15 Things Airlines Used To Offer But No Longer Do

There was a time when flying felt special when little touches made the journey as enjoyable as the destination. Over the years, things have changed, and not always for the better. So, if you are curious about what air travel used to offer, here are 15 things airlines once provided. 

No Fees For Flight Changes

Rescheduling a flight without penalty was once a given. However, hefty change fees were introduced in the 1990s and early 2000s, sometimes exceeding the ticket’s original price. Though the pandemic briefly paused these charges, many airlines have reintroduced them, reminding travelers that flexibility now comes with a price.

Pre-Boarding For Families

Flight attendants helped stow strollers, and fellow passengers enjoyed a smoother process without aisle congestion. Airports used to echo with the call, “Families with young children may now board.” This small courtesy gave parents extra time to calm restless little travelers before the boarding rush. However, some airlines like Southwest still allow it under specific conditions.

Free Headphones

If you are on board and forget your headphones, you’re either stuck in silence or paying for a flimsy pair that barely lasts the flight. That wasn’t the case some years back, as airlines used to hand out complimentary earbuds for in-flight entertainment to make long-haul journeys more enjoyable.

Free Checked Baggage

There was a time when checking a bag was a hassle-free part of air travel. As airlines sought new revenue streams in the early 2000s, complimentary baggage policies disappeared. By 2018, most U.S. carriers, except Southwest, implemented fees, leading to fuller overhead bins as travelers opted for carry-ons instead.

Complimentary Lounge Access

Airline lounges were once a welcome escape for any traveler holding a same-day ticket, regardless of seat class. Plush chairs, complimentary snacks, and quiet spaces provided a much-needed break from crowded terminals—no elite status, no premium credit card, just a ticket and a seat inside.

Complimentary In-Flight Meals

Would you believe economy-class passengers once enjoyed full meals, even on short-haul flights? Airlines routinely served hot entrees, complete with side dishes and desserts. However, cost-cutting measures have replaced these with snack boxes or paid options because complimentary dining in coach is mainly reserved for long-haul routes.

Free Standby For Earlier Flights

A while back, catching an earlier flight was as easy as asking nicely at the gate. If seats were open, you got on; there were no fees and no stress. Business travelers wrapped up meetings early and hopped home ahead of schedule, while vacationers squeezed in extra beach time.

Spacious Legroom

The quest to pack more seats into cabins has turned legroom into a luxury. In the 1990s, stretching out with 31 to 34 inches of seat pitch was the norm. That’s no longer the case, as budget airlines squeeze passengers into as little as 28 inches—turning flights into a knee-crunching endurance test. 

Free Seat Selection

In the 2010s, airlines turned seat selection into a money-making strategy. What was a free perk became a paid privilege, forcing travelers to choose between extra fees or a random middle seat. Even families risk being separated unless they shell out for assigned seating.

Complimentary Newspapers And Magazines

Imagine stepping onto a plane and grabbing a fresh newspaper or glossy magazine from a neatly stacked pile at the gate. Airlines used to offer these freely, which ensured passengers had something to flip through while waiting for takeoff. Flight attendants even passed out copies in-flight.

Onboard Postcards And Stationery

Airlines once provided passengers with complimentary postcards and stationery, allowing them to write letters mid-flight. Flight attendants would collect and mail them on behalf of travelers, making it a unique way to share travel experiences. As digital communication took over, this charming tradition faded.

Generous Frequent Flyer Benefits

Elite status now depends on spending, not just miles flown. Loyalty programs are used to shower travelers with free upgrades, lounge access, and easy reward redemptions. Airlines later reworked these perks, stretching mileage requirements and limiting availability with passengers who have spent thousands of dollars getting priority. 

Baggage Transfer Between Connecting Flights

There was a time when checked luggage almost always had a VIP pass to your final destination, transferring between flights, even across different airlines. Bags glided effortlessly between planes while passengers strolled to their next gate worry-free. However, for many travelers today, especially those flying on separate tickets, baggage transfers are no longer guaranteed.

Free In-Flight Alcoholic Beverages

In economy class, a complimentary glass of wine or a chilled beer was a given, especially on long-haul flights. Airlines poured freely, keeping passengers relaxed at 35,000 feet. Then came cost-cutting measures, where free drinks became a pricey indulgence. However, some international carriers, like Emirates, still serve complimentary drinks.

Complimentary Amenity Kits

Picture settling into your economy seat, greeted by a neatly wrapped kit with cozy socks and mini toiletries—a little touch to make the journey more comfortable. Airlines once offered these to all passengers. Slowly, those thoughtful extras disappeared, reserved only for those in premium cabins.