It Can Get Better -- Maybe for Free

On airplanes, do you ever wonder how the college-age girl in non-designer jeans afforded that first-class seat? How about the ill-suited man in scuffed shoes who nabs the top-floor suite at a hotel? In many cases, they paid heavily for the upgrade or cashed in loads of frequent-flier miles or loyalty points. But those others? They worked the system. To unlock the secrets of free or discounted upgrades for planes, hotel rooms, rental cars and cruise cabins, we went to industry experts and frequent travelers. Here are their tips.

-- Elissa Leibowitz Poma

AIRLINE UPGRADES

* Use the upgrade certificates airlines send you for being a frequent flier, or ask friends holding transferable coupons with looming expiration dates if you can take them off their hands.

* Though airlines most frequently award their elite passengers upgrades, it never hurts to be the first in line at the gate counter and inquire about a bump in class. (Ask the gate representative, not the check-in agent, who does not control domestic first-class seating assignments.) Depending on the rep's mood and the circumstances, the bump in class could be free or, at the very least, less expensive than if you had originally booked the top-tier seat. Alternately, don't be the first to board; hang back in case economy seats are needed and there is extra space in first class -- you just might be offered that elite seat.

* If you have a flexible schedule and your flight is overbooked, volunteer to give up your seat and ask the agent if you may have a first-class seat on the next available flight.

* To increase your chances of flying in a higher class, book flights on wide-bodied planes, such as the 747 or 777, which have more first- and business-class seats. Check Seatguru.com ( http://www.seatguru.com) for plane configurations. In addition, request upgrades on flights to destinations with little business traffic, such as Albuquerque.

RENTAL CAR UPGRADES

* Book the car by phone and ask if an upgrade is available. If it's not, ask the rep to make a note in your record, then remind the clerk of that notation when you pick up the car. If one is available, it should be yours at no extra cost.

* Reserve the rental car location's most popular model (inquire upon booking; most likely it will be an economy Ford). If the car is sold out when you arrive, you probably will receive a free upgrade -- but remember the larger car will guzzle more gas.

HOTEL UPGRADES

* If you visit one city repeatedly, stay at the same hotel and befriend the front-desk staff. Upon check-in, mention that you are a frequent guest and politely ask if an upgrade is available.

* If you are staying for a single night, be bold and ask for a free upgrade. It's just for one evening.

* For a weekend or holiday trip, book a room at a hotel in the business district or one popular with business travelers. The higher-end rooms probably will be empty during this slow period, and the front desk may be more willing to upgrade you gratis.

* If you are planning a meeting, family reunion or party, negotiate upgrades as part of the contract.