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With the average cost of flights rising and many airlines charging extra for perks on top of your ticket price (hello, window seat), flyers can long for the good ol’ days when they were packed with little extras, say. , dinner on a domestic flight. While those times are for the best, there are many free or low-cost perks that airlines don’t always tell you about, and most of them are available even if you’re not. The airline’s frequent flyer program.
Read on if you want to be let in on a few secret airline perks that you can take advantage of on your next trip.
Free family seat
If you’re traveling with kids, given that aisle and window seats are usually more expensive than middle seats, there’s a good chance you’ll want to sit together on airlines that charge you a penny for seat selection. Alaska, American and Frontier Airlines all guarantee a child 13 years of age or younger and an accompanying adult on all fare types at no extra cost. The US Department of Transportation recently submitted a legislative proposal to Congress to require all airlines to offer free family seats.
Meals if your flight is delayed or canceled
If a flight cancellation or delay causes you to wait three hours or more, 10 major US carriers offer meals or meal vouchers. Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit and United Airlines all offer this benefit for long delays. However, they may not report it, so make sure you go to the service center and ask for meal reimbursement if you qualify. All of the airlines listed above (except Frontier) provide hotel accommodations and transportation from and to any passenger affected by an overnight delay or cancellation.
Advantages of bag delays
If you’re waiting in the baggage car for more than 20 minutes after your flight arrives, both Delta and Alaska will give you 2,500 miles in their loyalty programs as compensation. Alaska gives you the option of a $25 flight credit. Be sure to check the airline’s policies for details and how to go about claiming your points or credit.
Sunda bar in the sky
You might not want to literally clamor for ice cream on a plane, but if you’re a United Airlines Polaris member, you don’t have to. After the outbreak, the airline recently introduced the popular Sundae cart for business class passengers on select international flights. The service comes to you on a roll cart where you are served vanilla ice cream and are allowed to choose from several desserts.
Access to the lounge when you fly the main cabin
If you’ve sat in an uncomfortable seat at your gate and watched longingly as travelers enter the airline lounges reserved for high-end customers, there are ways to find the lounge areas you’ve been dreaming of, though. You are not a member of the airline’s loyalty program or First Class Elite. Alaska, American and United all sell day tickets to their destinations for between $29 and $75. (Certain restrictions apply, so check with the airline in advance.) Or you can try LoungeBuddy, an airport room reservation service that lets you book more than 280 airport lounges, no matter what class you’re in. If you fly or have advanced status or airline membership. Just download the app to see what lounges are available and how much a day pass costs. Once you book, you’ll receive a barcode to scan for all-day lounge access.
Fun freedoms – even economically
Being in economy or the main cabin can make you feel like a second citizen compared to people in business and first class, many airlines still give you a little extra for free – the hold is usually not provided automatically, and you may have to ask. Blankets, pillows, blindfolds, children’s coloring books, extra snacks, and a full can of soda instead of what’s poured into your glass are all perks you can ask for and receive. And, if you’re on a longer international flight, you can request an amenity kit that provides travel necessities like a toothbrush, eye mask, and earplugs. Whatever it is you want, remember that your chances of getting it are better if you smile and ask nicely.
Complementary improved seat
As with hotels, you may be able to get better “accommodations”—or, in this case, a seat—easily by asking if there are any free upgrades. Experts say you’ll have better luck flying on days when business travelers aren’t frequent or on holidays. Even if you don’t get in business class, you may be able to get a better seat – for example, in an exit row with more legroom – just by asking when you check in or if there’s something on the shelf at your door. This benefit may not apply if you are flying economy class, however, where “no upgrade” is typically stated on the ticket agreement.
Despite the old adage that “you get what you pay for,” when it comes to airlines, that’s not always true—unless you’re in on a few secrets. And anything that makes flying a utilitarian experience like yesterday will be a welcome part of the travel experience.
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