Take or Leave: 10 In-Flight Items You Can Keep vs. 6 You Shouldn’t Take
Air travel is packed with little extras that can make your journey more comfortable—and in many cases, they’re yours to keep. However, not everything on board is free for the taking. Below is a breakdown of 10 items you can usually take with you, followed by 6 items that are off-limits or best left on the plane.
In-Flight Magazines
Airlines typically offer a variety of glossy magazines filled with travel features, destination guides, and stunning photography. Once you land, these colorful reads are yours to enjoy at home or as a memento of your trip.
Amenity Kits
On longer flights, many airlines provide amenity kits containing travel-size toiletries, lip balm, and other small beauty products. These kits are designed to enhance your comfort during the flight, so feel free to pack them for your next journey.
Slippers and Eye Masks
Especially in premium cabins, you might receive cozy slippers and a soft eye mask to help you relax. These comfort items are intended for your personal use and can serve as a nice reminder of your stress-free flight.
Ear Plugs
Disposable ear plugs are often provided to help block out ambient noise during the flight. If you receive a pair, they’re yours to keep and can be a handy accessory for future travel or even for quiet nights at home.
Duty-Free Purchases
Any item you buy at the duty-free shop—be it designer perfume, luxury skincare, or gourmet chocolates—is yours to take home. These purchases not only offer premium products at tax-free prices but also serve as delightful travel souvenirs.
Promotional Items
Airlines love to hand out branded goodies like pens, keychains, or lapel pins. These small tokens are meant to promote the airline and serve as fun reminders of your journey, so don’t hesitate to add them to your collection.
Unused Snacks and Beverages
If you end up with unopened snacks or beverages from the flight, those items are yours to keep. Just be mindful of any food restrictions when traveling internationally.
Seatback Literature
Many airlines provide brochures, catalogs, or destination guides in the seatback pocket. These reading materials are for your enjoyment and can be kept as informative souvenirs long after your flight.
Personal Headphones
If you purchase your own headphones or receive a pair that isn’t clearly marked as returnable airline property, you’re welcome to keep them. Always check to ensure they’re not designated as part of the airline’s equipment before tucking them away.
Complimentary Wi-Fi or Entertainment Codes
While not a physical item, any free in-flight Wi-Fi access or entertainment codes given to you are yours to use during and after your flight—an added perk to keep you connected on the go.
Now, What You Shouldn’t Take
While airlines love to offer a host of in-flight extras to enhance your travel experience, not everything on board is yours to keep. Some items are essential for safety, operational purposes, or belong to the airline or crew. Below are a few items that, for policy and ethical reasons, should remain on the plane. By respecting these guidelines, you ensure a smooth journey for everyone on board while still enjoying the perks your flight has to offer.
Safety Instruction Cards
These cards contain vital safety information and are considered essential equipment that must remain on board. Although they might look interesting, it’s best to leave them for future passengers.
Reusable Blankets and Pillows
Many airlines operate on a reuse policy for blankets and pillows, particularly in premium cabins. Taking these items could result in extra charges or a reminder from the crew that they are not for passengers to keep.
Built-In Entertainment Screens
The screens mounted in the seatbacks are integrated into the plane’s infrastructure. They’re expensive pieces of equipment, so any attempt to remove or tamper with them is strictly off-limits.
Crew Personal Items
Items belonging to the flight crew—such as uniforms, extra headsets, or personal gadgets—should never be taken by passengers. These belongings are for the crew’s use and must remain on board.
Leftover Items from Overhead Bins
If you notice items left behind in the overhead bins that do not belong to you, do not assume they’re free to take. These items likely belong to other passengers, and the ethical choice is to notify a crew member.
Airline-Branded Returnable Equipment
Certain items, like specific promotional electronics or reusable meal trays, are clearly marked as returnable. These items belong to the airline and should not be taken off the plane.
