Trick to getting a better seat on a flight that “almost always works:” Flight attendant shares the secret

Think flight upgrades only happen in the movies? Think again.

Miguel Muñoz, a veteran flight attendant, has revealed some unexpected tips that might just help you snag a better seat—and maybe even a few extra perks. But here’s the twist: it all comes down to how you ask.

Want more legroom? Here’s what actually works

In an interview with The Mirror, Muñoz explained that the best passengers aren’t the loudest — they’re the kindest. “If passengers come to me and say they need more space for some reason I move them to the overwings [seats by the emergency exit with extra legroom],” he said. Those seats — located near the emergency exit — typically offer more legroom than the average economy row.

But honesty is everything. These seats come with extra responsibilities in case of an emergency, so crew members are trained to be selective. “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.”

So what’s the right move? According to Muñoz: just be honest and polite. “My advice is to be honest, don’t try to be dramatic. If it’s true that you have a bad leg, fair enough, but don’t lie about it because probably you don’t know it but it won’t benefit you.” That simple, respectful request often works, especially when there’s space available.

Why faking an illness almost always backfires

Some passengers try to game the system by pretending to be sick — hoping to get free drinks, snacks, or sympathy upgrades. But Muñoz says that strategy is not only risky — it almost never works.

He explained that some people ask for juice or water because they say they need it to take medication or boost their blood sugar, but most of them aren’t telling the truth. And while flight attendants are trained to respond to medical needs, they’re also trained to spot when something feels off.

“Most airlines don’t give anything for free, not even water,” he noted. “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.”

Kindness goes a long way — even at 30,000 feet

Muñoz’s golden rule? It all comes down to attitude.

“If after I say we charge for water they 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,” he said. “Now, if you say you don’t feel well or you ask very nicely then definitely I will be giving that to you.”

Bottom line: You don’t need to fake a medical emergency or shout to get better service. A little kindness, a dash of honesty, and knowing what to ask — and how — can go a surprisingly long way.

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