15 Things You Can And Can’t Keep From Your Next Flight
On a flight, the crew may hand you some items or keep them in your seat pocket for safety or comfort. At the end of the flight, some of these items are yours to keep, and others are not. Before slipping anything into your bag, it helps to know what’s fair game and what should stay onboard. This article lays it all out.
Take: Complimentary Hygiene Kits
Hygiene kits can include anything from sanitizing wipes to travel-sized toiletries. Airlines provide them so passengers can stay clean and comfortable. Since these items are not for reuse, keeping them is allowed. Store them in your bag even for off-plane use.
Leave: Blankets
Some luxury airlines allow first-class passengers to keep premium blankets, but that’s not always the case. Most carriers expect standard blankets to remain onboard. These blankets are for in-flight comfort and are collected and laundered for reuse after each flight.
Take: Eye Masks
Sleep is easier to enjoy when you can block out cabin light, and that’s the convenience that eye masks provide. You may get one if you’re on an overnight flight. Unlike blankets, they are not reused, and passengers are free to keep them.
Leave: Pillows
Small in-flight pillows offer neck support, and just like blankets, they are cleaned and reused by airlines after each flight. Some airlines may offer pillows and other items for sale. If you buy any, you can take it home with you.
Take: In-Flight Socks
Passengers can take socks home for future travel or lounging. No one’s enthusiastic about reusing socks, so when the airline provides them for extra comfort, they do not expect to get them back. These socks help maintain circulation during long-haul flights.
Take: Earplugs
Night fliers or those traveling long distances may also get earplugs. These will help reduce noise from engines and cabin chatter so they can sleep soundly. For hygiene reasons, airlines won’t reuse them, and passengers are encouraged to keep them.
Leave: Safety Cards
Safety cards contain key emergency instructions. Removing them can endanger future passengers. Airlines update these cards regularly to reflect safety protocols. Since they remain essential for all travelers, passengers must leave them onboard. Review the instructions during the flight, but never take the card home.
Take: In-Flight Magazines
You may get an airline magazine that features travel guides, in-flight entertainment, special offers, or discount coupons. Unlike safety cards, they don’t have to stay on the plane. If an article catches your interest, keep the magazine. They’ll eventually get old and be replaced.
Leave: Life Jackets
Unauthorized removal of life jackets is illegal and can lead to fines as they are essential safety equipment, and messing with them can put lives at risk. They are stored under seats and must remain available for emergencies. Respect aviation safety regulations at all times.
Take: Packaged Snacks And Beverages
Airlines do not redistribute food—who does? So, pre-packaged items are fair game. Sealed snacks such as crackers or pretzels are yours to keep. However, fresh foods like fruit may violate customs laws, so consume perishables during the flight and keep packaged goods for later enjoyment.
Leave: Duty-Free Display Items
That glitzy bottle of Glenfiddich on the cart only leaves the plane with you if you bought it. Display items are just for displays. They are not freebies. If it isn’t sealed and handed to you, it stays onboard. Grabbing display items is considered theft.
Take: Pajamas and Slippers
Another thing passengers in premium cabins may get are pajamas and slippers. These items may even be from designer brands and of exceptional quality. However, they are for passengers to keep. Take them home as stylish souvenirs and use them for lounging or future travels.
Leave: Seat Cushions
That comfy little cushion under you is part of the seat. Seat cushions double as flotation devices on many aircraft and are considered essential safety equipment. Taking one can compromise passenger safety, so enjoy it and leave it right where it belongs.
Take: Kids’ Activity Packs
Stickers and crayons? They can go. If your little explorer gets a goody bag filled with cartoon characters and paper puzzles, it’s a gift. The airline’s not expecting your toddler to return a half-chewed pencil. These packs are made for take-home fun.
Leave: In-Flight Tablet Devices
Enjoy that in-flight tablet, but don’t get too attached. It’s part of the airline’s entertainment setup, not your gift. These gadgets are monitored and reused. Try to sneak one home, and you might get flagged before you reach baggage claim.
