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I was in a window seat for a flight that took off almost an hour late. I was worried about my connection (obviously). I told the couple in the other two seats where I was going, assuming I caught the flight and it was on time. They understood how important it was to me to get there. So as soon as the seat belt light went off, they stood up and blocked the aisle so I could get out. And one of them grabbed my backpack out of the overhead compartment for me. Fortunately, the connecting flight was departing from the same concourse. I ran as fast as I could and when I came around the corner, the gate area was empty but the door was still open. The gate agents called me by name and said they were waiting for me, as they knew the lateness of the flight I had just come off of. They shut the door practically on my heels, and I got to my destination on time. (My suitcase didn't make it, but it was delivered to my hotel before bedtime.)

Don't forget to wipe down the one thing barely anyone ever thinks to wipe---the seat belt buckle. First and last thing everyone touches. And lord knows where their fingers have been! Wipe the darn buckle!!!!

A lot of these tips create extra work for the flight attendants. Please be kind and skip them unless absolutely necessary.

A few flights back, United cancelled a flight that was the first leg of our international trip. They had to re-route our entire trip with a new itinerary. On each new flight, we explained the situation to the flight attendants they ALL went overboard with food, drinks and offered us anything they could to make our trip that much more enjoyable. On our last flight, we brought gift bags for all our flight attendants (my wife is the Tom Ford rep for Nordstroms) and even though we were seated in Economy Plus, they gave us all the perks of first class. I highly recommend bringing your flight attendants gifts! It is now our go-to thing for international flights.

Most of the time I will drink ginger ale on a flight. The ginger can help settle your stomach caused by rough air or motion sickness. Once in a while, I have the Bloody Mary mix without the alcohol instead. It has more flavor than straight tomato juice and is complimentary. The wireless headphone adapter is a game changer. A small investment item that I keep in my electronics bag, and charge the night before next to my phone. That way, when I leave home I know that everything I need for the flight is fully charged and ready. I don't want to be searching for a plug at the airport when I have a long travel day ahead. I always order a special meal for international travel. Most domestic flights I can get by with just a few snacks in my personal item bag such as dried fruit, cookies, or crackers. I will still take the free snacks, but sometimes you want a little more than what may be offered.

Just a heads up to people thinking about ordering special meals... I saw people doing this on an international flight and decided it would be a great idea the next time I traveled. So I ordered a kosher meal while flying in Thailand (my mistake) and I don't think they knew or had the proper food to make a kosher meal so when I opened my food box I got two green oranges and one banana while my partner got the regular meal and it was fresh fruit and a nice sandwich :)

I haven’t flown for quite a few years. But when I did fly, I requested a special meal every time. The last three times I flew I was told my special meal was not on the plane, even though I called the airline before the flight and they had claimed my special meal was on the plane. On one flight, I heard someone ask for a special meal that they had not preordered. The stewardess gave him one, and then when she came to me she didn’t have mine. And yes it was the same type of special meal. So don’t trust that your special meal will actually be given to you. Complaints to the airline resulted in nothing being done.

I started ordering special meals back in the 1990s - back when there were free meals in Economy. The special meals tasted better. These days I travel domestic first class when I can, and rarely order a special meal, as they taste worse. Besides, I have yet to see an airline offer my ideal special meal (low carb / keto or paleo). So I pre-order from the regular choices. Way back then I also started asking for "a full can of seltzer, please." I still ask, but they often open a large bottle so there are no full cans. My one suggestion is to ask for what you need, but don't be greedy. You don't need a dozen snacks for a one hour flight!

I was told to never drink the water from the tanks onboard a plane. The tanks are not cleaned out very often , so they are coated with sediment from the water. Drinking hot water is definitely a no no on a plane.

Quantas has a whole room at the back with snacks( fruit, choc bars) for international flights from Canada or LA to Australia...not to mention the little package with toothpaste, toothbrushes, eye mask ...just love them !

Route between UK and Hong Kong, you can ask for a pot of hot instant noodles in economy class, BA and Cathy Pacific all do it, first come first served. They will bring it to your seat. I don't know about others airlines.

On American airlines I asked for a full can of Cranberry Apple juice. I was told with an attitude to wait until serving is over. Coming to the end of the flight I asked her again and she replied "you should have reminded me" I never got the juice and left with my tail between my legs.

I flew Delta (US Domestic) in December 2023. After sign in with my Delta Frequent Flyer account, I had free WIFI.

Great tips, Megan. Wiping down trays, etc, is a habit I developed after watching someone change a baby diaper without wiping the tray.

I order a special meal because there is no guarantee that the regular meals will have anything vegetarian or vegan. It's kind of awkward to start eating before my seat mates so sometimes I wait until they're served. The meal stays hot if you leave the cover on. :) I'm thank for the option as if it weren't there on long haul flights, I would have to bring a lot of food for myself!

