Best Travel Perks to Elevate Your Experience

Traveling can be an incredibly rewarding experience, especially when you take advantage of the perks offered by airlines, hotels, and travel credit cards. From free upgrades to VIP lounge access, there are numerous benefits that can make your trip more enjoyable, comfortable, and cost-effective. Here are some of the best travel perks to elevate your experience:

1. Lounge Access: Comfort Before You Fly

Airport lounges offer a relaxing escape from crowded terminals, providing amenities such as free food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating. Many premium credit cards or frequent flyer programs include complimentary lounge access as part of their perks.

• How to get it: Use a travel credit card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or American Express Platinum, which offer Priority Pass membership, or achieve elite status with airlines that include lounge access as part of their rewards.
• Why it’s great: Lounge access offers peace and quiet, refreshments, and often business facilities that can make a long layover or pre-flight wait much more pleasant.

Tip: Some lounges even offer showers, spas, and sleeping pods, providing a refreshing break on long journeys.

2. Free Upgrades: First Class and Beyond

Scoring a free upgrade to first class or business class can make your flight experience more luxurious and comfortable, offering perks such as lie-flat seats, gourmet meals, and priority boarding.

• How to get it: Frequent flyer status, booking with miles, or using a co-branded airline credit card can increase your chances of getting a free upgrade. Sometimes, politely asking at check-in or the gate can also result in an upgrade.
• Why it’s great: A free upgrade gives you access to premium amenities without the high price tag, making your journey more enjoyable.

Tip: Travel during off-peak times when flights are less crowded, as upgrades are more likely when fewer passengers are competing for them.

3. Hotel Room Upgrades: A More Luxurious Stay

Many hotels offer complimentary room upgrades to guests who are part of their loyalty programs or who book using premium travel credit cards.

• How to get it: Join hotel loyalty programs such as Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, or World of Hyatt. Many offer complimentary upgrades for elite members. Booking through certain travel portals like Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts or Chase Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection can also provide room upgrades.
• Why it’s great: A better room can offer extra space, better views, and additional amenities like club lounge access, all without additional cost.

Tip: Mention special occasions (like birthdays or anniversaries) at check-in, as hotels may offer upgrades to celebrate your event.

4. Free Checked Bags: Save on Airline Fees

Baggage fees can add up quickly, especially for long trips or family vacations. Many airlines and travel credit cards offer free checked bags as a perk, helping you save money on your flight.

• How to get it: Frequent flyer status, booking with a co-branded airline card (such as the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card), or purchasing a business or first-class ticket often includes one or more free checked bags.
• Why it’s great: Avoiding baggage fees can save you between $30 to $100 per bag, depending on the airline and your route.

Tip: Some airline credit cards extend this perk to travel companions, making it even more valuable for group trips.

5. Priority Boarding: Skip the Long Lines

Priority boarding allows you to board the plane earlier, giving you access to overhead bin space for your carry-on and allowing you to settle in comfortably before the rush.

• How to get it: Frequent flyer status, airline credit cards, and purchasing business or first-class tickets often include priority boarding as a benefit.
• Why it’s great: You’ll avoid the hassle of searching for bin space and have more time to relax before takeoff.

Tip: Some airlines offer priority boarding as an add-on for a small fee, even if you don’t have elite status.

6. Travel Insurance: Peace of Mind

Travel insurance is one of the most valuable perks offered by premium credit cards, covering a wide range of situations, from trip cancellations and delays to lost luggage and medical emergencies.

• How to get it: Many travel credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred or American Express Platinum, offer built-in travel insurance, including trip cancellation, delay reimbursement, and emergency medical coverage.
• Why it’s great: Having travel insurance protects you from unexpected expenses, providing peace of mind while traveling.

Tip: Always read the terms and conditions to know what’s covered and how to file a claim.

7. Global Entry or TSA PreCheck: Speed Through Security

Long security lines and customs checks can be a hassle, but programs like Global Entry and TSA PreCheck allow you to bypass the wait and get through security and customs faster.

• How to get it: Many premium credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Capital One Venture, offer statement credits to cover the application fees for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
• Why it’s great: TSA PreCheck offers expedited security screening, allowing you to keep your shoes and belt on and avoid lengthy lines, while Global Entry fast-tracks you through customs when returning from international trips.

Tip: Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, making it a better option if you travel internationally.

8. Hotel Breakfast: Start Your Day Right

Many hotels, especially in loyalty programs or luxury collections, offer complimentary breakfast as part of the stay, which can save you money and time.

• How to get it: Hotel elite status or booking through luxury travel programs like American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts often includes complimentary breakfast.
• Why it’s great: A free breakfast, particularly at high-end hotels, offers a delicious start to your day without the need to find a restaurant or pay extra.

Tip: Check with the hotel or program to confirm what type of breakfast is included (continental, buffet, or full-service).

9. Concierge Services: Personalized Assistance

Many premium credit cards and hotels offer concierge services to help you with travel planning, restaurant reservations, event bookings, and other personal services.

• How to get it: Credit cards like Amex Platinum and premium hotels offer concierge services that can assist with travel-related arrangements.
• Why it’s great: Having a dedicated concierge means you can get personalized recommendations and exclusive reservations that enhance your travel experience.

Tip: Utilize the concierge to book popular restaurants or activities in advance, as they often have insider access to reservations and events.

10. Hotel Early Check-In and Late Check-Out: More Flexibility

Flexible check-in and check-out times allow you to extend your stay or arrive early without paying extra fees, providing more convenience during your travels.

• How to get it: Many hotel loyalty programs or credit card travel programs offer complimentary early check-in and late check-out as part of their elite status perks.
• Why it’s great: This perk gives you more flexibility to relax, freshen up, or enjoy your destination without worrying about rushing to or from the hotel.

Tip: If you need early check-in or late check-out, contact the hotel in advance to confirm availability.

11. Car Rental Upgrades: Better Vehicles at No Extra Cost

Car rental companies often offer free upgrades to members of their loyalty programs or premium credit cardholders, giving you access to better vehicles without paying for a higher tier.

• How to get it: Sign up for rental car loyalty programs like Hertz Gold Plus Rewards or use a credit card that offers rental car elite status, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
• Why it’s great: Enjoy driving a more comfortable, spacious, or luxurious vehicle without additional cost, especially for long road trips.

Tip: Some credit cards also provide primary car rental insurance, saving you from purchasing additional coverage.

Conclusion

Taking advantage of these travel perks can transform your trips, making them more enjoyable, stress-free, and luxurious. From lounge access to free upgrades and priority boarding, these benefits not only enhance your experience but can also save you money in the long run. Whether through travel credit cards, loyalty programs, or frequent flyer status, make the most of these perks to elevate your next travel adventure.