Reader TTS

Though snacks, meals and drinks are a common occurrence onboard flights, increasingly not all airlines include them as part of the ticket price. In fact, a large part of the service offering

depends on which airline travellers fly with, as well as the duration and destination they are jetting off to. “If you strike up a conversation with one of them before you take off,

they'll treat you way better than usual,” he agreed. “The last flight I was on, my wife and I got free champagne and chocolate mousse while everyone else around us glared at us, just

because I got talking to one of the flight attendants while we were waiting to get to our seat.” However, being polite to the cabin crew shouldn’t just be with the aim of getting freebies.

“Sometimes they'll just thank you, and sometimes they'll ask where you're sitting - if they do, just let them know your seat number and you usually you'll get better

service,” explained a second anonymous crew member. “The key here is to do it without expectation of anything in return,” they added. “You actually need to give them it because their job is

tough and they have to deal with a lot of whiny people all day, not because you think it'll get you something.” Passengers who are hoping for something to nibble on or a mid-flight

tipple should be aware of the offering with their chosen airline. Though inflight drinks and meals are slightly different at the moment due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, each airline

species whether it takes payments for meals, or whether a full food and drink service is part of the package. British Airways, for example, is providing a complimentary meal service onboard

its flights, though these are prepackaged for the time being to ensure maximum hygiene. The airline explains: “Our pre-pay and pre-order services are temporarily suspended.” Alcohol, as well

as a pre-packaged meal, is available in short-haul business, as well as for passengers on all long-haul flights. Short-haul economy passengers can enjoy complimentary refreshments,

including vegetarian options, along with a bottle of water. Contrastingly, Ryanair is offering hot meals and a selection of snacks and beverages for pre-order, though these are at an

additional cost.