Let me tell you about the time I got an upgrade on my flight

It was New Year's Eve 2006 (or 2007, I can't remember which). There I was, in JFK airport enduring the most aggressive and intimate search because my ex dared put the new Asus laptop he'd bought on sale his carry on bag.

"SIR WHAT IS THIS?" a loud American security dude bellowed.
"It's a laptop."
"I CAN SEE THAT SIR, WHY DO YOU HAVE IT IN YOUR CARRY ON." It should have been a question, but it wasn't. At all.
"Because it's brand new and I don't want it battered around in the cargo hold."
"CAN YOU DEMONSTRATE THIS IS A LAPTOP PLEASE SIR."
"Well, it's sealed in a package. I didn't want to open it until I g..."
'SIR UNLESS YOU CAN DEMONSTRATE TO ME THAT THIS IS A LAPTOP I'M GOING TO HAVE TO OPEN IT AND CHECK IT PERSONALLY. THIS COULD MEAN YOU FORFEIT YOUR RIGHT TO FLY WITH THIS ON BOARD AND MAY MEAN A SEIZURE OF YOUR PROPERTY."

Cue many sighs and eventually him opening up the package at the x-ray belt. He handed the shiny white laptop over. The man pressed the button and, of course, the brand new out of the packed machine decided it didn't have enough juice.

"SIR WHY IS THIS LAPTOP NOT FUNCTIONING?"
"Because it's brand new."
"DO YOU HAVE THE CHARGER SIR?"
"It's in this box. The box you just saw me take the clear wrapper off, which also had the receipt taped to it, showing I did, in fact, buy this laptop not three days ago."

The security guy, who admittedly was probably annoyed he was working on NYE, seemed to accept the undeniable proof the laptop was actually a laptop and finally let us through to the departure lounge. Which was full of people. I overheard an American Airlines crew member saying how there were far too many people booked on our flight home, and not everyone would be getting home tonight.

Oh. Great.

Cue an anxious hour-long wait to see if we would be landing in London any time soon. Reams upon reams of people flooded through the gate and boarded the plane safe in the knowledge their flight was secure. With only a handful of flyers left, a night in a crappy airport hotel with crappy airport food and not-so-crappy airport booze seemed inevitable.

Then it happened.

Our names were called over the Tannoy and we were asked to head to the gate.

"Oh hey there, Mr Ex!" a cheery supervisor said, addressing only him despite is both walking up to her together. "You'll be pleased to know we've upgraded your flight from economy."

She guided him through the gate while I stood there.

"I'm with him," I said feebly and rather pathetically. She looked at my boarding pass and waved us both through, with the cheeriness only an American can have at 10:45 on the 31st December.

An upgrade! How exciting! Admittedly it wasn't worth the nauseating hour beforehand but we were looking forward to the delights Premium Economy could bring.

Stepping off the walkway onto the plane, a cheery trolley dolly took our passes, and we began to walk through business class. "Sir, Ma'am?" We stopped in our tracks. What now? "Your seats are here. In Business. Please get settled and we'll be roun..."

Business? This was all so new and exciting. The chairs were huge with DOILIES, and no sooner had the cabin crew put our bags in the overhead compartment for us, we were handed a glass of champagne and offered a selection of snacks. WE HADN'T EVEN STARTED TO TAXI YET.

What ensued was the most comfortable flight of my entire life. We were given proper cutlery, a selection of meal choices and all the drinks we wanted. Plush and fluffy blankets and pillows were handed out so we could sleep, and noise cancelling headphones were on loan for the selection of in-flight movies or sound of whale song. No demand was too much, and despite the crew knowing we hadn't actually paid the additional £1000 for the comforts of business, they treated us as if we belonged. For those seven hours we got a taste of the high life, and oh how I mean that ever so literally.

So that's the story of how I lucked out and ended up in business class. Will it ever happen again? Who knows. Can I offer any tips of how to get a free flight upgrade? Not at all. But if it does happen, be sure to enjoy every minute of it.

Have you ever been bumped up to business? Let us know how it was!

Interested? Read on...

Here's how to... sleep on a flight

In my very special role as an online magazine editor and general PR person, I'm always jetting off on BA flights to far-flung destinations with a Starbucks in one hand and the latest Vogue in the oth... OK so I'm lying. I don't even like Vogue, and the last "jet setting" I did was a three and a half hour flight with the joy that is Ryanair. I spent £15 on water, Pringles and Nutella dippy sticks. Lux. You. Ree.

But summer is looming, and with Britain being pretty much as unpredictable as a cat standing in an open doorway it's not difficult to understand why most will pack up and fly to hotter climes.

So in order to feel refreshed when you land in Fiji/Dubai/Benidorm, here are a few tips to get a decent sleep and avoid the 'lag when you land.

