SO EXTRA

These secret in-flight extras are FREE and will make your journey so much easier

Rosie Gizauskas

Published: 10:17, 6 Sep 2018
Updated: 10:29, 7 Sep 2018

ECONOMY flights aren’t known for their comfort – but there’s lots you can do to improve them, and much of it is free.

From extra food (and some of it the nicer stuff) to sleepwear and entertainment for the kids, all you have to do is ask.

Most people don't realise that flight attendants often have a stock of free colouring books for kidsCredit: Getty - Contributor

While some of these freebies are limited, it’s always worth checking with a flight attendant in case they can pull some strings.

A tour of the cockpit

Pilot Vicky McCarthy told Sun Online Travel that you can often have a nosey round the cockpit if you ask nicely.

Vicky says: "A lot of people are scared that they can’t go in, but if you would like to, just ask. If it’s too busy, the cabin crew will just tell you - there’s no harm in asking."

You may be able to have a tour of the plane's cockpit before the flight takes offCredit: Getty - Contributor

She continued: "The pilots will be more than happy to answer any questions.

"We also pop out of the cockpit during the flight to use the bathroom or to get a few bits and bobs from the galley, and we’re happy to answer questions then.

"We don’t let people into the cockpit on Thomas Cook during flights, but before the flight, yes.

"If your plane is delayed on the runway then that’s the perfect time."

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First class extras

While this isn’t applicable on carriers like Ryanair and easyJet, if there’s a business or first class section on your plane, it’s worth asking if you can nab some free pyjamas.

Flight attendants might have a spare pair knocking around – and if you don’t ask, you don’t get.

Failing that, make sure you pack your own pair into your hand luggage, as nobody wants to be stuck in jeans for a long journey.

Long haul flights will also have a stock of sleeping masks, blankets and ear plugs on board that you can ask for more of, in case you lose yours, or need some for the hotel.

It's worth asking for extra blankets and eye masks on a long-haul flightCredit: Getty - Contributor

More food

Not all of us are fans of plane food, but if you’re into it, there will often be spares, and all you have to do is ask a member of cabin crew.

You might even get an upgrade on your food if you’re lucky.

An anonymous traveller revealed how they blagged first class dinners on board a flight from Tokyo to London.

They said: “I was travelling long haul in economy from Tokyo to London, and my partner and I fell asleep as the flight was taking off – missing the first of two scheduled meals."

Into plane food? Then you might as well ask for more as there are often spare dinners left overCredit: Getty - Contributor

They continued: “When we woke up, we were ravenous – but told all the trolley food was sold out. What's more, because of the food serving restrictions, none of the economy food was safe to eat.”

The traveller revealed that all they had to do was ask, and they were given the food from business and first class.

They continued: “The next meal was still two hours away, so the steward took pity on us and said he would see what he could do.

“Ten minutes later, he arrived with white table cloths, silver cutlery, and a delicious selection of fish, linguine and canapes from business and first class.”

Colouring books for the kids

Flights are hard work for kids, and when they start screaming it’s stressful for everyone on board.

Ryanair flight attendant amuses travellers by dancing to Britney Spear's hit song Toxic