Make Friends With the Flight Attendants (Subtly)

Flight attendants are your greatest allies at 36,000 feet. A warm smile and polite tone go a long way. Greet them sincerely during boarding, and avoid making unreasonable demands. If they’re not swamped, they may offer you extra snacks, water, or a better seat if one becomes available. Don’t interrupt them during safety checks or service rounds, but catch them during downtimes with a friendly word or request. They deal with hundreds of passengers each flight—being one of the few who are kind and respectful often pays off in little perks that make your trip better.