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There are times, somewhere in the middle of a long flight, where we have all concocted a dream list of things that would make the experience better: a chilled bottle of champagne (but not at airline prices), a proper bed (with duvet), a box in which to stow the crying child behind.

You'll never guess what she asked me for: Odd requests to the incognito stewardess have included spot cream

But, if new revelations by a working flight attendant are to be believed, some of the items on the average passenger's wish-list are a little more mundane. And just a bit weird.

Writing for her Confessions of a Fed-Up Flight Attendant column on Yahoo Travel, 'Betty' – a real-life stewardess – has named the 11 most unlikely bits and pieces that demanding travellers have asked her to fetch. And usually received short shrift in return.

"As a flight attendant, I am constantly astounded at essential items passengers fail to bring with them while travelling," she explains.

"I understand that people need certain things.

"What shocks me is how often they forget those necessities."

Among the frankly odd 'must-haves' demanded by optimistic passengers are a screwdriver, a pair of tweezers, toenail clippers and – rather worryingly – a knife.

The passenger who requested the screwdriver apparently wanted the toolbox staple so that he could make a few quick adjustments to his seat. The would-be knife-wielder seemingly wanted the weapon – plus a paper cup and a straw – to make a basic catheter.

Erm, that's really lovely: Air passengers have also requested items including toenail clippers and tweezers

Other odd longed-for items include creams for various embarrassing ailments – specifically spots and haemorrhoids – as well as deodorant.

"On certain international flights I truly wish we had deodorant to give to passengers," is 'Betty's' quick, pithy comment on this request.