Whatever you give, make sure it's small. Flight attendants travel light and don't need a giant stuffed animal to add to their luggage. And as far as timing goes, Loree says she has been given gifts during all phases of a flight but thinks it's best to do so before takeoff or after they've completed their service tasks.

While certainly not required, giving a small gift to flight attendants is a kind gesture that is highly appreciated in the high-stress environment of 2026 air travel. The most popular gifts are individually wrapped, store-bought chocolates (like Lindt or Ferrero Rocher) or Starbucks gift cards ($5 or $10). It is important that food items are factory-sealed for safety reasons; crew members generally cannot accept homemade treats from strangers. The best time to hand over a gift is during boarding—simply hand it to the purser or the attendant at the door with a quick "This is for the crew to share, thanks for looking after us today." While a gift shouldn't be given with the expectation of an upgrade, it often leads to extra-attentive service, a free drink, or simply a much-needed smile from a hard-working crew.