Long flights are not everyone's favourite, especially if the person is cooped up in one position for hours with no leg room and hunger pangs gnawing at them, desperate for a reprieve once the plane lands.

There are a few ways, however, one can save themselves from the stress, as according to flight attendants there are ways you can ask for an upgrade for a flight in terms of better seats, complementary drinks or even a light snack.

According to a feature done by in international publication, Express UK, flight attendants are often accosted by rude or lying passengers who try to convince the crew that they are eligible for an upgrade , giving all sorts of reasons in a bid to better their chances to acquire more leg room on the plane, or get a drink for free.

However, this is the last thing that one is advised to do, as they are trained to handle difficult passengers and hence advise one to refrain from the drama and the lies, as this could have the opposite effect of what they are hoping to achieve when negotiating for an upgrade.

"Sometimes people come to me asking for an orange juice or a snack because they say they are dizzy or have low blood sugar. We [the crew] automatically think they are lying just to get something for free. And probably some people lie." Flight attendant Miguel Muñoz tole the publication.

He is aware that in some cases the passenger is probably telling the truth, and they have to bank on the trust they have with the passenger , but often times their kindness is taken for granted by greedy passengers because flight attendants cannot question whether they are lying or not.

"I always think if you're lying karma will come back for sure. But if they are not lying and I don't give them anything it's even worse.

"I have to, just in case. On the plane, the crew is in charge of helping passengers, so we have to trust them really," he explained.

Therefore, in order not to come off as a self-centered passenger, crew members advise you to be mindful of how to ask for an upgrade, as this goes a long way in determining how your flight will pan out.

It is all about being honest and pleasant according to Muñoz, which bumps up your chances to enjoy a stress-free flight with no questions asked.

"Most airlines don't give anything for free, not even water, so when passengers come saying they are very thirsty, they need to take medication or they just ask for a glass of water, I officially have to say no. First, I always tell them that we sell bottles of water. I'd normally give it for free but it all depends on how you ask really," he stated.

"For example, if after I say we charge for water they [passengers] get all upset saying things like 'but the law says you have to give me free water' or ' it's a human right' automatically I'm not going to give them any. Now, if you say you don't feel well or you ask very nicely then definitely I will be giving that to you," the crew member added.

The policy of honesty is quite crucial because despite being nice to the crew, your need for the better service must be backed by substantial proof , as there are situations that require you to assist the crew especially during an emergency.

Muñoz states that he has been approached by passengers who require more space over health reasons, but has had to decline owing to their failure to diclose the severity of the conditions, which could prove dangerous during an emergency.

"If passengers come to me and say they need more space for some reason I move them to the overwings , which are seats by the emergency exit with extra legroom. But you have to be careful with what you say! Because if you say you have a bad knee, for example, I have to be careful with these people as passengers seating by emergency exits are the ones who have to assist the crew in case of an emergency.

"If you can't operate the emergency exit because you have a bad knee, I can't move you to the overwings. So it won't work." he noted.

Honesty is ,therefore, the best policy in such situations as it makes it easy for the crew cater to you in a better way. Sharing that you are comfortable where there is space available also goes a long way as they feel comfortable moving you with the knowlegde that you are flexible to swing into action when need arises during emergency situations.