TikTok is full of videos from travel influencers sharing secret tips to get a free upgrade, complimentary drinks, or better service from flight attendants, but crew members are increasingly on guard, and for very good reason.
While the people creating these viral videos on TikTok might just think their travel hacks are a little bit of harmless fun, their actions could have real-world and potentially devastating consequences for flight attendants caught in the middle.
In February, TikTok influencer Henry Wade went viral after he revealed the ‘secret’ of “exactly how you get a free upgrade on your flight” by buying chocolates and sweets for the crew.
Wade said that after “handing over the goods” to the crew, you just have to be “super nice to them, show them some charisma, show them some charm.” While Wade didn’t get an upgrade from Economy Class to Business Class on his flight, he did snag a row of three seats to himself and was showered with free snacks.
But one flight attendant is now urging their colleagues across the airline industry to stick to the rules are sharing a story of a coworker who has been suspended and is facing serious disciplinary action over accusations of accepting a bribe.
The crew members’ crime was accepting a gift from a passenger. This was spotted by the passenger’s seatmate, who reported it to the airline.
“I work for a US-based carrier. It’s a big one. One of my best friends and coworkers is currently under investigation for accepting ‘bribes,'” the flight attendant wrote in a post on Reddit.
“I guess every pax now knows about the ‘viral tik tok trend’ of passengers giving crew members gifts,” the flight attendant continued. “I’m not going to go into too much detail cause it’s still an active investigation, but she has been pulled off the line, and they are investigating the situation.”
@henryjwade A little charm & confidence goes a long way ✈️ 🌎 #upgrade #emirates #fly #businessclass #economy ♬ A Summer Place – Hollywood Strings Orchestra
“Why? Another passenger complained about another passenger getting better treatment.”
What kind of gift could have got the flight attendant into such serious trouble? It could be cash, but it could be something as simple as a box of chocolates or bags of sweets to share with the crew.
It’s not unusual for non-revving airline staff to share small gifts with the working flight attendants as a gesture of appreciation, but in the last year, it’s become increasingly common for passengers to bring gifts with them in the hope that they’ll snag VIP treatment from the crew.
Quick PSA
by inflightattendants
Some passengers hand over their ‘gift’ at the boarding door and hope that the flight attendants will jump into action and bump them up into First Class, while others will brazenly ask for an upgrade or better treatment during the flight.
More often than not, flight attendants will want to show their appreciation for any gifts they receive, but tales of crew members facing the threat of termination for doing just that are likely to change the dynamic very quickly.
Matt’s take – You don’t have to buy a gift for your flight attendants, but if you do, consider it a gift and nothing else.
My take as a flight attendant: It’s highly doubtful that any flight attendant will be downright ungrateful if they receive a gift from a passenger–it’s a touching gesture, especially in an industry where employees often feel overworked and underappreciated.
Honestly, a small bag of sweets can really make the day of a tired group of flight attendants, but it’s probably best to consider your gift just that. No strings attached, and nothing expected in return.
If you do happen to receive stellar service from a flight attendant and want to show your appreciation, then this might be the point to offer a gift or even a cash tip–although first check with the crew member that their airline allows them to accept a gratuity.
