A woman has taken to TikTok to share the secret to being upgraded to first class on a flight, and the video has gone viral with 2.7 million views.
The clip, which was shared by Ceara Kirkpatrick, starts by her revealing that she recently befriended a flight attendant.
During a long car journey that the two shared she decided to take the opportunity to ask him some questions about airline travel.
Kirkpatrick says: “I was like, ‘What are the tips, what are the tricks, what is the insider scoop?'”
She then explained that he told her: “You need to look nice on every single flight. When you check in they will literally mark you as suitable for upgrade if you look nice, and only if you look nice.
“So, if you’re dressed in sweats and you look like a piece of garbage, like how I usually fly, you’ll never get an upgrade. He said sometimes they’ll upgrade you regardless of status, even if you’ve never flown this airline before, just because you look nice.”
Kirkpatrick’s tip, which can be viewed here, has gained lots of traction online since it was posted on December 3, having gained more than 314,400 likes.
More than 1,000 people also headed to the comments section to share their thoughts on the video’s content.
One TikTok user called Lauren Story implied she worked at an airline, writing: “Yes absolutely! I’ve upgraded people because they say hello and acknowledge me when they get on, and they look nice and put together! It matters!!”
Another person, Jessica, added: “If you give the flight attendants gifts (candy, Starbucks gc, lotion, sanitizer, etc) They will look out for you!! Works best on long flights.”
Sarahbsweatman shared: “I think it depends on the airline!! I know for delta it sorely depends on status 100 percent.”
Maimiti Ho revealed: “Looking nice is the key to being able to BE upgraded. I work in the airlines. You can politely ask for one, sometimes a small gift helps too.”
Claudia joked: “Imagine you wear heels and your nicest coat but they don’t upgrade you so you’re looking bougie in the back of the plane by the bathroom lol.”
Samantha explained: “How to be a good passenger: wear your mask and listen to announcements.”
De commented: “‘Only dress nice’ is not true. I get upgraded on almost every flight wearing leggings & hoodie. Be part of their rewards programs, that’s the key.”
However, Mercedes admitted: “Lol I was a gate agent for a year (the ones who actually do upgrades) and there’s a small amount of truth to this but entirely changes based off of each individual/worker. “
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