Social media is brimming with various travel hacks and tips, but not all of the cheeky suggestions are recommended.
A passenger went viral on TikTok recently with his advice on how to get a ‘free upgrade’ on a flight.
Content creator Henry Wade, @henryjwade, shared a video on the popular app and filmed himself walking through an airport, demonstrating his ‘hack’.
‘Start by picking up some snacks or a small gift, just a little something to make a big impact,’ Henry explained, as the camera panned to him purchasing treats.
‘Easy bit is done, now you’ve got to make sure you board last and then as soon as you get to the gate and approach the cabin crew, pass them over the goods and just be super nice to them, show them charisma, show them some charm, show them a bit of banter,’ he went on.
‘And then, just wait for the magic to happen,’ the TikToker added.
By the end of the video, Henry had secured an entire row of seats to himself, some snacks and a glass of champagne with his kind gesture.
However, the tip has divided some. Travel expert Amanda Parker from Netflights advised it may not actually be so effective.
Content creator Henry Wade shared a video on TikTok and filmed himself walking through an airport, demonstrating his ‘hack’
By the end of the video, Henry had secured an entire row of seats to himself, some snacks and a glass of champagne with his kind gesture of treats for the crew members
‘Kindness will always be appreciated by airline staff, so small gestures like snacks or gifts won’t go unnoticed,’ Amanda said.
She added: ‘However, the chances of receiving a complimentary upgrade just by handing over a box of chocolates might be slim.’
The expert explained how upgrades are determined, and that even with some treats there might not always be availability.
Amanda elaborated: ‘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&M’s!’
Other recommendations might have a higher success rate, like joining loyalty programmes with airlines or travelling in off-peak.
Simple things such as being polite to flight attendants and crew are always appreciated too.
However, the tip has divided some and travel expert Amanda Parker from Netflights advised it may not actually be so effective (stock image)
The expert explained how upgrades are determined, and that even with some treats there might not always be availability (stock image)
Henry’s video received a mixed response and one viewer claimed: ‘As ex cabin crew I can confirm this works.’
While someone else quipped: ‘Tried this. They took my snacks and said have a nice flight.’
‘As a cabin crew unfortunately it don’t work,’ another chimed in.
‘I asked once during check in and they upgraded me to business,’ one person shared.
