Getting upgraded isn’t easy. If it were, coach would be empty and rental car lots would be filled with white subcompacts. But it’s also not impossible. All it takes is an understanding of how the system works, mixed with a little moxie and (sometimes) the willingness to stretch the truth a teensy bit. But hey, we’re talking upgrade here. You deserve it. Ready, set, finagle….
Hotel room: When booking, call the hotel directly and ask for the reservations manager. He has the leverage. Negotiate the best rate on the best possible room, thank him, then call a competing hotel and ask that reservations manager if she can beat his offer. Keep calling hotels until you’re in the penthouse—or at least a suite.
Rental car: Go online and reserve a specific vehicle that meets your needs for the best possible price. If you arrive at your destination and are told that vehicle is not available (and often it isn’t because rental fleets are in constant flux or the salespeople are trying to “upsell” you), insist they honor your reservation or give you a free upgrade. Be adamant. Hold out for a Cadillac.
Airplane seat: It’s nearly impossible to get bumped up to business or first class these days, but you can still upgrade your legroom. When booking flights, visit seatguru.com. Choose the type of plane you’re flying, and you’ll see an easy-to-read diagram of the most-accommodating seats.
Restaurant table: If you’re staying out of town for a romantic occasion, don’t book the evening’s restaurant yourself or you’ll be treated like every other tourist. Instead, ask the concierge or the B&B owner to make the reservation. They’ll know exactly what cozy table to ask for.
Night out with the girls: So it’s girls’-night-out in the big city (the first in years!) and someone knows this club where George Clooney hangs out. Instead of schmoozing the doorman, head to the fanciest, nearby hotel and wait for a limo. When the passengers get out, offer the driver $20 to drive you around the block to the club. When you arrive, stride by the doorman like you’ve been there before. Answer any questions in French.
Your life (at least for an afternoon): Even the swankiest golf clubs are pinched these days. So if you ever wanted to lunch at the country club or give your hubby a special round of golf as a birthday gift, just call and say you’re interested in becoming a member. If that doesn’t work and the club is part of a real-estate community, phone the marketing agent and say you’re considering buying a home but would like to sample the club or the course beforehand.
Have more secrets for upgrades? We all would like to be treated like royality, so share them with your Vocalpoint friends.
Comments from Members
That idea on rental cars does work got upgraded to convertible in Hawaii cause compacts were over booked just need to ask 
Terrific! I especially love the limo idea how cheesy ,Ilove it!
Bring your own pillow:) sometimes theres arent as comfortiblealso bring a portible dvd player that can plug in the tv because if you get bored you can always watch your own movies .Thanks Michele
I really did enjoyed the ride and the best one was hotel conversations for upgrading rooms, it makes a lot of sense. I will surely try it. Thanks 
G. Shante'
great ideas!!
Great information!!!
Good idea Michele
LOL...........Girls night out was priceless, couldnt even leave a comment before share with the ladies in our club.
Great ideas. I printed them out not wanting to trust them to memory.
I loved the Girls Night Out suggestion. I don't know if these work or not, but at least this was a very entertaining read. LOL
Not sure what a limo costs for a night anymore, (mommy days taken over. . .) but in our younger/wilder days in Miami, We would have 5 or 6 ladies all split the bill. No DUI's to worry about & hit all the clubs on South Beach without a thought to the horrible parking situation. Not to mention the VIP treatment when we pulled up, no waiting in the lines. . .ha! Remember to tip well, next time, you very well may get a break in the bill, too!
Thank you for those great ideas. I will be using them all.
When in Vegas ask if they have an upgrade available when you check in, they ususally have a better room for $20.00 and if is great with a real good view if your lucky.
If you want reservations at the last minute at a restaurant in your town, call a local hotel and ask the concierge to make reservations for you. Most restaurants hold tables for local hotels for out of town visitors.
I just loved these great ways to get upgrades I will try themBy Carol on 6/22/2009
great ways to get upgrades I loved them and will give it a try
We pretty princesses deserve all the upgrading we can get. I have cried and gotten bumped to first class on planes. I have looked haggard and talked about my husband sending me to a mom's weekend out of the house and gotten upgraded to a suite (with special card access and VIP lounge access!) When making reservations at a restaurant, use a local celebrity's last name on the reservation (one that is not so famous that it would be unbelieveable that they would be there, but just famous enough that the hostess would recognize the name.) Call as if you are that person's secretary making the reservation. Got VIP 10% discount added to my grocery card JUST FOR ASKING customer service for it, complaining that my friend had it and I didn't. My rule? You don't ask, you don't get.
Good comments ill give them a try,were going to va to a theme park this week end.and will be renting a motel and car. judy conard
I think it's all fine to try to get a better deal and all, but not to the point of lying. Sometimes just being kind and cooperative is all you need to be remembered next time. Many businesses are willing to give concessions because they want your business. If they were to find out you were lying, you can bet the favors would be over right there. Honesty is still the best policy, no matter what we think we 'deserve'.
I agree with Debi. Honesty is the best policy. Shame on those of you that think it's a good idea to lie your way into an upgrade. Is that what you are teaching your children?
I, too, agree with Debi. It's great to get free upgrades and things like that but not if I have to lie to get it! When a person lies about 'small' things it seems to get easier to lie about other things, too. Why has it become socially acceptable to tell lies? Lies only hurt in the long run. Kindness and courtesy also gets you special treatment. I have worked many years in the retail business and I've always been more willing to go the extra mile for the people who are honest and sincere!
Bliss
I agreat with the gals that say honesty is the best policy. Just because we are women doesn't mean we are more deserving, or less deserving for that matter. It seems to me that the whole, I deserve something better than Joe or Jane sitting next to me, is part of what is going wrong in our society. The Golden Rule hasn't changed to, "do unto myself before others get a chance to beat me out of it".
i agree with debby too
Honesty is the best "upgrade" of all . . . Way to go Karen, Tammy and Debi!
