17 January 2023 , 11:18
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Tactically deploying a Swiss chocolate bar is the best way to get free coffee and tea, according to a flight attendant.
The mystery of how to get a free upgrade on a flight is as old as time, and remains largely confounding.
According to TikTok video creator and flight attendant, @cierra_mistt, there is a general rule of thumb that'll serve you in good stead.
"One of the easiest ways to get a free upgrade is literally just being nice to your gate agent and flight attendant," she explained in a recent video.
If general niceties don't quite cut the mustard however, then she recommends getting out the chocolate.
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The flight attendant recommends deploying the Toblerone (PA)She explained: "The miracles we can work when we are given some Starbucks or a pack of chocolate.
"Especially on those long days when we have back-to-back flights and we don't even have time to go get some food."
In fact, bringing sweets, chocolate or even a takeaway coffee to the whole crew is one of the most effective ways to get better treatment on board.
As odd as it may feel to arrive at the boarding gate with a bag crammed, Cierra insists it is a practice most former cabin crew members follow to get an upgrade in other airlines.
Flight attendant Miguel Muñoz agreed and said that he loves when passengers bring "Toblerone or Cadbury Dairy Milk Buttons" from the terminal.
"I am automatically nicer to the person who had that nice gesture," he continued.
"The cabin chief would always offer them free coffee and tea and if there are better seats available, we will move them!"
Former flight attendant Helena Afroughi told the Express that this is indeed one of the best ways to get upgrades on the plane.
Just be nice, one flight attendant recommended (Getty Images)She explained: "What always works is when people bring some sweets to the crew, chocolates or whatever. And they make themselves known, don't just give it and run away.
"Usually, people do it as a thank you but I've seen it more with people that have family working as crew too so they appreciate the crew more."
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Helena explained how much these small gestures can mean to crew members.
"I had this very young kid once, who came and brought us little gifts from Bath and Body Works - a shop in the US - he bought us mini hand sanitisers... It was the cutest thing ever," she said.
The crew member said passengers that shouldn't be afraid to approach the crew and talk to them for a bit.