I'm generally quite prepared eg have my own water bottle or these days if I want, my own frappe to board with. I have a blow up pillow if needed, a jacket in case the cabin gets cold, food if required eg banana, orange if I'm too buggared to wake up for food.
I once had a hankering for a hot chocolate but asked if I could have that after take off but they got it for me prior to take off.
I was offered a wine when only on a seat + bag fare on NZ, I think they offered the person next to me a drink also so it wasn't so awkward. To be fair I would just order it from the menu if I wanted it normally.
I asked for another wine but we were maybe 1.5hrs out from landing and I'm a bit environmentally conscious and aware they have to throw the unused wine out
So I said don't open another bottle though. They went to J and brought back an expensive drop....I didn't enjoy it but definitely appreciated it!
Inflight I've asked to bring up my friends child from economy for a looksee and crew approved.
I've asked to switch down a cabin with a friend midflight and crew approved. I wouldn't normally ask for that but had a reasonable reason. Anyway his wife declined and thought he'd be ok. But I was shocked as I thought it was a big no. I generally preface those requests with a ... "I know this isn't the done thing and I totally understand if you say no but..... etc" I only thought about it inflight as was preoccupied prior to the flight. Would normally do swaps on boarding so as not to be disruptive.
I was yapping to a FA and he asked if I was one of their (QF) frequent flyers. I said yes but didn't reveal status, followed by "but my flying pattern is really boring" ... later he saw me yapping to other FAs and brought over 2 key rings and playing cards
My current flatmate loves Qantas and bashes the hell out of Air NZ
So it seemed reasonable to offer one to him.
VA one time I was the only person in J and it was that Raro overnight flight back to Auckland - it was midflight but they blocked off an economy row so I could sneak back and lie down. I think I said I wish I was in economy instead so I could lie down and they offered to block off a row.
What I like the most is actually just yapping to flight attendants and finding out a bit about what goes on behind the scenes but the "welcome, hi" etc isn't the time to yap. They have other people to visit. I tried to get a reaction from one of the FAs by asking for one of everything on the menu.... She didn't flinch!! Anyway I had to confess I didn't want everything I just wanted to see her reaction. She was like... "oh I've heard it all!"
Speaking to her later she had a um... "favourite" customer in the other cabin. Anyway she called me her bestie when the food came around. It's nice to have a bit of fun and a chat. Short haul... they may or may not have time for that. Long haul - definitely got time and I love it
I know it's not quite the question you've asked but yeah apart from my hot chocolate one time, I haven't asked for anything. But inflight....