From checked bags to seat assignments and in-flight meals, airlines now charge for many perks that used to be included in your fare. And while it often seems like new fees are being added each year while amenities are further reduced, there are still a number of items anyone can request for free on a plane — some of which may surprise you. Here are seven things to ask for on your next flight.

Sanitizing Wipes

Cleaning crews do their best to service planes between flights, but with quick turnaround times, some spots get missed. So, it never hurts to wipe down your seat, tray table, and other touchpoints with a sanitizing wipe before you get settled. 

Amid heightened concern during the pandemic, it became standard practice for airlines to hand out sanitizing wipes during boarding. A few years later, some airlines, like United, still officially pledge to offer them during boarding, while others, like American, have stopped handing them out to every customer. Even if you don’t get offered one, however, it’s worth asking a flight attendant during boarding, because many airlines will still have them available upon request. 

Children’s Play Kits

If you’re flying with young kids, you probably strategically packed a few items to keep them entertained and busy during the flight. But what if those don’t do the trick? Some airlines can lend a helping hand via complimentary activity packs. For example, United Airlines offers a Children’s Travel Kit, designed by the people behind Sesame Street, which includes crayons, an activity book, a puzzle, and a sensory strip to calm anxiety in young ones. 

Extra Snacks and Drinks

While some airlines, particularly budget carriers, may not offer any food and drink for free, most airlines will at least offer complimentary soft drinks and packaged snacks on flights over an hour or so. But if you’re particularly hungry, flight attendants usually have no problem accommodating requests for additional snacks or the full can of soda — their only ask is that you do so politely. If you’re on a longer international flight with complimentary meals, you may even be able to request another meal if there are extras on board; again, it doesn’t hurt to ask nicely. 

Special Meals

If your flight does offer meals, chances are the options in economy class will be fairly basic and uninspiring. But if you have any dietary restrictions (or are simply curious about other available options), it’s helpful to know that you can request special meals without paying anything extra. 

On American Airlines, for example, you can request over a dozen different types of special meals, from Asian vegetarian to Hindu, Kosher, or options for those with lactose or gluten intolerances. But unlike the other items on this list, special meals should be requested before you board — on American, you must do so at least 20 hours before departure, and you can request one starting 30 days out. If you didn’t order one ahead of time, sometimes you might get lucky and be offered an extra onboard if someone who requested a special meal didn’t end up taking the flight.

First-Aid Supplies

We always recommend packing a few basic medical supplies, such as over-the-counter pain relievers, in your carry-on. But if a more serious situation arises mid-flight, you can always ask your flight crew for assistance. U.S. airlines are required by the FAA to carry emergency medical kits containing items like bandages, antiseptic swabs, and scissors. For in-flight medical emergencies, flight attendants can also assist in locating a doctor on board.

Collectibles

Decades ago, it was common for airlines to hand out freebies like playing cards, wing pins, and postcards as mementos of your flight. Most of those perks have fallen victim to cost cutting over the years, but a few airlines still offer collectibles — to those in the know. 

Delta has a “secret” trading card program with different cards for each type of plane the airline flies. To get one, simply ask the flight crew. “When they’re not busy preparing for flight or flying our customers to their next adventure, our pilots carrying these fan-favorite cards are more than happy to hand one out to any customer who asks nicely; as they look to add to, or begin, their newest favorite collection,” a Delta spokesperson shared with People magazine.

Miles for Inconveniences

As any frequent traveler knows, sometimes things don’t work out as planned. If you encounter a service issue during your flight, you may be able to receive compensation for the inconvenience on the spot, in the form of bonus miles or vouchers for future flights. 

On Delta Air Lines, flight attendants can offer SkyMiles for things like broken entertainment screens, a malfunctioning seat recline, or faulty tray tables using their company-provided smartphones. Anecdotal reports suggest that the amount varies depending on the issue, length of flight, and if you have status or not, but can typically range from 2,500 to 10,000 SkyMiles. If flight attendants aren’t able to offer any compensation or if you feel like you deserve more, you can always submit a complaint on the airline’s website after the fact. 

When it’s time to check out of a hotel, it’s always been common practice to let the front desk know that you’re leaving. But is telling the staff actually necessary these days, or is it outdated protocol? After all, it’d be more convenient to leave the key in the room and simply walk out the door, especially when there’s a long line at the desk or you’re rushing to catch a flight. However, leaving in a hurry can cause unexpected issues. Here’s why you should always check out of a hotel.

You Don’t Need To Check Out, But…

Whether you forget to check out or actively decide not to do so, most hotels are still equipped to process your departure in your absence. If the staff doesn’t hear from you by the time the official checkout cutoff rolls around, they’ll likely just charge the card on file, add on any extra costs (if you used the minibar or other services), and close out the booking. They also may send housekeeping to the room to confirm you’ve left.

