A flight attendant is peeling back the curtain in the cabin.
Sille Rydell, known as Travel with SilleRydell on social media, is a flight attendant who’s worked in aviation for six years. She posts tons of flying and travel hacks across TikTok and Instagram to help passengers have a better experience.
Each Tuesday, a new flight attendant tip touches down on her page, flying right into her thousands followers. In a recent post, the stewardess revealed a few in-flight essentials that passengers may not realize they can ask for.
The TikTok, which was aptly captioned “Things you might not know you can ask for on a plane,” shared a list of some common and little-known basics to make your next trip a bit more comfortable.
One item to ask for that passengers may not know about is a bag of ice. Folks who have swollen feet or a headache can check with their flight attendant about securing a bag of ice to use as a cold compress.
Another item you may not realize is hanging out in the cabin is bandages. The flight attendant revealed that if you’ve been walking from gate to gate and need a plaster for your blister, just ask.
Passengers who need help getting off the plane and to their next gate is also a request a flight attendant can assist with. While it’s better to arrange this before the flight, folks who have a far connecting flight or just have trouble walking far can check with their cabin crew, who can help connect them with another airport worker.
In another video, Rydell highlights a comment showing some pain medication can be given out. The commenter wrote they had, “terrible tummy pain,” and was given Tylenol to help ease the discomfort.
Rydell urged her followers to ask for anything they needed, even if they think they don’t have it on board. “We probably have something, a trick, some medication, something that can help you,” she said online.
For women who need a pad or tampon — you may be in luck. The flight attendant said in a separate TikTok that some airlines may have feminine products stocked — but ask first.
Rydell dispelled a myth that the items were hiding in the lavatory drawers for passengers to check. Instead of peaking around where you may break something, she suggests asking a steward as even if your flight does not carry them, someone working on board may be able to assist.
Other items travelers can ask for that may be more widely known are things like hot water — for any tea bags or even ramen packets you may have. Another is a sick bag before you may need one.
The six-year attendant said it’s better to plan ahead, “Nobody’s judging,” she wrote.
Earplugs for those who need a little more respite and quiet, more water and water bottle refills, sanitary wipes and more were also on the list.
“Help in general, even if you think it’s strange or embarrassing, we have most likely heard it before and probably know the solution,” Rydell said on TikTok.
The travel worker also posted a helpful TikTok revealing what to wear on planes and what to skip to make your “feet and body thank you.” First up, here’s what Rydell would skip — flip flops.
As feet swell, cabins get cold and never knowing when you’ll need to run to your next gate, it may be best to wear some sturdy shoes instead. On a similar swelling note, tight jeans are also a clothing choice to skip.
Additionally, shorts and crop shirts might be one to pass as “you don’t ever want your naked skin near those seats,” she wrote.
What to wear instead — something comfortable and loose and extra layers in case the temperature changes.
