I'm a travel editor – the flight, train & ferry upgrades that are worth the money… skip the queue & bag unlimited drinks
And that's where splashing out on a cheeky little upgrade can make all the difference between a miserable journey and a boujee start to your break.
Advertisement
8
The Sun's Head of Travel Lisa Minot reveals what upgrades are really worth splurging on when flying, catching a train or ferry
Credit: Lisa Minot
But while paying can sometimes be a real winner, not all
Here, I reveal the ones that are worth the dosh, and those to ditch across
AIRPORT
No one likes to queue and I've had a few close calls over the years where long lines at security or passport control have led to a mad dash to the gate.
If you're travelling at a particularly busy time of year like the school holidays, it can pay to shell out for a FastTrack access to skip the queues.
Advertisement
8
You can save up to 20 per cent on fast track security passes if you book in advance
Credit: Getty
8
If you're booking a holiday for a busy time of year - FastTrack access will stop any mad dashes to the gate
Credit: Getty
If you book a package holiday to a 4* resort with
At Gatwick, you'll get FastTrack for free if you stay at the in-airport Bloc Hotel and rooms there, literally metres from the security lanes, start from just £90 a night, perfect for those hideously early departures.
In general though, it pays to think ahead. You can save up to 20 per cent on fast track security passes if you book in advance.
Advertisement
And prices start from just £3.50 at
The same applies to treating yourself to a stay in an airport lounge.
If you're travelling with the family or enjoy having a drink and meal in departures, often the cost of a lounge can sometimes be cheaper than buying food and drink in the busy bars and restaurants.
Prices start from just £20 if booked well in advance. Check out deals on websites like
Advertisement
PLANE
While we'd all love to be basking in the luxury of business class on every flight, the prohibitively high prices are never going to make it an option for most of us.
But the stratospheric rise of the class between economy and business shows that we're all willing to splash out a little bit extra for more space and comfort.
8
Premium Economy is the one flight upgrade that I truly think is worth its weight in gold if you're flying long haul
Credit: Getty
8
Norse Airlines' premium economy comes with two meals and luggage as well as a wider seat with oodles of leg room
Credit: Getty
Premium Economy is the one upgrade I think is worth its weight in gold when it comes to flying long haul over 12 or more hours.
Advertisement
And one airline in particular has stolen a march on rivals when it comes to their version of Premium.
Norse Airlines' Boeing 787 Dreamliners fly to Orlando, Miami, New York, Los Angeles year-round from its Gatwick base and will fly to
With its no-frills ethos, flights cost from just £250 return for the absolute basic fare with just hand luggage and no food.
But its Premium comes with two meals and luggage as well as a wider seat with oodles of leg room and here's the best bit - with a bit of planning you can fly in this class for the same price of an economy seat on many of the full service, legacy airlines.
Another great way to upgrade your flight relies a lot more on luck - and what you're prepared to shell out at the last minute.
Advertisement
Most major airlines will have a service in place where you can bid a set price for an upgrade - in general, a price around 20 to 40 per cent above their lowest bid offer will be the most successful.
And there's always the option of asking directly as you check in for your flight how much it would cost to upgrade.
If a flight is particularly busy in one cabin, there will be some attractive deals to move up. You're more likely to be successful on routes popular with leisure passengers - and on flights later in the day or last thing at night.
Holiday packing tips
Jemma Solomon, aka The Label Lady has got 5 packing tips to help you get organised for your next holiday.
1. Write a list
Think about all the essentials you need to take with you; suncream, medicine, a few games for the kids, beach towels, and write everything in one list, which you can tick off as you add it to your suitcase.
Or for complete ease, try Google's AI app - Gemini - which will create a list for you and help you not over pack.
2. Involve your kids
Jemma said: 'My girls are getting older, they're 11 and nine, and they enjoy helping to pack. So I send them a list, and say 'this is what you need' and they follow the list.
'And then I give them a rucksack each - and say to them 'you can have whatever you want in there as long as it's not liquid', and they can take that on the plane. And that's their 'home away from home' items.'
3. Try a hack or two
She said: "I think they all work, but for different reasons - and you've just got to pick the right one for your trip.
"Rolling your clothes is really good to stop your clothes from getting creases. And if you're trying to get a lot of items into your case, it's a space saver.
'Packing cubes are great - for example, I'm going on holiday with my three kids and we're all using the same suitcase for our clothes.
"These handy compartments let you separate your clothes, toiletries and tech into designated cubes, maximising luggage space by keeping your items compressed and neatly stacked.
"I love taking them abroad with the family and it means my kids can easily take charge of their own items once we've arrived."
4. Decant beauty products
Do you really need to take full-size bottles of shampoo and conditioner with you? The beauty industry has evolved so much, you can now buy shampoo bars or sheets - which are much lighter and smaller.
Or, if you'll be popping to the shops when you're abroad, consider buying some items when you arrive.
