There's constant frustration with airlines these days, and much of that comes from everything costing way more than a pretty penny.
But if you think nothing is free on planes, you'd be wrong. It's just a matter of asking. Here are seven things you can still get for free on a flight.
Sanitizing wipes
Airplanes are usually a hub for germs. Flight-crew members do what they can to make sure each flight is clean, but things like tables and armrests get missed. Before you put your laptop or food on a table, ask for sanitizing wipes. Flight attendants usually have them on hand.
A whole can of soda
The flight attendant may cover your small, ice-filled cup with a sweet carbonated drink, but on many flights you can ask for the whole can for your own refills.
Basic first-aid items
If you're on a flight and dealing with a headache or any other minor pain, you can ask for ibuprofen if you need it. Have a paper cut or minor scratch? Ask for a bandage.
Temporary babysitting
If you're traveling alone with kids and need to step away to the lavatory or stretch your legs, many flight attendants are happy to watch your little ones while you catch a breather.
Extra snacks
If there is a surplus of peanuts, pretzels and cookies on the flight, you may be able to get more food to snack on during your flight.
Travel tips
If you're traveling somewhere new and have some questions, your flight staff can usually help. Have a long layover in a city? Ask a flight attendant what the best places are around and in the airport to eat and hang out.
Cockpit tour
Once upon a time, passengers could go in the cockpit and chat with pilots in-flight. Those days are gone, but you can still talk with the pilot and get a look at the cockpit. Timing matters for this one. It's best to ask to see where the pilots work after a flight when they may have more downtime.
All these freebies and extras depend on the flight and airline, but you never know what's available if you don't ask.
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