A former flight attendant who has clocked up thousands of flights during her career has shared a tip on what not to say if you're hoping for a free upgrade. Jane Hawkes, 48, first took to the skies as a cabin crew member in her twenties. Since then, she's travelled the globe and transitioned into a consumer expert role, offering advice on how to make travel hassle-free.

One question always pops up when people discover Jane's profession - how can they experience luxury travel on a budget? One method she suggests is attempting to secure 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.

", reports the Mirror . How to travel on a budget is a popular question for flight attendants (stock) (Image: No credit) Read More Related Articles 'I'm a travel pro – Airbnb numbers hack can save you hundreds on next holiday' Read More Related Articles Flight attendant reveals wearing one thing can help fight jet lag "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 some practical tips for stress-free travel, such as using packing cubes to maximise luggage space, stuffing underwear into shoes, and purchasing toiletries in dut.