Free Flight Upgrades: Tips on How to Get Them

Almost every traveler is on the hunt for a deal.

Or, if not actively on the hunt, then at least passively interested in savings—especially when it comes to flying.

Flights are one of the most expensive elements of planning a trip. Unfortunately, airlines have been hit hard by inflation over the last years, as with most other products and services. Since the lockdown, the cost of flying has risen by 12%.

And while flights have risen less than lodging, car rentals, and meals, they still cost an arm and a leg.

Especially for those who don’t want to sit in economy.

Five years ago, advice on how to get upgrades revolved around a few core concepts. Namely, showing loyalty to an airline, avoiding popular routes, and flying during low days.

But does this advice still apply in 2024?

Today, you need to do a bit more research to potentially nab a flight upgrade—especially now that airlines are busier than ever before and might have multiple partners.

Here are a few tips that could help you earn free flight upgrades in the future.

Tip #1: Loyalty still pays

Back in 2019, showing loyalty to an airline was one of the best ways to get free flight upgrades. The same is true in 2024.

Plain and simple, flight attendants and airline employees will always favor flyers who are members of their rewards club and who are credit card holders.

I know—this tip probably sounds redundant.

But let’s shed light on a few of the other benefits: not only do loyal flyers get first dibs on upgrades, but they might also get perks like early boarding, waived luggage fees, and invitations into swanky airport lounges.

If you’re a frequent flyer and you haven’t become an elite member, consider this your sign.

Tip #2: Research, research, research!

Now, let’s dig into how to get free flight upgrades without loyalty.

The rest of the tips in this article can be used by anyone—even those who regularly use savings sites to book their flights.

The best way to get free flight upgrades is to strategically put yourself in the position to get them. (Who would have thought?)

This means you need to research two things: flight time and flight capacity.

Book flights that run during the slowest flying days, usually Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Avoid mid-morning flights—flight attendants say this is the busiest time.

Once you’ve booked a ticket on a slower day and a slower hour, then look into your flight’s capacity. You can do this on an airline’s website, which lets you gain access to your flight’s information, including the number of tickets sold for it.

If it’s sold out, you can save yourself some heartbreak. You’re not getting that upgrade. But if it’s not, you can approach the counter and ask for an upgrade. (More on how to ask for an upgrade below.)

Tip #3: Always go for ‘under the radar’

If you want access to free flight upgrades, you need to do more than choose slower times to travel.

Many flight attendants suggest avoiding the busiest travel times and routes. That means no flying during the holidays and major events, while also avoiding the most popular flight routes.

For example, flights between big cities like New York City and Miami or New York City and Los Angeles are very popular, meaning upgrades are rarely available.

But if you’re willing to take a less popular route, you’ll likely be joined by fewer travels. Fewer travels always increases your chances of getting free flight upgrades.

Tip #4: Be honest about your needs

Now that you know when and how to book flights that will give you a better chance of getting free upgrades, let’s focus on how to speak to flight attendants and gate agents.

First and foremost, go above and beyond to be kind. (Seriously—this is an important note, so I’ll cover it more below.) Second, if you’re facing a tough flight for some reason, then speak up.

When possible, flight attendants and gate agents will offer upgrades to those who are visibly pregnant, have young children, and are otherwise obviously in need of a little extra TLC.

But if you’re traveling for a funeral or an anniversary, for example, gate agents might help you out. Assuming you know when and how to ask, that is.

Tip #5: Know when to ask

That brings us to the next point—when and how should travelers approach gate agents to ask for an upgrade? Keep in mind that once you’re on the plane, employees can’t upgrade your seat, so you need to ask before boarding.

Usually, a straightforward appeal works just fine.

State that you noticed the flight had empty seats and that, if upgrades have already been cleared, you’d love to be considered. Mention any special circumstances, then move along. Maybe address the gate agent by name if they’re wearing a name tag.

If you’ve been kind and respectful, the gate agent will remember that. Keep in mind that gate agents and flight attendants face some serious vitriol on the daily. In other words, they will not forget your kindness.

Tip #6: Manners still matter—and so does looking presentable

When I covered how to handle a missed connecting flight, one of the most important factors at play was manners.

