Flying these days can feel like you’re being nickel-and-dimed into the stratosphere. It’s not just your imagination. According to the IdeaWorksCompany, airlines raked in a mind-boggling $148.4 billion from ancillary fees in 2024 alone. That’s a nearly 26% jump from 2023, and it now accounts for a critical 14.9% of their total global revenue. Everything from picking your seat to checking a bag has been “unbundled” from your ticket price and sold back to you.
So here’s the crazy part. Even as fees pile up, passenger satisfaction in economy class is actually improving. Weird, right? The J.D. Power 2025 North America Airline Satisfaction Study found a solid 9-point jump in satisfaction for those of us flying in the main cabin. What gives? It’s not the legroom, I promise you that. Michael Taylor, a travel expert at J.D. Power, spills the tea: “The big takeaway from this year’s study is the power of people to positively influence the overall flight experience.” A nine-point bump in satisfaction was tied directly to positive interactions with airline staff.
In an industry where airlines are literally using AI to figure out the maximum price you’re willing to pay for a ticket, your best tool isn’t your credit card. It’s a little bit of kindness and knowing what to ask for. These 15 perks are hiding in plain sight, and the key to unlocking them is simple: just ask politely.
Score the Whole Can of Soda (and Extra Snacks)
You know that little plastic cup of soda they pour you, mainly filled with ice? Yeah, you don’t have to settle for that. Next time the drink cart rolls around, politely ask for the whole can. Flight attendants on forums say they’re often happy to oblige. Why? It can actually make their job easier. One flight attendant on a Delta forum noted that pouring foamy drinks like Diet Coke takes extra time. Handing you the can is faster. Plus, as another Reddit thread pointed out, it can mean a lighter trash bag for them later.
The same logic applies to those little bags of pretzels or cookies. Former flight attendant Jeenie K. confirms that on many flights, especially long-haul ones, leftover snacks and meals are just going to be thrown out anyway. So if you’re still hungry after the first round, don’t be shy. A simple, “Could I please have another bag of pretzels if you have any extras?” usually does the trick.
On most full-service carriers like American, United, and Delta, non-alcoholic drinks and snacks are complimentary, and on many international routes, so are beer and wine.
Get a Free “Feel Better” Kit from the Onboard Stash
There’s nothing worse than a throbbing headache at 35,000 feet. Before you resign yourself to suffering in silence, press that call button. Flight crews are equipped for minor medical issues. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires all commercial planes to carry a standard first-aid kit stocked with things like bandages, antiseptic swabs, and scissors.
Beyond that basic kit, flight attendants often have access to simple over-the-counter medications. According to the Aerospace Medical Association, most minor in-flight issues are handled with things like a “mild analgesic” (aka a pain reliever). Flight attendants and travel experts confirm they can often provide something for a headache or nausea, and some FAs on Reddit even mention having access to antacids.
Just manage your expectations. They can’t give you prescription drugs. The more advanced Emergency Medical Kit on board can only be opened and used by a licensed medical professional, who might just happen to be another passenger on your flight.
Snag a Surprisingly Valuable Amenity Kit
Think those little bags with the eye mask and socks are just for business class? On many long-haul international flights, you can score one in economy, and they’re worth more than you’d guess.
While they are a staple in premium cabins, full-service airlines like Etihad and Singapore Airlines are known to offer them in economy on longer routes. A travel blogger flying Singapore Air noted they were available on request on flights over 7 hours. Inside, you’ll usually find an eye mask, earplugs, socks, and a dental kit.
A quick search on Etsy reveals amenity kits from airlines like United and Air France being sold by collectors for anywhere from $12 to over $80. That gives your “free” perk a tangible price tag. Airlines are also upping their game with designer collaborations, like American Airlines’ partnership with Brandon Blackwood, which further boosts their cachet.
Stay Cozy with a Free Blanket and Pillow
Airplane cabins are notoriously chilly. Instead of using your jacket as a makeshift blanket, just ask for a real one. Blankets and pillows can make a world of difference, especially on a red-eye flight. But here’s the catch: supplies are almost always limited. To cut costs, many airlines no longer place them on every seat, handing them out only on request.
The pro tip from travel experts is to ask for them the moment you get on board. They “tend to run out fast,” so if you wait until you’re cold, you might be out of luck. One little flight attendant secret to keep in mind: those blankets aren’t always brand new. They are collected, cleaned, and repackaged for future flights. And no, you can’t take them with you. A Hawaiian Airlines rep confirmed they need to be left behind for cleaning and repurposing.
Create Your Hot Meal or Drink
Tired of the same old coffee or tea? Want something a little more substantial than a bag of chips? You can actually create your own free, hot meal on board. The secret is hot water, which is “usually available in unlimited quantities on most flights.” Travel vloggers recommend bringing a wide-mouth thermos and a few packets of instant oatmeal or soup. When you’re ready for a snack, just politely ask a flight attendant to add some hot water.