5. Get organised before you come home
Jemma said: 'When you repack on holiday [before coming home], the trick is to separate clean from dirty clothes.
'Also pack it in some form of order - so lights, darks, colours for items that need washing, or if you wash your clothes by person in the household, piles for each person.
"Then you can put it straight into the washing machine. Do it straight away, don't leave it."
TRAIN
Rail travel in the UK is hardly known for its luxury but while First Class seats come at a huge premium, there are ways to get an upgrade for less.
First Class comes with a host of perks from free wifi to complimentary drinks and food as well as extra legroom and reclining seats. It could also include access to First Class lounges at certain stations.
Advertisement
8
You can score a cheaper upgrade to first class if you're travelling this week with the app Seatfrog
Credit: Getty
Many train companies have a Weekend First offer - providing you with an upgrade to First Class on services running on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.
You can't book these in advance and the price varies by company but can cost anywhere between £10 to £45. Ask staff onboard if there is availability and at what price.
Another great way to score an upgrade if you're travelling in the week is to download the Seatfrog app.
This allows anyone with a standard class train ticket to bid for an upgrade to First Class.
Advertisement
Auctions usually open 24hours before your journey and close 30minutes before departure.
Give the app the maximum amount you're prepared to spend on the upgrade and Seatfrog will automatically bid for you, raising the bid incrementally until it reaches your maximum bid. If you win, Seatfrog will automatically allocate you the best available seat.
FERRY
Ferries may not be the most romantic form of travel - outshone by the glitzy cruise ships - but for heading off on the open roads of Europe in your own car just cannot be beaten.
But for a little bit of luxury on your channel crossing, I think the Club Lounges on P&O Ferries' ships are definitely worth upgrading to if you're travelling without the kids.
8
Club Lounges on P&O Ferries' ships are definitely worth upgrading to
Credit: P&O Ferries
Advertisement
8
From £29 you'll get a private lounge with an all-inclusive offering of food
Credit: P&O Ferries
From £29 you'll get a private lounge with an all-inclusive offering of food, drinks and even Wi-Fi. And you can even enjoy the sea air from a sun-lounger on the private deck.
Considering the cost of a hearty lamb shank main in their usual restaurant will set you back at least £17, you don't have to indulge in much more to get the benefit of the lounge back.
And the same can be said for someone looking to take a longer sailing with Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth to Bilbao in Spain.
An upgrade to their Commodore Cabins may seem pricey but when you factor in the comfy double bed in a larger cabin complete with window and access to the open deck as well as access to the Club Lounge with a veritable feast of food available for free from dawn till dusk, it can sometimes work out cheaper if you do enjoy a glass or two of wine with your lunch and dinner.
Advertisement
How to get a free upgrade to first class on a plane
Travellers often wonder how to secure an upgrade to first class without paying the premium price.
According to a flight attendant, there are several strategies passengers can employ to increase their chances.
Firstly, loyalty to an airline is crucial; frequent flyers and those with elite status are more likely to receive upgrades.
Additionally, booking directly with the airline rather than through third-party sites can improve your odds, as can being flexible with your travel dates and times.
Dressing smartly and arriving early can also make a difference. While airlines generally prioritise upgrades based on status and fare class, a well-dressed passenger who checks in early may catch the staff's attention.
It's also beneficial to be polite and friendly to the airline staff, as they have the discretion to upgrade passengers at their own judgement.
Lastly, if you're celebrating a special occasion, such as a honeymoon or birthday, it doesn't hurt to mention it. While not guaranteed, some flight attendants might consider this when deciding on upgrades.
Overall, while there's no surefire way to get a free upgrade, combining these strategies can certainly improve your chances.
