10 Travel Upgrades That Aren't Worth It & 10 That Totally Are
If You're Going To Be Charged Through The Teeth, At Least Make It Count
Travel upgrades are tempting because they promise comfort, convenience, and a little “treat yourself” energy. The catch is that some add-ons barely change your experience, while others save your mood, your time, and sometimes your back. If you’re going to spend extra, you want upgrades that deliver real value instead of fancy packaging. Here are 10 travel upgrades that usually aren’t worth it and 10 that tend to be a genuinely good idea.
1. Priority Boarding
If you’re not fighting for overhead bin space, priority boarding often doesn’t change much. You still sit on the plane the same amount of time, just earlier. It can even feel like paying extra to be uncomfortable longer. Unless you’re carrying a bulky bag that you must stow, it’s usually skippable.
2. Seat Selection Fees for a Short Flight
While it may strike you as worth it to buy an extra leg room seat for a long-haul flight, it hardly makes sense when you're only spending an hour or two in the air. If you’re traveling solo and aren't extremely tall, you can often roll the dice. Save the money for a better meal after you land.
3. In-Flight Wi-Fi on a Quick Trip
A lot of plane Wi-Fi is slow, overpriced, or doesn't work when you need it most. For short flights, you’ll spend half the time connecting and the other half regretting it. Download something ahead of time and enjoy being unreachable for once.
4. Hotel Room “View” Upgrades
A view sounds dreamy until you realize you’re barely in the room during daylight. Sometimes the “view” is also a louder street, brighter lights, or tourists shouting at ungodly hours. If the price jump is big, your money usually goes further elsewhere.
5. The Hotel Mini Bar
Mini bars are a trap. You’re paying luxury prices for snacks you could buy for a fraction of the cost downstairs. They're usually not even stocked with the best stuff, despite the premium price. If you want a treat, pick one you actually like from a real store.
6. Priority Line Add-Ons at Every Attraction
Some skip-the-line options are useful, but many are overpriced for what you get. If the “priority” queue is still long, you’ve basically paid for emotional damage. It’s worth comparing the cost to the actual time saved. You might be better off going early instead of paying extra.
7. Overpriced Airport Lounge Day Passes
A lounge day pass can be great, but only in specific situations. If it’s crowded, the food is underwhelming, and you’re only there for an hour, it’s not the luxury moment you pictured. You can often buy a decent meal and a coffee for less. Pay for a lounge when you’ll actually use it.
8. Rental Car “Upgrades”
It’s easy to get upsold into a bigger car that adds zero joy to your trip. Larger vehicles cost more to fuel, park, and maneuver, especially in busy cities. Unless you truly need the space or the terrain demands it, keep it simple.
9. Fancy Travel Toiletries
Premium travel-size products can feel cute, but they’re often a pricey way to carry less product. If you love a specific item, decant it into a small container instead. Save the splurge for something you’ll notice more than shampoo.
10. Buying “Just in Case” Gadgets
You don’t need a suitcase full of niche devices for problems that might not happen. Half of them won’t get used, and the other half will make your bag heavier and your packing more annoying. Stick to essentials that solve common issues. If you wouldn’t use it at home, think twice.
Now that we've covered some of the most useless upgrades that you can skip, let's talk about the ones that are actually well worth the splurge.
1. Extra Legroom on Longer Flights
More legroom can genuinely change your mood, especially if you’re tall or prone to stiffness. It’s not just comfort, it’s how you feel when you arrive. On a long flight, that difference can mean sleep or no sleep, which is important. It can carry into your first day.
Phyllis Lilienthal on Unsplash
2. A Seat Choice That Avoids a Bad Situation
Sometimes paying for a seat is worth it if it prevents misery. If you need an aisle for bathroom trips, want to avoid the middle seat, or you’re traveling with someone, selection fees can be practical. The goal is to reduce stress, and for a small fee, you can save a lot of irritation.
3. Checked Bag Only When It Truly Helps
Checking a bag sounds annoying, but it can be worth it when you’re carrying bulky gear or traveling long enough that a carry-on won’t cut it. It also saves you from overhead bin drama if you’re in a later boarding group. The best part is having a lighter load through the airport. Just keep essentials in your personal item.
4. A Comfortable, Supportive Pair of Shoes
This upgrade isn’t flashy, but it’s a real trip-changer. If your feet hurt, everything feels harder and less fun. Good shoes pay you back in fewer blisters, better endurance, and a happier attitude. It’s the kind of “extra” that makes the whole itinerary smoother.
5. A Good Neck Pillow
A decent neck pillow can prevent that awful post-flight stiffness that makes you feel cranky for hours. The right one supports your head instead of just existing around your neck like a soft accessory. It's a smart investment that can actually help you sleep through flights.
6. A Portable Charger You Trust
A dead phone can turn a normal travel day into a minor crisis, especially for maps, tickets, and communication. A reliable power bank is one of those boring upgrades that saves you repeatedly. It’s also helpful during delays, long tours, and transit days. You’ll thank yourself the first time your phone hits 5% in a new city.
7. Hotel Breakfast When It’s Actually Good
It may sound like a silly extra cost when you're purchasing a hotel room, but a solid breakfast can simplify your morning and keep you from buying overpriced snacks later. If it’s fresh, filling, and convenient, it’s a time-saver as much as a food choice. The trick is checking reviews so you’re not paying extra for dry pastries.
8. Airport Lounge Access When You Have a Long Layover
Lounges make sense when you’re stuck for hours and need quiet, charging outlets, and decent seating. They also help if your flight gets delayed and you want somewhere calm to wait. If you’ll be there long enough to eat, recharge, and relax, the cost can feel justified. Timing is everything with this one.
9. Pre-Booked Airport Transfer in Certain Cities
If your flight requires an airport transfer, it can be chaotic if you don't plan ahead for it, especially in places where transit is confusing. A pre-booked transfer can remove a ton of stress. It’s especially helpful at night, with luggage, or after a long flight when your brain is tired. You’re paying for predictability and peace, which you'll find is worth every penny.
10. Travel Insurance
For expensive trips with multiple flights, tours, or nonrefundable bookings, insurance can be a smart safety net. It’s not exciting, but it can protect you from losing a lot of money if something goes wrong. The key is reading what’s actually covered so you’re not buying false comfort.