The process may be different at small boutique hotels or at bed-and-breakfasts, especially if they use a more rudimentary system to record departures. But most hotel chains are equipped to handle all checkouts whether the guest is still there or not. However, there are ways in which walking out the door without formally checking out can cause potential headaches for both you and the staff.

Potential Billing Issues

Checking out at the front desk allows you to inspect the bill and confirm the charges are correct. It’s also a good time to flag any unexpected charges that you might want to dispute. By forgoing the checkout process, you’d be waiving this opportunity to discuss errant charges in person, and you won’t know how much you paid until you receive an email with a copy of your folio or until the charges hit your bank account.

If anything is amiss, you may have no choice but to dispute the charges from afar, and it could be a headache coordinating with both the hotel and your bank. Taking the time to check out alleviates these concerns, and the front desk can help you fix any issues before you go on your way.

Checking Out Is Courteous

Checking out isn’t merely for your own benefit — it also makes the lives of the hotel staff easier by allowing them to efficiently clean rooms and prepare them for the next guest. If you let the front desk know when you leave, they can alert the housekeeping team right away, and they can get a head start on tidying up.

Say you leave the hotel three hours before the official checkout time but don’t tell anyone when you depart. Hotel staff will probably assume you’re still in the room, and they won’t send anyone by to clean it until hours later. If nothing else, consider telling the hotel staff about your departure as a courtesy.

Alternatives to the Front Desk

If physically checking out at the desk is an issue for any reason, there are a couple of convenient alternatives. Some hotels allow you to check out through their mobile app, or by using the TV or tablet provided in the room. You can also call the front desk, tell them you’re leaving, and request that they email you the bill so you can review it. Any one of these options is better than leaving without a peep, since it lets the hotel know you’re gone and still allows you to review charges before you depart.

When it comes to travel, sometimes it’s not a bad idea to follow the crowd if you’re seeking out a new destination you’ve never considered. According to the United Nations’ World Tourism Barometer, several countries experienced double-digit growth in international arrivals in 2025, and they’re not the ones you might necessarily expect. Whether you’re looking for off-the-grid thrills deep in the Amazon rainforest or a quiet spot to find solitude in the Himalayas, the following countries are bound to captivate even the most well-seasoned travelers — and you may want to experience their wonders before everyone else does, too. 

Ethiopia

According to the U.N. data, Ethiopia saw a 15% surge in international visitors last year compared with 2024. This vacation destination promises adventurous travelers the chance to see significant ancient ruins and archaeological sites; visit a cloud forest in the Bale Mountains; spot wildlife such as hippos, Nile crocodiles, and gelada monkeys (found nowhere else in the world); or sample roasts from the birthplace of Arabica coffee — to name just a few experiences. 

Ethiopia’s uptick in popularity is attributed to the younger demographic of visitors who show an interest in outdoor activities and thrill-seeking adventures. The country’s launch of the Visit Ethiopia website in 2025 has enabled visitors to learn firsthand about locally recommended restaurants, hotels, and tour operators. Construction on Africa’s largest airport project, the Bishoftu International Airport, began in January 2026, further positioning the country for tourism growth in the coming decades.

The Seychelles

The Seychelles welcomed 30% more international visitors in 2025 compared with the year prior. The country has championed marine conservation, with 30% of its ocean territory protected, and advocated for inclusivity, stating that there are no private beaches anywhere in the archipelago — the islands are a place for everyone to enjoy.

They’re home to the UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve — where you’ll find the rare Coco de Mer palm — along with Morne Seychellois National Park, Sainte Anne Marine National Park, and the colorful capital of Victoria, which is known for its vibrant Creole culture. There’s plenty of wildlife to spot, too, including free-roaming giant tortoises on Curieuse Island, Fregate Island, and the remote Aldabra Atoll. Although couples and honeymooners remain the country’s core demographic for tourism, part of the uptick in the popularity of the Seychelles is thanks to targeted marketing efforts to expand the islands’ appeal to welcome families and solo travelers as well.

Bhutan

Bhutan isn’t exactly a country you can visit on a whim. It requires prebooked tours (no independent travel allowed), payment of a mandatory daily sustainable development fee, and visa approval. But the landlocked Asian country situated high in the Himalayas still received plenty of visitors in 2025, witnessing a 30% increase in tourism from the year prior. 

As one of the last surviving Buddhist kingdoms, Bhutan offers a refreshing escape from the daily grind. First opened to visitors in 1970, the country prioritizes culturally enriching experiences for its guests. Those seeking a mindful retreat can experience centuries-old traditions such as sitting with a monk during a blessing, watching a textile weaver spin intricate designs, or practicing archery. Bhutan also holds a reputation for being one of the happiest countries in the world due to its philosophy of measuring success by Gross National Happiness (GNH) rather than GDP. Plus, it is the only country in the world that is completely carbon-negative, making it an appealing destination for sustainable tourism, too. 

