What gifts do newlyweds receive while traveling

Wedding preparations are behind you, rings are on, and the most pleasant part is ahead — the honeymoon. This is not just your first trip together, but a time when you want every detail to be perfect. But did you know that airlines and hotels around the world are ready to contribute to your fairy tale and shower you with pleasant surprises?

The main rule of a honeymoon: don’t be shy about your status! We’ll tell you what compliments newlyweds can receive while traveling and how to make the world know about your happiness and celebrate it with you.

How airlines congratulate newlyweds

The magic can begin even before you land at your destination. Many airlines love to create a festive atmosphere for couples going on their honeymoon. Although guaranteed ‘wedding fares’ are practically non-existent, receiving a pleasant bonus is quite real.

What can you get?

• Greeting from the crew. The simplest and most common compliment is a verbal greeting from the captain or senior flight attendant over the intercom. A small gesture, but incredibly pleasant.
• A glass of champagne. The crew might offer you a glass of sparkling wine to celebrate the start of your journey.
• Dessert or cake. On some flights, especially long-haul ones, newlyweds might be brought a small dessert or a pastry with a candle.
• Service class upgrade. This is the most desired, but also the rarest gift. The chance of getting an upgrade to ‘comfort’ or even ‘business’ class is small, but it exists. It increases if you are flying a regular, not a charter, flight, are a member of the airline’s loyalty program, and if there are available seats in the higher class. At the very least, you can mention it at the check-in counter and try to get better seats.

How to achieve this?

You need to inform the airline about your event in advance.

1. When purchasing tickets. If you decide to buy tickets to the Maldives on Kupi.com, or when booking on the airline’s website, look for the ‘Comments’ or ‘Special Requests’ field. Indicate there that you are newlyweds (honeymooners). If you are planning to organize a wedding abroad and are flying to the desired country, you can also mention this.
2. Call the airline. A few days before departure, call the carrier’s hotline, provide your ticket numbers, and inform the operator about the purpose of your trip. Ask them to make a corresponding note in the booking.
3. Remind them at the check-in counter. When checking in your luggage, politely inform the staff member about your honeymoon. A smile and a good mood work wonders.
4. Inform the flight attendants. Once on board, you can tactfully mention to the flight attendant that you are on your honeymoon.

Important: Take a copy of your marriage certificate with you (a photo on your phone is fine). Sometimes it may be requested for confirmation. Chances for bonuses are higher with large flagship carriers (e.g., Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways) than with low-cost airlines.

What compliments can you expect at a hotel

While airlines show initiative from time to time, for hotels, congratulating newlyweds is practically the gold standard of hospitality. This is where you can expect the most pleasant surprises.

What can you get?

• Room upgrade. This is the most popular and valuable gift. You might be given a higher category room without extra charge: for example, instead of a standard room with a garden view — a room with a sea view or even a suite. Chances significantly increase during the low season when the hotel has many vacant rooms.
• Room decoration. Rose petals on the bed, towel arrangements in the shape of swans, candles, and aromatic lamps — a classic touch that instantly creates a romantic mood.
• Compliment from the hotel. Most often, this is a bottle of wine or champagne and a fruit basket that will be waiting for you in your room upon arrival. In some hotels, it might be a cake or a box of sweets.
• Romantic breakfast in bed. Instead of going to the main restaurant, you can enjoy your morning meal privately on your balcony or terrace.
• Discounts on services. The hotel may offer you a discount on visiting the SPA center, a couples’ massage, photographer services, or organizing a romantic dinner.
• Romantic dinner. Many hotels, especially those operating on an ‘all-inclusive’ basis, offer newlyweds one complimentary dinner at an a la carte restaurant. This could be a candlelit table on the beach or in the most prestigious establishment on the premises.
• Late check-out. The opportunity to stay in your room not until 12:00 PM, but until 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM — a very convenient bonus if you have an evening flight.

How to achieve this?

The scheme is the same as with airlines — you need to inform the hotel about your status.

1. During booking. When booking a room on the hotel’s website or an aggregator (e.g., Booking), there is always a ‘Special Requests’ field. Be sure to write the cherished phrase there: “We are on our honeymoon” and indicate your wedding dates.
2. Write to the hotel directly. After booking, find the hotel’s email address on its website and write a letter. Introduce yourself, state your booking number, and politely inform them that you have chosen their hotel for your honeymoon. Ask if they can offer any compliments for newlyweds. This step almost always guarantees a result.
3. Present your marriage certificate. Be prepared to show a copy or the original marriage certificate upon check-in. Most hotels provide a ‘wedding package’ only if a certain period has not passed since the registration date (usually from 1 to 6 months).

Suppose you found ideal tickets to Phuket and booked a villa with a pool. Don’t be lazy to spend 10 minutes writing an email to the hotel — and perhaps upon arrival, you’ll find not only the villa but also a bottle of prosecco with fresh mangoes waiting for you.

Small tricks for a big effect

• Travel during the off-season. During this time, hotels and airlines are more generous with upgrades and bonuses, as they have more vacant rooms and seats.
• Be polite and positive. Your good mood is contagious. A smile and friendly communication with staff can open doors that would remain closed to demanding and grumpy tourists.
• Don’t demand, ask. Remember that all compliments are a gesture of goodwill, not an obligation. The phrase ‘Could you please see if there’s an opportunity to give us a small upgrade in honor of our honeymoon?’ works much better than ‘We are newlyweds, give us a suite!’

Your honeymoon is a unique event. And the entire hospitality industry is ready to make it even more special. Don’t be afraid to declare your happiness, and then pleasant surprises will become an integral part of your first family trip.