7 of the Best Freebies You Can Get in Economy—Meals, Alcoholic Drinks, and Toys Included
Just because you're flying economy doesn't mean you can't enjoy a few special perks. Even if these extras aren't always widely advertised, they're often available if you ask. As Dollar Flight Club founder and CEO Jesse Neugarten points out, "Many travelers don't realize that even in economy, a polite request can get you a few helpful extras."
However, Quinn English, founder of FreeQuinnt Flyer, explains that not all routes are created equal when it comes to economy freebies. For example, he notes that longer flights are more likely to offer extra perks. Similarly, Neugarten adds that "international routes almost always offer more perks than domestic ones."
Additionally, English points out that "full-service airlines like Delta, United, and American are going to be the most generous with freebies in economy." On the other hand, both he and Neugarten tell Travel + Leisure that budget carriers tend to be far more limited in what they offer, which makes sense, given their focus on keeping costs (and ticket prices) as low as possible.
When asking for freebies, remember that a little kindness and patience go a long way. As English notes, "The most important thing to remember is that most airlines aren't overstaffing flight attendants on each flight, so they have a pretty heavy workload, especially during boarding, getting ready for takeoff, and landing." With that in mind, those probably aren't the best times to make requests. Instead, wait until after the main service has finished and the cabin has settled down—that's when flight attendants are most likely to have the time (and bandwidth) to help.
If you're ready to take your in-flight experience to the next level, keep reading to discover the best airline freebies you can score in economy.
Meals and Snacks
Sure, peanuts and crackers can hit the spot—but sometimes, you're craving something a bit more satisfying at 35,000 feet. According to Neugarten, several international airlines go above and beyond by offering complimentary multi-course meals in economy. Emirates, for example, serves full trays that include a main entrée, fresh salad or fruit, crackers and cheese, and dessert.
Japan Airlines (JAL), meanwhile, offers a fun twist on in-flight dining with their specially branded instant noodles, Udon de Sky, a warm, comforting treat that feels uniquely playful and quintessentially Japanese. Air France treats economy passengers to a French-inspired meal complete with a starter, hot main dish, cheese, and dessert. Lufthansa also delivers a generous three-course meal to economy passengers.
Domestically, airlines might not offer full meals on most routes, but Neugarten is quick to highlight Delta and JetBlue for their impressive snack selections. Both airlines provide name-brand goodies like Sun Chips, Cheez-Its, Goldfish, and Quaker Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars. And, of course, the fan-favorite Biscoff cookie is available on both—a sweet little perk that many travelers look forward to mid-flight.
Amenity Kits
While we won't turn our noses up at free food, a mini amenity kit can feel like a true treat. On long-haul flights, some airlines provide amenity kits stocked with items like toothbrushes, socks, and eye masks, says Neugarten. Sometimes, you might even score lip balm, moisturizer, or a tiny bottle of facial mist. He notes that Emirates and Turkish Airlines are two standouts for this perk; however, in our own research, we found that other airlines, such as Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Singapore Airlines, and ANA (All Nippon Airways), also offer this thoughtful extra, which instantly elevates the economy experience.
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is becoming increasingly common, and you'll find it on airlines like JetBlue, Delta, and, starting in January 2026, American Airlines. Select international carriers, such as Emirates, Air France, and Qatar Airways, also offer connectivity regardless of cabin class, making it easier than ever to stay connected at 35,000 feet. (That said, you may need to create a free frequent-flier account to take advantage of these offers.)
Cozy Extras
Cozy extras like pillows and blankets can make a big difference when it comes to getting (and staying!) comfortable, especially on long-haul overnight flights. While these items aren't always guaranteed on every airline, they're often available on longer routes.
Air Canada, for example, offers complimentary pillows and blankets on many of its international flights, though other airlines may provide them in limited quantities or only upon request. For your best shot at scoring a free pillow or blanket, Neugarten recommends waiting until the main service is complete and then asking politely. "Something like, 'If you have any extra pillows later on, I'd really appreciate it,' goes a long way," says Neugarten. "Flight attendants are way more likely to help if you're kind and respectful and not pushy or entitled."
Alcoholic Beverages
Economy passengers of drinking age can enjoy free alcohol on many airlines, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines. Lufthansa and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines also offer complimentary beer and wine in economy.
In addition to standard beer, wine, and spirits, Korean Air offers a special selection of wines from around the world, curated in partnership with Marc Almert, the 2019 ASI (Association de la Sommellerie Internationale) World's Best Sommelier—a unique touch that further elevates the in-flight experience. Air France takes a similar approach, offering complimentary wine and Champagne (selected by the airline's head sommelier, Xavier Thuizat).
Activity Packs for Kids
Even the littlest economy passengers can take advantage of fun freebies. "Airlines like Air Canada offer activity kits for kids, including coloring books and crayons, to help keep them entertained during the flight," says Neugarten. "The key is asking nicely and ideally when the crew isn't in the middle of a service rush." Other airlines that offer activity packs for kids in all cabin classes include Air France, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, United, and Qantas.
English notes that "many airlines will have things like activity books or pilot wings that they'll give out to children if you ask." For example, he says, "My two-year-old daughter has a lovie and a mini stuffed airplane she got last year on Lufthansa, and she cannot sleep without them!" Similarly, Cathay Pacific offers children ages three to six special gifts to play with and take home as a souvenir to commemorate their time on board.
