Flight attendants have shared a few tips on things to avoid doing if you want to be in with a chance of getting a free upgrade – and it includes some types of clothing
It’s everyone’s fantasy to bag a complimentary upgrade on their journey – but there are several tactics you can employ to edge closer to making that fantasy come true, according to cabin crew.
Alongside methods to win over the flight attendants into potentially offering you a freebie, there are certain behaviours you should definitely steer clear of.
These aren’t just because they’ll land you on the wrong side of the staff, but also because they could be unsanitary and increase the likelihood of you picking up an illness.
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Cabin crew member Miguel Muñoz, who has been soaring through the skies for over a decade, revealed: “I would say dirty clothes 100 per cent. It’s obviously not nice to have passengers like these and I would never upgrade them to the first class if I could.”
He also mentioned he would never promote anyone who appears “too casual” sporting shorts or flip-flops, reports the Express. It’s not merely what you’re donning though. Muñoz also revealed that passenger conduct can affect their opportunities.
“I also wouldn’t upgrade smelly people or drunk passengers, or passengers who give me the impression that they are going to cause trouble,” the crew member added.
Immanuel Debeer, a travel expert from Flight Hacks, claims one of the most effective methods to secure an upgrade is to dress for the seat you desire, not the one you purchased.
“Airlines don’t offer free upgrades out of the goodness of their hearts, they do it to gain customer loyalty. Dressing smartly and looking like a frequent flyer is a great tactic to maximise your chances of getting an upgrade.”
He suggests that donning business attire could boost your chances, as cabin crew might presume you’re a high-flying business mogul. As for what not to wear, shorts or mini skirts are garments many flight attendants would never dream of wearing on a flight.
The rationale behind this is twofold – firstly, in-flight temperatures can vary greatly and you may end up feeling chilly. But secondly, and more crucially – aeroplanes can be rather unsanitary places, and it’s wise to limit the contact your bare skin has with the surfaces.
In the same vein, always keep your shoes on when using the plane’s loo. Frequently, the floor is damp and there’s no telling if it’s merely water, or something far more unpleasant. You wouldn’t want to tread in something nasty and then spread it around the plane, back to your seat and into your shoes.
It’s always better to be safer than sorry and make sure to follow these tips to bag that first-class upgrade.
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