Over-the-counter Medication Flight attendants also have access to many over-the-counter medications, from painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to antidiarrheals, so feel free to request these items.

Flight attendants have access to a First Aid Kit and a more advanced Emergency Medical Kit (EMK), but their ability to dispense medication is strictly regulated. The basic kit contains standard items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and sometimes basic over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin (specifically for suspected heart attacks). The EMK contains more "heavy-duty" medications, including epinephrine (EpiPens) for allergic reactions, nitroglycerin for chest pain, and sometimes intravenous fluids. However, flight attendants are generally prohibited from opening the EMK or administering prescription drugs unless they are under the direct supervision of a licensed medical professional (such as a doctor who happens to be a passenger) or are in communication with "ground-based" medical consultants via the cockpit radio. In 2026, many airlines have added automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and Narcan to their kits.