Flyers who exemplify a levelheaded and optimistic approach at the airport are rare. Kindness goes a long way in getting your free upgraded seats.

Lastly, it seems that looking presentable matters, too. While there’s tons of misinformation surrounding what to wear at the airport, let me reiterate: you don’t need to dress to the nines. You’re allowed to be comfortable on a nine-hour flight.

But, at the same time, some flight attendants have reported that dress does affect who gets free flight upgrades. In some cases, they’re instructed not to hand out upgrades to passengers who might look a little too casual.

Which Airlines Go Above & Beyond for Pets?

Can you imagine flying seven thousand miles with a chihuahua zipped into a semi-rigid carrying case under the seat in front of you?

For nine hours?

On three separate occasions?

Hello, my name is Tay, and I have survived three international flights with my dog.

And if I’m being honest, the only reason I think my chihuahua (Bolt, may he rest in glory) was okay with the international flights is because he was a rescue.

Compared to scrapping for his life on the streets of Sacramento, a little time in a box on a plane wasn’t too trying. (Probably—there’s no way of knowing what that dog was thinking.)

As someone who has flown extensively with a small pet (I logged quite a few domestic flights before going international), I can tell you that it really matters which airline you book with.

On the plus side, flying with pets has become pretty commonplace, meaning pet owners have more options than ever before.

Unfortunately, however, it also means that countless passengers and flight attendants have had less-than-ideal experiences alongside animals.

That means you need to be even more prepared when you strap your dog, cat, or gerbil in for a flight. (Yeah, you can fly with gerbils!)

Your first priority should always be the safety and well-being of your beloved pet. But you also need to get off that plane with your sanity in place—and ready to take on whatever comes next, whether a big move, business trip, or vacation.

You can make that reality a little more manageable by booking with an airline that has a great reputation for handling pets in the cabin. Let’s dive in.

What to look for in an airline when flying with a pet

I’ve vetted my selections based on this criteria:

Pet program/policy: The airline should have a specific policy that states exactly what passengers and their pets can expect. Always read the fine print—and always ask questions if you’re unsure. This policy is the manual and North Star that you will use in case anything comes up during the flight, so you need to know it in and out. Also, it needs to be reasonable and thorough so there are no questions or grey areas.
Pet carrier: There should also be explicit guidelines on what sorts of carriers are accepted in the cabin. Sometimes, airlines sell their own pre-approved carriers. If you’re part of a rewards program and fly with the same airline, I suggest buying their carrier (if they sell one, and if it isn’t low-quality).
Cargo hold: I’m only evaluating airlines that allow you to bring your pet into the cabin. Putting animals in the cargo hold is another topic entirely, and should be treated separately from cabin travel. (To clarify: the airlines below might allow you to put your animal in the cargo hold, but I’m only referring to policies for the main cabin.)
Snub-nosed dogs: To put it plainly, snub-nosed dog breeds might face serious respiratory problems thanks to changes in cabin pressure. If an airline doesn’t immediately warn pet owners about this, it’s a red flag for me. That’s because when you bring your dog with you onto a flight, you do so as property—meaning the airline is absolutely not responsible for any harm caused during a flight. Again, this doesn’t mean your pug or frenchie can’t fly—it just means you need to be extra careful.

Best airlines for flying with pets

Without further ado, here are the best airlines for flying with your pet. Not only do they have extensive and clear-cut pet programs that meet the criteria above, but they also have the highest ratings in terms of pet safety, according to a study from NerdWallet.

Alaska Airlines

Fee: $100 per pet

Pets allowed: Dogs, cats, rabbits, small birds

Other notes: Alaska allows pet owners to bring up to two animals with them in the cabin. (You can increase that to four if you purchase a ticket for the seat beside you.) Keep in mind that your pet carrier counts as your cabin bag, as with most airlines.

Frontier

Fee: $99

Pets allowed: Dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and small birds

Other notes: As far as I can tell, Frontier Airlines is the only airline to allow smaller pets like hamsters and guinea pigs to fly. (Told you gerbils were allowed.) Additionally, it doesn’t take pets into the cargo hold—which is likely why it’s got such a high rating for pet safety.

Delta

Fee: $95

Pets allowed: Dogs, cats, rabbits, small birds

Other notes: Flyers can bring up to two animals if they’re under six months old or if they both fit in the same carrier.

