Dreaming of soaring through the skies in the lap of luxury? One travel expert has just shared a golden tip that could see you sipping champagne in first class sooner than you think.
While many hopeful flyers try to charm their way into an upgrade with smart clothes and sweet smiles, these tactics often fall flat. Ahead of the 2025 travel season a British Airways flight attendant has spilled the beans on where to direct your upgrade requests for real results.
Speaking to the Velloy website, the insider said: "Us flight attendants have no control. The people checking you in are the ones who can see the space's available and have all the control. Even if there's not a free upgrade they may be able to get you a discounted rate."
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Echoing this advice, a Virgin Atlantic crew member also suggested: "If you're scared to ask, it's always worth checking your flight online before you head to check-in. A quick airline search can tell you if business/first class has already sold out, so you know not to ask. That being said, don't rely on this solely as people always forget to turn up."
Timing can be a game changer when you're gunning for an upgrade, with better chances of snagging those coveted better seats if you arrive early at the gate, reports the Mirror.
Choosing to fly during quieter periods could equally boost your odds of lounging in luxury, as there will be less fellow flyers competing to receive a free upgrade.
An unnamed cabin crew member also let slip that: "Sometimes with upgrades, it's all about the early bird getting the worm - so it can be worth checking in as soon as you can before you fly. But this isn't always the case."
A Virgin Atlantic veteran added their two cents, noting that pairs traveling together may have a higher chance of being upgraded together, though sitting side by side is not guaranteed post-move. But it's not just about timing and luck; passengers should also be proactive.
Despite airlines filling up premium seats via apps and loyalty programs, last-minute dropouts could open unexpected opportunities. Echoing this sentiment, a British Airways flight attendant put it clearly: "If you don't ask, you don't get."
