Is it polite to ask for something like this "May I have..." without including the word "please"?

Question

Is it polite to ask for something like this, "May I have..." without including the word "please"? e.g., "May I have a pizza slice?", "May I have two tickets for Ireland?"

Does omitting the word "please" makes the above phrases impolite or just less polite? Does it make any difference?

Answer 1

Yes, your form is polite: You are purposefully lowering the intensity of your "need" verbalization by using an interrogative sentence instead of an imperative or declarative sentence.

Does including the sweetener "please" make your request more polite, and so, more likely to get you what you want? Well, that's a subjective question, the answer to which would depend on the individual being asked.

Answer 2

No I don't think it does make a difference especially as "may i have " is so polite anyway, some people may think it is necessary but if you use the correct tone and other words in the sentence it should be fine no to.  

Hope I helped, have a nice day! x  

Answer 3

No, I think the tone of the voice and the body language says more than the word "please" many times. It's all in how you ask for things.

Answer 4

I always always wonder the same thing...like "Will you hand me that?" if you say please your automatically assuming that they have to..your more like asking a question..if you put a please in there that means they have to do it and your assuming they will its like telling someone what to do!  so I say no you dont have to say please for a piece of pizza just say may I  lol good question!

Answer 5

I always add please.  It doesn't even sound right to me with out it. But is does sound a lot better than.... I need a....can I get a ....

Answer 6

the please makes it sound more polite but omitting it would not make "May I have..." impolite, well atleast that's what i think.  

Answer 7

it will be less polite, of course

Answer 8

It depends if you smile or not. Or your tone, I think. :) But it is polite I believe.  

Answer 9

it is polite to used "may I have.." but you must refer who you're saying to. Like if you're eating with groups of people, you need to get something across the table, also refer who you're talking to or else no one know who you're saying it to.