Who doesn't love getting bonuses while traveling? While some travel perks are saved for high-paying customers in airline and hotel loyalty programs or those with fancy credit cards, many other benefits are open to all types of travelers – and they don't cost anything extra. Here are 7 great free travel perks anyone can enjoy. Let's jump right in!
Want free travel perks? How can you snag them?
Sharing your frequent flyer miles for free
Saving up frequent-flyer miles for a free vacation? It can take some time. But if you join an airline program allowing free points pooling with family or friends, those miles can pile up faster. Let's say you have 50,000 miles but need 75,000 for a Cancun ticket. With this cool feature, you can join forces with family members to reach your goal and snag that ticket sooner. While rules differ across programs, JetBlue's TrueBlue points pooling is pretty generous – anyone over 21 can set up a pool to share points with up to 7 family members or friends at no charge.
Get free Wi-Fi when you join a loyalty program
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Getting online is a must for many travelers, but a lot of airlines have been slow to provide reliable Wi-Fi on flights. When they do offer it, the prices are high and the speeds can be frustratingly slow. Hotel Wi-Fi is usually a better option, but it's not always free, either. Some hotel chains – like Marriott – give guests free basic in-room Wi-Fi just for being a member of their free loyalty program. In the air, Delta Air Lines recently said it'll install faster satellite Wi-Fi on all its planes – and you can use it for free by simply joining its SkyMiles frequent flyer program.
Enjoy free happy hours at hotels
Sure, you've likely noticed the free coffee pot in the hotel lobby in the morning, but did you know some hotels really step it up with free drinks? Kimpton Hotels, for example, are famous for offering free wine hours for guests each evening. If you love wine, it's worth booking a stay there. If wine isn't your thing, just check with the front desk about other free stuff they might have like a personal hygiene kit if you forgot your toothbrush or a bike rental at no cost.
Free access to a quicker airport security line
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The airport security line is never fun to deal with; lines can easily wrap around terminals, making travelers arrive earlier than they want. This is where RESERVE comes in, a service from the biometrics company CLEAR. With RESERVE, travelers can book a free spot at select airport security checkpoints. At these airports, there are special lanes for those with appointments, so lines usually move quicker and the process is easier to predict. To see which locations are involved and to set up a free appointment, check out the RESERVE website.
Family-friendly airline perks for free
Flying with young kids can be tough, but many airlines provide family-friendly perks if you just ask a flight attendant. United Airlines, for instance, has a "Children's Travel Kit" created by the Sesame Street folks, including crayons, a puzzle, an activity book, and a sensory strip for calming kids. On the other hand, Delta Air Lines features a hidden trading card program where passengers can collect cards showing various aircraft in their fleet. Just ask your pilot if any are available – they're enjoyable for both kids and adults!
Free food or hotel stays during flight delays
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Flight delays and cancellations can happen to anyone, and sometimes they lead to an unplanned overnight stay if you miss a connecting flight. If the delay isn't due to weather and is within the airline's control, you shouldn't have to shell out cash for meals and lodging. Make sure to ask customer service for help covering your hotel expenses and also for a meal voucher for airport dining. Some airlines even have a portal that lets you pick a hotel and get free transport to and from, without any payment from you. Rules change based on the airline, so do your homework and get ready for any travel hiccups.
Free city tours if you have long layovers
Got a long layover between international flights? Instead of just waiting around at the airport for ages, check out some cool options! Many cities, with help from local tourism boards, provide free city tours for travelers during long layovers. For instance, if you're flying Turkish Airlines through Istanbul and have a layover longer than 6 hours, you can join a guided tour of popular spots like the Blue Mosque or the Grand Bazaar. Plus, some airports even offer free hotel stays for overnight layovers, making your next long-haul journey more enjoyable!
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