1. First Class treats

Being nice never hurts in life, but on a plane, it could make the difference between a miserable long-haul flight and a journey that quite literally flies by. If you like the sound of being furnished with First Class treats like a cappuccino or a cheese platter, start by sweet-talking the steward. No guarantees of course, but you’re much more likely to win favours by making their job easier vs. being that Annoying Passenger in Seat 38. Test out more of our flying tips and tricks, and you may just get a flight upgrade to Business or First Class!

2. More in-flight comforts

Airplanes are usually well-stocked with those little luxuries that can help you sleep on a long-haul flight, so don’t fret if you’ve forgotten to pack your eye mask or your earplugs, just ask for some! You’ll often be given a pair of socks or even slippers on international flights. But the most under-used air travel extra has got to be airline pajamas. Change into the airline’s comfy loungewear and you can step on and off the plane with your clothes still fresh. Ok, so they’re usually only available on major airlines like Emirates and British Airways and you’ll probably need a Business or First Class ticket, but if you happen to spill your tomato pasta all down your top, there’s a good chance the crew might take pity on you and hunt out a spare pair. Virgin Atlantic has even been known to stock onesies, so it’s definitely worth investigating.

3. Get extra airline meals

Fan of plane food, or just plain hungry? Enquire about a second helping of breakfast or dinner and you may be surprised. Some passengers on overnight or long-haul flights skip meals in favour of sleep, or there may even be a surplus on more interesting meal choices if the business class or first class air tickets on your flight haven’t been sold. Be patient, wait until the cabin crew has served everyone, then politely ask if there are any spare in-flight meals left over. Naturally, you shouldn’t expect a ‘yes’ every time, but no one likes wasted food, so it’s always worth a go. Alternatively, if you’re always peckish three hours before dinner is ready, ask the stewards for a top-up of peanuts or any snacks they may have on board. 

4. Tour of the flight deck

If you’re curious about what goes on in the cockpit, ask and you may be able to see for yourself. It’s true that security has gotten a lot tighter over recent years, but it’s still possible to visit the flight deck, most likely before takeoff and after landing. The pilot will usually be more relaxed and happier to accommodate your request when the rest of the passengers have left the plane. Of course, allowing you to snoop around the dials and chat to the co-pilot is not an official service, but you may get lucky, especially if you’re travelling with children and mention to the crew that they’re keen to have a peek behind the scenes. Each airline has a different policy when it comes to flight deck tours, for example with Qatar it is strictly a no-no, but you may just get lucky if you ask politely and are respectful of the pilot’s time and space.

5. First Aid

There’ll always be a first aid kit on board your flight in case of emergencies, so do alert the steward if you need a plaster, sanitary products or feel unwell. It’s wise to pack some basic painkillers in your hand luggage for things like headaches, as cabin crew is not permitted by law to dispense any medication. On major flights, there will often be a doctor on the plane but you should not rely on it: if you have a health condition, always assess whether you’re well enough to fly before booking your air ticket, and always invest in travel insurance. Flight crew appreciates a passenger who helps them out, in any case, so if you’ve lent a hand with a medical situation yourself, you may well receive a glass of champagne or a duty-free gift by way of thanks!

6. Travelling with kids? Just ask for help…

Flying with a couple of noisy little ones in tow? Most cabin crew will sympathise, especially if you’re a solo parent. They can help out with holding babies while you store your hand luggage, keeping kids entertained with colouring books and crayons and even provide designated childcare. This is a rare service if you’re talking budget flights, but airlines like Etihad provide an onboard nanny on some of their flights, to do all the lullaby-singing and entertaining so you can get some rest. Ask about kids’ activity packs when you board, as some domestic and short-haul flights are starting to offer these as well as long-haul airlines. Bottom line: no one wants a screaming child on a flight, least of all the aircrew.

Until da next Tyme