'I was a flight attendant - there's one thing to avoid saying if you want an upgrade'

A former flight attendant has shared a crucial tip for those hoping to secure a free upgrade. Janes Hawkes, 48, racked up thousands of journeys in her time on the cabin crew. She started in her 20s before transitioning into a consumer expert, advising people on how to make travel more enjoyable.

The burning question everyone asks when they discover Jane's profession is how to experience luxury travel on a shoestring budget. One method she suggests is attempting to bag a complimentary upgrade. In an article for Woman's Own, Jane advised: "Subtlety is key, so never use the word 'upgrade' because it sounds desperate.

Instead, mention to check-in staff if it's a special occasion and they may move you to a higher class if there's space, or at least give you a complimentary drink." "If you're travelling alone, you're more likely to be upgraded, and people who dress in smart-casual clothes have the edge over those in jeans." Jane also offered advice for hassle-free travel, such as using packing cubes to maximise luggage space, storing underwear in shoes, and purchasing toiletries in duty-free.

She further suggested passengers bring their own anti-bacterial wipes, highlighting one area of the plane as being particularly "germ-ridden", reports the Mirror . Jane reveals that tray tables often miss a thorough cleaning between flights, making them "more germ-ridden than the toilets". She recounts witnessing a passenger changing a baby's nappy right on the tray during a flight.

The seatba.