I’m a flight attendant – here’s how coach passengers can secure a first-class meal

The taste of champagne on a beer budget.

People who say airplane food is terrible have probably never flown before, where it’s generally not half bad — and there’s a way to enjoy the good life without asking for an expensive ticket, a former flight attendant has revealed.

Current Emirates crew member Kamila Jakubjakova told The Sun newspaper in an account of her time in the air, which has recently resurfaced – and one of her most surprising secrets was just how simple it can be improving your menu options on a long-haul flight.

Were they out of tenderloin by the time it was your turn to be served? Not satisfied with rubbery pasta and stale bread? I stink (polite).

“Sometimes, if someone maybe didn’t get their preferred meal choice and then complained and made a big fuss about it, we’d bring them a meal from business class to soften the blow,” she said.

“We would always try our best to provide passengers with their favorite meal, but sometimes it just isn’t possible.”

And while the pros were quick to add that complaining won’t always work, as it really depends on who you’re dealing with, some lucky flyers may not need to make a fuss at all — especially if they’re celebrating a special occasion.

In that case, Jakubjakova said, feel free to relay your happy news to the crew—it could lead to good things.

“If I saw the honeymoon, I would bring them some extra gifts from business class,” she said.

“Like, for example, a dessert or a glass of champagne and try to make their flight more special, even if they fly economy.”

And if your festive mood fails to mollify the most jaded veteran hosts, according to Yakubyakova there’s always the unsustainable bribe.

“If you bring some sweets with you on the flight, for example, some candies or some chocolates and offer them to us, then maybe we will try to improve your flight or pay you in some way,” sweets. agreed the lover.

“We’re nice to everybody, but, of course, if you go the extra mile, we’ll probably go the extra mile in return.”

Other tips Jakubjakova shared included always traveling with a spare case – and filling it full of clothes if your bag is full or over the weight limit.

Pillows don’t count as baggage, she explained, saying “nobody can deny you.”

“It’s a little extra space… plus it’s comfortable to sleep on the flight,” she said.