How far would you for a travel freebie? A new study found almost half (48%) of Australians would be willing to tell a ‘white lie’ to gain a free hotel upgrade, while 60 per cent of those who have lied for an upgrade would do it again.
The new Shangri-La Group survey of traveller behaviour shows Aussies would bend the truth for a suite upgrade with birthdays, honeymoons and anniversaries topping the list of white lies for freebies.
However, just nine per cent of Australians admitted to going through with a ruse for a hotel upgrade.
Almost one-third (31%) have lied about a birthday or wedding anniversary to gain a hotel upgrade, while 30 per cent have claimed to be on their honeymoon.
Advisors will be interested to know what Aussies want in hotel value-adds with one in 10 (15%) respondents saying they have actively searched online for ways to get an upgrade.
More than half (64%) say a surprise room upgrade is their favourite way to feel special when checking into a hotel.
However, 57 per cent would prefer free breakfast over a room upgrade.
Generational differences also emerged with Gen Zers being the most likely to say they’d stretch the truth at 44 per cent more likely than the average traveller and 70 per cent more likely to have thought about lying for an upgrade or travel freebie.
Gen Zers are also the most likely to search for upgrade hacks (23%) and wellness freebies (34%).
Meanwhile, Millennials are 40 per cent more likely to ask for an upgrade upfront and be successful and are also 44 per cent more confident doing so when celebrating an occasion.