1. Pack your jammies

So we all see Victoria Beckham and Angie Jolie step off the plane in leather leggings and the tallest of heels, without a hair out of place. But if you're slumming it in economy rather than riding First Class, leave the heels in the hold and wear comfy clothes. Take yoga pants or even PJs and a onesie with you if you're flying long haul, and steer clear of synthetic fabrics which can leave you hot and flustered. It's all about comfort.

2. Hand luggage is your friend

While hand luggage can leave you limited, especially if you're not checking bags in, make sure you pack a pair of decent earplugs, an eyemask and a neck pillow, as well as headphones. If you're sat next to an annoyingly chatty passenger, it's a lot easier to wind down conversation if you have some supplies. And although you can't do much about a screaming baby on a flight, ear plug will help drown out the noise.

3. Sack the booze and ditch the telly

Alcohol may make you feel sleepy, but it's far easier to be woken from a champagne inspired nap than a natural one. And you'll end up feeling thirsty and dehydrated thanks to the flight. Stick to decaf tea if it's on offer, or fruit juice. And don't be tempted to drift off to a film. It'll only stimulate your brain to stay awake, so forget watching The SOund of Music for the fiftieth time, and chill out with a good book.

4. DND

If you've fallen asleep and the plane hits turbulence, the cabin crew will wake you up to ensure you're buckled up. If you don't want any disturbances, wear your belt over your blanket to they can clearly see. Also, have a word with the crew and let them know you won't want to be disturbed. It may mean skipping an airplane meal or pretzels, but at least you're almost guaranteed a peaceful snooze.

5. Go bananas

Depending on where you're flying to, you might be served rich foods like curry or stodgy foods which can make sleep difficult. So once you've gone through passport control and you're by the gate, skip the booze and perfume in Duty Free and pick up a banana, bagel or rice cakes. They have a high GI count which will spike your blood sugar and help you drift off.

These are a few tried and tested tips to help get some shut eye. What have you done to sleep in peace while travelling?

Interested? Read on...

Edinburgh Adventure: The intro

We sometimes feel this little online magazine is a bit southern-centric. After all, with London on our doorstep and willing writers all being based in the capital, we don't have enough time in the day (or pennies in the account) to warrant trips here there and everywhere.

But our Edinburgh Adventure was the exception.

After being tres jealous of bloggers heading up to our northern neighbour's capital city, we decided it was time for a trip ourselves. So, after packing a bag, with not even so much as a guidebook to lead the way, we made to trip from London to Edinburgh one sunny-until-we-got-to-the-Midlands Friday.

How to get to Edinburgh

Edinburgh has one airport, which is a 25 minute bus ride to Edinburgh's West End. Tickets cost £4 one way, and the buses have plenty of room for backpacks and luggage. Great if you're staying for more than just a fleeting weekend.

Edinburgh's train stations are another option - Haymarket Station is located to the west of the city, and Edinburgh Waverley is more central, right next to the Royal Mile and it's shops.

How we did it

With one hotel booked right next to Waverley Station and the other in the heart of Haymarket, we decided to train in, fly out. A train from London's King's Cross to Edinburgh Waverley (KGX - EDB) will take just under four hours, and drops you off right in the centre of the action. Expect off peak single train tickets to Edinburgh to cost upwards of £51 each from London, though if you're savvy you can get a single ticket for as little as £30.

The East Coast train journey was lovely, stopping at my old home town of Peterborough and travelling up north through Newcastle. Seats are comfy and if you're clever, like us, you can bag yourself a table next to a huge window. Drinks aboard are pricey, so grab a bottle of Proseco before you board. You can ask for plastic cups from the on board shop.

A flight from London to Edinburgh takes an hour, and as it's internal you don't need as much time to prepare (though you also won't be able to stock up on Duty Free either...). You can fly with Virgin Atlantic, British Airways - highly recommended in this writer's eyes - flybe and easyjet. Flights can be grabbed for £76 direct. Even with the shuttle bus into town, we think it's a great way to travel.

We flew British Airways from Edinburgh to London City, and it was a great experience. We arrived at the airport to head home about three hours before gate opened. This really isn't necessary as all check in gates have super simple and mega speedy self-check in booths. Just type in your flight number, change seats if you want, and it'll print out your pass in no time. Of course if you are a nervous nelly and would prefer to get to the gate as soon as possible, there are a few little shops to keep you occupied.

All in all, we couldn't believe how pleasant a journey it was. Even though the weather left a lot to be desired, we found the train really relaxing, and the flight very quick. Edinburgh stunned us with its beauty right from the start. Keep posted to check our favourite hotels, sights and eateries encountered on our Edinburgh Adventure.

Interested? Read on...

Here's how to... make cabin crew love you just a little bit on your flight (and possibly bag a free upgrade)

It's the worst bit of the holiday. The flight. Not only does it often mean waking up at an ungodly hour, but airports are always busy, crowded places. And expensive. Because once you've checked in and your luggage is safely and gently being transported to the baggage area before being thrown about and hauled into the bowels of the tin can you'll soon be seated in, you're trapped. You are trapped. Want a coffee? That's £15 please. And you'll pay it. Because you have no choice and THEY KNOW IT.

