When it comes to airline perks, a little insider knowledge can go a long way. Just ask Susan Berry, a 36-year-old photographer, who turned an unexpected flight overbooking into an extended dream getaway—without spending a dime.
Berry was set to return home from Naples, Italy, on August 4, 2024, but American Airlines had oversold her flight. In fact, the airline had been consistently overbooking the route for the next two weeks. Instead of scrambling for a seat, Berry volunteered to be bumped—and it paid off in a big way.
Her complimentary extended stay included several thousand dollars’ worth of luxury accommodations—including the lavish Grand Hotel Vanvitelli—along with private transfers, gourmet meals with fine Italian wine, and flight vouchers. In total, she walked away with $3,550 in flight credits on top of the free lodging, meals, and local transportation.
But how to score free airline perks like Susan? Many travelers don’t realize that overbookings most often happen in economy class, and airlines are willing to offer generous compensation to those who volunteer their seats. If you want to maximize your chances of cashing in on similar perks, here’s how:
- Check your flight’s seat map in advance via the airline’s website or apps like ExpertFlyer—full flights are more likely to need volunteers.
- Follow airlines on social media and join loyalty programs—sometimes, airlines notify frequent fliers first.
- Be proactive at the airport—speak with the gate agent early and offer to volunteer if the flight is full.
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What Comes Standard in Economy Before the Special Perks
On most economy class flights, airlines offer a handful of complimentary amenities as standard. It’s worth noting that transatlantic flights usually come with more freebies than domestic routes. While the exact perks depend on the airline, flight length, and route, here’s what you can usually count on:
Baggage Allowance
Most full-service international airlines let economy passengers bring one carry-on bag plus a personal item (like a purse or laptop bag), usually with a 15-22 lb weight limit. Checked baggage? You’ll often get one or two free bags, each up to 50 lbs, but policies vary—especially with basic economy and low-cost airlines.
Seating & Basic Comfort
- Standard assigned seat in economy
- Overhead bin space for your carry-on
- Basic legroom (varies by airline and aircraft type)
In-Flight Entertainment
- Seatback screens or device streaming (on most long-haul & some short-haul flights).
- A mix of movies, TV shows, and music
- Flight tracker to follow your journey in real time
- In-flight magazines or digital reading options
- USB charging ports on newer planes
Meals & Beverages
- Meals on long-haul flights (some airlines stick to snacks on shorter routes)
- Light bites like pretzels, nuts, or cookies
- Free drinks—water, soda, juice, tea, and coffee
Basic Amenities
- Basic headphones on some international flights
- Wet wipes or refresher towels
- Sick bags in your seatback pocket
Free Upon-Request Services
- Help from flight attendants as needed
- Free water refills
- Basic first-aid and over-the-counter meds
- Special assistance (wheelchair services, priority boarding for those with disabilities)
What typically isn’t free in economy class?
- Extra legroom seats (e.g., exit row or premium economy)
- Wi-Fi (often paid, but some airlines offer free messaging)
- Checked bags (not always included, especially on domestic flights)
- Upgraded meal options (e.g., premium snacks or à la carte meals)
- Alcoholic drinks (on many airlines, especially domestic US flights)
- Pillow/blanket on short-haul flights
Read also: Ovago’s Insider Tips & Predictions: How US Travelers Can Save on International Flights
Lesser-Known Flight Perks Airlines Offer in Economy
Let’s go beyond the basics and see how airlines pamper their economy class passengers. Did you know that your journey might start or end with an unexpected delight?
Take Air Tahiti Nui, for example—your island escape begins the moment you step on board a flight to Papeete from Seattle or Los Angeles. Each passenger is greeted with a fresh white Tahitian gardenia, its sweet fragrance and delicate petals serving as a warm maeva (welcome in Tahitian). Sourced daily from Moorea via a local florist, these flowers arrive onboard within 24 hours of being picked.