Southwest

Fee: $125

Pets allowed: Dogs and cats

Other notes: Southwest allows flyers to bring up to two pets with them, so long as they fit in the same carrier. They do not allow pets in cargo.

American

Fee: $150

Pets allowed: Dogs and cats

Other notes: American Airlines allows two pets per flyer. Like Frontier and Southwest, they do not allow pets in cargo.

Beat the Heat: 3 Reasons to Keep Switzerland on Your Radar in Summer

Switzerland is divided into 26 cantons, but cities like Geneva and Zurich usually take the lion’s share of headlines regarding the country.

Aside from its refined and glamorous cities, Switzerland is usually mentioned alongside and high-class winter sports hotspots like St. Moritz.

If you’ve got the funds and the skis to go for a winter wonderland trip to St. Moritz—go for it. But if not, I’d like to sell you a different type of adventure in the Swiss Alps.

Rather than book a trip to one of the area’s incredibly lovely villages during Christmas, I suggest you do the exact opposite.

I recommend heading to Switzerland during the height of summer when other places in Europe, like Barcelona and Santorini, are boiling under the sun. As hot zones face climbing temperatures, cantons like Graubunden, Bern, Valais, and Uri enjoy temperate summers thanks to their altitude.

Even at the height of summer, temperatures don’t usually climb above 70—not even when there’s direct sunlight overhead.

And that’s just one of many reasons why Switzerland should be on your radar during the peak summer heat. Crisp weather aside, here are the three main reasons it’s worth your hard-earned vacation days.

City-slicking (or village-slicking?)

Cantons like Graubunden (Grisons) and Valais are packed with cities and villages worth exploring.

Graubunden’s capital of Chur, for example, was founded way back in 3000 BC, making it the oldest city in the country. Much of its Medieval stonework has been restored, making much of this city look like a set from Game of Thrones.

In fact, this is a theme throughout the mountainous region. You’ll find stone-laden villages tucked into emerald valleys with towering mountains sheltering them.

If you’re sticking to Graubunden, I suggest checking out Zernez, Davos, Scuol, and Arosa. You can lodge and dine in these areas before heading back out to hike, swim, and explore.

If you’re heading to Valais, make sure to stop in Saillon, Albinen, Grimentz, and Niedergesteln. The latter two also showcase a lot of dark woodwork common throughout the Alps.

Scenic views & natural wonders

It should come as no surprise: the Alps are absolutely breathtaking.

Though they’re known for winter sports thanks to hefty snowfall and great slopes, there’s plenty to do in summertime.

Obviously, hiking on trails and swimming in Alpine lakes are favorite pastimes for locals across the country. But you can also do things like kayak and even windsurf.

Over the last few years, paragliding and zip-lining have also taken off. Mountain biking is also accessible, as many villages offer rentals for visitors.

But there’s one summertime favorite that you can’t miss: tobogganing.

For most Americans, tobogganing is an old-timey word for sledding. But tobogganing in summertime in Switzerland is a little bit different.

Usually, it involves riding carts down steel tubes—and it’s not for the faint of heart. Some of these run for thousands of feet downhill, which means riders can reach speeds of up to almost 25mph.

The right atmosphere

Cool temperatures, stunning medieval villages, and a long list of outdoor activities should be more than enough to convince the average traveler to schedule a visit to the Swiss Alps.

But in reality, I think one of the main attractions is the mellow atmosphere.

In Switzerland, as with most other parts of Europe, vacation is treated as an almost sacred form of downtime.

There’s no rushing, no schedules, and definitely no stress. As you explore its villages, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in this slower and sweeter lifestyle.

Though there are certainly nightlife scenes to explore and summer festivals dotting the country, the Swiss Alps get a bit sleepy for summer. I mean that in a good way, of course.

So if noisy crowds and heat indexes in the 90s give you nightmares, join me in the Swiss Alps this summer. I’ll be tobogganing down a mountain on my way to an oversized Aperol Spritz.

A Look at 5 Popular Cool-Cation Destinations

Overwhelmingly, we associate vacationing with summertime.

First, students are let off for the summer break, meaning it’s easier for most families to schedule trips from May to August. Second, in the past, it was much riskier to travel during the winter months due to potential inclement weather.

