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Travel experts have revealed the unexpected moves that can unlock free flight and hotel upgrades as the peak holiday season begins. EShores, along with a flight attendant, has revealed six simple tips to increase the chances of receiving complimentary upgrades.

The first tip for getting a flight upgrade is choosing an "unpopular" meal option. Vegetarian, glutenfree or halal meals are prepared separately and loaded in specific quantities, so airlines often seat these passengers earlier to keep service running smoothly. As the flight fills up and the cabin is reshuffled, you're less likely to be pushed toward the back. Seats towards the front are seen as premium. You'll get off the plane faster, deal with less cabin noise and enjoy earlier food and drink service, small perks that make a noticeable difference. Another tip is to ask for upgrades at the gate, not check-in. If you're going to ask about an upgrade, timing is everything. Gate agents have real-time visibility into no-shows and unsold premium seats, unlike check-in staff, who work with fixed allocations.

This opens the door to last-minute seat changes, sometimes discounted, sometimes complimentary, into extra legroom seats, premium economy or even higher cabins, where space, comfort and service are all upgraded.

A small token of appreciation, such as snacks or a Starbucks voucher, stands out in a busy, high-pressure environment where cabin crew deal with hundreds of passengers per flight. Some travellers say it's led to better seats or even a First-Class upgrade.

Lisa Wilkes, who has been a flight attendant for 15 years, tells eShores: "We see a lot of super difficult and mean passengers, so when someone does something nice, we really appreciate it. Often, a gift means you'll get extra special service or even complimentary snacks."

Getting a hotel upgrade can be done by following the hotel on Instagram and tagging them before your arrival. Many boutique and resort hotels keep an eye on social media, and guests who engage with them ahead of arrival can quietly stand out. If there's availability, staff may prioritise these guests when assigning rooms.

Another tip is to arrive just after check-out time. Between 11 am and midday is the sweet spot for upgrades. That's when higherend rooms have just been vacated and assessed by housekeeping, giving reception a clearer picture of what's available.

With greater flexibility, staff are better positioned to offer a room with extra space, a better layout, or a more desirable location.

You could also request a corner room. They are often overlooked because their layouts don't match standard categories, even though they're usually bigger and quieter. Asking for one gives staff an easy win.

Extra space, fewer shared walls and reduced corridor noise enhance comfort, making a corner room an upgrade, without ever needing to use the word.