SECRET FLIGHT
I used to be a flight attendant – my tricks to getting better plane meals, more luggage onboard and cheap upgrades
The expert also revealed on-board etiquette tips
A FORMER flight attendant has revealed her tips for getting better plane meals, more luggage onboard and cheaper upgrades.
Jeenie Weenie, who has more than ten million followers on TikTok, said elevating your on-board experience is easier than you might think.
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There's nothing more annoying than being denied your first choice of meal during a long flight.
But Jeenie said this could avoided by simply booking a seat at the front of the plane - as this is where the food trolley will start.
Also, passengers often have the option of ordering in advance.
She said: "You can also preorder a special meal, so that you guarantee your meal choice.
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"Sometimes airlines also send you an email to choose your meal weeks in advance."
Jeenie also said that falling asleep in the first hour of the flight can be detrimental - as you might miss the meal service altogether.
And, as a "special hack", she added: "If you are still hungry after your meal, you can come to the galley and ask the flight attendant for any leftover meals, they will give it to you as it’ll be trash anyways."
Moving on to how she maximises space in her luggage, Jeenie introduced an intriguing "pillowcase hack".
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She explained: "I stuff a pillowcase with clothes or even a jacket, to save space in my luggage and to create the perfect in-flight pillow.
"It means not only can you pack more clothes, but you can sleep more comfortably onboard."
First look at Cathay Pacific's new business class Aria Suite
However, she advised travellers to do their research first - as airlines have different rules on what you can bring on-board and you don't want to be lumped with an extra charge last-minute.
When it came to getting cheap business class deals, Jeenie said it was not necessary to haggle.
Instead, book your flights in January which is the cheapest month to travel in premium classes.
The flight expert also shared her tips on how to bag an upgrade if you're already booked onto a flight.
She advised moving to the front of the plane - and making it known to staff that you're willing to move.
She explained: "When I travel solo, I politely let the gate agent know that I’m travelling alone, and if a family needs to sit together I don’t mind 'moving my seat up towards the front of the plane' or 'in an exit row', so that the families have the ability to sit together. I’ve been moved up a few times offering this.
"Mind you, I don’t mention an upgrade. Just 'moving up towards the front of the plane'."
Jeenie also said to check your emails before you fly, in case you've been offered a cheap upgrade, and to get a credit card that offers complimentary upgrades.
Credit cards can also include other perks such as lounge access.
The tips, which were put together in collaboration with Expedia as part of its Expedia Air Hacks, also include the cheapest day of the week to travel - Tuesday.
And, flyers were also coached on their on-board etiquette - such as letting the person behind you know before you recline your seat.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Jeenie added: "Politeness and even gifts might score you extra perks like a free drink or extra attention. Sometimes maybe an
upgrade! Kill the cabin crew with kindness!"
It comes after airline CATHAY Pacific gave the Sun a first look into their new business class pods.
Holiday packing tips
Jemma Solomon, aka The Label Lady has got 5 packing tips to help you get organised for your next holiday.
1. Write a list
Think about all the essentials you need to take with you; suncream, medicine, a few games for the kids, beach towels, and write everything in one list, which you can tick off as you add it to your suitcase.
Or for complete ease, try Google's AI app - Gemini - which will create a list for you and help you not over pack.
2. Involve your kids
Jemma said: “My girls are getting older, they’re 11 and nine, and they enjoy helping to pack. So I send them a list, and say ‘this is what you need’ and they follow the list.
“And then I give them a rucksack each - and say to them ‘you can have whatever you want in there as long as it’s not liquid', and they can take that on the plane. And that’s their ‘home away from home’ items.”
3. Try a hack or two
She said: "I think they all work, but for different reasons - and you’ve just got to pick the right one for your trip.
"Rolling your clothes is really good to stop your clothes from getting creases. And if you’re trying to get a lot of items into your case, it’s a space saver.
“Packing cubes are great - for example, I’m going on holiday with my three kids and we’re all using the same suitcase for our clothes.
"These handy compartments let you separate your clothes, toiletries and tech into designated cubes, maximising luggage space by keeping your items compressed and neatly stacked.
"I love taking them abroad with the family and it means my kids can easily take charge of their own items once we’ve arrived."
4. Decant beauty products
Do you really need to take full-size bottles of shampoo and conditioner with you? The beauty industry has evolved so much, you can now buy shampoo bars or sheets - which are much lighter and smaller.
Or, if you'll be popping to the shops when you're abroad, consider buying some items when you arrive.
5. Get organised before you come home
Jemma said: “When you repack on holiday [before coming home], the trick is to separate clean from dirty clothes.
“Also pack it in some form of order - so lights, darks, colours for items that need washing, or if you wash your clothes by person in the household, piles for each person.
"Then you can put it straight into the washing machine. Do it straight away, don’t leave it."
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