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.
G. Shante'
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