One of the free things that I found out about. Is period products most of the time flight attendants will have them.

Thank you Megan!! Your hard work is MUCH appreciated! One of my favorite travel channels!

Dream on. At least on domestic flights, recently I’ve found them fully sold. If you have a tight connection, or if your flight is late and you might miss your connection, forget about them letting you deplane before everyone else. Everyone gets up and struggles getting luggage out of the overhead and you will miss your flight. You have to depend on the kindness of your fellow passengers - an iffy strategy

I’ve been flying frequently since the nineties, and since the seventies as a child. For as “experienced” as I am I find your tips helpful, and there’s always something new for me to learn from you. Thanks for the videos!

Thank you so much Megan for sharing all your research! I'm such a basic flyer that I often miss out on so many perks. I appreciate the hot water tip and checking out the snacks available at the back of the plane and asking for a second meal or saying both when they give a snack option. Have a nice week.

they also give ear plugs when asked - which is helpful particularly during landing and takeoff .

Most of the domestic flights I’ve taken this year I’ve been told no two snacks. They have used the excuse both time that they were due to restock at the next leg and didn’t have enough.

I usually get ginger ale when I’m flying. 😋

On a few flights I took recently with Southwest, we had some close calls with connections but luckily they were all Southwest flights, so the thing the attendants did was they announced right before landing that they would halt deplaning to allow those who had connections that were less than 30 minutes away to deplane first and on that flight there was maybe 10 of us (mine was actually scheduled to leave about 10 minutes after we got to the gate, but luckily the gate I had to go to was only two gates down so it took me less than 5 minutes to get there but it was a close call). Some airlinse will do this, and one reason that IF you have to have a connection, it's best to have it with the same airline as this will make it easier (in my experience) to get on the next available flight should you miss your connection. if using different airlines, then it's more tricky. But I would say if you can avoid it, it sometimes is worth paying a little extra for either a longer layover (like at least an hour, and maybe 2 depending on the airport) or just flying direct/non-stop. It's less hassle and in some cases, you may get to your destination hours earlier if you just fly non-stop (but this is not always the option in various cases, and then I'd just try to find a flight with a longer layover particularly if you have to switch airlines or even wings of the airport (A, B, C, D, etc) as I've had this happen too, where I had to go across the airport to get to another gate on the other side, all in about 30 minutes, which it took about that to get from one end to the other (but that was partially because we had to go from a jet to a regional turbo-prop which had gates at the other end of the airport -- same airline, just a different area because of the smaller aircraft as they didn't use jetways for those types of planes at that particular airport (CRJ200s, turbo-props, etc). Personally I have to say for SW, as much as they get bashed by customers, and some of it is earned, I'd rather take the free checked bags over having to pay for wifi, as in many cases SW's prices are competitive (maybe a little higher, like $10-$20) but this is still cheaper than paying for a checked bag which can be $30+ depending on the airline, and honestly I just make sure my phone or tablet has enough stuff on it to keep me busy during flights (either work or entertainment, reading, etc). Even if it's only $5, I'd rather not pay $5 for wifi for a flight (even a longer one) as I can just relax and realy dont HAVE TO have wi-fi (some people may if they have work to do before landing, that's understandable, but for me, I just plan around that and don't plan on doing anything that requires wi-fi while in fight).

Interesting you mentioned one of my go to drinks when flying. Tomato juice and I always ask for the can or an extra can if they have those small ones. For me, I enjoy the taste, it's not water or soda and usually goes well with a sandwich.

I have a water bottle with UV light,I can keep hot and cold drinks, on planes and airports, I hit the UV light to ensure I am drinking clean water.

Thank you Megan for another useful and informative video.. ur videos are making every one abetter traveller.. thanks for all the hard work you put into making these videos.. keep up the good work. with best wishes from Toronto..❤💚

I miss the days when you could request free playing cards. I have several decks from various airlines dating back to the 1970s.

Lots of great info. Re earbuds I always ask for some if available without charge even if not needed and I now have a few extra that I keep in my electronics travel pack. These were from Air Canada and while not great they are good enough for the job.

Great tips, as always! The hot water idea is primo, never thought about this for at-seat instant oatmeal, soup, whatever. As a diabetic I usually carry at least some of my own food, and Lufthansa always had snack items and drinks laid out in the galley (although now many of these are off-limits for me!). You can use Megan's good tip to ask for just a 2nd entre to make up for parts of the first meal serving you don't want to eat (the special diabetic meal you can order is useless, skip it). Depending on how strict with carbs/sugar you are, you can always eat at least the meat and veggies from the hot entre dish(es), as well as the salad (watch sugar in dressing). Bread and desert may be out ... Airport map in the in-flight mag can be a life-saver for an unfamiliar airport and tight connection. For best sound from IFE or personal sources, I carry my Xiaomi wired dual-driver bud earphones, don't use the supplied "bud" headphones.

