3 Ways To Get Bumped Into Business Flights More Often If You Get Paid To Travel
Posted on: 11 March 2016
If you are amongst the approximately 54% of Americans who have never traveled outside of the U.S., it's time to make a change. Most people are hesitant to travel because they are under the belief that travelling is expensive; however, contrary to belief, travelling doesn't necessarily have to be expensive. In fact, at times, it doesn't even have to be at your expense. There are plenty of careers that will pay you to travel. For example, if you like working with children, you might want to apply to be an au pair. Or, you might even want to offer your services as a destination wedding photographer if you are skilled enough. With that said, if you have finally landed a job that will pay you to travel, make the most of it by learning how to get your plane tickets upgraded more frequently. Here are three tips to get you started.
Request for a Specific Airline
If you are given the option to book your own flight and be reimbursed for your expenses later on, take it. This way, you will have a lot more control over the times that you depart and arrive, whether there are any connecting flights and which airline you fly with. The key to getting special treatment from the airlines is to join the airline's loyalty program and be loyal. You'll rack up points in no time that can be used to upgrade your flight or exchanged for complementary services.
Even if you're not paying for the plane tickets yourself, you can still request your company to choose one airline over the other if the prices for the flights in all airlines are almost the same. You want to make sure that whoever is booking your ticket will do so using your membership card, so that you can reap in the rewards.
Show Up Early for Your Flight
Often times, most flights have limited upgrades available. If the airline has decided to give these upgrades to those in economy or even business class, you'll definitely fare better than the competition if you show up early for your flight. Don't hesitate to ask the flight attendant nicely whether you can be considered for upgrades if they are available.
It's also a good idea to show up early for your flight because the attendant will probably be less busy. As a result, he or she will have more time to look into whether there are any upgrades available. If you show up early, you might even be able to see whether you can purchase a last-minute upgrade. While you will be spending some money out of your own pockets, the majority of the airfare will be paid for already. You'd be surprised at how cheap last minute upgrades can be if your flight isn't busy or full.
Dress the Part
If you want to be considered for an upgrade, you better dress the part as well, so that you leave a lasting impression in the attendant's mind. You don't have to overdress. Just make sure you look professional. Basically, all you have to do is wear dress pants and a dress shirt instead of pajamas to the airport. By dressing the part, flight attendants might be more inclined to choose you for an upgrade because they might be under the impression that you'll fit in with the other passengers sitting beside you. Dressing the part will also help the attendants better remember that you requested to be considered for an upgrade.
Conclusion
Once you get the hang off things, you'll find that getting an upgrade on your flight is much easier than you think. While getting paid to travel is already an amazing perk of the job, you'll have an even better time if you are flying in business or first class because you'll have more room to relax and enjoy the flight. You'll also be able to enjoy added amenities and services that come with the upgrade. As a result, you'll be better rested and ready to dive head in to the adventure that awaits you. Click here for more info on getting paid to travel.
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