Most of us board a plane with the same thought: how do I make this flight less of a chore and more of a treat? We dream about first class, but for many of us, those wide seats and champagne glasses are way out of reach. The good news is that a smoother, more enjoyable trip doesn’t always come down to luck, points, or your credit card. Sometimes it’s as simple as speaking up.
According to Air New Zealand flight attendant David Downie, one overlooked secret to improving your flight has nothing to do with miles or upgrades. It’s about conversation. The crew isn’t just there to serve drinks and give safety briefings. They often have small perks and thoughtful touches at their fingertips that can turn your hectic flight into a memory worth talking about. And it all starts with saying hello.
The Perks of Talking to the Crew
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David says passengers often don’t realize what’s available if they just ask. Toothbrushes, eye masks, and even wet wipes are stocked on many flights but go unused because no one thinks to request them. For families, there might be a chance for kids to peek inside the flight deck before or after the journey. First-time flyers can sometimes walk away with a signed certificate from the captain. And if you’re celebrating a milestone, the crew may surprise you with a card or even a small announcement to mark the occasion.
This is the easiest way to add a little spark to your trip. It doesn’t cost anything, and it turns a routine flight into something special. Sometimes all it takes is a short conversation to open the door to extras you didn’t know were possible.
Hacks That Actually Work
While chatting with the crew is the number one secret, there are also other tricks seasoned travelers swear by. Flying solo during off-peak times is a big one. A midweek flight or an early morning departure gives crew members more flexibility, and it’s always easier to move one person than a whole family. Booking less popular flights also helps. Experts suggest looking for early or late departures outside busy months and even booking on a Tuesday for better chances at deals.
If you’re bold, try calling the airline before your flight and asking, “Have revenue management released any first-class seats for miles upgrades yet?” It shows you understand how things work behind the scenes and can sometimes get you access to hidden seat upgrades. And if you’re flexible, volunteering to take a later flight on an overbooked day is almost guaranteed to score you perks, often including a bump to first class.
Being Nice Still Matters
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One theme comes up again and again from flight attendants and frequent fliers: kindness works. Asking politely at the desk or onboard can sometimes land you a better seat, especially if one opens up last minute. Some travelers even bring small treats for the crew as a friendly gesture. While this doesn’t guarantee anything, it can help you stand out in a positive way. And honestly, even if it doesn’t lead to an upgrade, it makes for a friendlier atmosphere all around.
Playing the Long Game
Frequent travelers know that loyalty pays off. Sticking with one airline gradually unlocks real perks, from complimentary upgrades to seats with more room. Credit cards tied to those airlines can push the benefits further, adding fee credits, upgrade certificates, and steady mile accumulation with everyday purchases.
None of this changes your experience overnight, but trip after trip the advantages add up, and better seating becomes less of a rare treat and more of a regular part of how you fly.