10 tips for getting travel perks

5. Is there a better fare or rate?
Most travel providers automatically offer the lowest price available, but sometimes an agent misses a better deal. A little probing can provide good results. For example, I was planning a trip from Orange County, California, to New York and was offered a coach rate exceeding $1,000; on further review, I found that a first class ticket was available for $795. And I have often picked up hotel rooms with better views — or free breakfast or spa services being offered on a midweek special — that the booking agent overlooked. Simply asking can pay handsome rewards.

6. Should I take a different route?
Later this month I have a trip to Mendoza, Argentina. My regular route would take me first to Buenos Aires then on a short flight to Mendoza. However, when I tried to book this route using my first class upgrades, all the available upgrades were gone. After trying unsuccessfully for a few days to get an upgrade, I inquired about flying through Santiago, Chile. Not only did I get the upgrades, I saved more than $400.

7. Where do you recommend I visit?
Key any city into Google and what do you get? An endless list of ads and tour operators pitching their goods. A better idea is to ask your local hotel agent where he would go if he were exploring the city on a budget. Specifying “budget” has a triple benefit: You will price out of the tourist traps; you will likely get an authentic local experience; and you will save money.

8. Can you leave the seat next to me open?
Airplane cabins are tight quarters; if the seat next to you is open, you gain a little elbowroom. On a return flight from Panama recently, I mentioned to the gate agent that I would be grateful if he could keep the seat next to me open. Just before the plane left the gate, the agent came aboard to seat a non-revenue passenger. The passenger pointed to my empty seat, but the gate agent just kept going, escorting her to another open seat a few rows back. Asking doesn’t always work, but when it does, it sure is nice to spread out.

9. If I pay a small premium, can I get an upgrade?
This is a good question for hotels. It works with airlines, too, but with hotels you can find yourself scoring a suite for pennies on the dollar just by offering to pay a nominal upgrade fee.

10. Can I get a complimentary upgrade?
The Holy Grail of penny-pinching luxury travel is getting a free upgrade. It happens — usually just by asking. I was rerouted a few months back onto a flight on American Airlines, an airline I had flown only once before. I asked the agent for a first class upgrade, and lo and behold, she printed me a boarding pass for 6B.

This is not a comprehensive list of questions, but it should get you on your way. The key is to just think ahead and dare to ask questions. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Joel Widzer is an expert on loyalty and frequent flier programs. He is the author of "The Penny Pincher's Passport to Luxury Travel," a guidebook on traveling in high style at budget-friendly prices. E-mail him or visit his Web site. Want to sound off about one of his columns? Try visiting Widzer's forum.

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