Brazil

In 2025, Brazil welcomed a record-breaking 9.3 million tourists — a 37% increase over 2024. Tourism officials credit the influx in visitors to a program launched by the Brazilian Agency for International Tourism Promotion (Embratur) designed to attract new international flights. The South American country recorded the largest year-over-year increase in the world, according to the U.N. report. 

From golden beaches to sprawling metropolises to the Amazon rainforest, Brazil has plenty of landscapes to explore, but that’s only a small part of the allure. In 2026, visitors can experience a variety of new attractions, including the renovated Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro, with a historic theater, a redesigned pool with new tiling, and expanded suites to mark its 100th anniversary. Also in Rio, check out the reopened National Museum of Fine Arts, or venture outside Brazil’s major cities to experience the new luxury eco-resorts on the “Magic Island” of Florianópolis, known for its 40 diverse beaches, forested hills, and large saltwater lagoons. Brazil has a reputation as a lively destination for celebration, entertainment, culture, and music, too, regularly hosting major events like the upcoming Women’s World Cup in 2027.

When navigating an airport, you come face to face with many different employees, such as TSA officers, gate agents, and flight attendants. But there’s a plethora of other people working behind the scenes to ensure everything at an airport runs smoothly — and you’ll never see most of them. The people working these “invisible” jobs perform their duties without drawing public attention, so the average traveler may not realize the roles even exist. Discover five of these lesser-known — and often fascinating — airport professions that keep your flight on schedule.

Wildlife Hazard Manager

Animals around airports pose a major risk to aircraft if not suitably managed. This is especially true of birds, which account for 97% of airplane strikes, and mammals such as deer, which cause the remaining 3%. By keeping the tarmac and flight paths clear, wildlife hazard managers lessen the risk of these events from occurring. Typically, there isn’t one single wildlife hazard management role at an airport, but rather a variety of specialized fields dedicated to preventing incidents between airplanes and animals.

One example of a job that falls under the wildlife hazard management umbrella is serving on the Bird Strike Committee, an organization that analyzes data about past collisions and bird flight patterns, and passes that information on to specific airports. Another critical role involves maintaining the landscape around an airport’s runway. Various trees and bushes can provide animals with shelter or food, and certain employees are tasked with removing that foliage to deter animals from coming too close to the runway. Some airports also employ professional falconers to deploy their highly trained falcons in the vicinity of the runway. These falcons can scare off other birds and mitigate the risk of bird strikes.

Airfield Lighting Technician

Tarmac and runway lighting systems are essential for nighttime operations or in the event of low visibility. Though they’re far more powerful than the bulbs in a bedside lamp or ceiling light, like those fixtures, lights on the runway may dim or fizzle out over time. This is why airports employ airfield lighting technicians who are specially trained to keep the tarmac glowing bright.

These technicians are required to inspect, test, clean, repair, and handle all other matters related to light fixtures located on the tarmac. They’re also trained to work during adverse weather conditions — for example, if lights go out during a torrential storm, these techs work tirelessly to restore power so that aircraft can land safely. They’re required to adhere to strict FAA safety protocols and must be trained to work with high-voltage systems of up to 5,000 volts of electricity. Employees in this role are frequently on call for all emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Aircraft Loadmaster

The loadmaster (or a similar role called a load planner) plays an integral role in ensuring that planes stay properly balanced in the sky. It’s their responsibility to ensure that weight is evenly distributed throughout the aircraft. Loadmasters are commonly employed in the military, but also for commercial cargo flights.

Loadmasters use precise mathematical calculations to determine each plane’s center of gravity, which allows them to plot out where all the cargo should be safely stored. They’re also responsible for the safe placement of any unusual or sensitive cargo, such as ammunition or fragile medical devices. If these items are stored improperly, it can cause damage to the craft and the cargo itself. Once the airplane is loaded for departure, the loadmaster makes sure that everything is firmly strapped down so that it doesn’t shift around during the journey.

Foreign Object Debris Inspector

The foreign object debris (FOD) inspector is tasked with flagging potentially hazardous objects on the runway (or anywhere else in the airport) that may cause harm or damage to staff, passengers, or aircraft. Some common objects they look out for include nuts, bolts, wildlife, rocks, rubber from tires, or any other materials that may end up on the runway. While many of the items may seem quite small, they could pose a risk of puncturing the airplane’s tires.

