The Art of the Upgrade: 5 Smart Ways to Travel Better

Planning a group trip? Ten practical tips for corporate retreats, group holidays and events, covering budgets, bookings and transport.

Flight and hotel upgrades depend on availability, loyalty benefits, timing and paid options. There is no guaranteed trick for a complimentary upgrade, but comparing choices and understanding rewards can help you travel more comfortably.

1. Make loyalty work for you

Join programmes relevant to the airlines and hotels you use. Depending on status and booking terms, benefits may include upgrade eligibility, priority services and better room categories.

2. Check paid upgrades before departure

Airlines may offer cabin upgrades through apps, check-in or airport desks. Hotels may offer better room categories before arrival. Compare the total price and exactly what is included.

3. Travel strategically

Off-peak dates and alternative routes may offer better-value premium options. Flexibility creates choice but does not guarantee a complimentary upgrade.

4. Use Flutis Club points or cash

Flutis Club is designed to make eligible travel more rewarding. Check your points balance, available cash options and current redemption terms before planning an upgrade. Exact upgrade eligibility must be confirmed against programme rules.

5. Ask politely

A friendly request at a hotel or airline desk may reveal available paid options or an occasional courtesy benefit. Keep expectations realistic.

Is the upgrade worth it?

On a long overnight flight, extra comfort may matter more than on a short journey. A hotel upgrade only makes sense if you will use the additional space or amenities. Focus on value, not just the label.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get a free flight upgrade?

Complimentary upgrades are uncommon and depend on airline policy, availability, operations or loyalty status.

Are airport upgrades cheaper?

Sometimes, but not consistently. Compare official offers before departure.

Can loyalty points buy upgrades?

Many programmes permit eligible points or miles redemptions, subject to availability and fare rules.

Can Flutis Club points be used for upgrades?

Check current Flutis Club rewards and terms; specific redemption options and eligibility need confirmation.

A little more comfort. A lot more possibility

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Brian Myburgh
Chief Technology Officer

Brian Myburgh is the CTO of Flutis, bringing deep experience in cloud infrastructure, automation, and DevOps. He’s led complex migrations and built secure, scalable systems for startups and enterprise clients alike. With a hands-on approach and a focus on reliability, he ensures the Flutis platform runs smoothly behind the scenes—so travellers enjoy a seamless experience while businesses stay confidently in control.

Lucy Edmonds
Senior Travel Executive

Lucy Edmonds is a seasoned travel expert with a background in luxury travel and entrepreneurship. Having explored over 30 countries, she brings first-hand knowledge of crafting seamless, memorable journeys. Her experience as a business owner has honed her leadership and planning skills, enabling her to manage complex itineraries with precision. At Flutis, Lucy is dedicated to making corporate travel effortless, immersive, and truly exceptional.

Mihai Nagit
Commercial Director

Mihai is a dynamic sales leader with a proven track record of driving revenue growth across multinational corporations and start-up ventures. Known for forging strategic partnerships and leading high-impact negotiations, he combines data-led account planning with sharp commercial instinct. At Flutis, he brings deep expertise in travel retail and a passion for simplifying corporate travel—always with a focus on people, performance, and lasting results.

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By submitting your details, you agree to be contacted by Flutis regarding our products, services, and relevant updates. You can withdraw your consent at any time by clicking ‘unsubscribe’ in our emails or contacting us at info@flutis.com. For more information on how we handle your data, please refer to our Privacy Policy.