Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Record
Daily Record
Lifestyle
Andrea Blazquez & Lucy Farrell

Flight attendant explains 'how to ask' for free a upgrade and better seats

Most people dream of heading to first class when they board their flight.

While the idea of taking a first class seat remains a fantasy for most, there are still ways travellers can have a better flight.

Speaking to the Express, Flight attendant Miguel Muñoz revealed the best ways to get free plane upgrades - including better seats.

For him, it is all about 'trust' between attendant and passenger.

"Sometimes people come to me asking for an orange juice or a snack because they say they are dizzy or have low blood sugar. We [the crew] automatically think they are lying just to get something for free. And probably some people lie," he explained.

He continued: "But I always think if you're lying karma will come back for sure. But if they are not lying and I don't give them anything it's even worse.

"I have to, just in case. On the plane, the crew is in charge of helping passengers, so we have to trust them really," he explained.

Miguel said this is actually a very good trick to get free stuff on the plane, as flight attendants can't question a passenger's request when claiming they feel unwell.

However, the crew member said it also depends on "how you ask".

He explained how: "Most airlines don't give anything for free, not even water, so when passengers come saying they are very thirsty, they need to take medication or they just ask for a glass of water, I officially have to say no.

It's all about 'trust' between attendant and passenger (Getty Images)

"First, I always tell them that we sell bottles of water. I'd normally give it for free but it all depends on how you ask really.

"For example, if after I say we charge for water they [passengers] get all upset saying things like 'but the law says you have to give me free water' or ' it's a human right' automatically I'm not going to give them any.

"Now, if you say you don't feel well or you ask very nicely then definitely I will be giving that to you," he said.

In terms of upgrades, Miguel said "it's about being nice and honest" and explained what passengers should and shouldn't say to get better seats on board.

The flight attendant explained: "If passengers come to me and say they need more space for some reason I move them to the overwings [seats by the emergency exit with extra legroom].

"But you have to be careful with what you say! Because if you say you have a bad knee, for example, I have to be careful with these people as passengers seating by emergency exits are the ones who have to assist the crew in case of an emergency.

"If you can't operate the emergency exit because you have a bag knee I can't move you to the overwings. So it won't work."

So what should passengers say to be moved to the emergency exit row?

Miguel said: "My advice is to be honest, don't try to be dramatic. If it's true that you have a bad leg, fair enough (although you won't be seating in the overwings!). But don't lie about it because probably you don't know it but it won't benefit you.

"The other day a passenger said he had hip pain and he wanted to have extra legroom.

"Unfortunately, because of that, I couldn't move him to the emergency exit but I moved him to the last row which was completely empty.

"Just be honest. If you don't have any pain, simply say 'Hey if you guys had any seats available in the emergency exit row could you let me know?' and I will," he suggested.

Miguel added: "This is the trick: make it easy for the crew. Maybe say 'Listen if you don't mind me seating in the overwings if there is space available, I have been seated there before, I know how it works, I'm happy seating there', then I know that person is comfortable seating there, operating the exit, knows that everything needs to be placed in the overhead compartment etc.

"So make it easier for the crew, basically.

"And of course, when we have passengers who are very tall and need more space or people who nicely ask for it because they just want to be more comfortable. If the seats are free, I definitely move them."

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.