Checked bags, seat assignments and meals now cost extra on many airlines, and new fees seem to appear every year while amenities shrink.[1] Against that backdrop, it’s easy to assume everything on board has a price.
Crew members see it differently. One former Emirates cabin crew member, who spent four years in the job, says a surprising amount is available free in economy if you ask.[2] The five requests below come from her and from other flight attendants.
A Full Can Instead of a Half Cup
Instead of a small pour in a plastic cup, you can ask for the whole can during drink service.[3] A former flight attendant with a widely watched video on hidden perks included this one on her list. Crew usually don’t mind extra snacks or a full can of soda, as long as you ask politely.[1]
It’s also easier to ask when you see the cup filling with ice. If the attendant is pouring soda or juice into a cup full of ice, you can ask for the whole can.[4]
A yes isn’t guaranteed. There’s no promise your flight attendant will agree, but you won’t know unless you ask.[5] Supplies and airline policy both matter here.
A Bag of Ice and Basic First Aid
Ice is the one people rarely think of. If you have swollen feet or a throbbing headache, the crew can give you ice in a bag to use as a cold compress.[6] The same flight attendant says plasters are available too.
Every commercial aircraft carries a first aid kit, and attendants may have medication or bandages on hand.[3] One travel writer says many over the counter essentials, such as anti-nausea medication and pain relievers, are free if you ask.[4] What’s actually on board varies, so treat it as a polite request and not an entitlement.
Hot Water for Tea or Instant Noodles
This one suits travelers who like their own routine. Hot water can be requested if you prefer your own tea or have packed instant noodles to save money.[6] The crew can fill a container with boiling water.[6]
Bringing your own food can pay off in other ways. If you want a snack you like, you can politely ask the crew to heat it free of charge.[2] Policies differ by carrier, and one former flight attendant stresses that much depends on the specific airline and its rules.[7]
Comfort Items Stashed in the Galley
Many travelers don’t know the galley can hold small comfort items. Even on shorter flights, Emirates kept dental kits, eye shades and earbuds there for passengers, free on request.[2] One travel blogger notes that flight attendants can usually offer free earplugs if you ask.[4]
Blankets and pillows follow a similar pattern. On many long haul routes, traditional airlines include them on economy seats, and if the flight isn’t full, you can ask for extras.[2] You’ll probably have to leave the blanket behind when you land, so it’s worth checking with the crew.[5]
A Seat Belt Extender
This is the quietest perk on the list, and one of the most practical. If your seat belt feels snug, the crew can give you an extender, and you only need to ask.[3] The former flight attendant who shared it said most people don’t know about these perks, based on her time in the job and on viewer comments.
Her video drew more than 18.8 million views[3], which suggests plenty of travelers were hearing about it for the first time. If a request doesn’t work out, a polite no is nothing to worry about, and the sensible response is to accept it graciously.[5]
Worth Remembering Before You Ask
Availability changes with the airline and the route. A former flight attendant notes that transatlantic flights tend to offer more than domestic ones.[7]
Be polite, ask early when you can, and expect that some requests will get a no.