But thanks to the wonders of technology and the steady rise of global temperatures, this approach to vacation is shifting.

As a resident of Barcelona, I can tell you that summer is a hellscape thanks to soaring temperatures, crowds of tourists, and bathwater-level humidity. In other words, I go on vacation in summer to beat the heat and the crowds.

And I’m not alone. ‘Cool-cationing’ is on the rise around the world. And Europe, in particular, has a handful of highly luxurious and unspoiled summer cool-cation spots.

Want to beat the heat this summer? Keep these cool-cation hotspots in mind when you’re planning your next getaway.

Reykjavik, Iceland

You’ll get more out of summer in Iceland. I mean that literally—because this country is closer to the Arctic Circle, daylight lasts up to twenty hours around the solstice.

Vacationers can choose to hang around Reykjavik, soaking up local architecture, munching on its wide range of weird specialties, and drinking some very tasty brews.

Or you can throw yourself into the great unknown. While you probably won’t see the Northern Lights during a trip in summer, you’ll be able to explore glaciers and lagoons, amongst many other natural wonders. All without breaking a sweat.

Find a place to stay in Reykjavik.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Everyone should spend time in Edinburgh—and a great time to do that is during the height of summer.

First and foremost, the temperatures will hover around the mid-60s. That’s a fantastic compromise compared to the mid-90s common in the US. On top of that, Edinburgh hosts a handful of excellent summer festivals, from music to culture to modern art.

If you prefer to avoid the great outdoors and want to avoid language barriers, then Edinburgh should be at the top of your list of cool-cation spots.

Find a place to stay in Edinburgh.

Bergen, Norway

In August 2023, my brother and I took our dad on a cool-cation for his 70^th birthday. We started the trip out in Bergen, then road-tripped down the coast.

Not only did we avoid high temperatures, but we also missed the sun thanks to rain. Personally, it didn’t get in the way of us enjoying the absolutely stunning fjords and parks throughout the country.

In fact, the cloudy skies turned the landscape into an Ireland-level shade of bright green. I’m about that lushness, so it was a perfect cool-cation for me.

But if you do want a lot of sunlight with your cool breeze, then maybe look elsewhere.

Find a place to stay in Bergen.

St. Moritz, Switzerland

I know—selling someone on a trip to St. Moritz in summertime is probably a little odd.

This area is renowned for being one of Europe’s most exclusive and lovely skiing and winter destinations. But given its location high in the Swiss Alps in the beautiful canton of Graubunden, it’s also a great choice for those wanting to beat the heat this summer.

Personally, I’d go here for the natural wonders. The Swiss Alps are particularly stunning during the height of the summer—again, without that oppressive heat.

For hikers and outdoor adventurers, there’s no place more idyllic. Those ultra-lux amenities don’t hurt, either.

Find a place to stay in St. Moritz.

Hobart, Australia

Let’s not forget the southern hemisphere.

Summers in Australia and Southeast Asia are particularly brutal. Those looking to flee the heat have traditionally flocked to Tasmania, a province of Australia located on its southern border.

Just like in Edinburgh, temperatures hover around the mid-60s throughout summer.

But what is there to do?

Similar to Iceland, you can road trip around the island after arriving in the capital of Hobart. You’ll get to explore some seriously beautiful hiking trails and even animal sanctuaries.

But there are other hidden wonders you might not expect. For example, did you know that Tasmania is home to delicious wineries and tasting centers?

Find a place to stay in Hobart.

Vacations for Multigenerational Families: 6 Ideas for Domestic & International Travel

It’s rare that the whole family gathers for a vacation.

Usually, families reunite during the holidays to spend quality time together. But it’s relatively rare that the stars align for a trip during summer vacation or spring break. Schedules conflict, especially as grandchildren grow older.

That means every opportunity for multigenerational families to travel together must be seized and treasured.

But that doesn’t mean its a simple job.

After all, planning a trip that meets the interests of grandchildren, adults, and grandparents is a difficult task. That’s doubly true when the family is large and the group’s interests aren’t precisely aligned.

So how can you find a vacation that meets everyone’s needs? Is there a one-size-fits-all option?

