Bribe us! Flight attendants from BA, easyJet and more share 10 top travel hacks, from giving gifts to get ahead to why you should pack a Pot Noodle (and why booking seats in row 11 is a no-no)

By Laura Sharman

Published: | Updated:

'There’s no harm in being a suck-up now and again.'

Many flight attendants, whether they admit it or not, have favourite passengers on a flight... and you probably want to be one. Because there could be a free bottle of bubbly in it.

This intel nugget was revealed in a survey by Velloy, a private travel club, in which cabin crew from leading airlines were asked for their top flight hacks.

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 issue advice on sock etiquette and decant hand-luggage tips. Scroll down for all 10 revelations.

1. Avoid mid-flight toilet trips in your socks

One flight attendant advises avoiding the toilet without shoes on as 'nine out of ten times it's not water on the floor'

One flight attendant advises avoiding the toilet without shoes on as 'nine out of ten times it's not water on the floor'

Tara, a short-haul flight attendant at Tui, told Velloy that her 'number one tip' is to not go into the toilet without shoes on.

'Nine out of ten times it’s not water on the floor, so you probably want to avoid taking a trip to the toilet in socks or bare feet,' she added.

2. Never eat directly off the tray table

'Whether you’re eating an in-flight meal or having a mid-flight snack, never eat directly off the tray table,' an easyJet employee told Velloy.

'Attendants see so many people lay down their heads, change their babies' nappies, and even have their feet on the tray tables.'

3. Travel off-peak and you may receive a perk

Flying during off-peak times could improve your chances of receiving an upgrade. Pictured: A British Airways first-class cabin

Flying during off-peak times could improve your chances of receiving an upgrade. Pictured: A British Airways first-class cabin

Choosing to fly at less busy times, like the middle of the week, could improve your chances of receiving an upgrade, according to attendants.

'With fewer passengers, there's less competition for premium seats, increasing the likelihood that airlines will offer free upgrades,' Velloy revealed.

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 are 'guaranteed' to be the last one off if passengers are disembarking from the front and back.

'If you sit in the middle, especially on your way home, we are much more likely to have sold out of whatever it is you want 

'Seats 11A and 11F, specifically, are no-goes, as they are most likely to be window-seated, meaning it will take longer for you to de-board once you arrive at your destination,' Velloy added.

Tara, from Tui, told the firm: 'If you are planning on getting a drink or snack from the bar onboard a short to medium-haul flight, then sitting towards the front or toward the back is 100 per cent the way to go.

'If you sit in the middle, especially on your way home, we are much more likely to have sold out of whatever it is you want because we always start at the front and back and work towards the middle.'

5. Don't be afraid to ask for an upgrade 

A British Airways flight attendant recommends asking about upgrades at the check-in desk

A British Airways flight attendant recommends asking about upgrades at the check-in desk

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] desk.

'Us flight attendants have no control,' they added. 'The people checking you in are the ones who can see the space's availability and have all the control. Even if there’s not a free upgrade, they may be able to get you a discounted rate.'

Another attendant, from Virgin Atlantic, commented: '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 or 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.'

'If the economy class is full and there are available seats in a higher class, airlines might opt to upgrade the last few passengers 

6. Be the first or last to ask for an upgrade at check-in

If you are going to ask for an upgrade, try to be either the first or the last one to do so, according to Velloy. 

Flight attendants revealed that those who check-in when the service becomes available 'will increase their chances of being first in line for an upgrade, as seat assignments have not been finalised yet'.

However, checking in at the last minute can also work in your favour.

One flight attendant said: 'If the economy class is full and there are available seats in a higher class, airlines might opt to upgrade the last few passengers instead of transferring them to a different flight.'

7. Ditch your partner and family when asking for an upgrade

Passengers who get upgraded are upgraded alone due to limited seats, said flight attendants

Passengers who get upgraded are upgraded alone due to limited seats, said flight attendants

More commonly than not, those who get upgraded are alone as there are not a lot of seats available next to each other, flight attendants told Velloy.

A long-haul Virgin Atlantic employee said: 'If you’re travelling in a couple you’ve got more of a chance of both being bumped, however, there’s still the likelihood you won’t be sitting together once your seat has been moved.'

8. Bribe the flight attendants

This isn’t a guaranteed entry into first class but little niceties go a long way, according to one anonymous UK long-haul flight attendant.

'There’s no harm in being a suck-up now and again,' they said.

'Many flight attendants, whether they admit it or not, have favourites on a flight, and you probably want to be one.

'Although nothing is guaranteed and we aren’t the ones with the keys to a flight class upgrade, if you're a "favourite" you may be a shoo-in for a free bottle of bubbly or moved to a seat with extra legroom.'

The attendant adds: 'Whether you opt for an overly friendly hello and chat, or go as far as bringing us a sweet treat or thank you present, you will quickly become our favourite passenger on board.'

9. Put your handbag into a rucksack

Take advantage of your carry-on limits and switch out your handbag for a rucksack, one flight attendant suggests

Take advantage of your carry-on limits and switch out your handbag for a rucksack, one flight attendant suggests

Sometimes 20kg is not enough for a holiday but heed the advice of cabin crew and don’t be afraid to push your carry-on limit, which often includes one small bag free of charge.

An easyJet stewardess said: 'If you’re looking for smart ways to up your baggage allowance, switch out your handbag for a rucksack or at least a large tote bag.

'By doing so you’ll have enough room in your normal bag, along with much more, whether that’s extra clothes or snacks for the flight.'

10. Bring a Pot Noodle

One Virgin Atlantic employee recommends bringing a sealed 'just add water' meal such as 'a Pot Noodle or Pasta 'n' Sauce in your hand luggage' as an in-flight snack. 

'By bringing your own instant meal, it’s assured that you can have a warm meal that you’ll like mid-flight and that suits your dietary requirements,' they said.

Passengers can ask a member of the onboard staff to fill the instant meal with boiling water, they added.

'Another great thing about this hack is that Pot Noodles are cheap and will cost far less than all the snacks you could buy in the terminal.'

All flight attendant interviewees still work in the industry and have asked to remain anonymous.

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