For most people, flying is a luxury experience that doesn’t happen often. After all, travel is not a regular occurrence for many, and airplane tickets can be expensive. If you could upgrade from economy class to business class or first class, that would be an even better experience. Despite various methods to obtain an upgrade, a flight attendant has revealed that bargaining with the crew members is completely ineffective.
According to a report by the New York Post, Barbara Bacilieri, a flight attendant with 15 years of experience, has seen all kinds of passengers trying to upgrade to a higher class. However, whether it’s bribing the flight attendants or claiming to be on a honeymoon, these tactics simply do not work.
In a previous interview with the media platform Creatizine, she said, “Flight attendants often see passengers trying these tricks… but none of them work.”
This seasoned flight attendant explains that in most cases, the upgrade decisions are made by the airline several hours before you board. When you ask the flight attendant about upgrades, the decision of who gets an upgrade has already been determined, and they simply follow the list provided by the airline.
She elaborated that this list primarily depends on the frequent flyer status of passengers, as higher-level members usually have priority.
However, regardless of your status, there are still some practical tips that might help you increase your chances of getting an upgrade.
Bacilieri advises passengers to check in online as soon as it opens, rather than waiting until the day of travel. In many airlines, if two passengers have the same status, the one who checks in first may have a better chance of getting an upgrade.
She also mentioned that solo travelers have a higher chance of getting an upgrade, as “adjusting one passenger’s seat is much easier than accommodating a family.”
While passengers’ attire typically does not affect seating arrangements, Bacilieri noted that dressing appropriately can sometimes provide an advantage.
She explained, “Although decent clothing won’t give you priority on the standby list, being overly casual in dress might have a negative impact. You don’t have to wear a suit, but maintaining a neat appearance can help you avoid being overlooked.”
This statement is not particularly surprising, considering airlines have their dress codes and the right to refuse boarding to passengers with inappropriate attire. For instance, passengers wearing overly revealing or clothing with offensive language, or attire that makes others uncomfortable, may be denied boarding.
Recently, a fitness influencer named Edda Elisa was denied boarding on a Lufthansa flight, operated by German airline Lufthansa, due to wearing “revealing” clothing.
A spokesperson for the company stated that passengers’ attire must “meet the appropriate standards for public travel occasions.”
Travel experts from Forbes Advisor previously stated that if you want an upgrade, your attire cannot be too casual.
Experts mentioned, “While wearing the best clothes does not guarantee an upgrade, dressing appropriately will certainly increase your chances of being selected.”