Viral Flight Attendant's Dubious Upgrade Tips Spark Debate on Tipping and Gifting Airline Crew

'Spicy' flight attendant Cierra Mistt claims giving gift cards to crew will lead to upgrades, but open first class seats are rare.

At American Airlines, employees cannot accept gift cards, though passengers give them as gifts.

Tipping controversially allowed at some airlines, but crew unions oppose since it means lower wages.

Mistt formerly worked for regional carrier Republic Airways as an Express flight attendant.

She became famous when other crew got her social accounts taken down for bad tips like buying Tuesday tickets.