I'm a Flight Attendant — 3 Easy Hacks to Upgrade to First-Class for Free

They are moving forward.

A flight attendant's pro tips for helping passengers increase their chances of being selected for a free in-light upgrade have gone viral on social media with millions of viewers tuning in frequently for her travel secrets.

“Don't tell anyone, but there are many ways you can get a free upgrade to first class,” admits Sierra Mist, a flight attendant and travel influencer.

Mist's first and “simplest” piece of advice rests on the golden rule – “literally be nice to your gate agent and flight attendant.”

“The miracles we can do if we're given a Starbucks or a bag of chocolates,” he suggested, adding that flight attendants like him can work 14 hours a day or more — “and don't even have time to pick up some food.”

Another reason for changing plane seats in first class can be weight and measurement issues, noting that most planes are heaviest in the back. “If we have to move people forward, where do you think we'll move them from?”

“Back” Mist whispers to the camera.

The Sky host's third guide is “guaranteed,” he claims – if your profile fits.

Passengers who manage to pass on that detail to first responders – and in-flight crew – may be pushed to the front of the upgrade line to make their life-saving skills more accessible in an emergency.

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

Some viewers, including some self-identified airline workers, weighed in on Mist's upgrade hacks.

“I have upgraded so people can get free when the coach is oversold. Always to people who are pleasant and beautiful to me. Yes, mostly it takes,” agreed a fellow flight attendant.

“My mom wanted one as a joke but she actually got one,” said Spawn of one lucky traveler.

However, others in his field have expressed doubts.

“As a gate agent, we don't do complimentary upgrades and if we do, first by staff then by status, [ticket] price,” declined one Air Canada employee, adding that his “friends” with Air France agreed.

Another added, “You can bring me Starbucks but you're not getting a first-class seat. It's not allowed and someone is always watching you.”

Another source said, “I work for United and we have so many Premier customers that the upgrade list is always huge so good luck getting upgraded for Starbucks.”

“And then you've got standby staff so if there are seats after they clear that passenger list, we're waiting for those seats,” they added.

Others have suggested that Mist's tactics may be more effective at smaller airlines.