How to Get Free Airline Perks

!±8± How to Get Free Airline Perks

We all know the basics of earning airline perks: rack up a lot of miles either by flying a lot or by using a credit card reward program. However, despite how much we may do this, it often seems as if the miles never add up and the perks never materialize. Here are a few tips so that you can finally begin getting some real perks. What kind of perks can you earn? How about: skipping long security and check-in lines, free upgrades to first class, free upgrades to superior hotel rooms, free car rental upgrades, and other special treatment.

1. Consolidate your business

One of the biggest mistakes that most flyers make is to scatter their business amongst a wide range of airline carriers. Of course, there is a good reason for this: they are trying to find the best deal. Unfortunately, this hurts them in the long run. Perks are usually specifically designed to reward people for their loyalty, and it certainly isn't very loyal to jump from airline to airline to save a few bucks. In fact, sticking with a single carrier will actually have long term benefits. Although you may pay 2% more for the price of your plane ticket today, you will receive many more benefits when you finally become an elite member. Sticking with one carrier also has the benefit of making it easy to keep track of all the rules of the program.

2. Special Codes

Here's a little known trick that can help you get a first-class ticket for the price of a coach ticket. Every airline ticket is marked with a serial number (or "code"). When you go to your favorite airline's website, look for a coach ticket that has either a Q-Up or Y-Up code. The code on the ticket might look something like "Q31345UP". Once you've discovered a ticket like that, call up the airline and request that it be upgraded to a first-class ticket. As long as first-class isn't full, you'll score a first-class ticket for the price of an economy ticket!

3. Be Flexible

If you can be flexible with your travel plans, a whole world of free perks can open up for you. Many times, especially during busy travel seasons, airlines will overbook their flights. They know that on average a certain percentage of passengers will either cancel or miss their flight, and they want to ensure that they leave with a full cabin. If more people show up for the flight than there are seats available, the airline will begin offering perks if someone is willing to catch a later flight. They might offer free tickets, free upgrades, or even free rental car coupons. You just need to be willing to step off of the plane. Often there will be another flight only an hour later!

4. Just ask

This is the simplest and easiest method, but many people are afraid to do it. After all, nobody likes to be told "no". But after all, a "no" is the worst thing that can happen! Even if you get told no 4 times for every time you get a "yes", doesn't that make it worth it? It never hurts to ask. Ask if you can be upgraded to first class. Ask if you can skip the lines at the next airport. Ask if you can get a discount on your rental car or motel room. Sometimes there will be unfilled first-class seats which are simply given away to the first person who asks. Ask, ask, ask!