Flight Attendant reveals the three ways passengers can get FREE upgrades to first class – and why where you sit helps

The secret to a free upgrade is the big unanswered question for all travelers.

Luckily for those who dream of turning left, a flight attendant has revealed three ways customers can score a free upgrade to the first class cabin.

Cierra Mist, who posts videos about her life as a flight attendant on TikTok, gave viewers some practical advice on how they might be able to pull off an upgrade.

Sharing her first tip, she shared that the simple gesture of being friendly to your gate agent or flight attendant could land you a golden ticket to a more luxurious part of the plane.

Flight attendant Cierra Mist, who posts videos on TikTok about her life as a flight attendant, gave viewers some practical advice on how they might be able to upgrade

She said: “Getting a few Starbucks or a bag of chocolate can do wonders when we haven't even had time to stop for something to eat due to work on back-to-back flights.”

Moving on to her second tip, Cierra shared one that may be out of your control but could still be achievable.

Cierra said, “Another common method is that we move people to the front of the plane when the flight is not full to make sure the plane is balanced.”

This means that if you sit at the back of the plane in a heavily booked area, you might get lucky and be asked to move to the front of the plane to first class.

Cierra shared her third and final tip on Instagram, saying that depending on your job, you might get lucky with an upgrade.

She commented: “If you are what we call a 'disabled person', such as a doctor, nurse, firefighter or police officer – basically anyone who can respond to help the cabin crew – then you can may receive a free upgrade if…” You will let the staff know how you can assist with boarding if needed.

“Even if we can't upgrade you to first class, we will always try to move you to an emergency exit row where you have more legroom so you can respond more quickly if we need your help in an emergency.”

In response to the video, users expressed mixed opinions about her recommendations, with some wanting to take them up and others seeming to value the advice more.

In response to the video, users expressed mixed opinions about her recommendations, with some wanting to take them up and others seeming to value the advice more

They wrote: “If you're going to buy Starbucks at the airport for all employees, you might as well just buy the first class ticket, it's the same price.”

“I hope I’m not being moved for “weight and balance” reasons.”

“As a gate agent, we do not do free upgrades, and when we do, it is staff first, then in order by status.”

“You can bring me Starbucks, but you won't get a first class seat. “It's not allowed and someone is constantly watching you.”