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Flight attendant reveals the one reason that means you'll never get a free upgrade

Home> Lifestyle> Travel

Published 15:46 25 Apr 2024 GMT+1

Flight attendant reveals the one reason that means you'll never get a free upgrade

Sadly, it's never going to happen for so many of us

Tom Earnshaw

Tom Earnshaw

We've all dreamt it, the moment a flight attendant tells you your flight has been overbooked and asks if you'd like a free upgrade to first or business class.

Sadly, it's a fairytale for many, with the vast majority of us travelling economy whether that's with Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, or TUI.

It's a simple necessity for millions, given how expensive it is to up your flight package. For many, travelling in the skies is now a case of simply getting from A to B for as little money as possible.

But don't let go of those free upgrade dreams just yet, with fresh advice dropping on the best ways to make sure you secure it if the opportunity arises.

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And that includes what'll make sure you never get that freebie at 30,000 feet.

Mandy Smith worked as a flight attendant for Richard Branson's Virgin Atlantic for 12 years, journeying on hundreds of planes as part of her career in the skies.

This week, she sat down with LADbible TV to answer questions as part of the latest episode of Honesty Box.

She gave some rather revealing answers while also shedding the light on what the infamous mile high club is like in reality.

A first class flight. (GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP via Getty Images)
A first class flight. (GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP via Getty Images)

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When asked on if people can actually get free upgrades, Mandy said: "Oh my god, if I could tell you how many times I've been asked this, it's hilarious."

But it does happen and the main way to get it is to present yourself well to the cabin crew.

We're talking dressing well. So say goodbye to those comfy joggers for your 6am take off.

Another essential reason that'll see you upgraded - or, rather not - comes down to kids. You're simply not getting that premium ticket if you've got them.

"Dress well, and dress for the cabin that you want to be in, and don't have children because they will never upgrade children, ever," Mandy said.

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Former Virgin Atlantic flight attendant, Mandy Smith. (LADbible TV)
Former Virgin Atlantic flight attendant, Mandy Smith. (LADbible TV)

"And be polite, and be nice, don't shout at anyone, because negative behaviour is not rewarded.

"They would never put a child in upper class or in premium economy, because then the children usually disturb the other passengers. So, that's why you would never get upgraded with children."

On top of that, the rather boring reality of the situation is that very little in this modern age is free. The chances are it just won't happen anymore, Mandy says.

She explained: "If there were any spare seats, they would usually go first to the people on standby.

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"I know that sounds really strange because you would give free seats to your staff rather than your passengers.

"But they really like people to pay for what they're getting, so, they try not to upgrade people for free if they can, sorry."

Featured Image Credit: LADbible TV / Getty Stock Image

Topics: Holiday, Plane Etiquette, Travel, UK News, World News

Tom Earnshaw
Tom Earnshaw

Tom joined LADbible Group in 2024, currently working as SEO Lead across all brands including LADbible, UNILAD, SPORTbible, Tyla, UNILAD Tech, and GAMINGbible. He moved to the company from Reach plc where he enjoyed spells as a content editor and senior reporter for one of the country's most-read local news brands, LancsLive. When he's not in work, Tom spends his adult life as a suffering Manchester United supporter after a childhood filled with trebles and Premier League titles. You can't have it all forever, I suppose.

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@TREarnshaw

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