Thanks for your tips and the video!

thank you for this

Love the tip about the airport map!

Thank you

Great info! Thanks for letting us know about all these freebies!

Good tips. Some are useful for me. Thanks.

Thai Airlines used to give out free orchid after landing ❤ tat was the part i was excited about the most cuz i didnt like flying back then. Now its the free movies on the flight 🤪

KLM and Delta international flights had the snack station in the back of the plane and even free drinks at the gate

Some people don’t order special meals (if they don’t need them) as it apparently reduces your chance of being offered an upgrade

I'm still surprised by the mention of FAs being able to give out medication of any kind. At my own workplace we're not allowed due to liability issues. It's even discouraged to share things like Advil or Tylenol between coworkers. Also, one time for fun, I tried ordering a special meal and never got it.

I love to have Bailey's when flying. 🙂

I adore your channel. I really enjoy the tips.

Thanks for the tips 👋🤓👍

Thanks Megan.

Thank you for this information.

Interesting content...thanks! 😊❤️

Best of luck on you PEI adventure! We look forward to seeing the videos. As a Maritimer (Nova Scotia), I can say for certain that this walk will be totally different than your Camino Portuguese!! It will be every weather condition you can think of (maybe even snow depending on how far into October you walk) and there will still be mosquitos in the morning and evening, especially as you walk the many kilometres of farmland. Make sure to have some lobster and mussels and spuds. Giv’er !

Recently flew from US to Portugal: drank tomato juice, apple juice, orange juice & water. Really nice flight on TAP air.

Tomato juice is amazing on a flight .. seriously it’s legendary

I get a full can to take off the plane. Or else I pour it into my water bottle. I don’t drink much because I don’t want to use the restroom.

Thank you for most excellent idea: hot water to make an instant soup.

Expedited deplaning? Don't count on it with Air Canada! Our flight was delayed landing in YYZ on my way to my father's funeral. During the flight I asked if they could let me deplane first and/or notify my connecting flight that we are behind schedule. I was clearly told: "No, we can't do that. We also have no way of contacting your connecting flight." On our return flight to YVR, they announced that due to the delay at take off they asked for people with connecting flights to raise their hands so they can be allowed to deplane first. Also, if they could provide their connecting flight information, they would call ahead to let those flights know about the delay. I *HATE AIR CANADA* and will do everything I can to avoid flying with them.

I usually drink water, ginger ale, blood Caesars, beer and wine, but not all on the same flight. 😅 Nice video, thanks for sharing 😊

In 1987 I flew from Frankfurt to the USA. A returning G.I. family flew on tickets that had their 2 children fly for less by sitting on the parents’ laps. 2 years or younger ? NO, they were around 10! Their travel agent said there would probably be vacant seats, but there were none.

i fly spirit Airlines which charges for drinks. Here's a secret. I always order coffee, and usually they are making a full pot just for me. They are happy to give me as many refills as I want.I usually travel with a travel coffee mug and can take the rest with me.

I get n/a bloody mary mix...its good

I love tomato juice but on my last four flight with Delta, first class, they have opted to swap out that juice for bloody mary mix. Hardly tastes the same.

There is a drinks menu on the plabe but it costs 9 Euros for coffee and Coke.. They charge you for everything on my local airline eg Pegasus

I also like to bring hot soups on long flight. Then I ask flight attendant for hot water. While cooking instant soup, there is something to do. I would love to try that cream of broccoli.

@traveltipswithMegan have your flown Swiss Air? They have a weight limit to carry on baggage. Do they actually weigh the carry on bag before you board the plane?

Flight attendants hate it when you press the button if it is not something important. A full can if coca cola please?

I’ve even seen in first class when you pre order meals they may not be what’s offered onboard.

Nice ideas and yes, as a vegetarian I always have ordered as I book my flight and the first time I did this I was quite surprised how I got my meal before anyone else so that is a nice feature. I will now ask for a can of soda instead of getting a glass as I was always hesitant to ask and didn't think it was appropriate even. May even ask for an extra pillow as this will the first time not taking the travel pillow. Thanks Megan once again for some marvelous tips !! So when you do fly do you board Ollie and how does he deal with being without you ? take good care and catch you on your next one... My flight to London leaves in just 9 days yay and will think of you and take advantage of some of your cool hacks !

I recently flew from Toronto to Stockholm with SAS. No free alcoholic beverages and no meal choice in economy unless a special meal is ordered.

