If you want to feel like travel royalty the next time you fly, following one simple rule could make it easier to secure an upgrade on your seat.

From changing into smart clothing to causing a fuss, frequent flyers try all kinds of tricks in the hope of being offered an elusive chance to travel up the chain in first or business-class seating.

But, according to one travel expert, trying to impress the crew onboard might well be a colossal waste of time and passengers should stop asking them. 

If you want an upgrade most flight attendants would instead recommend asking at the check-in desk, saying: “Us flight attendants have no control.” 

This clear-cut piece of advice was shared on the Velloy website, where a British Airways attendant said: “The people checking you in are the ones who can see the space’s availability and have all the control. Even if there’s not a free upgrade they may be able to get you a discounted rate.”

Another attendant from Virgin Atlantic shared an additional tip saying: “If you’re scared to ask, it’s always worth checking your flight online before you head to check-in.

“A quick airline search can tell you if business/first class has already sold out, so you know not to ask. That being said, don’t rely on this solely as people always forget to turn up.”

As with so many things in life, the timing of your cheeky request could also be crucial. Being there when the check-in gate opens could increase your chances of being first in line for an upgrade.

One flight attendant who decided not to share which airline they work for said: “Sometimes with upgrades, it’s all about the early bird getting the worm – so it can be worth checking in as soon as you can before you fly. But this isn’t always the case.”

If you are flying solo, or happy not to sit together this could also go in your favour.

A long-haul Virgin Atlantic employee said: “If you’re travelling in a couple you’ve got more of a chance of both being bumped, however, there’s still the likelihood you won’t be sitting together once your seat has been moved.”

Passengers who feel comfortable enough to ask for an upgrade at check-in could get lucky, but these days many airlines will have filled empty seats using apps and customer loyalty programmes before the gates even open.

The moral of the story, says the British Airways flight attendant, is “ultimately if you don’t ask, you don’t get”.