Think travel perks are only for the rich or famous? Think again.
With a little know-how, you can unlock VIP experiences without spending a fortune. From free room upgrades to skipping long lines at the airport, these travel perks are real—and surprisingly easy to get. Here are ten insider benefits that most people miss out on.
1. Credit Cards That Unlock Luxury Perks
Travel credit cards are more powerful than most people realize. Beyond earning points or miles, many of these cards open the door to VIP treatment. Premium cards often come with perks like lounge access, hotel upgrades, and airline benefits that rival elite status.
For example, cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the Amex Platinum offer access to airport lounges around the world, including Priority Pass and Centurion Lounges. Some even offer annual travel credits to offset baggage fees or hotel stays. These perks can save you hundreds—sometimes more—each year.
The trick is to actually use the benefits. Many travelers sign up for premium cards and forget to activate lounge memberships, request elite status, or take advantage of travel insurance. Read the fine print, activate the perks, and use them every chance you get. They’re not automatic—but they’re absolutely worth it.
2. Fast-Track to Elite Status
Earning elite status with airlines or hotels doesn’t always require extensive travel. Many programs offer status matches or challenges, allowing travelers to obtain elite status more quickly. For instance, Delta Air Lines provides a Medallion Status Match Challenge, granting a 90-day trial of equivalent Medallion Status to travelers with elite status from other airlines. To extend this status beyond the trial period, participants must meet specific spending requirements within those 90 days.
Similarly, American Airlines offers an Instant Status Pass, allowing travelers to enjoy AAdvantage elite status for four months. To maintain this status, participants must earn a set number of Loyalty Points during each phase of the challenge. United Airlines also has a Status Match Challenge, providing a trial Premier status for 90 days, with the opportunity to extend it by meeting certain flight and spending criteria.
Hotel chains also offer status match opportunities. Hilton Honors, for example, provides a 90-day status match challenge, where travelers can match their elite status from another hotel loyalty program and then complete a certain number of stays within those 90 days to maintain the matched status. These programs are excellent for travelers looking to enjoy elite benefits without the usual time or financial investment.
3. VIP Airline Perks Without First Class
You don’t need to fly first or business class to enjoy enhanced airline perks. Many airlines offer upgraded experiences to economy passengers who qualify through loyalty programs, branded credit cards, or fare class upgrades. For example, Delta’s “Comfort+” seating offers extra legroom, dedicated overhead bin space, and free alcoholic beverages on many flights, even though it’s still technically within the economy cabin.
Holding an airline’s co-branded credit card can unlock several perks right away. The American Airlines AAdvantage® Aviator® Red Mastercard®, for instance, offers preferred boarding (Group 5), one free checked bag, and a 25% discount on inflight food and beverages. United’s Explorer Card provides similar benefits, including priority boarding and free checked bags for the cardholder and a companion.
Even without a credit card, booking a “preferred” or “premium economy” seat can offer benefits like extra legroom, earlier boarding, and improved amenities without the price tag of business class. These options are often available during booking or check-in and are a middle ground for travelers who want a better experience without splurging on a full upgrade.
4. Hotel Loyalty Perks That Feel Like Luxury
Joining a hotel loyalty program is one of the easiest ways to score free perks. Programs like Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, and IHG One Rewards are free to join and often provide immediate benefits. Even at the basic membership tier, you can usually expect free Wi-Fi, mobile check-in, and member-only rates.
Once you reach elite tiers through stays or qualifying spend, the benefits start to add up. Hilton Honors Gold members, for example, receive daily food and beverage credits at U.S. hotels, room upgrades when available, and late checkout. Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite members get enhanced room upgrades (including suites when available), 4 p.m. late checkout, and access to executive lounges in many properties.
Some credit cards help you skip the line and earn elite status automatically. The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card provides Gold status just for being a cardholder. Similarly, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card from Chase helps accelerate point earnings and offers free award nights each year—turning casual hotel stays into elevated experiences without extra effort.
5. Secret Cruise Perks for Suite Guests
Cruise lines often reserve their most luxurious perks for suite-level guests, and many travelers aren’t aware of just how extensive these benefits can be. Booking a suite usually comes with priority embarkation and disembarkation, access to exclusive lounges or dining areas, and even a dedicated concierge or butler on some ships.
For example, Norwegian Cruise Line’s “The Haven” offers guests private elevators, a secluded sundeck, an exclusive restaurant, and 24-hour butler service. Royal Caribbean’s “Royal Suite Class” includes categories like Star Class, which features a personal “Royal Genie” (essentially a high-end concierge), complimentary specialty dining, and unlimited beverage packages. MSC Cruises has a similar program called the “MSC Yacht Club,” a ship-within-a-ship experience with private dining, butler service, and exclusive pool areas.
