30 Secret Airline Freebies You Didnt Know About

Flying economy doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort. Airlines offer numerous complimentary perks that can transform your travel experienceif you know what to ask.

Having traveled on over 50 airlines across six continents, I’ve discovered that knowing which freebies to request can significantly enhance your journey. While most travelers focus solely on finding affordable flight tickets, savvy flyers know that maximizing in-flight perks can add hundreds of dollars in value to your travel experience.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll reveal the best-kept secrets of airline freebiesfrom complimentary premium beverages to unexpected comfort itemsand how to request them successfully.

Complimentary Food and Beverage Perks

Airlines compete not just on ticket prices but on in-flight experience, making food and beverage perks one of the easiest freebies to score. While policies vary by carrier, most airlines offer more complimentary options than they advertise.

Basic Refreshment Options Available on Most Flights

Even on budget carriers, you can typically receive these basic refreshments at no additional cost:

• Water bottles: Instead of the small cup, politely ask for a full bottle, especially on long flights
• Hot beverages: Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are standard offerings
• Soft drinks: Request the entire can instead of just a cup
• Basic snacks: Pretzels, cookies, or peanuts depending on the airline
• Ice: Useful for injuries or cooling down

According to a survey of frequent flyers, 78% reported successfully receiving extra snacks when asking politely, and 92% were given full beverage cans when specifically requested.

Premium Beverage Perks on Major Carriers

Many travelers don’t realize that several major airlines offer complimentary alcoholic beverages, even in economy class:

• Delta Air Lines: Offers complimentary beer and wine on international flights
• American Airlines: Provides free beer and wine on international flights longer than 250 miles
• Southwest Airlines: Celebrates holidays with occasional free alcoholic drinks
• JetBlue: Offers complimentary wine, beer, and liquor on international flights
• International carriers: Airlines like Lufthansa, Air France, and Singapore Airlines offer complimentary wine and beer on most flights

Pro tip: On long-haul international flights, visit the galley during quiet periods and politely ask if they have any specialty beverages not on the menu. Many airlines stock premium options like craft beers or regional wines that aren’t actively advertised.

Special Dietary and Custom Orders

When it comes to complimentary food and beverages, many passengers don’t realize they can request:

• Special meals: Most airlines offer vegetarian, vegan, kosher, halal, and gluten-free meals at no extra cost when requested at least 24-48 hours before your flight
• Extra servings: If meals or snacks are being served and there are leftovers, politely ask for seconds
• Whole fruit: Some international carriers offer whole fruit like apples or bananas upon request
• Kid-friendly snacks: If traveling with children, ask for child-appropriate options
• Hot chocolate: Available on many airlines but rarely advertised

A particularly valuable tip for long-haul flights: inform the crew early if you have dietary restrictions, even if you didn’t pre-order. Flight attendants often keep a few extra special meals to accommodate last-minute requests.

See Related: Best Day to Book Flights: Unlock Affordable Travel Secrets

Comfort and Convenience Items Worth Requesting

The comfort items available on flights often extend far beyond what most passengers realize. These freebies can significantly enhance your travel experience, especially on longer flights.

Sleeping and Comfort Accessories

Even in economy class, these comfort items are typically available upon request:

• Blankets and pillows: Available on most medium to long-haul flights
• Eye masks: Particularly on international or overnight flights
• Earplugs: Essential for noise reduction, especially near engines
• Socks: Compression socks on some international carriers
• Toothbrush kits: Includes toothpaste on long-haul flights
• Amenity kits: Often available even in economy on premium international carriers

According to airline industry data, only about 35% of economy passengers ask for these items, despite them being complimentary and readily available on most flights over three hours.

Health and Wellness Essentials

Most airlines maintain a basic first-aid kit and common medications that flight attendants can provide if you ask:

• Pain relievers: Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin for headaches or discomfort
• Antacids: For indigestion or heartburn
• Band-aids: For minor cuts or blisters
• Motion sickness medication: Available on request
• Wet wipes: Particularly useful on long flights
• Hand sanitizer: Standard on most airlines post-pandemic

For maximum success, discreetly visit the galley area during cruise phase rather than during busy service times. Flight attendants have more flexibility to assist with these requests when not serving the entire cabin.

