Your birthday can bring more than just cake and celebration; it can also bring valuable travel perks. From complimentary bonus miles to hotel discounts and flight upgrades, there are numerous travel deals you can take advantage of on your special day.

Ready to make your birthday even more exciting? We’ve done the legwork for you. Here’s a rundown of the best birthday travel freebies available.

Southwest Airlines

While you won’t get a specific birthday gift from Southwest Airlines, they do celebrate other holidays mid-flight. Passengers have reported receiving complimentary premium beverages on occasions like New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day, and other holidays.

Additionally, Southwest marks its own anniversary on June 18. So, keep this date in mind when planning your summer travels.

China Airlines

Every little bit helps, and China Airlines offers a birthday month discount. If you book a flight during your birthday month, you can enjoy 5% off economy class tickets and 10% off business class fares to destinations in Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, Guam, Palau, Hong Kong SAR, and China mainland.

To access this discount, simply join the airline’s loyalty program, which is free of charge.

Marriott

Staying frequently at Marriott hotels can elevate your loyalty status. In the past, some members have enjoyed a complimentary night’s stay for their birthday, although this benefit seems to be temporarily on hold.

While there are no guarantees, listing your birthday on your Marriott account might increase your chances of receiving such an offer in the future. Plus, the complimentary night could count toward the required stays for achieving a higher loyalty status. For context, only 10 nights are needed to reach Marriott’s Silver status.

Kimpton Hotels

Guests at Kimpton Hotels have occasionally enjoyed birthday treats such as balloons or a dessert in their room when they inform the hotel of their birthday in advance. While not guaranteed, it can be beneficial to mention your birthday to the hotel staff to possibly receive a special surprise.

Vegas Hotels

For those celebrating a birthday in Las Vegas, checking for complimentary offers is a good idea. At Wynn Las Vegas, members with Platinum or Black Wynn Rewards Tier can enjoy perks like free credit for use at its properties and dinner credits at various locations.

The Plaza also makes it easy to get a birthday treat with its discount, which can be accessed by using a special promo code during reservation. When celebrating in Vegas, inform the hotel or restaurant about your birthday to see if they offer any surprises.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines offers a modest birthday benefit of up to 5% off tickets for you and a friend. These promo codes are personalized and emailed to members around their birthday, making already affordable flights even cheaper.

Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines is known for providing birthday treats such as various hot and cold beverages and birthday cake, as highlighted by a former flight attendant on TikTok. To receive a free cake on your birthday, notify the airline in advance so they can prepare it for your flight. Generally, complimentary drinks and some foods are available year-round on Singapore Airlines, including on your birthday.

Disney

The most magical place on Earth, Disney, is known for making birthdays extra special. Both Disney World and Disneyland provide guests with complimentary birthday buttons, enabling staff to extend warm greetings and acknowledge the celebration throughout the parks. These buttons also help employees recognize when to hand out various birthday freebies from different attractions.

For instance, at Disneyland, you can enjoy a complimentary pretzel from Wetzel’s Pretzels with no purchase required, or take advantage of a unique deal at the Lego store, provided you are a member of their loyalty program. Meanwhile, at Disney World, you might be treated to free birthday desserts at various restaurants or an Icee at Epcot’s Club Cool.

Moreover, certain external businesses like Starbucks and Earl of Sandwich, which are located in both parks, may honor their own birthday promotions for their loyalty members. Although it might save you just a few dollars, a free Frappuccino or a beloved roast beef sandwich from Earl’s can be a delightful perk.

Cruises

If you’re an enthusiast of maritime adventures, you might score a complimentary cruise on your birthday. While a weeklong ocean voyage is unlikely to be free, some companies provide free harbor cruises on your special day. Captain Cook Cruises in Sydney, Australia, for example, offers this along with a dining discount on birthdays. If you are in the United States, City Cruises in San Diego has a similar offer for a harbor tour during your birthday week.

Mention It’s Your Birthday

Not all birthday deals are publicized, so sometimes the best strategy is simply to inform people it’s your birthday. Whether you’re flying, eating at a favorite restaurant, or staying at a hotel, mentioning your birthday can be advantageous.

In the best case, you might receive a complimentary dessert or a nice discount. At the very least, someone wishing you a happy birthday can brighten your day, even if it doesn’t save you money.

Ensure you’re always getting the best travel deals by setting a Deal Alert. We’ll notify you of any new offers from your preferred airlines or hotels.