Bribe Us! Flight attendants from BA, easyJet and more share 10 top travel tips, from giving gifts to get ahead to why you should pack a Pot Noodle (and why booking seats in row 11 is a no-no)

“It doesn’t hurt to be a slimeball every now and then.”

Many flight attendants, whether they admit it or not, have favorite passengers on a flight… and you probably want to be one. Because there could be a free bottle of bubbly in it.

This source of information was revealed in a survey by Velloy, a private travel club, in which cabin crew from major airlines were asked about their biggest airline tricks.

Staff from British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, TUI and easyJet also explained why you should never book a seat in row 11 and why you should take a Pot Noodle with you.

Plus, they offer advice on sock etiquette and decant carry-on tips. Scroll down for all 10 revelations.

1. Avoid visiting the toilet during the flight with your socks on

A flight attendant advises against going to the toilet without shoes on, because ‘nine times out of ten there is no water on the floor’

Tara, a flight attendant for Tui on short-haul flights, told Velloy that her “top tip” is not to go to the toilet without shoes.

“Nine times out of ten there is no water on the floor, so it is better not to go to the toilet in socks or bare feet,” she added.

2. Never eat directly from the tray table

“Whether you’re eating a meal on the plane or a snack, never eat straight from the table,” an easyJet employee told Velloy.

‘The nursing staff sees so many people putting their heads down, changing their babies’ diapers and even putting their feet up on the tables.’

3. Travel outside peak hours and possibly receive a discount

Flying during off-peak hours can increase your chances of an upgrade. Pictured: A British Airways first class cabin

Flight attendants say you increase your chances of an upgrade if you choose to fly during off-peak times, such as the middle of the week.

“When there are fewer passengers, there is less competition for premium seats, which makes it more likely that airlines will offer free upgrades,” Velloy said.

4. The Worst Seats to Book on a Flight

According to the cabin crew, the worst seats are row 11, which is usually the middle row of the plane. This means that you are ‘guaranteed’ to be the last to disembark if passengers disembark from the front or back of the plane.

“Seats 11A and 11F in particular are taboo, as they are usually located by the window. This means it takes longer to get off the plane once you have arrived at your destination,” Velloy said.

Tui’s Tara told the company: ‘If you plan to get a drink or snack from the bar on board a short to medium-haul flight, it’s best to sit at the front or back.

“If you’re in the middle, especially on the way back, there’s a much greater chance that we’re already sold out of whatever you want because we always start at the front and back and work our way to the middle.”

5. Don’t be afraid to ask for an upgrade

A British Airways flight attendant recommends asking about upgrades at check-in

Regarding upgrades, a British Airways flight attendant said: ‘If you don’t ask for them, you won’t get them’. Most crew would recommend asking at the (check-in) desk.

“We flight attendants have no control,” they added. “The people who check you in are the ones who can see the availability of the space and have all the control. Even if there is no free upgrade, they may be able to get you a discounted rate.”

Another Virgin Atlantic flight attendant noted: ‘If you’re nervous about asking, it’s always worth checking your flight online before you check in.

‘A quick search for an airline can tell you if business or first class is already sold out, so you know you don’t have to ask. But don’t rely on this alone, because people always forget to show up.’

6. Be the first or last to ask for an upgrade at check-in

If you ask for an upgrade, make sure you’re the first or last to do so, Velloy says.

Flight attendants revealed that those who Checking in as soon as the service is available will “increase their chances of being the first to be considered for an upgrade, as seat assignments are not yet final.”

But checking in at the last minute can also work to your advantage.

A flight attendant said: ‘If economy class is full and there are still seats available in a higher class, airlines may choose to upgrade the last few passengers rather than rebook them to another flight.’

7Letting your partner and family down when you ask for an upgrade

Passengers who get upgraded are only upgraded due to limited seating, flight attendants say

People who get upgraded are usually alone, because there aren’t many seats available next to each other, flight attendants told Velloy.

A Virgin Atlantic employee who flies long-haul said: ‘If there are two of you travelling, there is a greater chance that you will both be moved. But there is still a chance that you will no longer be sitting together once your seat has been moved.’

8. Stick the flight attendants around

According to an anonymous flight attendant on long-haul flights in the UK, this is no guarantee of a seat in first class, but small gestures can make a big difference.

“It doesn’t hurt to be a flatterer now and then,” they said.

‘Many flight attendants, whether they admit it or not, have favorites during a flight, and you probably want to be one of them.

‘While nothing is guaranteed and we are not the ones who hold the key to an upgrade to a different flight class, being a ‘favorite’ can certainly qualify for a free bottle of bubbles or a seat with extra legroom.’

The flight attendant adds: ‘Whether you choose an extremely friendly greeting and a chat, or even bring a sweet treat or a thank you gift, you will quickly become our favourite passenger on board.’

9. Put your handbag in a backpack

Take advantage of carry-on baggage limits and replace your handbag with a backpack, flight attendant advises

Sometimes 20kg is not enough for a holiday, but listen to the advice of the cabin crew and do not be afraid to exceed the hand luggage limit. Often you can take one small bag for free.

An easyJet flight attendant said: ‘If you’re looking for clever ways to increase your baggage allowance, Replace your handbag with a backpack or at least a large shopper.

‘This way you have enough space in your normal bag and a lot more besides, such as extra clothes or snacks for during the flight.’

10. Bring a pot noodle

A Virgin Atlantic employee recommends packing a sealed meal (which you just add water to) in your carry-on bag for a snack on the flight, such as Pot Noodle or Pasta ‘n’ Sauce.

“Bringing your own instant meal ensures that you can enjoy a hot meal during the flight that suits your dietary requirements,” the staff said.

Passengers can ask a staff member on board to fill the instant meal with boiling water, they added.

‘Another advantage of this hack is that Pot Noodles are cheap and cost much less than all the snacks you can buy in the terminal.’

All flight attendants interviewed still work in the industry and have asked to remain anonymous.