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 20s. Since then she's travelled the globe and transitioned into a consumer expert role offering advice on how to make travel hassle-free.

However there's always one burning question people have when they discover Jane's profession – how to 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. 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", reports the Mirror . READ MORE: Met Office says change is on the way after warmest day of the year READ MORE: My legs stopped working after a car crash so I crawled up Yr Wyddfa 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 duty-free.

She also encourages passengers to bring their own anti-bacterial wipes highlighting that certain parts of an aircraft are partic.