniformly implemented. Hotels, however, can be more flexible. There’s no harm in asking, so approach the concierge nicely. It would only take the front desk personnel to make a call, and if there’s a vacant upgraded room, you might be sleeping the night on a well-appointed room several dollars on the cheap.
Travel with some of the perks; it doesn’t have to be expensive.