“There’s nothing wrong with being a flatterer from time to time.”
Many flight attendants, whether they admit it or not, have favorite passengers on a flight… and you probably want to be one of them, because there could be a free bottle of champagne on the flight.
This information was revealed in a survey conducted by Velloy Velloya private travel club in which cabin crews from major airlines were asked to share their best flying tricks.
Staff from British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, TUI and easyJet also revealed why you should never book a seat in row 11 and why you should bring a Pot Noodle with you.
Plus, they offer tips on how to pack socks and how to carry on luggage. Scroll down to see all 10 revelations.
1. Avoid going to the bathroom in socks during the flight
A flight attendant advises avoiding going to the bathroom without shoes because “nine times out of ten there is no water on the floor.”
Tara, a short-haul flight attendant at Tui, told Velloy that her “number one tip” is to never go to the bathroom without shoes on.
“Nine times out of ten it’s not water on the floor, so you probably want to avoid going to the bathroom in socks or bare feet,” he added.
2. Never eat directly from the tray.
“Whether you eat a meal on board or a snack during the flight, never eat directly from the tray,” an easyJet employee told Velloy.
‘Attendees see many people laying their heads down, changing their babies’ diapers and even putting their feet up on the trays.’
3. Travel outside of peak season and you could receive a benefit
Flying during off-peak hours could increase your chances of receiving an upgrade. Pictured: British Airways first class cabin
According to flight attendants, choosing to fly during less busy times, such as midweek, could improve your chances of receiving an upgrade.
“With fewer passengers, there is less competition for premium seats, which increases the likelihood that airlines will offer free upgrades,” Velloy said.
4. The worst seats to book on a flight
The worst seats, according to cabin crew, are in row 11, which tends to be the middle row on a plane, meaning you’re “guaranteed” to be the last to get off if passengers disembark from the front and back.
‘If you sit in the middle, especially on your way home, it’s much more likely that we’ve sold out of everything you want.
“Seats 11A and 11F, specifically, are not recommended as they are more likely to be located by the window, meaning it will take you longer to disembark once you arrive at your destination,” Velloy added.
Tara from Tui told the company: ‘If you’re planning to have a drink or snack at the bar on board a short or medium-haul flight, sitting at the front or back is by far the best option.
“If you sit in the middle, especially on the way home, you’re much more likely to have sold everything you wanted because we always start at the front and back and work toward the middle.”
5. Don’t be afraid to ask for an improvement
British Airways flight attendant recommends asking about check-in improvements
When it comes to upgrades, one British Airways flight attendant said that “ultimately, if you don’t ask, you don’t get,” and that most crew members would recommend asking at the (check-in) counter.
“We, the flight attendants, have no control,” they added. “The people who check you in are the ones who can see the availability of space and have all the control. Even if there is no free upgrade, they may be able to get you a discounted rate.”
Another attendant, from Virgin Atlantic, commented: ‘If you’re afraid to ask, it’s always worth checking your flight online before heading to check-in.
“A quick search of airlines can tell you if business or first class seats are already sold out, so don’t ask. That said, don’t rely on this alone, as people always forget to show up.”
‘If economy class is full and there are seats available in a higher class, airlines may choose to upgrade the last passengers.
6. Be the first or last to request an upgrade at check-in
If you’re going to ask for an upgrade, try to be the first or last to do so, according to Velloy.
Flight attendants revealed that those who Checking in when the service is available “will increase your chances of being first in line for an upgrade, as seat assignments have not yet been finalized.”
However, registering at the last minute can also work in your favor.
A flight attendant said: “If economy class is full and there are seats available in a higher class, airlines might choose to upgrade the last passengers rather than transfer them to a different flight.”
7Forget about your partner and family when you ask for an upgrade
Passengers who get upgraded are doing so alone because of limited seating, flight attendants said.
More often than not, those who get upgraded are alone, as there aren’t many seats available next to each other, flight attendants told Velloy.
A Virgin Atlantic long-haul employee said: “If you’re travelling as a couple you’re more likely to both be moved, however there’s still a chance you won’t sit together once your seat has been moved.”
8. Bribing flight attendants
According to an anonymous long-haul flight attendant from the UK, it’s not a guaranteed first class ticket, but the little things go a long way.
“There’s nothing wrong with being a sycophant from time to time,” they said.
‘Many flight attendants, whether they admit it or not, have favorites on the flight, and you probably want to be one of them.
‘Although nothing is guaranteed and we don’t hold the keys to a flight class upgrade, if you are a “favorite” you may be entitled to a free bottle of champagne or a seat with extra legroom.’
The attendant adds: ‘Whether you opt for an overly friendly greeting and chat or go so far as to bring us a sweet treat or a thank you gift, you will quickly become our favourite passenger on board.’
9. Put your bag inside a backpack
Take advantage of your carry-on luggage limits and swap your handbag for a backpack, a flight attendant suggests
Sometimes 20kg isn’t enough for a holiday, but follow the advice of the cabin crew and don’t be afraid to go over your hand luggage limit, which often includes a small free bag.
An EasyJet flight attendant said: “If you’re looking for clever ways to increase your baggage allowance, Swap your purse for a backpack or at least a large handbag.
This way, you’ll have enough space in your regular luggage and plenty more, whether it’s extra clothes or snacks for the flight.
10. Bring a pot of noodles
A Virgin Atlantic employee recommends carrying a sealed ‘just add water’ meal, such as ‘a Pot Noodle or Pasta ‘n’ Sauce in your carry-on’ as an in-flight snack.
“By bringing your own instant food, you can be sure that you can enjoy a hot meal that you’ll enjoy during your flight and that’s tailored to your dietary needs,” they said.
Passengers can ask a staff member on board to fill the instant food with boiling water, they added.
‘Another great advantage of this trick is that Pot Noodles are cheap and will cost much less than all the snacks you can buy in the terminal.’
All of the flight attendants interviewed still work in the industry and have asked to remain anonymous.