Fancy a free upgrade on your flights this summer? It's no surprise that ‘free flight upgrades’ is TikTok trending this summer, and many jetsetters are keen to know how they can increase their chances of getting lucky.
One frequent flier has had over 2.5 million views, sharing his top tips to bag a free upgrade when you fly. He says: “A little charm and confidence go a long way” and advises picking up small gifts like chocolate at the airport and boarding the plane last.
"Hand the flight attendants the gifts, with added charisma, as you board, and wait for the magic of a free upgrade to happen."
On the post, he's not given an upgrade as such, but his seat is switched to an empty row and he receives free snacks and Champagne, presumably worth more than the value of the snacks.
@henryjwade A little charm & confidence goes a long way ✈️ 🌎 #upgrade #emirates #fly #businessclass #economy ♬ A Summer Place - Hollywood Strings Orchestra
Viewers seem impressed, with one comment saying: "as ex-cabin crew I can confirm this works".
But do these Tiktok free upgrade hacks actually work?
Amanda Parker at Netflights says: “The travel hack of buying flight attendants a gift, and sweet-talking them when boarding the plane has gone viral. Kindness will always be appreciated by airline staff, so small gestures like snacks or gifts won’t go unnoticed.
"However, the chances of receiving a complimentary upgrade just by handing over a box of chocolates might be slim.
"Free upgrades are usually determined by strict criteria, including frequent flyer status, ticket class, availability, and airline policies, unfortunately, not by last-minute sweet talk as you board the plane.
"The gift and sweet-talk hack may work, so it’s worth a try; but, we warn you not to get your hopes up, as these moments are the exception, not the rule. You may just strike lucky if your flight attendant likes chocolate M&Ms."
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3 ways to get a free flight upgrade or (free perks when flying)
1. Join loyalty programmes
Passengers are most likely to bag a free upgrade by taking advantage of frequent flyer initiatives. Airlines reward loyal and frequent customers, so take advantage of these deals. Even if you don’t fly frequently, some credit cards allow you to earn points that count towards upgrades. Over time, this can significantly boost your chances of an upgrade.
2. Travel in off-peak periods
You can increase your chances of upgrades and free perks when traveling in off-peak hours and days. Flights are quieter, so they tend to have more empty seats in Premium cabins, which can increase your chances of being upgraded. It’s advised to avoid flying in school holidays and Friday evenings or weekends. Midweek flights at midday are typically quieter flights!
3. Be polite and have good manners
Good manners won’t guarantee an upgrade, but they never hurt anyone. Always treat flight staff with respect, regardless of whether you want a free upgrade or not. Being kind can make you stand out, so a small gift like chocolates might be remembered, but even if it doesn’t come with a seat upgrade, it’s a gesture your flight attendant will appreciate.
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