And the surprises don’t stop there! Flying with TAP Air Portugal internationally? Then your kid might end their trip with a special keepsake—a personalized flight certificate celebrating their journey. We can also categorize the perks you can expect when flying with the airlines below as follows:
A Smooth Takeoff: Airlines That Let You Bring More for Free
Some airlines go the extra mile in economy class, offering generous baggage allowances along with other perks to make your journey smoother.
- Qatar Airways & Emirates: Economy passengers typically get one free checked bag up to 55 lbs, though allowances vary by route and fare type.
- Japan Airlines, ANA, Korean Air, Ethiopian Airlines: Stand out for offering two free checked bags (50 lbs each) on most international flights.
- British Airways: Known for its generous carry-on policy, allowing two pieces of hand luggage, each up to 51 lbs.
- Hawaiian Airlines: Now includes surfboards, bicycles, and other sports gear in its standard checked baggage allowance on all flights, eliminating extra fees for these items.
Fun Fact: Air Canada gives young travelers a special start to their journey with a dedicated family check-in counter—where kids receive their very own luggage tag featuring the airline’s pint-sized superhero mascot.
Read also: Why Ovago is a Reliable and Safe Platform to Book a Flight
In-Flight Entertainment
Some airlines provide top-notch free in-flight entertainment, from complementary Wi-Fi to a huge selection of movies, TV shows, and even games. Here are a few that stand out:
- Lufthansa: Starting this summer, Lufthansa will offer free messaging on all long-haul flights, letting passengers chat on WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and more without extra charges. To use it, just log into FlyNet® with your Miles & More number or create a Lufthansa Group Travel ID during the flight.
- Qatar Airways & JetBlue: Offer free Wi-Fi for all passengers, making it easy to stream, browse, or even video call mid-flight.
- United Airlines: Rolling out SpaceX’s Starlink Wi-Fi, delivering high-speed internet perfect for streaming, gaming, and video calls.
- JetBlue, Emirates, Delta, & Singapore Airlines: Keep passengers entertained with a massive selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games on seatback screens.
- Japan Airlines: Upgraded its seats with built-in speakers, so passengers can listen without headphones—enjoying their content without disturbing others.
Fun Fact: Many airlines offer free Wi-Fi to loyalty members, but Delta Air Lines takes it up a notch. SkyMiles members who log into Delta Sync Wi-Fi get 24 hours of free access to Paramount+, even after landing. No more rushing to finish your show before touchdown!
Read also: How to Get Business Class Tickets for Cheap [Same Tips Apply to First Class]
Meals and Beverages
Some airlines take economy-class dining to the next level, offering high-quality free meals that make the in-flight experience even better.
- Japan Airlines: Serves chef-curated gourmet meals, featuring premium dishes like smoked salmon and a selection of sake, bringing a refined touch to in-flight dining.
- Qantas: Offers complimentary meals, snacks, and drinks (including alcohol) on all flights. Its recently upgraded menu features nearly 70 new items, like macadamia granola slices and chorizo focaccia, adding fresh variety to the experience.
- Emirates: Delivers multi-course meals with regional flavors, paired with wines and cocktails, making economy dining feel a little more upscale.
- Cathay Pacific: Ensures a quality meal service with hot entrees, beverages, and alcoholic drinks on every flight, focusing on variety and fresh ingredients.
- Turkish Airlines: Famous for its in-flight catering, it offers gourmet meals inspired by Turkish and global cuisine, with a selection of drinks to match.
- Hawaiian Airlines: Brings the islands onboard with Hawaiian-inspired meals and snacks on North America, South Pacific, and Asia routes, plus a wide range of complimentary alcoholic beverages to complete the experience.
Fun Fact: Airlines don’t just serve the usual coffee and tea—some offer drinks with a cultural twist. On Singapore Airlines, economy passengers can sip on green tea, jasmine tea, hot milk, or even Milo, a beloved chocolate malt drink. Feeling fancy? You can also request a Singapore Sling, the airline’s signature cocktail, for a taste of local flair at 35,000 feet!
