EVERYONE knows that flying can be uncomfortable, but passengers often suffer much more than they need to.
In fact, there are plenty of things that the plane’s cabin crew can give you for free, you just need to know what you’re entitled to during your trip.
GettyPassengers just need to ask their flight attendants for certain freebies[/caption]
Travel expert Iona Wark, Senior Holiday Product Manager at loveholidays has revealed three things that she always knows to ask for when she boards a flight, to make the trip less stressful
Children’s entertainment packs
Some airlines offer complimentary kid’s packs to keep them entertained.
For example, on a Virgin Atlantic flight, you can ask for a KiD backpack for youngsters aged 2-6, which contains things such as a holiday journal.
Meanwhile, on British Airways flights, children can enjoy a Skyflyers activity pack, which includes a fun eye mask and a postcard to send home.
Luggage tags
Luggage tags or stickers are available for free at the check-in desk at most airports, in case you forgot to put one on your luggage.
If you did forget, grab a few for free.
Or, if you’re covered, grab a few anyway and get the kids to use them to draw on during the flight and give them to your attendant as a thank you.
Headphones
If you’ve forgotten yours or want some for your child while on holiday, ask your flight attendant whether they have any headphones for passengers.
Then, you can take them with you when you get off the plane.
It saves forking out for some at the airport, where prices are often more expensive.
Iona has other tricks that she uses to get better treatment during her flights too, like telling the airline she’s flying for a special occasion.
She said: “First family holiday? Travelling to celebrate a special birthday? It’s always worth casually dropping your special occasion to score a freebie.
“Make sure you mention this once you’re up in the air and not in a crowded queue.”
She also recommends phoning ahead for an upgrade to increase your chances.
She added: “Check-in staff don’t always have the authority to offer upgrades.
“Contact the airline or hotel pre-travel to enquire whether you can be considered for an upgrade.
“It helps to highlight a special occasion and express gratitude for anything they can do to make it more memorable.
“Being agreeable often works effectively when seeking extras.”
Sun Online Travel’s resident flight attendant backed up Iona’s words, explaining that it’s easier for passengers to get extra stuff on board flights if they’re celebrating.
They said: “We regularly get birthdays on board the plane and even though we can’t light candles for you when we’re in the air, we aren’t above getting the flight crew together to sing happy birthday.
“Similarly if you’re on your honeymoon or heading on holiday for a big anniversary, it’s at our discretion, but we can give you an upgrade or provide you with freebies – but you need to let us know.
“You’re much more likely to get an upgrade if you’re flying for a specific reason and want your trip to be made more luxurious and memorable.
“What I would say though is that the best people to tell about this are those working at the check-in desk because they’re responsible for allocating seating and can easily move you up the plane.”
Meanwhile, this is how some sneaky passengers manage to get into first class without having to pay for it.
And these six tricks could increase your chances of getting an upgrade free of charge.
GettyKids can be given activity packs to keep them occupied during flights[/caption]