How to Get Honeymoon Upgrades, According to Travel Experts

When it comes to honeymooning, everything feels special — and with savvy requests, it can be even more spectacular. Think of everything from complimentary room upgrades and champagne to bigger offers like gratis meals or unique experiences. Hotels, airlines, and restaurants often go the extra mile to make your honeymoon unforgettable. All it takes is a little planning and knowing when to ask. Here, an insider’s guide to getting all the honeymoon perks.

Experts Featured in This Article

Rabia Malik is a Fora Travel advisor specializing in honeymoons and couples’ trips.

Doug Chant is a hospitality professional and the director of Fairmont Gold at Toronto’s Fairmont Royal York.

Jason Marcus is the co-owner of Hotel Lilien, located in New York’s Catskill Mountains.

How to Get Honeymoon Upgrades, According to Travel Experts

Make Sure to Create (And Use!) a Loyalty Account

This one is fairly obvious, but it has to be said: for flights and hotels, make sure you have an account with the airline or hotel program and use it for your reservation. This way, even if you don’t get perks this time, your loyalty can pay off for the next trip by accruing miles or hotel points, especially if you’re splurging.

Hotel loyalists often get a “welcome” treat or other amenities, like late checkout. All the big hotel chains, like Accor Hotels, Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG boast loyalty programs, but even small boutique hotels may be in a network or have a loyalty program. It doesn’t hurt to check (and join).

Know Where You’re More Likely to Get Perks

“Hotel upgrades and welcome amenities are typically easier to secure than flight upgrades, as flights tend to prioritize frequent flier status and have limited availability,” says Foral Travel advisor Rabia Malik. “Hotels usually have more flexibility, especially when offering room upgrades or special honeymoon amenities like champagne or dessert upon arrival.”

For Flights, Talk to the Check-In Desk and Gate Agent

The check-in desk and gate agents are where you could potentially get a flight upgrade; they’re able to see the plane and make adjustments to seating. (Once you’re on the plane, it’s pretty much too late, as flight attendants rarely, if ever, can upgrade fliers. Their job is to manage the flight.)

If you’re checking bags, talk to the check-in desk and casually let them know you’re flying for your honeymoon. If you’re not checking bags, do the same at the counter (you can get a printed boarding pass in the process). They’re not always able to do anything, but being friendly is step one.

If you weren’t upgraded at check-in, telling the gate agent before the flight is also possible. (“We’re headed out for our honeymoon, and wondering if there are any upgrades possible?”) They might cite you a price or miles instead of Free.99, but it’s worth a shot (and a look — upgrading at the airport is often much cheaper).

Know You Might Have Better Luck with Other Flight Perks

You might not be able to be upgraded (airlines are very keen on status), but you could get things like champagne, free drinks, or other little perks by mentioning your honeymoon to the flight attendant. Even if they only give you a verbal congrats, other fliers might overhear and give you some of their loyalty drink tickets. (It’s me, I’m a benevolent flier.)

Tell the Hotel in Advance — as Soon as Possible

Telling the hotel in advance of your check-in is the easiest way to prep them for the possibility of preferential treatment. “The sooner you can reach out to us with as much details as possible, the better chance you have to get a ‘wow’ moment,” says hospitality expert and Fairmont Gold director Doug Chant. “We love to create personalized experiences, so don’t be afraid to share personal stories, favorite items, and interesting details about your wedding so we can tailor the experience. The biggest overall tip is to contact your accommodations directly as early as possible.”

Make It an Email

And no, you don’t have to do so over the phone — a godsend for introverts. Malik says, “[You can send] a polite, friendly email to the hotel ahead of your stay, mentioning that you’re celebrating your honeymoon, or address that during the online check-in in advance of arrival. Hotels often appreciate knowing about special occasions in advance and may offer special touches or upgrades without you needing to ask in person.”

As mentioned, many hotels have pre-arrival questionnaires that you can also use to indicate you’ll be celebrating your honeymoon. “Our reservation booking engine offers a special space to note special occasions, so that’s an easy way to request something special without a face-to-face interaction,” says Hotel Lilien co-owner Jason Marcus.

Don’t Get Too Specific

“We’re more inclined to provide perks when guests simply share that they are celebrating a special occasion rather than when they ask for something specific for free, partly because it brings us joy to surprise and delight people!” says Marcus. The exception to the rule is if you’re sober or don’t want alcohol in your room — sparkling wine is often a go-to for hotels, so letting them know in advance that you would prefer non-alcoholic drinks is super helpful.

That Being Said, You Can Cite Your Likes

“The best way to spark interest is to share an interesting fact or fun request, that way you’ll spark our creativity and allow us to give you a unique experience,” says Chant. The difference: asking for a free bottle of champagne vs. saying your partner has always loved the area’s local sparkling and is excited to go wine tasting.

Use Travel Agents or Advisors If You Want Guaranteed VIP Treatment

A travel agent or advisor is one of the biggest ways to almost guarantee something special. (And with more and more people — especially Gen Z — using travel agents nowadays, it’s an easy way to get those perks.) “Through our relationships with top hotels, we can often secure complimentary upgrades, welcome amenities, and personalized touches that make your honeymoon extra special,” Malik says. “Hotels are always keen to impress our guests and honeymooners in general, so having an advisor can make a big difference in the level of service you receive during your stay.”

Travel agents can also provide “perks” that are entirely free and bookable. “Advisors often have insider knowledge about destinations and hotels, like which rooms offer the best views or where to find the most romantic dinner in the city,” Malik emphasizes.

Ask Nicely

If you’ve arrived and they don’t mention an upgrade or any other treat (though FYI, there might be one already in the room), you can always ask nicely. “When checking in, mention that you’re there for your honeymoon and how excited you are to stay with them. If they don’t automatically offer an upgrade, it’s perfectly fine to politely ask if any available rooms might offer a better view or more space,” Malik says.

Marcus agrees, recommending couples say, “If you happen to have any rooms available for a complimentary upgrade, we’re celebrating our honeymoon, and this would make our experience really special.” Marcus adds, “Also, it never hurts to offer a kind review!”

Let Restaurants Know

While putting in notes for your hotels that it’s your honeymoon, also make sure you update your dining reservations with the notice as well — you can usually do so while making a reservation, or call in advance. And don’t assume that they know because you’re dining on-site at your hotel. “You can also let your waiter know if you’re dining on-site to keep the perks coming,” Marcus says.

Samantha Leal is a lifestyle writer, editor, and editorial consultant who writes about beauty, wellness, travel, drinks, and more — basically, all the good things in life. She’s held editorial roles at The Knot, Latina magazine, Marie Claire, and Well+Good, and she’s written for PS, Bustle, Vogue, Teen Vogue, Glamour, Travel + Leisure, Byrdie, StyleCaster, The Zoe Report, and more.