Read also: Get Cheap Flight Fares Thanks to Ovago and Trip Ninja’s Partnership
Amenity Kits
Some airlines treat economy passengers to extra comforts on long-haul flights by offering free amenity kits packed with essentials. Here are a few that stand out:
- Emirates hands out reusable amenity kits with socks, eyeshades, a dental kit, and a bookmark. Many items are made from sustainable materials, and the kits feature endangered animal designs in partnership with United for Wildlife.
- Turkish Airlines provides Mandarina Duck-designed vinyl kits on select long-haul flights, packed with essentials like an eye mask, earplugs, and toiletries for added comfort.
- Qantas offers a recycled PET pouch filled with an eye mask, earplugs, and a dental kit, making long-haul flights a little more relaxing.
- Etihad: On flights over six hours, passengers receive a stylish tote bag with hand cream, earplugs, and eye shades for a touch of in-flight luxury.
Fun Fact: Smart airlines know that flying is a big adventure for kids, and they make sure little travelers stay entertained! Air Canada, TAP Air Portugal, Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Cathay Pacific, United Airlines, and Turkish Airlines all offer fun activity kits. For example, TAP Air Portugal gives out a drawstring bag filled with surprises like a deck of cards, a tic-tac-toe game, puzzles, an activity passport, colored pencils, and even a kid-friendly mask and socks.
Extra Perks Available on Request
These free perks from some economy-class airlines can make your flight more comfortable—but they’re in limited supply! Be sure to ask for them during the flight or even before boarding to secure yours.
- Seat Cushions & Seatbelt Extenders: Need extra comfort? Most airlines carry seatbelt extenders—just ask a flight attendant after boarding. United Airlines and Southwest always have them on hand, with Southwest stocking them on every flight. Some airlines also offer seat cushions upon request.
- Bassinets for Infants: Available free of charge on long-haul flights, but you’ll need to reserve one in advance as they’re limited. Some airlines have age and weight restrictions, so check ahead.
- More Comfort Amenities: Airlines like All Nippon Airways provide blankets and pillows for extra coziness. Want something more unique? Japan Airlines offers green bamboo massage sticks to relieve foot fatigue. Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines allow economy passengers to request items like socks, eyeshades, or toothbrushes from the cabin crew.
- Special Meals: Many airlines cater to dietary restrictions with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, and halal meal options—but you must pre-order at least 24 hours before departure. United Airlines offers special meals on flights over 2,000 miles, while Air Canada provides them on all flights with meal service. Emirates has expanded its vegan menu, now offering over 300 plant-based dishes across all cabins and lounges.
- Plus-Size Passenger Policy: Southwest Airlines refunds the cost of a second seat for passengers who need extra space, ensuring a more comfortable flight without added expense.
- Free Drinks on Holidays: If you’re flying Southwest Airlines on Valentine’s Day, Halloween, or other select holidays, you might score a complimentary alcoholic beverage if you’re 21+.
- Fun Extras for Travelers: Flying Japan Airlines or All Nippon Airways? You can request complimentary postcards and ballpoint pens—perfect for jotting down memories or sending a note from the sky.
Fun Fact: Some airlines have their own version of collectible cards! United and Delta offer trading cards featuring their aircraft—kind of like baseball cards for aviation fans. One side showcases the latest livery, while the flip side lists cool stats like cruising speed, passenger capacity, and wingspan. These cards have become a hit with aviation enthusiasts and kids, even sparking trading communities and online exchanges. Meanwhile, EVA Air keeps the fun going with Hello Kitty-themed playing cards, available on select Hello Kitty flights. Want a deck? Just ask the cabin crew during your flight!
Flying comes with more perks than you might expect, from surprise goodies to unique in-flight comforts. But the perks don’t stop there! When you book with Ovago, you get 24/7 support, unbeatable deals, and even a travel now, pay later option to make your journey smoother.Great travel should come with great benefits—both in the air and on the ground!
