10 Surprising Things You Can Get for Free When Flying Economy
Flying economy might not come with champagne and lie-flat seats, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with nothing. Airlines—especially on longer routes—offer a surprising number of perks that passengers often don’t know they can ask for. Some are freely handed out, while others require a little initiative. Either way, if you know what’s available, you can make your trip a whole lot more comfortable without spending an extra dime. Here’s what you can get for free when flying economy and how to make sure you actually get it.
Bottled Water
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Most airlines serve water in tiny plastic cups, which means you’ll be pressing the call button every hour just to stay hydrated. But if you ask, many flight attendants will hand over a full bottle. Some airlines automatically place them on your seat for long-haul flights, but even on shorter routes, you might be able to snag one. Just catch a flight attendant when they’re not in the middle of a service round and politely ask if they have bottled water available.
Headphones
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You’d be surprised how many people don’t know this one. If your seat has an entertainment screen, the airline almost certainly has free headphones. They won’t be the noise-canceling kind you’d get from Bose, but they’re perfectly fine for watching a movie or drowning out the hum of the engines. Crew members usually have a stash so make sure to ask them. Some airlines even offer them on flights without screens if you want to use their onboard entertainment app.
First-Aid Supplies
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Nobody thinks about first-aid kits until you actually need one, but flight attendants are well-stocked for common in-flight issues. They usually have basic first-aid kits and can provide these items upon request. They won’t hand out prescription meds, but for minor issues, they’ve got you covered.
Amenity Kits
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Even in economy, some airlines offer amenity kits on long-haul flights. These can include eye masks, earplugs, socks, lip balm, and even a toothbrush and toothpaste. It’s not as fancy as what you’d get in business class, but when you’re on a 10-hour flight and want to freshen up before landing, it makes a difference.
Plenty of Drinks
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Soft drinks, juice, coffee, and tea are all included in your ticket, and on many international flights, wine and beer are free too. What a lot of people don’t realize is that you can ask for multiple drinks at once. Some airlines even allow you to get small bottles of wine or liquor, so if you want something stronger, it never hurts to ask.
Blankets and Pillows
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Economy seats aren’t the most comfortable, but a blanket and pillow can make all the difference—especially on overnight flights. Some airlines automatically place them on each seat, while others hand them out only upon request. Ask for them as soon as you board; supplies are often limited, and they tend to run out fast.
Kids’ Activity Books
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For travelers with kids, airlines know how restless little passengers can get, which is why many stock activity books, coloring pages, and even small toys. They don’t always offer them automatically, but if you ask, you might be handed a surprise pack designed to keep your child entertained (and you a little saner).
Extra Snacks
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You know those little bags of pretzels or cookies they hand out? If you’re still hungry, don’t be afraid to ask for another. As long as they have extra, flight attendants are usually happy to oblige. If the flight is lightly loaded, you might even get a larger portion than usual.
Free Changes and Cancellations
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This one depends on the ticket type, but many airlines now allow free changes and cancellations on regular economy fares. While basic economy usually comes with more restrictions, standard economy tickets on major airlines often let you adjust your flight without a penalty.
Snacks During Delays
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If your flight is delayed for an extended period, some airlines will provide free snacks or meal vouchers. The rules vary, but if you’re stuck at the gate for a few hours, it’s worth checking with the airline desk. Sometimes, even if official compensation isn’t given, a friendly request to a gate agent can score you a nice meal.
Free Wi-Fi (On Some Airlines)
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Not all airlines offer free Wi-Fi, but some are starting to. JetBlue provides complimentary internet for all passengers, while others, like Delta and United, allow messaging apps to work for free. Even if your airline charges for full access, check their website—some carriers offer free browsing for specific services like WhatsApp or iMessage.
Free Miles for Delays
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Few people know this, but if your flight is significantly delayed, some airlines will compensate you with bonus miles. This isn’t always advertised, but frequent flyers have had success requesting miles when flights are delayed for several hours. It’s worth reaching out to customer service if you experience a major disruption.
Slippers
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On long-haul international flights, particularly with Asian and Middle Eastern airlines, economy passengers are often given slippers. They’re usually part of an amenity kit and are a nice touch when you want to take your shoes off without feeling gross. In case you’re flying one of these airlines and don’t receive them automatically, check with a flight attendant—they may have extras.
Your Favorite Movies and Shows
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If your seat has a screen, you’ll usually have access to a selection of movies and TV shows for free. Some airlines even offer early-release films or exclusive content. On flights without seatback screens, many carriers now have an app where you can stream movies and shows directly to your phone or tablet at no extra charge.
Unlimited Music
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Beyond movies, airlines typically have an extensive library of music available through their entertainment systems. There’s usually a large variety to pass the time, whether you want to listen to classic albums, curated playlists, or even podcasts,. If you forgot to download music before your flight, check what’s available—it might be better than you expect.