When it comes to a honeymoon, everything feels special – and with savvy requests, it can be even more spectacular. Think about everything from free room upgrades and champagne to bigger deals like free 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 enjoying all the honeymoon benefits.

Experts featured in this article

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

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

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

How to Get Honeymoon Upgrades, According to Travel Experts

Make sure to create (and use!) a loyalty account

This one is pretty obvious, but it has to be said: for flights and hotels, make sure you have a 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 be rewarded for the next trip by racking up miles or hotel points, especially if you splurge.

Hotel loyalists often receive a “welcome” gift or other amenities, such as a late check-out. All major hotel chains, such as Accor Hotels, Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt and IHG, offer loyalty programs, but even small boutique hotels may be part of a network or have a loyalty program. It doesn’t hurt to check (and join).

Know where you are most likely to get benefits

“Hotel upgrades and welcome amenities are generally easier to obtain than flight upgrades because flights tend to prioritize frequent flyer status and have limited availability,” says Rabia Malik, travel advisor. Foral’s travels. “Hotels generally have more flexibility, especially when offering room upgrades or special honeymoon amenities like champagne or dessert upon arrival.”

For flights, speak to the check-in desk and boarding agent

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

If you’re checking bags, talk to the check-in counter and casually let them know you’re going on your honeymoon. If you are not checking in baggage, do the same at the counter (you can get a printed boarding pass along the way). They aren’t always able to do anything, but being friendly is the first step.

If you have not been upgraded at check-in, it is also possible to inform the gate agent before the flight. (“We’re going on our honeymoon and wondering if there are any upgrades?”) They might quote you a price or miles instead of Free.99, but it’s worth it (and worth it). eye – upgrading at the airport is often much cheaper).

Know that you might have better luck with other flight perks

You may not be able to get an upgrade (airlines are big on status), but you might get things like champagne, free drinks, or other small perks by mentioning your honeymoon to the agent. edge. Even if they only praise you verbally, other travelers might hear you and give you some of their loyalty drink tickets. (It’s me, I’m a caring aviator.)

Inform the hotel in advance, as soon as possible

Informing the hotel in advance of your check-in is the easiest way to prepare them for the possibility of preferential treatment. “The sooner you can contact us with as much detail as possible, the more likely you are to experience a ‘wow’ moment,” says Doug Chant, hospitality expert and director of Fairmont Gold. “We love creating personalized experiences, so don’t be afraid to share personal stories, favorite items, and interesting details about your wedding so we can personalize the experience. The biggest tip is to contact your accommodation directly on as soon as possible.”

Make it an email

And no, you don’t have to do it over the phone – a boon for introverts. Malik explains: “(You can send) a polite and friendly email to the hotel before your stay, mentioning that you are celebrating your honeymoon, or address it during online check-in before your arrival. Hotels often appreciate knowing more. special occasions in advance and can offer special touches or upgrades without you needing to ask in person.

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

Don’t be too specific

“We’re more likely to offer perks when guests simply say they’re celebrating a special occasion rather than when they ask for something specific for free, in part because it gives us pleasure to surprise and delight people!” Marcus said. The exception to the rule is if you are sober or don’t want alcohol in your room. Sparkling wine is often a staple at hotels, so let them know in advance what you prefer. non-alcoholic drinks is super useful.

That being said, you can quote your likes

“The best way to spark interest is to share an interesting fact or a fun request. This way, you will stimulate our creativity and allow us to offer you a unique experience,” explains Chant. The difference: ask for a free bottle of champagne or say that your partner has always loved the region’s local sparkling wines and can’t wait to go wine tasting.

Use travel agents or advisors if you want guaranteed VIP treatment

A travel agent or advisor is one of the best ways to almost guarantee something special. (And with more and more people — especially generation Z – these days, using travel agents is an easy way to get these benefits.) “Through our relationships with top hotels, we can often get free upgrades, welcome amenities and personalized touches that make your honeymoon even more special,” says Malik. “Hotels are always keen to impress their guests and honeymooners in general, so having a consultant can make a big difference to the level of service you receive during your stay.”

Travel agents may also offer “perks” that are completely free and bookable. “Advisors often have insider knowledge about destinations and hotels, like which rooms have the best views or where to find the most romantic dinner in town,” Malik points out.

Ask nicely

If you’ve arrived and they don’t mention an upgrade or any other freebie (although FYI, there may already be one 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 there are any available rooms that might offer a better view or more space,” says Malik.

Marcus agrees and recommends couples say, “If you have rooms available for a free upgrade, we’re celebrating our honeymoon, and that would make our experience really special.” Marcus adds, “Plus, it never hurts to offer a kind critique!”

Inform restaurants

When you note at your hotels that it’s your honeymoon, be sure to also update your restaurant reservations with the notice – you can usually do this when booking or call ahead. And don’t assume they know because you’re dining there at your hotel. “You can also let your server know if you’re dining in to still receive the benefits,” says Marcus.

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 has held editorial positions at The Knot, Latina Magazine, Marie Claire, and Well+Good, and she has written for PS, Bustle, Vogue, Teen Vogue, Glamour, Travel + Leisure, Byrdie, StyleCaster, The Zoe Report, and even more.