Entertainment and Technology Perks

Technology and entertainment options are increasingly becoming complimentary on many airlines:

• Wi-Fi passes: Some airlines like JetBlue offer free basic Wi-Fi to all passengers
• Headphones: Available complimentary on most international flights
• Entertainment access: Premium content sometimes unlocked by request
• Charging cables: Some airlines have adapters available to borrow
• Reading materials: Magazines and newspapers often available

Pro tip: If the seatback entertainment system isn’t working properly, politely inform a flight attendant. They often can reset the system remotely, and on some airlines, may offer compensation like free premium Wi-Fi or beverage vouchers for the inconvenience.

Child and Family-Specific Complimentary Items

Traveling with children presents unique challenges, but airlines typically offer several complimentary items specifically for young travelers that parents often don’t know to request.

Kid-Friendly Entertainment and Activities

These free entertainment options can help keep children occupied throughout the flight:

• Activity packs: Many international carriers offer coloring books, crayons, and simple games
• Special kids’ headphones: Sized appropriately for smaller ears
• Wings pins: Traditional souvenirs that children often treasure
• Cockpit visits: Available after landing when time permits (request early)
• Child-specific entertainment channels: Accessible on seatback systems

For maximum success, mention to the cabin crew during boarding that you’re traveling with children. Flight attendants often set aside kid-friendly items for families who identify themselves early.

Family Travel Comfort Items

When traveling with infants and young children, these complimentary items can be particularly valuable:

• Baby bassinets: On long-haul flights (reserve in advance for bulkhead seats)
• Diapers: Emergency supplies available on most airlines
• Baby formula/food: Limited supplies kept for emergencies
• Extra snacks: Flight attendants often have child-friendly options available
• Early boarding: Available to families with young children on most airlines

Research shows that 65% of parents don’t realize they can request these special accommodations, yet they can dramatically improve the family flying experience.

Special Occasion and Loyalty Perks

Celebrating a special occasion or holding loyalty status can unlock additional complimentary items and services beyond standard offerings.

Celebration Acknowledgments

If you’re celebrating a milestone, discreetly inform the check-in agent or a flight attendant. You might receive:

• Complimentary champagne or wine: Often provided for anniversaries, honeymoons, or birthdays
• Special desserts: Particularly on international carriers
• Cockpit photos: Available on request after landing (airline policy dependent)
• Upgraded snacks: Premium options sometimes offered for special occasions
• Signed cards: Some crews will sign congratulatory cards for milestone events

The key is to mention your celebration subtly and without expectation. When approached respectfully, flight crews appreciate the opportunity to make your journey special.

Loyalty Program Member Benefits

Even basic loyalty program membership can unlock these complimentary benefits:

• Priority boarding: Available to members on many airlines
• Extra baggage allowance: Even for lower-tier members on some carriers
• Preferred seating: Better seat selection without fees
• Dedicated customer service: Faster assistance when issues arise
• Lounge passes: Occasionally offered as special promotions

Pro tip: Always attach your frequent flyer number to your booking, even if you rarely fly that airline. The basic membership benefits often include complimentary perks that non-members don’t receive.

Luggage and Travel Convenience Freebies

Baggage policies and travel conveniences can significantly impact your overall trip cost and experience. Many travelers don’t realize these valuable freebies exist.

Baggage Allowance Secrets

These complimentary baggage perks can save you significant money:

• Free checked bags: Southwest Airlines allows two free checked bags per passenger
• Carry-on exceptions: Medical equipment, diaper bags, and car seats typically don’t count toward carry-on limits
• Gate-checked bags: Often free on full flights when overhead space runs out
• Fragile item handling: Special handling available at no cost for delicate items
• Military baggage allowances: Enhanced free allowances for active military personnel

One of the best-kept secrets: on full flights, airlines often offer to check carry-on bags at the gate for free, including on carriers that normally charge for checked luggage.