Actually, there might be. If you’re on the hunt for vacation ideas that offer something to all generations, then start out with the trips below. I’ve split them based on whether you’ll be traveling domestically or internationally.

Domestic: beachside resorts

You guessed it—resorts are a popular choice for families because of the sheer number of amenities on offer. Excellent resorts can be found around the country, but I suggest focusing on beachside options.

The beach adds another layer of entertainment—one that unanimously appeals to children, adults, and grandparents. It also serves as a place for a bit of downtime. Pools tend to be noisy, but beaches can provide a little bit of much-needed chill.

Domestic: glamp in the great outdoors

Resort stays might not be a great fit for smaller families that want to stay agile. If you’ve got an adventurous crew, then hit the great outdoors for your next vacation.

I suggest looking at glamping sites versus traditional camping sites.

First, it’ll save you the hassle of bringing all your own equipment. Second, it’ll let you focus more on spending quality time with your family and out in nature—not jerry-rigging the tents with a tarp cover in case of nightly showers.

Domestic: visit an amusement park

While Disney World and Disneyland are usually high on the priority list during family vacations, don’t be afraid to target more affordable and accessible alternatives.

These amusement parks offer all the excitement of a Disney location while letting you save thousands. They’re also easier to get to in most cases.

Six Flags, for example, has locations all around the US—letting you tack on a day of riding rollercoasters to another trip. A place like Dollywood, for example, is located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, putting visitors in proximity to national parks like Mount Mitchell and Shenandoah.

International: cruises

Theoretically, all you need to do is get everyone on the boat—and then you’re ready to set sail, literally.

For particularly rowdy and large families, there’s no better option. After all, the modern cruise ship has every single amenity that a large-scale resort would.

Cruises are particularly helpful for international trips. They let you get off the boat to quickly explore new lands—not struggle with a multi-week itinerary that involves foreign languages and currencies. In other words, it’s all about the ease of planning.

International: all-inclusive resorts

I prefer cruises to resorts for international and multigenerational travel because you don’t need to worry about transportation—but it does limit the number of adventures you can go on.

If you’re traveling with a smaller and more agile family, then an all-inclusive resort is a great idea. All the minutiae are taken care of, including mealtime.

And while most resorts also offer plenty in the way of entertainment, you’ll have the option to wander off the grounds. That might be to take a day trip to another site or to play a game of golf with the guys. Regardless, you can stay more dynamic than if you were on a cruise.

International: themed tours

Themed tours are great for intergenerational families that have specific interests.

Usually, these are created by travel agencies or are offered by tour companies—and even cruise lines. They dive into the nitty-gritty of specific interests, from historical sites to outdoor adventuring. These types of trips usually cost thousands to plan, especially for larger groups.

However, it can take a load off in terms of planning stress. By opting for a themed tour, you’ll be handing the reins over to a trained professional who will plan flights, tours, transportation, and more.

Interested in Pet Cafes? Keep These 3 Cities on Your Bucket List

There are dozens of metrics to study other cultures, from GDP to modern art movements to fashion.

By far one of the most unique lenses is a culture’s approach to animals.

In university, we learned that a culture’s approach to animal care is often used to measure compassion. (Along with other factors like incarceration rates.)

The greater the degree of animal welfare, the more compassionate and levelheaded the general population. In other words, how we treat animals (even in the cases of meat production and medical experimentation) is often reflected in how we structure society and treat one another.

But pets are another world entirely.

I remember first hearing about cat cafes when I was studying in Taipei, Taiwan a decade ago. There were a few in the city already—and people wouldn’t stop talking about them.

I’m more of an evil chihuahua gal myself, so I wasn’t too intrigued by the cat cafes. But the feline frenzy that started in East Asia in the early 2000s has since become a global craze.

Cat cafes aren’t hard to find anymore, especially if you’re heading to Asia. In fact, you can find pet cafes in major cities around the world—and they offer a lot more than tabbies and coons.

Dog cafes? These aren’t too hard to find either. Snake cafes? That’s weirder, but sure.

And what about mini pigs? Capybaras? Sheep? Fennec foxes?

Is this a performance piece on Noah’s Ark? Not at all. These animals are waiting for you in a café in Tokyo or Seoul right now.

And don’t forget hedgehogs, otters, and owls.

