36 Plane Tricks That Make Flying Way Less Annoying

Do good, get goodies. Flight attendants hook me up with free drinks when I’m just being kind - like swapping meals with a sad neighbor or dealing with noisy kids quietly. Being nice pays off big time!

Sounds obvious, but a little politeness goes a long way. Saying please and thank you to flight attendants can totally change how they treat you. Magic words for win-win flight vibes.

When the airline causes a delay (not the weather), you might get free booze - if you ask! Just throw out, “Free drinks for the delay, right?” and watch the perks fly your way.

Lost your charger or something? Don’t freak. Lost and found might have it waiting for you between flights because they clean planes super fast. It saved me once, and it could save you too!

Not a fan of tomato juice? Try it on a flight. Apparently, it’s way tastier up there. Flight attendants say it’s like a secret club - once someone orders it, it spreads like wildfire. Science says it’s legit. Weird, right?

Walking out after an international flight? Peek at the empty business class section - they sometimes leave behind cute little bags with socks, eye masks, and toiletries. Grab one before they disappear!

Whether you sneak on first or wait till last, everyone ends up shuffling off the plane together. So don’t stress about boarding order - it’s basically a free-for-all exit.

Worried your bathroom break might clear the cabin? Ask for a coffee bag from the crew and take it in. It masks all sorts of smells and you can toss it when you’re done. Basically, saving noses and your dignity.

If you’re traveling with a kid and they accidentally lock the airplane bathroom door, no panic! There’s an emergency latch on the outside under the No Smoking sign that lets you unlock it from outside. Handy, huh?

Packing some cookies or chocolates to thank the flight crew? Genius move. They’ll adore you and might just go out of their way to make your flight extra sweet.

Airplane rules are no joke. The captain can kick you off for pretty much any reason (rude to crew, crazy tweets, allergic drama). Oh, and call them ‘flight attendants,’ not ‘stewardess.’ It’s the polite club!

Need more space to get up? The aisle armrest lifts up with a secret button or latch under the back part. So if you’re stuck with a tray table down, this is your escape hatch.

Flying SQ? You can ask for all kinds of freebies in economy - stuff like toothbrushes, cards, sewing kits, even toys for the kids. Have a birthday or anniversary? Say the word and you might get cake and champagne, plus a signed card. Fancy!

Still craving after mealtime? You can request extra servings, but no choosing your dish. Usually on international flights with meals included. Hey, don’t be shy, ask away!

Don’t lug your giant jacket around. Most planes have a little closet with hangers. Just ask a flight attendant to stash it there for you. Fancy and space-saving.

Stuffed nose giving you a killer headache? Flight attendants usually have packets of aspirin and water ready for free. Life saver on those looong flights.

They can make hot chocolate, serve free booze if you ask, snap Polaroids for kids or special moments, and totally hook you up with random swag like earplugs, razors, or chocolate. But only if you’re nice!

Espresso drinks aren’t just for first class! Ask for a latte or cappuccino, and the crew will make it for free. It’s like your own mini coffee shop at 30,000 feet.

Feel parched or got a headache? Flight attendants will happily hand out free water and aspirin. No drama, just drink up and chill.

Pick seats near emergency exits for hoppiest legroom, but be ready to help in an emergency. Bonus: you get to boss people around if disaster strikes. (Just kidding!)

I once snagged a weird non-window seat in Economy Plus just by moving up on a mostly empty flight. The crew didn’t even make a fuss and I scored free fancy drinks. Not bad for winging it!

Got VIP lounge access? Grab as many little cans of pop as you like before your flight. Security’s done, so why not boozelessly prepare for takeoff?

When the flight attendant offers drinks, ask for the entire can instead of a cup. You get more, and they don’t have to carry half-full cups. Win-win for everyone.

I started talking to a flight attendant before takeoff and my wife and I ended up with free champagne and chocolate mousse while others looked on jealous. Who knew small talk could taste so sweet?

Want to dash to the bathroom before others? Order the vegetarian meal. They serve it first, so you get dibs on bathroom time. Sneaky and smart!

Late booking? Peek at the last row - if it only has two seats, you might snag a cozy spot with extra legroom where the seat’s not fully lined up. Bonus comfort hack!

Long intercontinental flight? Drinks are usually free! Got a mix-up about that? Spoiler: just ask and cheers!

Got religious reasons? Say you want halal food. It's tastier (especially on BA) and means you get served before everyone else. Winning on both taste and speed.

If your kid’s adorable and you ask nicely, pilots often let them peek in the cockpit before takeoff for a mini tour. Kid = instant little VIP.

On a long flight, hanging out and chatting with the crew in the galley might get you some free beer. Plus, it’s way easier to grab drinks without the usual fuss. Cheers to friendliness!

Flights packed? Board as late as possible and your overhead luggage will probably get checked at no extra cost. Sneaky way to travel light (sort of)!

If someone is snoozing on your shoulder during the flight, legally you can slap them to keep your space. Defend your sleep turf like a boss!

Peanuts on planes? Yep, they’re totally free. No sneaky fees here, just grab ’em and munch away.

Here's a cheeky one: board last, quietly say a random seat number that isn’t yours, glance at your ticket, then plop down like you own the place. This often scores you an empty seat or even extra legroom. Smooth move!

Sometimes lavatories stay locked during taxi and takeoff. Spot a raised sign on the door? That’s a hidden latch - flip it up and slide the lock to get in. Handy life hack!

Cried a little on a flight? Don’t worry, flight attendants might give you the entire soda can instead of just a cup. Free full drink, just for the tears!