Upgrading your flight for the first time? Here's how to avoid being the most annoying person in first and business classes.

Joey Hadden
·3 min read
9

  • Travel expert Gilbert Ott has tips for your first flight in a premium cabin.

  • To blend in with seasoned first-class passengers, don't ask if everything is free.

  • Don't hover over passengers, especially those in seats with doors.

With welcome gifts, multi-course meals, and private seats made for lounging, who wouldn't want to fly in premium cabins?

Business and first-class flight tickets aren't cheap. But credit card and airline rewards programs have made the luxurious cabins accessible for those accumulating points and miles.

If you're upgrading a flight for the first time, Gilbert Ott has a few tips for those who want to blend in with the first-class crowd and avoid annoying more seasoned premium passengers.

From airport lounge manners to TSA PreCheck etiquette, the air travel expert who flies an estimated 200,000 miles a year shares tips to help other passengers have better experiences.

Don't ask if everything is free in first class.

Dessert and coffee served on board of first class airplane on the table.
Most first-class offerings are included in the price of the ticket.imaginima/Getty Images

"I think the etiquette is that first class is about indulgence," Ott told Business Insider, adding that it's best not to ask flight attendants if each bonus offering is free because everything is complimentary, from meals to sparkling wine.

He added that there's nothing wrong with "filling your boots" to make the most of the perks.

Don't expect too much in business class.

Passengers are sitting in the commercial plane
Business class offers a less personalized experience. eyesfoto/Getty Images

While first-class passengers often get personalized experiences where they're greeted by name, business-class passengers shouldn't expect the same level of attention.

"Business class is about efficiency. It's a comfortable seat where you can sleep or work," Ott said.

But staff members serve dozens of people in business class, whereas first-class cabins typically seat less than 10 passengers, he added.

"There's a lot of work that goes into all those meals and drinks," Ott said. "So if you're looking for an over-the-top experience, then first class is where you can expect staff to make the flight awesome. And that's what you're paying for."

Don't hover over passengers in doored seats.

Inside a dark, business-class cabin with doors over the seats
Doored seats offer more privacy for passengers in premium cabins.Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Some business and first-class cabins have added doors to each seat to give passengers more privacy. Ott said you shouldn't infringe on another traveler's space to fetch items from overhead bins.

"Don't awkwardly hover over the person because the whole idea of doors is that people can't look in on you," Ott said. "So when you wake up and someone is looking over your space, it's odd."

Don't take up too much overhead bin space.

Overhead bins on plane.
Stick to the space above your seat.Santiago Urquijo/Getty Images

BI previously reported that premium cabin passengers are often entitled to overhead bin space, and according to Ott, the bins are usually not too crowded. But that doesn't mean you should bring extra bags and put them wherever you want, as Ott has seen many passengers do.

Instead, Ott suggests keeping your limited belongings in the space above your seat.

Read the original article on Business Insider