Then there's the flight. If you're lucky enough to have ever flown first class, then the flight must be like staying at the Ritz (neither of which I've ever experienced so this is purely speculation). After all, you're entrusted with silver knives and forks. You probably get massages and napkins shaped like swans.

If you're not minted or your employer won't fork out the cash to set you up with a decent seat, then you'll be in economy, with me. In a tiny, cramped seat, with a screaming kid moaning about their ears hurting and some moron with their iPod on so loud you can literally hear every lyric to Glee. There'll barely be enough room to move, there will be many arm rest wars, someone will kick the back of your chair just as you drop off to 'sleep' and you'll be served food no human on earth would ever eat. Because you're not on earth. You're miles above it. And all the rules change when you're at 40,000 feet.

And then eventually, after what seems like months, you land. But you can't get off the plane before the privileged few in first class have been escorted to their gold waiting room. God forbid one of the lowly people were to look at them. It's then a fight to get the best space at the luggage belt. The same annoying kid who kept you awake for five hours will be temping the naughty step and attempt to ride it, all the while their parents are remembering the time before their little 'darling' appeared. 'Wasn't life so easy back then?' their tired faces seem to say to each other. Yes. Yes it was, worn-out mother. For all of us.

Eventually your bag arrives, unless you're really unfortunate and it's actually in Mogadishu, and it's just a case of getting to wherever it is you're staying. And then the holiday begins. But you know, at the back of your mind, you'll have to do the same thing in two weeks. Except you'll be coming back to drizzle and awful weather.

While it's bad for us, spare a thought for the cabin crew, who have to deal with us cranky, nervous and downright rude passengers. So. While their smiles may be beaming, they're just like you and me. Except they have to stay awake and basically be all things to all men.

I spoke to Kate Whillock, 26, who moved to Abu Dhabi to fly cabin crew with a leading Middle Eastern airline, to ask what we, the passengers, can do to make the ride far more enjoyable for all. "I had always wanted to travel, and cabin crew seemed like the easiest way to do this," she says. "When I was standing in front of the Sydney Harbour Bridge or playing with lion cubs in South Africa I did have to pinch myself a few times!"

Kate spent eight weeks in intense training before she was able to fly. And while she was expected to know how to fight a fire and deal with emergency landings, one of the biggest and most intense issues cabin crew face is us, the general public.

"My favourite types of passengers were those which knew that behind the glamorous uniform there was a person who had a serious job to do. At 40,000ft the crew who serves your gin and tonic is also your potential fire-fighter, policeman and doctor. Therefore it’s in your best interest to keep them as happy and stress-free as possible."

So what are her tips?

• Say hello. Don’t let their polished appearance fool you. Whatever time you woke up to catch your flight you can guarantee your crew were awake before you. Showing empathy by simply sharing a smile will definitely start the flight in a much more positive way.
• Listen. The majority of the time passengers have flown multiple times before, so there is really no excuse for not adhering to procedure. Take just 1 minute out of your journey to stow your bag properly and make sure your seated, belted and ready for take-off. If everyone did this a crew’s job would be a breeze!
• Be organised. The faster the crew complete the service, the quicker the lights go off and the cabin can sleep. Be aware of the trolley approaching and know what you want to order in advance to speed the process along.
• Have patience. Remember that over the horizon of the seat in front of you there is a sea of up to 300 other guests waiting to be served. Most of the time flights operate on minimum crew compliment, so sit back, relax and trust that your attendants are working as fast as possible.
• Make conversation. Talking to each other is all part of the experience, both for crew and holiday-makers. I met people from interesting countries and amazing walks of life and always appreciated a chat at 2am to keep me awake!

In Kate's experience, the nicer the passenger, the more the crew will go out of their way to make their journey as memorable as possible. "While our number one priority is the safety of everyone on board, we were also there to give people the best start or end to their holiday and create long lasting impressions. The famous American author Maya Angelou once said ‘When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.’ I think she would have made the perfect passenger."

When I asked Kate about her favourite experiences, she says it's the ones who go the extra mile to make the team feel special that really make the job worthwhile.

"On one particular flight from Abu Dhabi to Cairo we had a full cabin, minimum crew and a two-course menu to serve," Kate says. "Little did we know that during four hours of stress - which included two medical emergencies - a passenger had noted down our names and written the most wonderful letter to the airline congratulating us on our efforts and team spirit." Kate admits that for crew who are aiming high and trying to get promoted, positive guest feedback is truly priceless in helping them with their career. "Just taking 5 minutes to write about your experience can make a massive difference to the career of the crew standing in front of you."

So, with record numbers of Brits trying to escape the dull summer we're expecting, spare a thought for the crew who have to look after 300 tired, agitated, and in some cases, tipsy passengers for hours on end. Except they don't get two weeks in the sun at the end of their shift.

Interested? Read on...