VIP Travel: Follow a Few Rules

Few people realize that you don't have to be a millionaire to travel like a VIP. In fact, VIP travel is often more about what you know than how much you have. All you need to do is follow a few rules, spend a little cash, and dress the part and soon you will be zipping around the world.

Getting First Class Seats is Simple with VIP Travel

First, many people don't realize it but almost no one sitting in First Class has actually paid for First Class. To sit in the coveted section, there are really two routes. You can either use frequent flyer miles which you have accumulated from spending all your money through a credit card or getting a free upgrade. Airlines give out free upgrades all the time. All you need to do is book a coach seat on a popular travel route. Do it on the Internet. When you get to the airport (wearing your fanciest clothing) pretend to be shocked when they give you your coach boarding pass. Explain that someone must have made a mistake and demand to sit in First Class. On busy travel route, the airlines always oversell the coach seats and undersell First Class. So they will want to upgrade you, especially if you cause a fuss.

VIP Travel Means Motorized Carts

A good way to arrive at the gate is on one of those motorized carts that you always see zipping through the airport. Those carts are basically free for anyone who requests one. Now they are meant for handicapped travelers. But airlines don't care what handicap (if any) you have. Most carts just sit around with their drivers bored out of their minds. If you want to travel as a VIP, there is no better way than getting whisked to your First Class seat on a motorized cart.

VIP Travel at the Frequent Flyers Club

Call the airlines and request to be admitted to the frequent flyers lounge. Even though there are usually membership requirements, often you can get them to waive these with a simple call. You can even call them from the airport on your cell phone. Just don't attempt to enter the lounge and speak with the people and the desk. They are trained to turn people away. No, you best bet is calling ahead and finding the right person to speak with.

What to Drink during VIP Travel

When the flight attendant comes by with the beverage cart, what you order could tell your fellow passengers that you are a VIP. Don't just go for the normal soft drink or a beer. No, the real mark of a VIP Travel passenger is the one who orders the Bloody Mary mix (without the vodka.) It is a sophisticated drink and has the added benefit of containing lots of salts and minerals that help prevent jet lag and dehydration. Yes, when you order one of these, everyone will see that you are someone who knows what he is doing.