I swear, flying has this weird reputation of being all rules, but here’s the thing: planes still have a bunch of little freebies available.
Not upgrades to first class (sadly), but small comforts that can make your trip feel way less miserable.
And most people never ask.
So if you’ve ever been sitting there thinking, “I guess I’m just going to be uncomfortable for the next 6 hours,” this is for you.
Here are the free things you can request on pretty much any flight, even if you’re in economy.
1. Help Finding a Better Seat
This isn’t a guaranteed “yes,” but it costs nothing to ask.
If the flight isn’t full, you can politely ask if you can move to an empty row, or away from a crying baby, or away from someone who’s taking both armrests.
A simple:
“Hi, if there are any open seats later, would it be okay to switch?”
Sometimes they’ll say yes. Sometimes they’ll say not yet. Sometimes they’ll say no because of weight balance rules or airline policy.
2. Water (More Than Once) or Hot Water
Yes, the tiny cup they hand out during service counts, but you can absolutely ask for more.
Some people feel awkward about it, but it’s totally ok. Just press the call button or ask when they walk by.
You can also ask for a cup of hot water. Some people like to bring their own tea bags or instant noodles.
3. Extra Napkins (Especially if You’re Eating)
This sounds dumb until you’re balancing a tray, opening a butter packet with one hand, and your elbow hits your drink.
Extra napkins are a lifesaver.
Also, sometimes the napkin they give you is basically one square of tissue paper.
Ask for a few more. No one cares. They have a million.
4. A Blanket
This depends on the airline and the route, but on a lot of flights, especially longer ones, they still carry blankets.
The trick is asking early.
Because they’re not always automatically handed out, and sometimes they run out.
Which is tragic, because planes are either freezing cold or weirdly warm. No in between.
If you see a flight attendant nearby, just ask:
“Do you have any blankets left?”
5. An Extra Snack
This one is very real, and I feel like it’s an unspoken secret.
If your flight has snacks, and you’re still hungry, you can ask for another one.
Sometimes they’ll say “Sure!” like it’s no big deal. Because it isn’t.
Just be polite. Timing helps too. Ask when they’re not running around like crazy.
6. A Pillow
Pillows aren’t always offered anymore, especially on short flights.
But some airlines still have them tucked away, or they’ll give them out on request.
And even when the pillow is kinda flat, it’s still better than trying to sleep with your neck at a 90 degree angle.
7. Medicine Basics
Most flight crews have a basic first aid kit and can often provide simple things.
They usually have:
- band aids
- antiseptic wipes
- cold compresses or ice
- basic pain relievers or antacids
- sometimes motion sickness bags
- and they can usually help if you feel faint or nauseous
They can’t just hand out random meds like candy, but if you’re not feeling okay, tell them.
And please don’t be the hero who tries to tough it out while sweating through your shirt. Ask for help. It’s literally part of their job.
PRO TRAVELER: They are not guaranteed on every flight. Always keep a small supply of medicines in your bag.
8. A Hot Drink (Tea or Coffee)
Again, depends on the airline, but plenty of flights still offer coffee or tea for free.
And if they don’t do a second beverage service, you can still ask later.
This is especially nice on early morning flights when your brain is still loading. In that case a hot drink helps a lot.
9. A Seatbelt Extender (No Embarrassment Please)
This is way more common than people think, and flight attendants handle it every day.
If your seatbelt is uncomfortable or doesn’t fit, just ask for an extender. They’ll bring it. No drama.
Honestly, it should be normalized completely. Flying is already uncomfortable enough. Nobody needs extra stress about a seatbelt.
10. An Extra Meal or Dessert
On long-haul flights where they serve full meals (especially 2-meal flights), airlines often load a few extra trays for safety, crew, or miscounts.
If there are extras, they’ll usually give one to anyone who asks nicely.
In this case, the timing is crucial. You should ask right after meal service is done and the carts are out of the aisle.
Something like:
“Hi, if there are any extra meals left, could I have one?”
That wording is perfect because it gives them an easy out if there aren’t any.
Obviously, extra meals are more likely if: the flight isn’t full, there were a lot of “no thanks” passengers, you’re on a route with heavy catering, and you ask after the crew has checked what’s left.
If there’s no full meal left, they’ll sometimes hand out: extra bread, extra dessert, extra fruit, or extra snacks.
Not the same as a full tray, but still a win.
11. Ice for your drink
This one sounds so basic, but it’s one of those tiny upgrades that changes the whole vibe.
Sometimes they give drinks with no ice to make service faster. Or they’ll give a soda can and you’re just sipping it warm like it’s some kind of punishment.
If ice makes a drink feel more refreshing, just ask.
12. An extra trash pickup
Sometimes the trash just sits there. Empty cup. Snack wrapper. Used napkin. And then there’s turbulence, and it falls, and suddenly the floor is a mess.
If the crew isn’t doing another trash round for a while, it’s totally okay to ask for a quick trash pickup.
You can especially do that on longer flights when you’re trying to keep your seat area clean.
13. A different Meal
This is a big one. And it surprises people.
On long haul flights where meals are served, there’s often more than one option. Chicken or pasta. Beef or vegetarian. Sometimes a special regional thing.
If the cart reaches a row and the “good option” is gone, it’s still worth asking if there’s anything else left.
Also, sometimes meals come with something that doesn’t work at all, and you may not like what you’ve chosen. If another meal type is available, the crew can sometimes swap it.
No guarantee. But it happens more than most people think.
And if someone has dietary needs, it’s always worth requesting a special meal in advance. That’s usually the safest move.
