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We asked a flight attendant for their top insider tips on flying like a pro
14.12.2023 - 15:57 / thepointsguy.com
At TPG, we pride ourselves on being able to regularly give you an insider's guide on the best ways to travel. However, if there's one particular group of people who know even more than us, it's flight attendants.
Lezah Cooper has been a flight attendant with Virgin Atlantic for the last 29 years and has worked with every kind of passenger, from A-list celebrities to the most nervous flyers. When it comes to the do's and don'ts of taking a long-haul flight, she is a bona fide expert.
Related: Key travel tips you need to know — whether you're a first-time or frequent traveler
TPG caught up with Cooper to get her top flying tips, including where the best seats on the plane are, her strategies to beat jet lag and whether or not it really is possible to score an upgrade.
Here's what she had to say.
"Obviously, I'm going to say Virgin Atlantic's Upper Class," Cooper said. "But it depends on which aircraft you're flying on, and I know not everybody can afford that."
If you are a nervous flyer, Cooper suggests sitting in any seat behind the wings. She explains that the ride will likely be smoother and less bumpy if you encounter turbulence.
"Then there's also the window seat," Cooper shared. "Once you get through those clouds on a day flight, you've got that vitamin D coming in with the sunshine, and it makes you feel better.
"But if you're hungry, go closer to the front. Quite often, we start the services at the front of the aircraft, especially in economy. Sometimes we do run out of meal choices; you'll still get a meal elsewhere, but the farther forward you sit, the better chance you're gonna have to get your first [preference]."
According to Cooper, no. She shares that years ago, passengers celebrating a honeymoon or special occasion might have been able to score an upgrade, but not anymore.
"Everybody's got social media and see the same tips, so everyone says it's their honeymoon or their birthday. I'll take down some Champagne, and I'll make a fuss of them, but most of our flights fill up now. The chances of having a cheeky upgrade on the day just don't really happen.
"A bit of advice on how not to get an upgrade: I've had passengers say they have medical problems, which they hadn't declared. Once you declare a medical problem, I have to have that checked out. Unfortunately, I once had a passenger I had to offload because he wasn't fit to fly. Be very careful of what you say if you're trying to get an upgrade."
Related: Unlock incredible value with Virgin Atlantic points
"It depends on your trip. If I'm on a night stop, I can do it with just a weekend bag," Cooper shared. "Obviously, for a holiday, you're gonna take a checked bag, [but] if you just do a short overnight or a couple of nights
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