These VIP areas offer a quieter, more personalized cruise experience—often with better service, no crowds, and access to perks not available anywhere else on the ship. While the upfront price is higher, many seasoned cruisers say the time savings, comfort, and exclusive treatment make it well worth the upgrade.
6. Airport Lounge Access for the Rest of Us
Airport lounges aren’t just for first-class flyers or business travelers anymore. Many credit cards, travel memberships, and airline status programs now offer access to lounges around the world—even if you’re flying economy. Lounges provide a quiet place to relax, with free Wi-Fi, snacks, drinks, and often even showers or nap rooms.
The Priority Pass program is one of the most widely available lounge networks, and it’s included with many premium credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the Capital One Venture X. These cards offer complimentary membership, giving travelers access to over 1,300 lounges globally. Some cards also allow you to bring a guest at no extra cost.
Airlines also have their own lounges, such as Delta Sky Clubs, United Clubs, and American Airlines Admirals Clubs. While these are typically reserved for those flying in premium cabins or holding elite status, certain co-branded credit cards grant access. For example, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card includes Sky Club access when flying with Delta. Knowing which lounges you’re entitled to can completely change the airport experience.
7. Travel Concierge Services That Actually Help
Many premium travel credit cards come with concierge services that can do much more than most people realize. These services are often available 24/7 and can assist with restaurant reservations, event ticket bookings, travel planning, and even hard-to-find gifts or experiences. They’re included with the card and can be accessed by phone or email.
For example, the American Express Platinum Card offers access to a global concierge service that can help with things like finding last-minute tables at high-end restaurants or booking guided tours in a new city. Chase Sapphire Reserve also provides a Visa Infinite Concierge, which can assist with similar tasks, though its availability and success rates can vary. These services are best used for non-urgent but specific requests, like anniversary trip planning or booking exclusive experiences.
While not as comprehensive as a personal assistant, these concierge services are valuable tools for travelers who want a more curated, stress-free experience. They can help you uncover options you might not find on your own and often work with a network of partners to unlock preferred access or special deals.
8. Book with a Travel Advisor, Get VIP Treatment
Travel advisors aren’t just for luxury jet-setters—they can actually save you money and unlock high-end perks at no additional cost. Many work with hotel networks like Virtuoso, Signature Travel Network, or American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts, which offer their clients extra benefits like free breakfast, early check-in, late checkout, and even resort credits.
For example, when booking through Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts, travelers often receive perks such as room upgrades upon arrival (when available), guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout, noon check-in when possible, daily breakfast for two, and experience credits valued around $100. These extras can easily add up to several hundred dollars in added value per stay—without any upcharge on the nightly rate.
Travel advisors can also help you navigate complicated itineraries, secure hard-to-get bookings, and solve problems during your trip. Their connections with hotel managers and airline reps can help if you encounter unexpected issues. In many cases, a good advisor acts as your advocate—helping you travel better without having to lift a finger.
9. Rental Car Perks That Skip the Line
Rental car loyalty programs can offer serious time-saving perks, even for occasional travelers. Programs like Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, National’s Emerald Club, and Avis Preferred let you bypass the counter completely at many airports—just walk up, pick a car, and drive away. Signing up is usually free and takes only a few minutes online.
National Car Rental’s Emerald Club is especially well-known for its “Emerald Aisle” service. This allows members to choose any car in a special section of the lot and drive off without waiting in line or stopping at the desk. Similarly, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards members can access their rental by going straight to their car, with keys already inside and the contract emailed to them.
Elite status within these programs—earned through frequent rentals or certain credit cards—can bring even more benefits, like free upgrades, faster service, and guaranteed availability during busy periods. For example, the American Express Platinum Card offers complimentary elite status with both Hertz and Avis, giving cardholders extra advantages without the need to rent frequently.
10. Budget Travel, VIP Style
Traveling like a VIP doesn’t always require big spending — especially if you know how to use points, miles, and booking strategies. Airline and hotel loyalty programs offer generous rewards for everyday spending, and savvy travelers use credit cards that earn transferable points with programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, or Capital One Miles.
These points can be redeemed for premium experiences like business class flights or luxury hotel stays, often for a fraction of the cash cost. For instance, booking a business class ticket using points from a program like Aeroplan or British Airways Avios can save thousands of dollars. Award availability varies, but flexible travelers can score high-value redemptions with careful planning.
Other tactics include using tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to monitor deals, watching for mistake fares (accidental ultra-low pricing), and booking through portals that offer added perks, like Expedia’s VIP Access hotels or Capital One Travel. With the right approach, you can enjoy upgraded travel experiences—without paying upgraded prices.
Related: 15 Luxury Travel Secrets That Are Actually Worth the Splurge
