Remember the days when any time you’d board a flight, you’d be handed a mini gift pack, compression socks – or even a free beverage?
Gone are the days where in-flight freebies are par for the course.
Nowadays, they’re reserved for First or Business Class passengers or luxury airlines.
Instead, budget airlines are finding more and more ways to cut back costs, meaning passengers now have to forgo all the add-ons and extras.
But over the last few months, a few airlines have revolted against this trend – offering their own perks and freebies on flights.
Earlier this month, Air Canada announced it will be rolling out free alcohol on flights in economy class to lure more passengers.
The Montreal-based carrier is now the only traditional North American airline offering complimentary beer and wine in economy on all routes.
Air Canada is offering complimentary beer, wine, and exclusive Canadian-made snacks for all customers on flights, including routes to Mexico and the Caribbean.
Earlier this month, Air Canada announced it will be rolling out free alcohol on flights in economy class to lure more passengers
The Montreal-based carrier is now the only traditional North American airline offering complimentary beer and wine in economy on all routes (stock)
Dutch airline KLM, Europe’s oldest carrier, has also said it will now serve a welcome drink to all economy passengers at the beginning of their flight, The Telegraph reported.
Passengers will be given the option of wine or orange juice.
Meanwhile, American Airlines has said it will now run a second trolley service in the economy cabin on domestic flights over 1,500 miles, meaning passengers will now get a second free drink.
Beverages are not the only freebies being brought back.
Virgin Atlantic has unveiled a number of groundbreaking new changes set to enhance the in-flight experience.
It has announced it will become the UK’s first airline to offer free, unlimited, ‘streaming-quality’ Wi-Fi across its entire fleet.
Similarly, Southwest Airlines has revealed the much-anticipated revamped interiors of its Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes.
The plane will also debut an ‘Extra Legroom’ section, with more top-of-the-line snack options and complimentary premium beverages from January 27, 2026.
Beverages are not the only freebies being brought back
Entertainment perks are also becoming more popular on flights, often for free.
‘In the US, the full-service carrier United now partners with Spotify,’ says Rhys Jones, from frequent flier travel website Head For Points.
This means passengers can enjoy a podcast or audiobook at no additional cost.
Plus, some airlines such as Emirates let passengers watch Premier League football games – and other live sports – during their long-haul flights.
