A former cabin crew member has shared advice for passengers hoping to secure a free upgrade, warning against using one particular word.
Jane Hawkes, who worked as a flight attendant for thousands of flights before becoming a consumer specialist, says the word 'upgrade' sounds desperate. Writing for Woman's Own, she advised: "Subtlety is key, so never use the word 'upgrade' because it sounds desperate. Instead, mention to check-in staff if it's a special occasion and they may move you to a higher class if there's space, or at least give you a complimentary drink."
Other tips for a better flight
Jane also noted that solo travellers are more likely to be upgraded, and that passengers wearing smart-casual clothes have an advantage over those in jeans.
For smoother journeys, she suggested using packing cubes to maximise suitcase space, storing undergarments inside shoes, and buying toiletries at duty-free shops.
Cleanliness warnings
Jane urged travellers to carry antibacterial wipes, highlighting tray tables as particularly "germ-ridden". She said tray tables rarely get thorough cleaning between flights, making them "more germ-ridden than the toilets". She recalled seeing a passenger change a baby's nappy on a tray table mid-flight.
Seatback pockets are also hard to clean, she said, and often contain leftover food, sick bags, and used tissues from previous passengers.
Best time to fly and a caution
For those prioritising cleanliness, Jane recommends booking the earliest departure of the day, when the plane is most sanitary after an overnight clean, leaving "everything sparkling".
Finally, she cautioned against romantic activity at altitude, noting that while she has never caught anyone joining the "mile high club", aircraft lavatories are "not the cleanest".
