When heading off on holiday the flight can be either fun or exhausting. A seat in business class, or even premium economy, can make all the difference thanks to wider seats, room to stretch out and better food and drink.
But, for many during the cost-of-living crisis it’s simply an extra expense that many cannot afford. After all, even a holiday abroad is a luxury right now for many Brits.
Well, for those who can’t splash the cash but are still desperate for a more luxurious treatment one flight attendant claims there’s a trick to getting a free upgrade. He says that one item from Duty Free always makes him feel generous towards a passenger.
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Flight attendant Miguel Muñoz told Express.co.uk that he will always upgrade or give better treatment to those passengers who bring “Toblerone or Cadbury Dairy Milk Buttons” from the terminal.
He explained: “I am automatically nicer to the person who had that nice gesture. The cabin chief would always offer them free coffee and tea and if there are better seats available, we will move them!”
Miguel’s not the only member of cabin crew to have shared some of the tricks you can use to bag better seats and perks.
Helena Afroughi previously explained that snacks are the best way to get on your crew’s good side. She said: “What always works is when people bring some sweets to the crew, chocolates or whatever. And they make themselves known, don’t just give it and run away.
Meanwhile, a holidaymaker on Reddit suggested that a gift card to a coffee shop might work even better. They said: “You will get more people that appreciate it than you will that won’t appreciate it. I totally support the Starbucks gift card idea. I’ve always got special treatment when I’ve done that when flying for leisure. I always suggest it to my friends when they fly.”
However, you should be aware that this won’t work every time – it’s never guaranteed. For one, not every flight attendant is allowed to give out free upgrades.
Plus, if premium economy or business are both fully booked up then there’s not much the crew can do. They might give you some extra snacks or drinks instead, but again it depends on their airline’s policy.
Still, you may well get helped more than if you go completely without. Flight attendants are more likely to come when you buzz them and may be more helpful if you need to move seats or ask for a blanket from first class!
Another Reddit user explained: “Bring a small gift for the flight attendants. Chocolate, donuts, Starbucks gift cards. They will spoil you with snacks and drinks all flight long. If you’re in economy, you might get a first class meal, free snacks that are usually purchased, free alcoholic drinks, etc. It’s absolutely worth it.”
However, always remember that such perks and upgrades are not to be expected just because you brought a gift. If the crew doesn’t do anything special don’t complain or get angry – you took a risk and it may not have paid off.