Air travel might have once seemed enchanting, but nowadays it’s just a common method of transportation. Millions use it daily, and there’s nothing particularly special about airport security, passport checks, or strolling through duty-free shops. That being said, viewing the world from above still remains fascinating.
Many travelers are unaware that, in addition to the standard airport procedures, there are numerous simple methods to enhance their journey and make it more pleasant. On Reddit, flight attendants and experienced travelers have shared expert advice and hidden benefits that passengers can utilize during their next trip. We’ve compiled some of the top recommendations below.
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#1
Be kind. Flight attendants have given me free drinks when they saw me being good.
I once ordered the same dish as the person sitting next to me. The flight attendant gave me mine and then informed my neighbor that it was the last one available. She looked disappointed, so I opted for something else, allowing her to have her original choice. As a result, I got free drinks.
At another instance, there was a disrespectful child sitting behind me. He kept kicking the seats in front of him. Myself and my neighbor were both given free drinks for enduring the situation.
© Photo: felixfelix
#2
This may seem straightforward, but using “please” and “thank you” when flight attendants assist you can significantly impact how they respond to you.
© Photo: nicetomeechu
#3
If a flight is delayed by the airline, whether because of mechanical problems or other issues, but not because of weather conditions, flight attendants typically provide free alcoholic beverages. However, you need to request them. You can ask, “Because of the delay, are you offering free drinks?” I discovered this when I began traveling for work.
© Photo: JayAMEyeE
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#4
I was just a traveler. I left my phone charger behind and, during a layover, was sent to the lost and found. They had my charger in their office, and I retrieved it before boarding my connecting flight.
If you ever forget something, head to the lost and found. It worked for me; they clean the plane right away between flights, and I’m really glad to share this—maybe it’s even too obvious.
© Photo: anon
#5
You might want to give tomato juice a try during a flight, even if you usually aren’t a fan. According to science, it tastes better at higher altitudes. Seriously, do a quick search.
EffityJeffity:
I travel frequently and have observed this occurrence. As soon as one person orders tomato juice, every other person on board also orders tomato juice. It’s as if they were unaware it existed before.
I inquired with the flight attendants, and they provided the same response.
© Photo: anon
#6
As you leave an international flight, if you pass by the business class area and spot a small bag (usually featuring a well-known brand like Tumi), take it (provided that this section has already disembarked). This is a care package that many business class passengers don’t need or use. It typically includes items such as socks, an eye mask, lotion, a toothbrush, and lip balm.
© Photo: User
#7
No matter if you are the first or the last to board the plane, all passengers depart together.
© Photo: foulista
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#8
If you think you might cause an odor in the bathroom, request a coffee bag from the flight attendant and bring it with you. We have many available in the galley, and they effectively reduce bathroom smells. Simply dispose of it in the bathroom trash after use. It helps avoid embarrassment and keeps our sense of smell intact.
© Photo: User
#9
Imagine you’re on a trip with a child who needs to use the restroom. Suppose there isn’t enough space inside for both of you if they require assistance. They shut the door and secure it. If they are unable to open it or need help, you can locate the emergency door handle on the exterior of the door beneath the No Smoking sign.
© Photo: mal_wash_jayne
#10
If you’re on a long flight, consider bringing a bag of cookies or a box of chocolates as a token of appreciation for the crew. They’ll greatly appreciate it and will go above and beyond to ensure your journey is pleasant.
© Photo: SuzQP
#11
Acting quietly and not causing any disturbance because you have no rights on an airplane. The pilot has the authority to remove you from the flight for any reason he chooses. I witnessed someone being removed because she claimed she was allergic to dogs. The service dog remained, and the owner’s disability took precedence over her allergy. Another instance involved a passenger who was so upset that she tweeted using a flight attendant’s name. She was subsequently removed from the flight.
Please refer to them as flight attendants. Not stewardess or any other term considered offensive.
© Photo: anon
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#12
All aisle-side armrests can be raised. There is a button or latch located underneath, near the back of the armrest. This feature is helpful when your tray table is lowered and you need to stand up.
© Photo: User
#13
If you travel with SQ, you can request various items such as a toothbrush, pen, notepad, playing cards, eye mask, sewing kit, comb, and razor, all available in economy class.
Additionally, if it’s your birthday or wedding anniversary (you can indicate this during the ticket purchase process), we will deliver a cake with elegant decorations and a glass of champagne. There might even be a card signed by the crew along with heartfelt messages!
If you’re accompanied by a child, request children’s toys.
Meals for special dietary needs are served first.
There’s a button located beneath the mirror in every aircraft restroom. Press it, and the mirror will slide out, revealing where we store the additional toilet paper rolls and boxes. However, please don’t take all of them during a full flight :(.
© Photo: User
#14
If you’re still feeling hungry, you may request a second serving. Once the meal has been provided, there are often a few additional main dishes remaining. You should ask politely and shouldn’t anticipate having a selection, but they typically can help you out.