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I'm a travel editor – the flight, train & ferry upgrades that are worth the money… skip the queue & bag unlimited drinks
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If you're travelling at a particularly busy time of year like the school holidays, it can pay to shell out for a FastTrack access to skip the queues. Advertisement 8 You can save up to 20 per cent on fast track security passes if you book in advance Credit: Getty 8 If you're booking a holiday for a busy time of year - FastTrack access will stop any mad dashes to the gate Credit: Getty If you book a package holiday to a 4* resort with At Gatwick, you'll get FastTrack for free if you stay at the in-airport Bloc Hotel and rooms there, literally metres from the security lanes, start from just £90 a night, perfect for those hideously early departures. In general though, it pays to think ahead. You can save up to 20 per cent on fast track security passes if you book in advance. Advertisement And prices start from just £3.50 at The same applies to treating yourself to a stay in an airport lounge. 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Holiday packing tips Jemma Solomon, aka The Label Lady has got 5 packing tips to help you get organised for your next holiday. 1. Write a list Think about all the essentials you need to take with you; suncream, medicine, a few games for the kids, beach towels, and write everything in one list, which you can tick off as you add it to your suitcase. Or for complete ease, try Google's AI app - Gemini - which will create a list for you and help you not over pack. 2. Involve your kids Jemma said: 'My girls are getting older, they're 11 and nine, and they enjoy helping to pack. So I send them a list, and say 'this is what you need' and they follow the list. 'And then I give them a rucksack each - and say to them 'you can have whatever you want in there as long as it's not liquid', and they can take that on the plane. And that's their 'home away from home' items.' 3. Try a hack or two She said: "I think they all work, but for different reasons - and you've just got to pick the right one for your trip. "Rolling your clothes is really good to stop your clothes from getting creases. And if you're trying to get a lot of items into your case, it's a space saver. 'Packing cubes are great - for example, I'm going on holiday with my three kids and we're all using the same suitcase for our clothes. "These handy compartments let you separate your clothes, toiletries and tech into designated cubes, maximising luggage space by keeping your items compressed and neatly stacked. "I love taking them abroad with the family and it means my kids can easily take charge of their own items once we've arrived." 4. Decant beauty products Do you really need to take full-size bottles of shampoo and conditioner with you? The beauty industry has evolved so much, you can now buy shampoo bars or sheets - which are much lighter and smaller. Or, if you'll be popping to the shops when you're abroad, consider buying some items when you arrive. 5. Get organised before you come home Jemma said: 'When you repack on holiday [before coming home], the trick is to separate clean from dirty clothes. 'Also pack it in some form of order - so lights, darks, colours for items that need washing, or if you wash your clothes by person in the household, piles for each person. "Then you can put it straight into the washing machine. Do it straight away, don't leave it." TRAIN Rail travel in the UK is hardly known for its luxury but while First Class seats come at a huge premium, there are ways to get an upgrade for less. First Class comes with a host of perks from free wifi to complimentary drinks and food as well as extra legroom and reclining seats. It could also include access to First Class lounges at certain stations. Advertisement 8 You can score a cheaper upgrade to first class if you're travelling this week with the app Seatfrog Credit: Getty Many train companies have a Weekend First offer - providing you with an upgrade to First Class on services running on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays. You can't book these in advance and the price varies by company but can cost anywhere between £10 to £45. Ask staff onboard if there is availability and at what price. Another great way to score an upgrade if you're travelling in the week is to download the Seatfrog app. This allows anyone with a standard class train ticket to bid for an upgrade to First Class. Advertisement Auctions usually open 24hours before your journey and close 30minutes before departure. Give the app the maximum amount you're prepared to spend on the upgrade and Seatfrog will automatically bid for you, raising the bid incrementally until it reaches your maximum bid. If you win, Seatfrog will automatically allocate you the best available seat. FERRY Ferries may not be the most romantic form of travel - outshone by the glitzy cruise ships - but for heading off on the open roads of Europe in your own car just cannot be beaten. But for a little bit of luxury on your channel crossing, I think the Club Lounges on P&O Ferries' ships are definitely worth upgrading to if you're travelling without the kids. 8 Club Lounges on P&O Ferries' ships are definitely worth upgrading to Credit: P&O Ferries Advertisement 8 From £29 you'll get a private lounge with an all-inclusive offering of food Credit: P&O Ferries From £29 you'll get a private lounge with an all-inclusive offering of food, drinks and even Wi-Fi. And you can even enjoy the sea air from a sun-lounger on the private deck. Considering the cost of a hearty lamb shank main in their usual restaurant will set you back at least £17, you don't have to indulge in much more to get the benefit of the lounge back. And the same can be said for someone looking to take a longer sailing with Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth to Bilbao in Spain. An upgrade to their Commodore Cabins may seem pricey but when you factor in the comfy double bed in a larger cabin complete with window and access to the open deck as well as access to the Club Lounge with a veritable feast of food available for free from dawn till dusk, it can sometimes work out cheaper if you do enjoy a glass or two of wine with your lunch and dinner. Advertisement How to get a free upgrade to first class on a plane Travellers often wonder how to secure an upgrade to first class without paying the premium price. According to a flight attendant, there are several strategies passengers can employ to increase their chances. Firstly, loyalty to an airline is crucial; frequent flyers and those with elite status are more likely to receive upgrades. Additionally, booking directly with the airline rather than through third-party sites can improve your odds, as can being flexible with your travel dates and times. Dressing smartly and arriving early can also make a difference. While airlines generally prioritise upgrades based on status and fare class, a well-dressed passenger who checks in early may catch the staff's attention. It's also beneficial to be polite and friendly to the airline staff, as they have the discretion to upgrade passengers at their own judgement. Lastly, if you're celebrating a special occasion, such as a honeymoon or birthday, it doesn't hurt to mention it. While not guaranteed, some flight attendants might consider this when deciding on upgrades. Overall, while there's no surefire way to get a free upgrade, combining these strategies can certainly improve your chances.
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