A former flight attendant has shared her travel tips, including the word passengers should never say at check-in if they want a complimentary upgrade. Jane Hawkes, who spent years working as cabin crew before becoming a consumer expert, says subtlety is the key to securing a better seat.
The word to avoid at check-in
Writing in Woman's Own, Jane advised: "Subtlety is key, so never use the word 'upgrade' because it sounds desperate." Instead, she suggests telling check-in staff if it is a special occasion, which may lead to a move to a higher class if space is available, or at least a complimentary drink.
Jane also noted that solo travellers are more likely to be upgraded, and that passengers dressed in smart-casual clothes have an advantage over those wearing jeans.
Hygiene warnings on board
For stress-free journeys, Jane recommended packing cubes to maximise luggage space, tucking underwear inside shoes, and buying toiletries duty-free. She also advised travellers to carry their own anti-bacterial wipes, pointing to one aircraft area she described as exceptionally "germ-ridden".
Jane said tray tables frequently escape thorough cleaning between services, making them "more germ-ridden than the toilets". She recalled seeing a passenger change a baby's nappy directly on the tray mid-flight. Seatback pockets are also prone to bacteria, with Jane describing them as "tricky to clean" and noting they often contain leftovers such as half-eaten food, sick bags, and used tissues.
Best time to fly for a cleaner plane
For hygiene-conscious passengers, Jane recommends booking a seat on the first flight of the morning, when the aircraft is most likely to have been deep cleaned overnight, guaranteeing "everything sparkling".
She also offered a warning to passengers considering amorous activities at altitude. While she has not personally caught anyone attempting to join the "mile high club", she cautioned that plane lavatories are "not the cleanest".
