Flight attendants explain how passengers can get a free upgrade

Brits who want to get a free upgrade to premium economy or business class should follow these tips from flight attendants. They include British Airways and Virgin Atlantic employees.

We've all heard it happen: a friend or a friend of a friend gets a free upgrade on their flight and flies in comfort without paying a penny. However, this phenomenon is quite rare, so most of us believe that it will never happen to us," the Daily Star writes.

Well, if you've always dreamed of getting a free upgrade and flying in business class, you're in luck. One flight attendant admitted that there is one thing that can increase your chances of getting one. She says you need to "bribe" the flight crew.

We don't mean that you have to offer cash when you board. Earlier, one employee said that although Starbucks gift cards are a popular gift, there is an even cheaper way to get a free upgrade.

Flight attendants from leading airlines such as TUI, Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, and easyJet, in partnership with luxury membership platform Velloy, shared their best travel tips and life hacks.

A British flight attendant said. "There's nothing wrong with being a little bit of a d*ck from time to time. Many flight attendants, whether they admit it or not, have favourites on the flight and you probably want to be one of them. Although nothing is guaranteed, becoming a "favourite" can get you a free bottle of champagne or a seat with extra legroom. Whether you choose to be overly friendly and make small talk or bring us a sweet treat or gift as a thank you, you will quickly become our favourite passenger on board."

Another flight attendant from Virgin Atlantic added that you may have to make some sacrifices to get an upgrade. She noted that more often than not, those who are upgraded are upgraded alone because there aren't many available seats, especially next to each other, so you won't be able to sit with your family.

She said, "If you are travelling as a couple, you have a better chance of both of you being upgraded, however, there is a chance that you will not be seated together when your seat is moved."

Meanwhile, another crew member said the best way to get a better seat is to simply ask.

One flight attendant who works for airline giant British Airways noted, "At the end of the day, if you don't ask, you don't get what you need."

If you want an upgrade, most flight attendants recommend going to the front desk. The people who check you in see the availability of seats and can control everything. Even if there is no free upgrade, they can offer you a discounted fare.

Another flight attendant from Virgin Atlantic shared her experience, "If you're afraid to ask, it's always worth checking your flight online before you go to check-in. A quick search on the airline's website will show you if all the seats in business or first class are already sold out, and you'll know not to ask. However, don't rely on this alone as people always forget to show up for flights."

Earlier, Travel Wise wrote about how to sit together on an airplane for free: just book the right seats.