I heard a rumour that if you buy a couple of bottles of wine in duty free and give them to the air host or hostess looking after you on a flight you can often get upgraded... is there any truth in this? Many thanks
Hi, I was a flight attendant for 19 years. In many airlines now, upgrades are authorised by systems on the ground, and priority is given to passengers of commercial importance. Flight Attendants have no authority to upgrade. Also, flight attendants have no problem sourcing their own alcohol from duty free outlets in their travels, and aren't going to be interested in yours.
So, don't do it! I have better advice for you here: https://earthlingtravels.com/2016/09/04/how-to-score-an-airline-upgrade/
1. It's a proven fact that all air host/esses are human beings. Treating them as such will make both, them AND you feel much better all along the flight (a kind 'hello, how are you' + a smile from PASSENGER's part will work wonders).
2. A kind gesture is a kind gesture as long as it remains within reasonable proportions. Throwing a couple of wine bottles into their lap would look 'a little' weird (+ it might cost you more than the goodies you expect to buy by such a gesture...).
3. However... as it was suggested by others here... a variety of chocolates bought at duty free followed by: 'here's something to make your flight sweeter' may work wonders. Not because it's a bribe but because it is a nice, human, friendly gesture.
4. As a tour leader I find myself flying time and again with same staff. The basic idea is: 'Why don't we all make the best of this experience?'. Once you arrive to the airport with THIS attitude - the whole 'chain' will treat you MUCH nicer. Help THEM have a best shift - they'll make YOU have a best flight experience. NOBODY will abuse their position for a bottle of wine. Almost everybody will react friendly to a friendly gesture...
Smile - the whole world will smile with you :-) Frown - and you're alone....
Well Gregg,
That's a new one on me!
In short, don't count on it. There are several reasons I say this.
Now, I'm not saying that shouldn't make some gesture to help your cause along. What I've found most effective (for a pleasant journey, even if there is no upgrade involved) is, when you enter the plane,
Many flight attendants have said to me that few things leaves them more peeved then people walking by them as if they don't exist, or aren't worth the time to acknowledge.
So, good luck, Gregg! Let us know how you make out.
Happy Travels!
By the way, I wouldn't mind hearing from flight attendants on this issue.
My husband flies worldwide and frequently buys in duty free. He has never received an upgrade for that.
I seriously doubt it. Bribery is typically frowned upon in the airline industry.
I'd say no. It would be nice if it was that easy though!
I always use a box of truffles (chocolate) but it hasn't worked yet. If the plane is full it is full
No chance in hell. The last person they would ever want to give an upgrade is some potential boozer, so arriving with bottles of booze is a big no no.
Best thing is to look like someone who the other business class passengers would not mind sitting next to and some frequent flier status really helps too.