For long flights, I would bring an empty thermos and loose leaf packaged tea green tea, not in a clear plastic bag that may cause suspicions or trigger agricultural concerns. lol

The best travel expert, and her usual charming self.

In the beginning of your video you show a wide mouth thermal cup or thermos. Do you have a link for that? I’d love to get one of those!!

❤❤❤❤ 🌷Thank You🌻

Love your baby Ollie

Delta has two Wi-Fi vendors (but not for long). Their original vendor offers subpar service. Correct. Their new vendor is excellent and they are quickly moving all planes to their new Wi-Fi vendor.

Love your dog and of course your channel.....

Disclaimer: this video does not apply to Ultra Low Cost Carriers like Spirit, Allegiant, Frontier, etc. They charge for everything!

I'd like to get one of those nice left over first class meals that I always see the flight attendants carrying to the back of the plane for themselves!

I already love your dog 😍😍😍

I request a full can of juice, sparkling water or a whole bottle of water and I refuse ice. I dont want frozen toilet water in my drink. 😂

I started asking for tomato juice years ago. Over the last few years the only tomato juice I am served is the spicy tomato juice which is used to make Bloody Marys. I do not care for it, so it's disappointing that the carriers I'm flying do not seem to have plain tomato juice now.

What do you know about transit visas?

Delta offers free Wi-Fi for Medallion members and is moving quickly to having Wi-Fi on all flight. About 80% of my flights include Wi-Fi. She is correct on the free Wi-Fi for chat apps in-flight. In flight entertainment via Wi-Fi is also free for all customers when there are no seat monitors and Wi-Fi on board. Delta gives free headphones too.

Delta has free WiFi for all skymile members and t-mobile users. It has been this way for a couple of years.

Delta offers free in-flight WiFi for Skymiles members! (which is free to sign up for!)

New Subscriber here. Thanks for the always very helpful and well done videos. I am amazed I was already aware and putting into practice many of the hacks and advices you mention in your videos... then again I am no spring chicken so I probably learned them by looking for workarounds, reading, chatting with fellow travelers and friends :) That said I'd love it if you could make a pet-specific one for international travel. We're looking to bring our 20+kg dog from Italy to US and while I've found some info online and off (including the option to bring a pet along as emotional support therapy, although there's a limit of 10Kg for it, so that's a no go for us) there seem to be no well organized and as-thorough-as-possible video on this topic... and I saw that you also have a 4-legged family member of the barking kind so I figure I'd ask as you might be interested also in new topics for content production ;P I apologize if you already did make such video as I have not come across that yet and thank you in advance. Cheers! :)

Recently caught a Qatar flight sitting in economy that had free bluetooth built into their entertainment system for watching movies with your wireless headphones.

We travel quite a bit, and I appreciate your content. United still gives out the wired headphones for free, or at least they did last month. We received them on a domestic flight. I also noticed you did not mention Southwest's Customer of Size (Free additional seat) Policy. I know it can be a controversial topic, though...

If you fly Delta, the Delta app has airport maps of the major hubs on the app itself. No paper map necessary.

I opt for the Mr & Mrs T's bloody mary mix. I love that stuff, but only when I fly. I understand the attendants hate the stuff. I am sorry about that. You are lucky to get any service at all on most planes. Pillows and blankets do not exist unless you are an attendent flying to your next plane. 12:00

I like to ask for a can of seltzer and can of cranberry juice with a cup of ice and mix the two for a mini non-alcoholic mixed drink!

Cranberry juice! 😊

DO NOT call flight attendants over for a drink….that button is basically for emergencies….just wait for them when they are walking around…. Or get up and walk to them….this is pretty much common sense. I always thought so….and it was later validated by flight attendant friends…. If you keep pushing that button you might get a drink thats been spit in….🙄

Nothing on American Airlines?

I've always wondered why I only drink the tomato juice when I'm flying, now I know ❤🍅

on international flights from US to Europe, i usually have me 2 Beers and 2 Whiskeys ...... makes me nice relaxed and helps with sleeping

Hi Megan strictly Water and Beer!

Btw, thank you for the professional TSA guide! I love it!

would/could you pls explain what is needed to fly from US to EU with a dog?

I bring my own snacks unless they have chips since I can’t have gluten. And I have asked for extra yogurt and I drink cranberry juice and gingerale

I got lot of branded chocolates during Dubai Dallas Travel.

Southwest has a new first class lounge. It’s in the basement, and they serve fried chicken on paper plates at wooden picnic tables. The Kool Aid is complementary.😅😅

These kind of videos are very informing, but they definatily will awaken many entitled "Karen's "

I love your videos, but I disagree about special meals. I'm vegetarian and my meal does come out first but my dirty dishes are on my table until everyone else's are collected so I can't really get up. Sometimes the person in front of me is still reclining until their meal arrives.