I recently took a flight that normally takes 1 hr 40 min … yet we arrived in 1 hr 13 min. Why? Because the Airport I flew into has an airshow tomorrow and they wanted to practice today, so they requested all incoming flights to come earlier or later, to create an open window where they could run through their moves sans normal air traffic.
I fly a fair amount, and I have to say, this has never happened before, and I'll dare say it doesn't happen often.
But it does illustrate something that is one of my key ideals: JUST ASK.
I can't tell you how many exceptions I have gotten by politely asking for the unusual.
I think at least 50% of the time, the other person grants what I'm requesting, or at least meets me half way in terms of accommodating me.
The thing is, the as you get used to asking , the easier it becomes; in addition, your confidence grows, as does how you present yourself, which generally allows the other person to take your request more seriously.
I say it to my kids all the time: You have not, because you ask not.
(not an original quote. If you're curious as to who said it, Google it!)