Do you ask for upgrade at check-in?
Dec 5, 2024 | 8:34 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 130
Do you ask for upgrade at check-in?
I rarely request an upgrade at check in, and rarely get upgraded as a titanium for last several years. I guess I’m wondering if I’m not playing the game correctly. I typically travel for pleasure and infrequently book the most basic room. Maybe the fact I’m usually in a mid level room gives the hotel fewer options for upgrade. Should I push harder at check in?
Dec 5, 2024 | 8:37 am
#2
Join Date: Aug 2007
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Gold and Current Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 306
I rarely request an upgrade at check in, and rarely get upgraded as a titanium for last several years. I guess I’m wondering if I’m not playing the game correctly. I typically travel for pleasure and infrequently book the most basic room. Maybe the fact I’m usually in a mid level room gives the hotel fewer options for upgrade. Should I push harder at check in?
Dec 5, 2024 | 9:39 am
#4
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AA EXP; UA 1MM & PP; Marriott AMB; Hyatt Globalist; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 62,442
I usually ask what room type they've assigned me, and if it's not upgraded, I ask what else they have available. I'm not necessarily going to ask for a suite, but I am going to insist they not leave me in a crappy room.
Dec 5, 2024 | 11:29 am
#6
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: WAW
Programs: LH SEN, TK Elite, Marriott Titanium, Accor Platinum, Radisson VIP, Hilton Gold, IHG Platinum
Posts: 3,055
I've found using the chat app is a good way of asking for an upgrade if nothing is showing on arrival day and you're hoping for something better, but honestly it's not that often I ask.
Dec 5, 2024 | 1:49 pm
#7
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Ottawa
Programs: United Premier Silver / Bonvoy Titanium Elite
Posts: 939
It does depend on how long I am staying though as it's harder to get an upgrade if I am staying on a 7 night business trip vs a 2 night stay.
Dec 5, 2024 | 1:58 pm
#8
Join Date: May 2024
Programs: MB AMB, Accor PLAT, LH SEN
Posts: 430
I never ask at check-in, but in cases where I'd really like an upgrade, I reach out via chat (typically the day before) or in response to a concierge-type pre-arrival email.
The reply is always ambiguous ("will be determined at check-in"), so it's hard to tell whether this actually makes a difference.
The reply is always ambiguous ("will be determined at check-in"), so it's hard to tell whether this actually makes a difference.
Dec 5, 2024 | 3:05 pm
#9
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Southern Cal
Programs: UA, AA, Delta, Marriott
Posts: 125
I am newly Titanium and am booking multiple hotels in Thailand for an upcoming trip. Many times they want me to book the upgrade and pay for it. One offering even included Executive Lounge access. Don’t I get that anyway as a Titanium member?
Dec 5, 2024 | 3:09 pm
#10
Join Date: May 2024
Programs: MB AMB, Accor PLAT, LH SEN
Posts: 430
Dec 5, 2024 | 4:26 pm
#11
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: TPA
Programs: UA 1K, 1MM; Marriott Titanium / LT Plat
Posts: 892
Back on topic, I tend to book the room I want so I don’t tend to need to ask. That said, there are times when I do ask. Tokyo is an expensive city, as an example, and don’t always get to book the room I want and I will ask. I typically do that by emailing the hotel ahead of time, as others have said, in response to the welcome emails.
Dec 5, 2024 | 5:53 pm
#12
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AA EXP; UA 1MM & PP; Marriott AMB; Hyatt Globalist; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 62,442
Dec 5, 2024 | 6:38 pm
#13
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Southern Cali
Programs: AA ExPlat, Marriott Titanium, HH Diamond
Posts: 2,274
Unless I have been upgraded to a suite prior to arrival, I always ask politely at check in. Most of the time they will say no, but I have had success on a few occasions.
No harm in asking, just don't be an jerk about it
No harm in asking, just don't be an jerk about it