Trading Cards
Among the more unique freebies, Delta offers trading cards that highlight different aircraft in its fleet, often matching the exact type of plane you're flying on. While the airline has been doling these out for over two decades, they only gained widespread recognition after going viral online a couple of years ago.
If you're hoping to score one of these coveted cards, here's what you need to know. As English explains, "Some—but not all—Delta pilots have these, so when they aren't busy, feel free to ask." He also suggests checking with a flight attendant first before approaching the cockpit, as it's the safest and most respectful way to make the request.
Delta isn't the only airline to offer this fun collectible: United and Frontier do, too.
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KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — They wandered through the museum, listening attentively as their guide explained the antiquities in display cabinets. It could have been any tour group, anywhere in the world. But there was something unusual about this one. The group of foreigners visiting the National Museum of Afghanistan was made up only of women. Its guide was a woman, too — one of the first Afghan female tour guides in a country whose Taliban rulers impose the severest restrictions on girls and women anywhere in the world. Somaya Moniry, 24, hadn't known that tour guides existed, as a profession or even as a concept. But while browsing the internet for help on improving her English language skills, she stumbled upon Couchsurfing, an app where travelers connect with locals and stay in their homes. After hosting a traveler, 'I became very passionate about it and it was very interesting for me,' Moniry said. 'It was very unique. I have never heard about it before, so I said: 'Why not (do) this?'' Looking for the positive As she showed that first visitor around her hometown in western Afghanistan, she saw a new side to her country. 'Most of the things that we have heard (about Afghanistan) was just … negativity. The focus of the people, focus of the media, focus of headlines, all of them were just the negativity. And definitely we get influenced by that,' Moniry said. But for her, Afghanistan is far more nuanced. While there are undoubtedly problems in a place recovering from decades of war and chaos, there is also another side to the complex, stunning country. Her love for her homeland runs deep, and she is eager to share it. She hopes to gradually change people's perceptions. 'Whenever … I saw all of that natures, all those beauty, all those positivity, it changed my view totally,' Moniry said in her enthusiastic English. 'And definitely this can be also for other people.' One of those visitors is Australian Suzanne Sandral. She originally wanted to see Afghanistan in the 1960s but the pressures of having a family kept her away. Now at 82, she was part of Moniry's women-only tour group in Kabul. Afghanistan surprised her. 'It's not what I expected at all. I expected to feel rather fearful. I expected to be given a lot of ... accusatory looks. Not at all,' she said during a pause in sightseeing. 'Wherever you go in the streets, if you smile at someone and give them a little nod or say hello, you get a terrific response. So it's very different.' Jackie Birov, a 35-year-old independent traveler from Chicago who was not part of the tour group, called the Afghan people 'unbelievably hospitable.' However, 'I'm very aware that I have a lot more freedom than local women,' she said. A fledgling industry Four decades of war have kept tourists away from Afghanistan. But while the Taliban's takeover of power in August 2021 sent thousands of Afghans fleeing and shocked the world, the end of its insurgency against the previous U.S.-backed government also marked a sharp drop in violence. Attacks still occasionally occur, mainly by an Islamic State affiliate, and Western countries advise against all travel to Afghanistan. Still, the improved security is increasingly attracting foreign visitors drawn by the dramatic scenery, millennia of history and a deeply ingrained culture of hospitality. Tourism is a fledgling industry, with annual visitors in the low thousands. Most are independent adventure travelers. But guided package tours are increasing from countries as diverse as China, Greece, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Afghanistan's Taliban government is keen to welcome them. Isolated on the international stage — officially recognized only by Russia, which did so in July — the government sees how potentially lucrative tourism could be. Tourist visas, typically single-entry ones valid for stays of up to 30 days, have become relatively simple to obtain from the few embassies that issue them. Regular flights connect Kabul with major transit hubs such as Dubai and Istanbul. A question of ethics For some, the idea of visiting Afghanistan as a tourist is morally abhorrent, particularly given the government's treatment of women. Girls are banned from education above primary school level, and women live under myriad restrictions. The government dictates what they can wear in public, where they can go and who they can go with. They cannot walk in parks or eat in restaurants. Beauty salons are banned. A very limited number of professions, such as teaching and carpet weaving, are open to them. And the rules can change quickly. But those involved in tourism point to the positive effects that visiting Afghanistan can have. 'I truly believe in ethical tourism,' said Zoe Stephens, 31, a British tour leader at Koryo Tours, a company specializing in unusual destinations. 'I believe that you can divide politics and people, and that is the main thing for me. … A country is not a sum of its politics. It's a sum of so much more, it's a sum of its culture, its history, its food, and especially in Afghanistan, its people.' Glimpses into the women's world Of the three recent tours Stephens led in Afghanistan, two were women-only. Working with local female guides, including Moniry, they combine key attractions with visits to women's centers and cooking and embroidery classes from local women — worlds that are closed to male travelers. 'We always try and do something a little bit different that really makes our tours unique, as well as something that kind of gives back to the community,' Stephens said. 'So I felt that working with the female tour guides does both of those things really well.' The groups are small — one had eight women, the other three — but the company is looking to build a network of female guides across Afghanistan. 'What we try and do with this tour, especially the women's tour, is conquer those ethical concerns,' Stephens said. 'The idea is to learn about the lives of Afghan women in context.'
