Have you ever wondered what amazing surprises are waiting for you during your flights? Get ready for a journey of discovery and pampering! Discover now 5 free items that airlines have reserved to make your trip even more special.
Remember the times when flights were super luxurious? Well, some national and international airlines even offer certain freebies to passengers, depending on the duration of the trip.
These treats can be offered and requested by travelers. Here, we share some tips for things you can get on your next flight:
1. Check baggage without paying
If you need to check bags but want to avoid the fee, you can try this strategy. Bobby Laurie, a former flight attendant who hosts “The Jet Set” travel show, suggests the following: Take your bag to the departure gate and ask to drop it off there.
According to Laurie, the bag will be sent to baggage claim at the arrival airport free of charge. The agents at the boarding gate will be happy to take the bag at no additional cost, avoiding excess baggage in the areas above the seats, which could delay the flight. It costs nothing to try, right?
2. Free snacks
Some airlines distribute snacks according to the distance of the trip. Drinks such as soft drinks, coffee, juices and food are offered: snacks, biscuits, candies and cookies for children.
On international flights, which are generally longer, you will be provided with several complete meals. The cool thing is that, depending on the origin of the airline, you can try typical foods from the country, such as pretzels and stroopwafels (those stuffed round wafels that are delicious when placed over a hot drink).
3. Hearty meals
On many international flights, meals are more plentiful than what we usually have at home. “Big international airlines still provide hot meals for main cabin passengers – and these are usually served with free beer and wine for those of age,” explains Bobby Laurie.
Meals usually include starter, main course and dessert. Wine is served in small bottles, and you can order as many as you like. However, it's good not to overdo it, as alcohol tends to have a stronger effect on the body during the flight.
4. Free food in case of flight delays
If you're a frequent traveler, you know that flight delays are almost inevitable. But what not everyone knows is that passengers have certain rights in case of delays. According to Laurie, when flights are delayed because of the airline's fault, you are entitled to receive a meal voucher, even if you are traveling in economy class.
In the United States, all airlines, including low-cost airlines, have committed to providing all passengers with a meal voucher if the delay exceeds three hours.
5. Headphones
Most airlines offer in-flight entertainment such as in-seat television screens. And many people end up forgetting to take headphones to enjoy the programming. “Companies that offer inflight entertainment often provide free headphones for passengers to enjoy hassle-free,” says Laurie. And the best part? These headphones are disposable, so you can take them home with you if you like.