FOD inspectors use a combination of runway walks, ground-based radar, and various cameras and sensors to check the tarmac for potential hazards. If the FOD inspector notices anything amiss, they’re expected to report the issue to air traffic control and implement safety measures to clean up the hazards. If the problem is deemed significant enough, a team will be dispatched to the runway to remove the hazards, sometimes using specialized vehicles with built-in vacuums and magnetic sweepers to scoop up the debris — even if that means temporarily suspending flights until the tarmac is clear.

Runway Friction Tester

Runway friction is an important consideration for making sure that airplanes can take off and land safely. This is an especially notable concern in cases of inclement weather, as rain or snow may cause the runway to become too slick. To determine if there’s enough runway friction to perform safe takeoffs and landings, airports employ a runway friction tester. These testers drive a specially designed vehicle across the runway, which uses a built-in sensor system to measure runway friction.

The FAA requires suitable friction conditions on at least two runways in order for an airport to operate in a safe manner. For this reason, runway friction testers will regularly perform journeys across each runway to perform tests. These vehicles are also designed with a self-watering feature that sprays water in front of the car and allows them to simulate wet conditions, even on non-rainy days. This helps ensure that even if it starts to rain, the runway will maintain enough friction to withstand those conditions.

I love hotels and have been visiting them professionally for decades. In that time, the industry has changed a lot. Some of these changes are welcome — like replacing disposable plastic toiletries with refillable dispensers, or getting rid of giant dusty entertainment units in favor of flat-screen wall-mounted TVs. But every few years, some small pleasure or comfort disappears, to the detriment of guests. I’ve grown accustomed to packing my own lightweight robe and expecting the only room service option to be DoorDash. But the latest hotel trend — the disappearing bathroom door — makes sharing a room with another human downright intolerable. Here’s why travelers shouldn’t take this destruction of privacy sitting down.

The Incredible Shrinking Hotel Bathroom

First, they came for the tubs. No relaxing soak at the end of a long day, no way to safely clean a squirming toddler without getting wet with them, and above all, no apology for the removal of an amenity that used to be standard. When I questioned the rationale behind a tubless suite, one hotel manager insisted that their clients preferred showers and didn’t want a separate tub. Another hospitality director told me prefab showers are cheaper to build and can be installed quickly. Plus, they save on housekeeping labor, which decreases costs.

The downsizing didn’t stop with bathtubs. Soon, shower doors began disappearing, or were downsized to cheaper half-glass. This made showering a less-than-luxurious experience, with hot water battling cold air (not to mention the soaked floors). Would you like a conveniently placed ledge or shelf to rest a foot on while shaving your legs? Those vanished, too, in the same renovation cycle that gave us walk-in showers with nowhere to put our shampoo. 

But the latest hotel amenity to disappear in the name of a more open aesthetic is, of all things, the ability to use the toilet in private. That’s right — bathroom doors are on the chopping block. While some hotels go the distance with spa-worthy soaking tubs and steam showers, others are “renovating” with barn-style sliding doors, barely frosted or completely clear glass doors, or even no doors at all to save on space — all to increase the bottom line. 

Coping Strategies

Guests are fighting back, however. Sadie Lowell was traveling with her father when she discovered — to her horror — that their twin-bed room in London’s Holmes Hotel had no bathroom door and clear glass walls. The experience led her to launch BringBackDoors.com, an ever-growing database of hotels (there are now over 500 of them) rating potty privacy from “full” to “zero.”

For those of us who simply want to soak in peace, the odds are not in our favor, either. As of 2019, shower-only rooms accounted for nearly a quarter of all hotel rooms in the U.S. — triple the share from the mid-2010s. My personal experience is that you’re more likely to find a tub (as part of a traditional shower-tub combo) in a Motel 6 than you are in a recently renovated 4-star hotel. You can filter for in-room tubs when searching online travel agencies such as Booking.com, but they may not be on offer in all rooms, so it’s always a good idea to call to confirm. (It never hurts to scope out traveler-submitted pictures on sites like TripAdvisor, too.)

Should you accidentally find yourself in a half-glassed shower with an audaciously exposed toilet, you can grin and bear (bare?) it — or join the revolution against the never-ending erosion of hospitality. During your stay, express your displeasure (politely) to the hotel manager, or you can email a letter of complaint to corporate (if it’s a chain).

While it may take time to see any meaningful response, there are a few immediate workarounds. Depending on how the room is configured, a carefully draped bath sheet might provide some privacy. Most lodgings also have restroom facilities in the lobby, while an on-site fitness facility may offer the ability to shower more privately.

I’ve always believed that travel is a privilege, but hotels (and airlines) seem to charge more and offer less with each passing year. We’ve largely lost complimentary seat assignments, free checked luggage (not to mention hotel luggage racks), minibars, and sometimes even daily housekeeping — let’s not give up our bathroom privacy without a fight.

Featured image credit: © Iván Moreno/stock.adobe.com