If you have plans to visit a casino, it always pays to phone and ask a host if there might be a promotion you can get into for a weekend. One friend recently was going to New Orleans, staying at Harrahs, and catching a cruise. I told him there was a gift weekend going on, he called a host, and bingo, he got in for $600 in gifts. I met another friend who was going to Biloxi and asked if she was getting the free computer giveaway that weekend, but no, they hadn't received it, she called a host and bingo, got in.
Similarly if you are visiting a city with several casinos, you might want to stop into a nearby casino and ask what promotions they are having for new signups. We got $15 recently in Tahoe at Horizons for playing $40.
Also look around for signs for extra promos. At Grand Biloxi Harrahs this weekend we saw signs for free buffet if you played 40 points.
If you are thinking of going to a casino but have uncertain dates, ask a host about what promotions or shows are coming up for the month, and choose your stay dates accordingly. Some hosts may be able to provide a list of all promos for the upcoming month. I've had some hosts at Harrahs Vegas and New Orleans do this upon request.
If you are a heavy player u may qualify for extras you won't be offered automatically, but have to ask for. Call your host and ask about airfare reimbursements from points or just as a bonus. Several times I have mentioned to my host we like a certain brand of booze, could we perhaps have a bottle sent to the room? Yep, got it. Show tickets? Limo to airport? Limo to take you shopping or even over to another nearby casino? Spa treatment without using your comps? Etc. Obviously the higher your play, the more you'll get. But non whales can get some extras if u ask.
It never hurts to ask. At worst you'll just hear a no, sorry.