Change The Way You Fly… Forever.

Three years ago I did what I always do and smiled at a flight attendant while boarding the plane and said “Good morning!” (what can I say, I’m just a ray of sunshine when I fly :P ) - but this time, three years ago, the flight attendant looked at me and with the most sincere gratitude in her eyes and said “Aw, Good morning! You just made my day.” It was then that I decided I was going to change how I fly.
I started thinking about how much I fly (I often get messages from friends on Instagram saying “I need to mark my calendar for when you are home!” or “Where are you off to now?”) and how I could make a difference in the way we think about and treat the flight crews.
Sure, a “thank you” is great, and often more than they get from most of the other passengers, but I wanted to figure out a simple and thoughtful way to go the extra mile. After all, they’re providing a service, they’re often treated as if they don’t exist, and spent a lot of time away from their friends and family often working odd hours. I couldn’t do it!

I started by writing a little thank you note and handing it to one of the crew while making my way to my seat.
That evolved into a little goody bag of selected items (see below) for a long-haul flight to either London or one of my trips to Iceland. The goody bags were a hit.
I remember on one flight, the attendant came back several times to ask me if I needed anything, and brought by some extra snacks they had. Once I was even given a little airplane prosecco. It was so sweet.

Since starting this routine, I’ve noticed the whole vibe of the crew seems much happier (they all “aw” and smile when they open the little gift).
I’ve also started my trip off feeling like I’ve done something for someone else, when it’s so easy to stay in this little travel bubble of getting from Point A to Point B.
I started posting about it on my Instagram stories and they’ve gotten so many responses about it being such a great idea, but there were so many questions… so here are some of the things I tell people:
FAQ’s/ Tips for New Gifters:
- Feel out the crew. If they’re rushing around and seem busy, wait until cruising altitude and then get up to hand them whatever it is that you’ve brought with you.
- Upon handing it to them, I usually say “I just wanted to give this to you guys as a little thank you for getting us from Point A to Point B” or “ This is for you guys to share, it’s just a little something to say thanks!”
- No one really does this, so be prepared for them to ask you if you’re crew for an airline, haha! I usually respond with “No, just a frequent flyer who wanted to say thanks!”
- I bought 20 cellophane bags from target for $2, a variety box of 25 or 30 cards on Amazon for $10, and assorted goodies from wherever I’m shopping.
- Keep in mind the time of departure. For early morning flights, I don’t include as many sweets, but more practical items like: Mints, tea bags, a mini clementine
- Here are some of the things I include (all individually wrapped): 1 bag with — 1 card with a simple thank you note and then some of the following: Mints, chocolates, small pack of gum, hand sanitizer wipes, pedialyte/hydration travel pack, mini clementine (easy to peel and small), KIND bars or granola bars, etc.
- Long haul flights have more crew, so add a few extras in for them to share!
- Yes, at first you feel a little awkward, but it’s SO worth it to make someone smile.
- I usually pre-bag my return flight’s gift and stick it in my suitcase
- I got this one a lot: “I’m a guy, won’t it be creepy if I do it?” No. You just have to find your wording. Find a male attendant if there is one and start with a casual “Hey man” or approach the female flight attendant with a nod and gesture the bag to her, first. Then explain simply as stated above. Easy!
After 3 or so years, it takes me all of 7 minutes to put two bags together, and minimal forethought as I start planning for the next flight. It’s been such a nice way to make contact with your crew, thank them, and I swear my travel karma has been amazing since! ;) (Yay for empty rows!)
Have other questions? Leave them in the comments and I’d be happy to answer them or add them above!