This hack is also perfect for hot chocolate lovers. While a few airlines, like budget carrier Frontier, offer Swiss Miss on their menu (for a fee), most don’t. Just pack your own and ask for hot water. The key, as with all these perks, is timing. Try to ask when the crew isn’t in the middle of a full-cabin service.
Keep It Clean with Sanitizing Wipes
Remember when sanitizing wipes became the hottest accessory of 2020? Well, they’re still a standard perk on many airlines, and they’re free. United Airlines, for example, explicitly states on its website that passengers will “receive a hand sanitizer wipe during boarding.” This practice has become a low-cost way for airlines to signal their commitment to cleanliness and give passengers peace of mind.
According to a May 2025 report in PAX International, suppliers are even creating custom-branded wipes for major carriers to enhance the passenger experience. Since these are single-use items, feel free to tuck any extras into your purse or pocket for later. And while it’s great that they’re offered, it’s always a good idea to bring a few of your own, just in case.
Ask for a Better Seat (Without Paying a Dime)
Staring down a nine-hour flight from a middle seat? Don’t despair. You don’t always have to pay that seat selection fee to escape your fate. Your best bet is to talk to the gate agent before boarding begins. Travel blogger Gabby Beckford of Packs Light recommends being direct but kind. One travel expert quoted in Escape Artisan put it perfectly: “A genuine smile and a bit of kindness can open more doors than the fanciest suit.“
A few other strategies can boost your odds. Traveling alone makes it much easier to move than in a group. Flying on less popular days, like a Tuesday or Wednesday, means a higher chance of empty seats. And if your assigned seat is actually broken (e.g., the recline is busted or the screen is black), politely tell a flight attendant before takeoff. If there’s a better seat available, they’ll often move you.
Finally, there’s the refresh trick. Travel blogger Wandering Earl suggests waiting until online check-in opens, then constantly refreshing the seat map. As other people check in and grab the less desirable seats, better ones often open up for free.
Make Your Kid’s Day with Pilot Wings and Activity Packs
Traveling with little ones is a whole other level of stress, but airlines have a few tricks up their sleeves to help. The classic pilot wings are back! After disappearing for a few years, American Airlines brought them back in 2016 by popular demand. Flight crews at Delta and United also confirm they have them on hand for kids (and even curious adults!)
Some airlines have also modernized the kids’ kit. United partnered with Sesame Workshop to create a travel pack with an activity book, crayons, and even a “Sensory Calming strip” to help soothe anxiety.
The biggest freebie for families is fee-free seating. After a push from the U.S. Department of Transportation, at least five major U.S. airlines now guarantee that children under 12 or 15 will be seated next to at least one adult in their party for free. This can save you a bundle on seat selection fees.
Text Your Friends from 35,000 Feet for Free
You no longer have to be totally disconnected from the world when you fly. Many airlines now offer free in-flight messaging, so you can text your family or colleagues without paying for a complete Wi-Fi pass.
This perk typically works with apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, and Facebook Messenger, and it’s usually limited to text and emojis, so don’t expect to send photos or videos. Major carriers like Alaska, Delta, Southwest, and United all offer this service. Some airlines are even more generous.
JetBlue has famously offered free, high-speed “Fly-Fi” to all passengers for years. And Delta is rolling out free Wi-Fi for all its SkyMiles loyalty members (it’s free to sign up!) on most of its fleet.
Keep in mind, not all airlines are on board. American Airlines is a notable holdout, generally requiring you to buy a Wi-Fi pass to use messaging apps. However, they plan to offer it free for loyalty members from January 2026.
Get Paid (in Miles) for a Broken TV Screen
Don’t just stare at a black screen for hours—get compensated. A 2024 rule from the Department of Transportation now requires airlines to refund any fees you paid for extra services that weren’t provided, like in-flight entertainment. While IFE is often included in your fare, this rule sets a powerful precedent.
Passengers on forums like Reddit share stories of receiving anywhere from 2,000 to 40,000 bonus miles or even $100 travel vouchers for a broken screen, especially on international flights. One passenger on a 12-hour Delta flight with no IFE was initially offered 2,000 miles but was advised by others to ask for more, with another traveler reporting they received 15,000 miles for a similar issue.
The key is to report it. Politely let a flight attendant know; they might be able to reset the system. If it’s truly broken, you’ll likely need to file a formal complaint on the airline’s website after you land to get your miles.
Hydrate with a Full Bottle of Water
That tiny cup of water they hand out during beverage service is not going to cut it. The air inside an airplane cabin is arid, with humidity levels around 10-20%, which is drier than the Sahara Desert.
