12 Items You can Get from Your Flight Attendant Absolutely Free

No matter where you’re flying, the average domestic flight now costs hundreds of dollars — and that’s just for the ticket.

These days, everything from checking a bag to accessing Wi-Fi costs extra. This can put a comfortable flight way out of your budget, especially if you're trying to travel more this year.

But even in an age where airlines seem to charge for the simplest convenience, most companies still offer a handful of items for free. All you have to do is ask.

So the next time you fly, consider asking your flight attendant if you can claim any of these free perks.

Flight attendants used to distribute individually shrink-wrapped blankets before takeoff that could offer an (admittedly flimsy) extra layer of comfort during the flight.

Few airlines follow this practice now, though some still distribute blankets to first-class passengers. But some flights might carry some blankets for flyers who ask for them.

You’ll probably need to leave the blanket behind once you land, so ask your flight attendant for clarification. And don’t be surprised if the attendant tells you that blankets are for first class only. 

On some airlines, you can only get pillows or blankets on international flights.

Don’t want to choose between a small package of Biscoff cookies, a tiny bag of pretzels, or a handful of peanuts to tide you over for the duration of the flight?

When the food and beverage cart comes around, ask if you can snag an extra packet or two.

Not every passenger wants a snack, so there should be a few leftover treats that will simply roll over to the next flight if you don’t eat them yourself.

Remember the good old days when flight attendants would hand out not just cupfuls of soda but the entire can?

Nowadays, most airlines split cans between passengers to save money, but you can always ask for the full can along with your cup and see what happens.

There’s no guarantee that your flight attendant will say yes, but you won’t know if you don’t ask.

Speaking of hydration, did you pour out your water at the start of the security line and run out of time to fill it back up before boarding? Ask a flight attendant if they can fill the bottle up for you.

Traveling at a high altitude can quickly dehydrate you, so try to drink eight ounces of water an hour while you’re in the air.

More than a matter of convenience, it’s about your health. Your flight attendant should be happy to help you travel safely.

If a cup of coffee or a soda doesn’t sound like it would hit the spot, ask your flight attendant if they have any hot chocolate on hand.

Like coffee shops and restaurants, airlines usually carry non-caffeinated alternatives to hot coffee for passengers who want to relax with a hot drink without getting too wired.

If you want to enjoy high-quality, noise-canceling headphones on your flight, you’re going to have to bring your own. But most airlines have free wired earbuds you can use during the flight.

And if the airline doesn’t offer you a set of earbuds upfront and you’re worried it’s rude to ask for a set, remember that it actually benefits the airline to distribute them for free.

After all, some premium airline entertainment costs money. So if you don’t have a way to listen to the most recent blockbuster, you’re obviously not going to pay to watch it in flight.

Masks aren’t currently required on most planes, but airlines are making an extra effort to ensure passengers feel safe flying. They’re also cleaning the cabin between flights.

If you request sanitizer for your hands, armrests, tray table, or screen, your flight attendant will almost certainly have something you can use.

If your flight is sold out and every passenger shows up, there’s not much to do about your seat assignment beyond asking another passenger to switch with you.

But if the flight has some extra seats and you’re uncomfortable where you are, it doesn’t hurt to ask your flight attendant if you can change your seat.

If you have a medical condition that restricts your diet or if you eat vegan or gluten-free, you can politely ask your flight attendant if they have snacks to accommodate your needs.

Hopefully, your flight will offer at least one snack option without gluten or animal products. However, this might not be the case on a short domestic flight.

Planes are required to travel with fully stocked first aid kits. If you need a bandaid, sanitizing wipe, or some basic medications, you can ask your flight attendant if they have what you need.

Some airlines also offer sanitary pads and tampons as part of their medical supplies, but you can’t count on it.

Not all airlines have brought back the once-common practice of handing out branded wing pins to kids and first-time flyers. Others, like Delta, are restoring the process.

You might need to ask directly for a wing pin if you aren’t offered one. Be careful not to ask in front of your little one — pins might not be available, and no one wants to start off their flight with a disappointed little traveler.

If you’ve been in the market for a new credit card with travel benefits you can actually use, talk to your flight attendant.

Popular airlines like Delta and United offer great credit cards with travel-based rewards. Depending on the card, you might get a better intro offer by signing up on a flight.

So if you’ve been eyeing those SkyMiles, a flight attendant can help you submit a credit card application that starts to earn you benefits mid-air.

Pro tip: If you don't like the credit card options airlines offer, you can still earn travel rewards by using several non-airline credit cards.

If you ask for any of these free perks and get a polite but apologetic no, just shrug and let it go — there’s no harm in asking as long as you can accept the answer with good grace.

But in an age of expensive, inconvenient air travel, it’s worth seeing if you can get some extra items and amenities for free.

Even if you cashed in points on your best travel credit card, you paid a lot for your travel experience. You might as well make the most of it without compromising your budget.