Who doesn’t like getting perks while traveling? While some of the most exclusive travel benefits are reserved for top-paying customers in airline and hotel elite loyalty programs or folks with a premium credit card, there are a host of other perks that are available to all types of travelers — and that don’t require you to shell out anything extra. Here are seven of the best free travel perks anyone can ask for.
Free Pooling of Frequent Flyer Miles
Saving up frequent-flyer miles to redeem them for a free vacation? It can take a while. But if you participate in an airline program that offers free pooling with family or friends, those points can add up much more quickly. Say you’re sitting on a stash of 50,000 miles, but you’re eyeing a ticket to Cancun that costs 75,000 miles. With this handy perk, you’d be able to combine points with other members of your family to top off your account and secure an award ticket faster. While restrictions vary from program to program, JetBlue’s TrueBlue points pooling is among the most generous — any member over 21 years old can create a pool to share points with up to seven family members or friends for free.
Free Wi-Fi by Signing Up for a Loyalty Program
Getting online is a priority for many travelers, but many airlines have been slow to roll out reliable onboard Wi-Fi. When they do offer it, it often comes at a steep cost and can be painfully slow. Ground-based hotel Wi-Fi is a better bet, but it often isn’t free, either. However, many hotel chains — such as Marriott — will offer guests free basic in-room Wi-Fi simply for being a member of their free loyalty program. And in the sky, Delta Air Lines recently announced it was installing faster satellite-based Wi-Fi throughout its fleet — and all you have to do to access it completely free is be a member of its SkyMiles frequent flyer program.
Free Hotel Happy Hours
Sure, you’ve probably seen the free pot of coffee sitting in the hotel lobby in the morning, but did you know some hotels go above and beyond when it comes to free beverages? Kimpton Hotels, in particular, are known for hosting complimentary wine hours for guests each evening, so if you’re a wine lover, it could be worth going out of your way to book a stay with them. If you’re not interested in wine, just ask the front desk what other free amenities they might be able to provide, such as a personal hygiene kit if you forgot your toothbrush or a complimentary bike rental.
Free Access to a Faster Airport Security Line
The airport security line is seemingly never easy to navigate, with queues that can often snake around terminals and force travelers to show up to the airport earlier than they’d like. Enter: RESERVE, a program offered by biometrics company CLEAR. With RESERVE, any traveler can make a free reservation at the security checkpoint for select airports. There are dedicated lanes for appointment holders at airports where the service is offered, which means the lines typically move faster and the experience is more predictable. To find participating locations and to make a free appointment, visit the RESERVE website.
Free Airline Perks for Families
It’s no secret that flying with young children comes with challenges, but many airlines offer family-friendly amenities onboard if you simply ask a flight attendant. For example, United Airlines offers a “Children’s Travel Kit,” designed by the people behind Sesame Street, which includes crayons, an activity book, a puzzle, and a sensory strip to calm anxiety in young ones. Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines has a secret trading card program, in which passengers can collect card designs featuring different aircraft in the airline’s fleet. All you have to do is ask your pilot if they’re available — and they’re just as fun for adults as they are for kids.
Free Meals or Hotels for Flight Delays
Flight delays and cancellations can happen to anyone — and sometimes they result in an unexpected overnight layover if you miss a connecting flight. But if the delay wasn’t due to weather and falls within the airline’s control, you shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket for meals and accommodations. Be sure to ask customer service staff not only to cover your hotel stay but also for a meal voucher to be used at airport restaurants. Some airlines even offer a portal where you can choose a hotel and receive free ground transportation to and from, without having to pay out of pocket. Rules vary by airline, so read up and prepare yourself in case you encounter any travel disruptions.
Free City Tours on Long Layovers
Have a long layover between international flights? Sitting at the airport and twiddling your thumbs for hours isn’t your only option. Some cities, in partnership with local tourism boards, offer travelers free city tours during a longer layover. For example, if you’re flying Turkish Airlines through Istanbul and have longer than six hours before your connecting flight, you can sign up for a guided tour of some of the city’s most famous sights, such as the Blue Mosque or the Grand Bazaar. Other airports offer free hotel stays for overnight layovers, making them an attractive option for your next long-haul layover.
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