| It is possible to get upgraded without having to pay | | | | vocally and make it known that you can be |
| for the Jacuzzi and Roman-style balcony - if you | | | | compensated with a better room. If the view from |
| know how to play your cards right. | | | | your window is a brick wall rather than the skyline, |
| Here are some ways to get upgraded from room | | | | complain and demand to be reimbursed. |
| 101 to suite 1011. | | | | Now that you and your travel companion got the |
| Frequent Flyer Points | | | | room with the view, complete bar, and fireplace, you |
| With the right credit card, it is possible to redeem | | | | may never want to leave it. But if you do venture |
| your accumulated frequent flyer points for a better | | | | out into the streets, you may need to rent a car. |
| hotel room. Check the deal as it may be better to | | | | Here's how to get your rental car upgraded. |
| use them to enjoy cheaper flight tickets. | | | | Become Known |
| Join Loyalty Programs | | | | Be a regular customer and show loyalty to the car |
| If you stay regularly at a particular hotel, ask about | | | | rental company, and you will have an easier time |
| signing up for loyalty programs. Many are free and | | | | getting upgraded and receiving special treatment. |
| with enough visits, you can earn your way to an | | | | Enrol in Loyalty Programs |
| upgrade. | | | | Ask about available loyalty programs to get special |
| Bring More Business for the Hotel | | | | rates as a regular customer. |
| For business travellers, book your meetings at the | | | | Stretch Your Frequent Flyer Points |
| same hotel. Thus, you'll establish a cordial working | | | | If you have frequent-flyer points to spare after the |
| relationship with the hotel by bringing it business, and | | | | flight, you can use some of them to get better deals |
| your efforts will not be wasted. | | | | on rented cars. |
| Ask for Freebies | | | | Be an Early Bird |
| Sometimes all it takes is just one's boldness in asking | | | | Arrive at the rental car office early in the morning, |
| for special deals or discounted rates before booking | | | | since that's the time they are usually short on |
| your room. | | | | economy cars. |
| Charm the Service Staff | | | | Be Specific in Your Demands |
| Being your friendly self is free and the correct dose | | | | Tell the car rental agent exactly which car you want |
| of schmoozing and socializing will ensure you're | | | | and be firm about it. If they don't have that car, |
| remembered at the hotel. Always be friendly and if | | | | you'll be driving off with a much better set of wheels. |
| the staff remembers you the moment you check in, | | | | Also, if you aren't pleased with the available selection, |
| you may find yourself staying in an available king | | | | stand your ground and say that you will not drive |
| suite. | | | | what they are offering. For example, if you say that |
| Complain Incessantly | | | | you want a mid-sized car, but all they have left are |
| Rock stars do it all the time. Ask Oasis. If you can | | | | compact cars, refuse to give in. You'll be driving out in |
| charm the socks off the service staff, speak up | | | | an SUV for the price of a coupe. |