If you’ve had pet cafes on your bucket list for a while, then keep New York City, San Francisco, and Tokyo on your radar. (Seoul is also a solid choice, but I’d like to keep this list geared towards Americans.)

Here’s a breakdown of each city and the very best cafes in all three cities.

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo wasn’t the first place in the world to open a pet café, but it’s served as a testing ground for dozens of new and unique ideas.

Cat cafes aren’t difficult to find—and given the ubiquitousness of cat cafes, I highly suggest you focus your Tokyo pet adventures on… stranger creatures.

ChikuChiku Café

The Japanese have a serious proclivity for hedgehogs. I’ve always been a little intrigued by that, which means a hedgehog café would be high on my Tokyo wishlist.

At ChikuChiku, guests can feed and touch the hedgehogs. But you might be hung up on watching them scamper around a series of rooms modeled in traditional Japanese style. (Respectfully, I’ve lost my MIND for ChikuChiku.)

Mipig Café

I’m a little hesitant to recommend this café because it markets micropigs and minipigs—neither of which actually exist.

Mini and micropigs are just small babies that are starting off a lil’ slow on their journey of absolute gluttony. Also, they scream like banshees and they froth at the mouth.

But I guess the crew at Mipig has things under control. Guests are raving about getting to interact with these small swine.

Tokyo Snake Center

You guessed it—this café is all about making reptilian friends. I personally like snakes, so this would be my first stop.

When you arrive, you can pick out a scaly friend to accompany you to your seat. Over the course of a drink and a dessert, the snakes tend to become more acclimated to their new friend.

Capyneko Café

I recently name-dropped capybaras in my series on South America’s Pantanal region. These giant rats are super cute—and they’re usually being preyed upon by alligators and jaguars.

At Capyneko in Tokyo, they’re not on the run from fanged beasts—which means these dazzling little rodents are ready to snuggle.

New York, NY

Compared to pet cafes in Tokyo, those in the US aren’t quite as varied—but just give them time. New York City is slightly farther ahead in its pet café culture than San Francisco, especially when it comes to non-cat-cafes.

Still, these are a lot more accessible than options in Tokyo or Seoul, Korea—so they’re worth mentioning.

Koneko

Koneko has gone all-in on its Tokyo-inspired theme. If you’ve been craving a Tokyo cat café, then this is the closest you’ll get without boarding a flight. All the cats are adoptable, too, which means you could potentially leave with a life partner.

Brooklyn Cat Café

You guessed it: a café in Brooklyn where you can snuggle up to kittens. Just like Koneko, these cats are up for adoption. But if you’re not in the right space to adopt, you can still go and socialize with these cute little orphans.

You might also notice the cats aren’t alone: they’re being taken care of by two rats named… Ebony and Ivory. (I don’t know how to feel about that.)

There is a cute kitten cam you can check out if you want a lil’ preview.

Chateau Le Woof

Okay, so we’re veering slightly away from pet cafes and straight into dog restaurants.

At Chateau Le Woof, guests can bring their dog with them—and they’ll have their own separate menu. It includes various kibble brands along with a raw food menu.

Similar to the rat caretakers at Brooklyn Cat Cafe, I can’t tell if I’m freaking out about this in a good way or a bad way. Someone check back in.

San Francisco, CA

There aren’t nearly as many options in San Francisco as there are in New York City. (I only listed three options in the Big Apple, but there are more.)

However, San Francisco has a very lax approach to bringing pets into restaurants and bars, which means there might be a proliferation soon.

KitTea Cat Café

This was one of the first cat cafes in the United States—and you’ll be able to tell based on the number of activities they regularly host.

The café offers a wide range of drinks, just like you’d expect. But they also offer themed events for visitors to interact with cats, including movie nights and yoga. Super cool, in my opinion.

I also think KitTea Cat Cafe is one of the best-decorated spots on this list. I’d enjoy unwinding here even if cats weren’t on the agenda.

Rawr Coffee Bar

This location offers two different options: a regular café and a cat café. They’re separated by a glass wall, so you’ll feel part of both worlds regardless.

That means that if you’re a little hesitant about cats rubbing up on you while you enjoy your cappuccino, this café will let you slowly ease into the waters.