Travel Document and Planning Assistance

Airlines offer these often-overlooked complimentary services:

• Printing boarding passes: Available at check-in counters even for mobile boarding passes
• Destination guides: Digital or physical guides on some international carriers
• Transit information: Details about airport transportation options
• Connection assistance: Guidance for tight connections on request
• Airport maps: Available from flight attendants or gate agents

If you have a tight layover, ask gate agents about connection information. They can provide terminal maps and walking directions and sometimes arrange for expedited assistance.

Tips for Successfully Requesting Airline Freebies

Your approach when requesting complimentary items can dramatically impact your success rate. Here are the most effective strategies I’ve developed after hundreds of flights:

Timing Your Requests

When you ask is often as important as what you ask for:

• Pre-boarding requests: Special meals, bassinet reservations, and accessibility needs
• Boarding time: Mention celebrations or special occasions
• After initial service: Request comfort items like blankets or pillows
• Mid-flight lulls: Best time for special requests when crew is less busy
• Avoid meal service times: Crew has minimal flexibility during peak service periods

Flight attendants report that requests made during quiet periods have a nearly 30% higher success rate than those made during busy service times.

Communication Strategies That Work

How you ask significantly impacts whether your request will be fulfilled:

• Be polite and specific: “May I please have a full can of soda?” works better than vague requests
• Express appreciation: Acknowledge the crew’s assistance
• Accept alternatives: Be flexible if your first choice isn’t available
• Explain genuine needs: Medical requirements or comfort necessities
• Use timing awareness: “Whenever you have a moment” shows consideration

Remember that flight attendants have significant discretion regarding complimentary items. A respectful approach acknowledging their busy workload often yields the best results.

Airline-Specific Opportunities

Different airlines offer unique complimentary items worth knowing about:

• Delta Air Lines: Offers complimentary basic economy comfort kits on long-haul flights
• JetBlue: Provides unlimited free brand-name snacks and Wi-Fi
• Emirates: Offers complimentary amenity kits even in economy class
• Alaska Airlines: Provides free wine in premium class and on some longer routes
• Singapore Airlines: Offers comprehensive amenity kits and hot towel service

Before your flight, research your specific airline’s complimentary offerings. Some carriers are particularly generous with certain items that others charge for.

Frequently Asked Questions About Airline Freebies

After helping thousands of travelers maximize their in-flight experience, these are the most common questions I receive about airline freebies:

Can I request alcoholic beverages for free on domestic flights?

While most domestic flights charge for alcoholic beverages, there are exceptions. Many airlines offer complimentary beer, wine, or spirits on international routes, during significant holidays, or during service disruptions. Additionally, first-class and business-class passengers typically receive complimentary alcoholic beverages on all flights.

How can I increase my chances of getting a free upgrade?

While true complimentary upgrades are increasingly rare, these strategies can help:

• Join the airline’s loyalty program and check for upgrade availability at check-in
• Volunteer to be bumped from an oversold flight in exchange for an upgrade on the next flight
• Travel during off-peak business hours when premium cabins might have more available space
• Dress neatly and be extraordinarily polite to all airline staff
• Travel alone, as single travelers are easier to accommodate in available premium seats

What should I do if the complimentary in-flight entertainment isn’t working?

If your entertainment system isn’t functioning properly, politely inform a flight attendant. They can often reset the system or offer alternatives like:

• Moving you to a seat with a working system (if available)
• Providing complimentary headphones for your personal device
• Offering compensation like drink vouchers or bonus miles
• Providing magazines or other reading materials
• Issuing partial refunds or travel credits on future flights

Always report entertainment system issues early in the flight to maximize the crew’s ability to resolve the problem or provide alternatives.

See Related:Best Day to Book Flights: Unlock Affordable Travel Secrets

Final Thoughts: Maximizing Value Through Airline Freebies

Knowing which complimentary items and services are availableand how to request them appropriatelycan transform your flying experience without adding cost. While bringing your own comforts is always an option, airline freebies can lighten your carry-on load and enhance your journey.

Airline policies vary, and availability depends on flight length, aircraft type, and crew discretion. The key to success lies in polite requests, appropriate timing, and understanding that these perks are offered as courtesies rather than entitlements.

By incorporating these strategies into your travel routine, you’ll join the ranks of experienced travelers who consistently enjoy more comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable flightsregardless of the fare class. What’s your favorite airline freebie? Share your experiences in the comments below!