A former flight attendant has shared a crucial tip for those hoping to secure a free upgrade.
Janes Hawkes, 48, racked up thousands of journeys in her time on the cabin crew. She started in her 20s before transitioning into a consumer expert, advising people on how to make travel more enjoyable.
The burning question everyone asks when they discover Jane’s profession is how to experience luxury travel on a shoestring budget. One method she suggests is attempting to bag a complimentary upgrade.
In an article for Woman’s Own, Jane 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.”
“If you’re travelling alone, you’re more likely to be upgraded, and people who dress in smart-casual clothes have the edge over those in jeans.”
Jane also offered advice for hassle-free travel, such as using packing cubes to maximise luggage space, storing underwear in shoes, and purchasing toiletries in duty-free. She further suggested passengers bring their own anti-bacterial wipes, highlighting one area of the plane as being particularly “germ-ridden”, reports the Mirror.
Jane reveals that tray tables often miss a thorough cleaning between flights, making them “more germ-ridden than the toilets”. She recounts witnessing a passenger changing a baby’s nappy right on the tray during a flight.
The seatback pockets are no stranger to germs either, Jane describes them as “tricky to clean” and notes they frequently contain remnants like half-eaten food, sick bags, and used tissues left by previous flyers.
For those who prioritise cleanliness, Jane advises booking the first flight in the morning. This is when the plane is likely to be at its cleanest, having undergone a deep clean overnight, ensuring “everything sparkling”.
Lastly, Jane offers a cautionary note to any passengers contemplating amorous activities at altitude. Although she hasn’t caught anyone trying to join the “mile high club,” she warns that the lavatories on planes are “not the cleanest”.