(on international flights that still provide meals).
© Photo: evange
#15
If you’re wearing a big coat or a stylish jacket, you can request the flight attendants to store it in the closet. Most airplanes have a small closet equipped with hooks for hanging items.
© Photo: seeasea
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#16
I was on a flight with a stuffy nose that led to a severe headache an hour after takeoff. If you request aspirin from the flight attendants, they provide individually wrapped medication at no cost, along with a small cup of water. There were additional first aid items available in the back as well. This proved very helpful during the 8-hour journey.
© Photo: Kawaii_Sauce
#17
Espresso beverages aren’t just available in first class on my airline, but *no one* ever considers requesting a latte or a cappuccino. I’m pleased to prepare them and they come at no cost!
© Photo: RufusMcCoot
#18
* We can prepare you a cup of hot chocolate.
* Perhaps not a secret, but alcohol is available at no cost. Many people don’t request it because they assume we will charge them.
* We have a polaroid camera available for children and special events. We typically move around the cabin taking photos of kids, but if you ask us politely, we’ll take a picture for you and place it in a beautiful keepsake sleeve. We might even allow you to wear our red hat.
* We offer a variety of items such as earplugs, razors, pens, combs, and playing cards for you when you request them. Occasionally, we also have chocolate available.
* However, we won’t offer you anything if you’re a jerk ;).
© Photo: cabincrew
#19
Not a flight attendant, but I frequently travel; if you choose a seat near the emergency exits, you’ll have more legroom. You simply need to verbally confirm that you’ll assist in case of an emergency. Additional benefit: people will be dependent on you during a crash.
© Photo: anon
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#20
Not an airline employee, but I recently flew on a flight that was far from full. My window seat was one of those that didn’t match up with a window, so I ended up with a wall instead. I moved forward without realizing I had sat in the “Economy Plus” area, which was completely empty. Even though the flight attendant saw me move, she still provided me with the free adult beverages that came with the upgraded section.
© Photo: User
#21
Not an airline attendant, but if you have access to a VIP lounge (through work benefits, bank privileges, or family and friends), just take as many of those small soda cans with you for the flight, since you’ve already passed security.
© Photo: anon
#22
You can receive a free glass of water if you’re dehydrated and some aspirin if you’re experiencing a migraine.
© Photo: veyizmir
#23
When the flight attendant moves along the aisle offering drinks, request the full can. This allows you to have more, and they won’t need to handle partially filled cans. It also simplifies their task since they won’t have to transfer it into a cup.
© Photo: User
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#24
Not an airline stewardess, but if you start a conversation with one of them before the flight, they will be much more courteous than usual.
The final flight I took, my wife and I received free champagne and chocolate mousse, while those around us looked at us with envy, all because I started a conversation with one of the flight attendants while we waited to be seated.
© Photo: User
#25
Vegetarian main dishes are delivered first. Order that and you can head to the bathroom first.
© Photo: iamnotbillyjoel
#26
If you’re purchasing a flight at the last minute, look to see if the final row has only two seats. In such cases, you might occasionally secure additional legroom where just 90% of a seat would fit.
#27
Alcohol is available at no cost on most long-haul flights. Is that a well-kept secret?
© Photo: huazzy
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#28
If you require a halal meal for religious purposes, it’s typically more delicious (on BA flights, it’s a very good rice dish) and you are served first.
© Photo: zerbey
#29
The pilot usually allows your child into the cockpit before takeoff for a short tour if you politely request it and your child is sufficiently adorable.
© Photo: User
#30
During a British Airways flight to the United States, the crew allowed me to stay in the galley and have conversations with them. They also permitted me to take my own beer. It was a lengthy flight, so they weren’t bothered by my presence, and it was also more convenient for me to access my drinks. A win-win situation.
#31
If you’re traveling on a more crowded flight, board at the last possible moment. The overhead bins will be filled, and your baggage will be checked at no cost.
© Photo: thistlefink
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#32
It is legally acceptable to hit someone who places their head on your shoulder while asleep. Let them consider sleeping again on any flight.
#33
Those peanuts… They’re complementary.
#34
Since this is somewhat serious, a real strategy is to be one of the last people to board. Actually stating your name last. There’s a good chance that whatever seat is available is probably available. I do this often on long flights and have ended up in first class and upgraded to more legroom seats. As you approach, mutter the seat number you’re faking, like “6b,” look at your ticket to make sure it’s not your seat, and sit as if it’s yours. It always works.
© Photo: datrumole
#35
If you head to the restroom and the flight attendants have not yet unlocked it (some airlines secure them during taxiing or takeoff), check the door for a sign or label that is elevated from the door’s surface and not a sticker.
The latch is located there. Simply turn the sign over and push the lock open.
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#36
I’m not a flight attendant, but if you cry, they’ll hand you the whole can of soda instead of pouring it into a glass.
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