Flight attendant and TikTok star Jeenie Weenie’s 10 expert travel hacks that make flying better

Former flight attendant and TikTok star Jeenie Weenie

TikTok star and former flight attendant Jeenie Weenie shared her top insider hacks air-etiquette tips with Expedia which were revealed in their latest Air Hacks report. Jeenie has over 11 million followers on TikTok and is known for her hilarious videos of her life as a flight attendant.

According to Expedia’s 2025 Air Hacks report, Tuesday is the least crowded day to fly, meaning less competition for overhead bin space and less concern about reclining. Regardless of flight occupancy, these tips will maximize your comfort and maybe even snag you a flight upgrade.

The pillowcase hack

When Jeenie travels, she maximize my carry-on allowance by using this pillowcase tip. She stuffs a pillowcase with clothes or even a jacket, to save space in her luggage and to create the perfect in-flight pillow. It means not only can you pack more clothes, but you can sleep more comfortably onboard. Just be mindful that rules vary by airline on what’s allowed in your bag.

Keep your skin hydrated with an in-flight beauty routine

Take care of your skin and do your beauty routine right in your seat—just be mindful of other passengers. Jeenie uses hydrating products like a facial mist with aloe or rose wate and applies a hydrating toner, serum and moisturizer before take-off, and locks it all in with a face oil. For an extra boost, she will put on a sheet mask during the flight. A flight attendants’ top beauty secret is papaw ointment. Jeenie says it is a lifesaver for dry lips in the air, and great for minor burns, sunburn, cuts, bites, and even diaper rash.

Unspoken seat rules

When possible, Jeenie glances back or notify the person behind here before reclining my seat. It’s a small but respectful gesture that helps avoid drinks spilling or laptops (or knees!) getting crushed. It’s one of the unspoken seat etiquette rules that make flights more comfortable for everyone. Another is that the middle seat gets both armrests—it’s only fair since they’re in the least desirable spot. Then on domestic flights, it’s generally a no-go to recline, but it’s more common on long-haul international flights, just make sure you respectfully recline!

Get your meal choice!

If you want a better choice of meal, sit near the front. You can also preorder a special meal in advance so that you guarantee your meal choice. Sometimes airlines also send an email to choose your meal weeks in advance. Don’t fall asleep for the first hour or you’ll miss meal service. Special hack – if you are still hungry after your meal, you can come to the galley and ask the flight attendant for any leftover meals, they will give one to you as unused ones are thrown in the trash anyway.

Share the power outlet

If there’s only one electrical outlet available in your seat row, consider bringing a splitter so you and your neighbour can both charge your devices without any conflict. It’s a simple solution that ensures everyone stays powered up throughout the flight—and who knows, you might just make a new friend along the way!

Ask to move towards the front of the plane

When Jeenie travels solo, she politely lets the gate agent know that she’s travelling alone and tells them that if a family needs to sit together she doesn’t mind “moving my seat up towards the front of the plane” or “in an exit row.” She says that she has been moved up a few times offering this.  She never asks for an upgrade, just about “moving up towards the front of the plane.”

Check your emails before you fly

Airlines may email you on the day of departure, offering a cheap (but not free) upgrade. So keep an eye on your inbox. Jeenie says she’s missed these emails before, so keep checking your emails even up to a couple of hours before you fly.

Feel like you’re in business class in economy

Book seats in the first row of economy or in the emergency exit row for more legroom. If you do book an exit row seat, know that you will be responsible for helping during an emergency. You can also book in the very back if not in a rush to leave the plane as there is a higher chance you will get a full row to yourself. If you are a couple you can also take the aisle and window and hope no one takes the middle!

Leverage credit card perks

Many travel credit cards offer complimentary upgrades, lounge access, or other in-flight benefits. Utilize these to upgrade your overall travel experience.

Become a flight attendant’s best friend

Politeness and even gifts might score you extra perks like a free drink or extra attention. Sometimes maybe an upgrade! Kill the cabin crew with kindness!

ENS Editors

Using their extensive knowledge about the world of travel, the editors at Experiences Not Stuff work tirelessly to bring you stories about new and unique ways to discover the world.

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