No, it’s not Leo. But back to the topic at hand – remember back in the day when you could ask for a complimentary deck of playing cards on board a plane? Well, you can say buh-bye to that now, thanks to the existence of portable electronic devices (thanks a lot Steve Jobs). Not all is lost however, we’d bet you dollars to donuts you never knew you could ask for some of these things below while on flight!
#1 Tour The Cockpit
Always wondered what goes on in the pilot’s throne of glory? You can now find out by simply asking for a tour. Yes, you have the right to do so! Note: Due to security risks post 9-11, approval to tour the cockpit is at the discretion of the pilots. All the best!
#2 Pin-on Wing Badges
You know those little pin-on-badges kids absolutely adore? Yes, you can get your hands on those just by a simple, “please and thank you”. What if you don’t have a kid with you, but would like ‘em wing pins anyway? Just fire away. As the saying goes, ‘you never ask, you never know’.
#3 Any Doctors On Board?
If ever you find yourself facing a medical emergency, don’t hesitate to holler a cabin crew for assistance. This really is your best bet to finding a doctor-on-flight. Most airlines would make an announcement over the loudspeaker, but this isn’t the case for Lufthansa Air, as doctors are given frequent-flyer miles just by joining the ‘Doctor-On-Board’ program. Kudos to Lufthansa for being so brilliant!
#4 Will-Writing
In the event a dying passenger requests for his will to be taken, the pilot has full authority to write and authorize one for said passenger. However, we’d never hope for this to happen to anyone. We’re keeping our fingers crossed.
#5 Mid-air Bump Up To First Class
If you tried requesting for a free upgrade pre-flight and were turned down, fret not. Your hopes and dreams have not been dashed entirely. Go ahead and try your luck when you’re on board. It isn’t done very often but you never know when you’ll receive a sweet, sweet surprise. Tip: It helps if you’re extremely nice, well dressed, good looking or pregnant (all the best, boys).
#6 Kill ‘Em Germs
We’ve made it a habit to bring a bottle of sanitizer along with us during flights, because as you know, everything on board – from the tray tables, seats, armrests, and toilet doors to the blankets – make a haven for germs. But if you left your sanitizer at home, don’t panic. Request for sanitizing wipes from the cabin crew and they will kindly oblige.
#7 May I Switch Seats?
Sometimes it sucks when you’ve been assigned to sit away from your buddy (or worse – between two oversized individuals), but most flight attendants are willing to help you get your preferred seat so long as there is time. So your best bet? Ask as soon as you board.
#8 Hands Up, You’re Under Arrest
If you didn’t already know, the captain holds (almost) limitless authority when the aircraft doors are shut. Therefore, if an unruly passenger causes unrest, feel free to request a cabin crew to inform the pilot about the situation. The captain has the right to keep the individual restrained until landing. He will then hand the culprit over to the po-pos.
Main photo credit: 1.
Photo credits: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8.
