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.