I’m a flight attendant – and here’s the very surprising reason why you should always turn up LATE to the airport

A flight attendant shared the surprising reason why showing up late at the airport can get you a better seat on your flight.

Most airlines recommend arriving at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight, so you can get through security on time.

But there’s a chance you can get an extra legroom seat for free if you show up closer to your departure time, says a former crew member.

Kamila Jakubjakova, who used to work for Emirates Airlines, told us The sun Sometimes the trick to getting a free upgrade is to check in as one of the last passengers.

Jakubjakova, who used to work for Emirates Airlines, explained that sometimes airlines sell too many tickets and don’t expect every passenger to show up

“Sometimes airlines sell too many tickets and don’t expect everyone to show up,” she explained.

“So if the flight is overbooked and everyone shows up, they’ll have to move economy passengers to business class, and maybe the last passengers to check in will be chosen for the flight, because they’re the extra passengers.” ‘

This move will probably appeal to risk takers, but there’s no guarantee that arriving late will get you a better seat.

For some fliers, the maneuver can be more stressful than it’s worth.

Jakubjakova added that bringing a treat for the cabin crew is another way to ensure a better flight.

It always pays to be nice to flight attendants. If you bring some goodies on the flight, for example some candy or chocolate, and offer them to us, we will probably try to make your flight a little better or reimburse you in some way,” she said.

“We’re nice to everyone, but if you go the extra mile, we’ll do the same in return.”

Flight attendant Cierra Mistt has shared similar advice about her TikTok page, where she has more than 3.3 million followers.

If the flight is overbooked and they have to move economy passengers to business class, sometimes they will choose the last people to check, Jakubjakova said.

She recently revealed that passengers sitting in the last row have a higher chance of being upgraded to first class because crew members often have to “move people around for weight and balance purposes.”

“If we move people all the way to the front, it’s not just because we’re nice,” she said. “Normally we have to move people when our flight is full.”

Mistt said the crew will normally move passengers from the back to the front of the plane.

“If that’s the case, the flight attendants are going to pick the people in the very last row to go to the front, because then they can sit there after they’ve done their duty.”

Mistt also shared how to get an upgrade on full flights, which is becoming more and more common.

The crew member said the gate agent will tell you before the flight if the plane is full, so make sure you listen to get your hands on this free upgrade.

She noted that the gate agent normally asks for volunteers to change flights and offers free gifts or discounts to entice you.

Cierra advised against taking these, saying, “Go to the gate agent first, then give a price and say you want it in cash.”

“If the gate agent rebooks you on that next flight, make sure they put you in first class to make up for the time you lose.

The flight attendant claimed that this method has a 99 percent success rate.