This environment can lead to dehydration, causing headaches, fatigue, and dry skin. According to the Aerospace Medical Association, you should be drinking about eight ounces of water for every hour you’re in the air. For a man on a 10-hour flight, that can mean losing up to two liters of water.
So, don’t be afraid to ask for a whole bottle of water. Most flight attendants are happy to provide one if you ask politely outside of the main service rush. The ultimate pro move? Bring your own empty, reusable water bottle through security and ask the crew to fill it up for you once you’re on board.
Give Your Kids a Peek Inside the Cockpit
The romance of flying isn’t completely gone. One of the most remarkable, most memorable experiences you can give your child is a visit to the flight deck. While strict security rules mean in-flight visits are a no-go, asking for a quick peek before takeoff or after landing is often perfectly fine.
Flight attendants and pilots on various forums confirm they love accommodating these requests, especially for kids who are curious about aviation. One Delta pilot on Reddit enthusiastically encouraged passengers to ask.
The best time to ask is during boarding. Pilots are usually less busy than after the flight, when they’re focused on shutdown procedures. This is also the perfect moment to ask for those pilot wings or the new airline trading cards that carriers like Delta and United have started offering.
Find a Safe Spot for Your Suit Jacket or Instrument
Whether you’re flying to a business meeting with a freshly pressed suit or traveling with a cherished guitar, stuffing it into an overhead bin can be a recipe for disaster. On larger aircraft, there’s often a small closet in the cabin that flight attendants use.
If you ask nicely during boarding, they may be willing to hang your suit jacket or store a fragile item for you. This is entirely dependent on the aircraft and available space, so it’s not a guarantee, but it’s always worth a polite inquiry.
For musicians, this can be a fantastic alternative to the official airline policy, which often requires you to purchase an entire extra seat for a large instrument that doesn’t fit in the overhead bin.
Go Old-School with a Free Deck of Playing Cards
Long before we had hundreds of movies at our fingertips, playing cards were the go-to for in-flight entertainment. And while they’re a rare sight these days, this nostalgic freebie hasn’t completely disappeared.
During their heyday in the 1950s and ’60s, these branded decks were a staple on almost every flight. Today, a few international carriers like Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, and Cathay Pacific reportedly still stock them for passengers who ask.
But as one tradition faded, another emerged. Airlines like Delta and United have started offering collectible trading cards featuring different aircraft in their fleet. These have become an enormous hit with aviation enthusiasts of all ages. Just ask your pilot or a flight attendant if they have any on your next flight.
Slip into Something More Comfortable (Literally, Slippers)
On a long overnight flight, taking off your shoes is a must for comfort. But walking to the lavatory in your socks? Not ideal. A flight attendant’s secret is that airplane floors can be pretty gross.
The solution: ask for a pair of slippers. This perk, once reserved for the front of the plane, is becoming more common. On many long-haul international flights, particularly with Asian and Middle Eastern carriers, you might be able to get a pair even in economy. Airlines like EVA Air and Etihad are known for providing excellent amenity kits that sometimes include slippers in their premium economy or even long-haul economy cabins.
While U.S. carriers like American, Delta, and United typically reserve slippers for their business and first-class cabins, it never hurts to ask if they have any extra pairs. The worst they can say is no.
Key Takeaway
In an era of billion-dollar ancillary fees, it’s easy to feel like flying has lost its magic. But the truth is, the best parts of travel have always been about human connection. The golden age of flying isn’t gone—it’s just hiding behind a polite request.
As one travel YouTuber wisely puts it, “you will 100% never get something for free or even know what you are able to get if you don’t take a moment to ask.”
So next time you fly, remember that knowledge is power. Be observant, be kind, and don’t be afraid to speak up. After all, as the old saying goes, “A traveller without observation is a bird without wings.” Safe travels!
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
How Total Beginners Are Building Wealth Fast in 2025—No Experience Needed
How Total Beginners Are Building Wealth Fast in 2025
I used to think investing was something you did after you were already rich. Like, you needed $10,000 in a suit pocket and a guy named Chad at some fancy firm who knew how to “diversify your portfolio.” Meanwhile, I was just trying to figure out how to stretch $43 to payday.
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12 Grocery Items You’ve Been Storing Wrong All Your Life
You probably think you’ve got the grocery storage game all figured out. Milk goes in the fridge. Bread goes in the pantry. Fruit goes in the fruit bowl. But the truth is, a lot of us are storing everyday items in ways that shorten their shelf life, mess with their flavor, or invite bacteria we’d rather not meet.
Don’t beat yourself up. You’re not the only one putting tomatoes in the fridge or onions next to potatoes. Not many Americans have researched proper food storage methods. Let’s fix that. Your food (and your wallet) will thank you.
READ: 12 Grocery Items You’ve Been Storing Wrong All Your Life
