A former flight attendant has revealed that there is one thing you can do at the boarding gate that will seriously increase your chances of getting a free upgrade
A flight attendant has revealed that a simple Swiss chocolate bar could be your golden ticket to complimentary coffee and tea on board.
The age-old enigma of securing a free upgrade on a flight remains as elusive as ever, with many travellers scratching their heads over the secret formula. TikTok’s very own cabin crew member, @cierra_mistt, shared her insider knowledge, claiming there’s a straightforward strategy that often pays off.
“One of the easiest ways to get a free upgrade is literally just being nice to your gate agent and flight attendant,” she divulged in one of her popular clips. But if kindness alone doesn’t do the trick, she suggests sweetening the deal with some confectionery.
She elaborated: “The miracles we can work when we are given some Starbucks or a pack of chocolate. Especially on those long days when we have back-to-back flights and we don’t even have time to go get some food.”
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Indeed, gifting treats such as sweets, chocolates, or even a takeaway coffee to the entire crew can significantly enhance your chances of receiving preferential treatment during your journey. While it may seem peculiar to approach the boarding gate laden with goodies, Cierra assures that this tactic is commonly employed by ex-cabin crew seeking upgrades on other airlines.
Fellow flight attendant Miguel Muñoz concurred, expressing his fondness for passengers who bring gifts like “Toblerone or Cadbury Dairy Milk Buttons” from the airport shops.
“I am automatically nicer to the person who had that nice gesture,” he added, highlighting the power of a thoughtful offering. The cabin chief would always offer them free coffee and tea and if there are better seats available, we will move them!”.
Ex-air hostess Helena Afroughi confirmed to the Express that this remains one of the most effective methods for securing aircraft upgrades.
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She revealed: “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. Usually, people do it as a thank you but I’ve seen it more with people that have family working as crew too so they appreciate the crew more.”
Helena detailed just how meaningful these thoughtful acts can be for cabin staff.
“I had this very young kid once, who came and brought us little gifts from Bath and Body Works – a shop in the US – he bought us mini hand sanitisers… It was the cutest thing ever,” she recalled.
The crew member urged travellers not to hesitate in approaching the cabin team for a friendly chat.