International flights have evolved over the decades from simply transporting passengers across oceans to demonstrating quality service and hospitality. With the introduction of cabin crew and inflight meal service, the idea of hospitality in the skies took shape.
Aviation companies like Singapore Airlines, Emirates, and Thai Airways built their reputations by making the inflight experience a defining feature. Key to ensuring the best inflight experience are the complimentary items, which have become a tradition that represents the airline’s care for passengers.
#1 Amenity Kits
For many first and business class flights, amenity kits have become the norm. These are pouches that typically contain several items that you may need on the flight. Amenity kits for Singapore Airlines business class flights, for example, include a hand pomade, face mist, and lip balm from New York-based brand Le Labo. These exclusive kits are only for business class flights above six hours and are provided upon request.
Emirates also provides complimentary amenity kits for passengers in premium economy and economy class, though they’re only for selected long-haul flights. These amenity kits include socks, eyeshades, a dental kit and a bookmark.
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#2 Basic Toiletries
With a focus on sustainability, many airlines now provide toiletries on request or simply ensure a supply of them in the aircraft lavatory. Items like disposable toothbrushes and toothpaste, can either be found in Singapore Airlines lavatories or part of the amenity kit provided by airlines like Qatar Airways.
#3 Headphones
While providing headphones for the duration of a flight has been the norm for several decades, Singapore Airlines has made the move to provide economy class passengers with a pair of wired headphones should you need them. You typically pick these up before boarding, but you can also request a set from the cabin crew during the flight.
These headphones are yours to keep, and they can be plugged into a standard 3.5mm jack.
#4 Eyeshades And Earplugs
For various reasons, you may need a pair of eyeshades and earplugs to help you sleep on the flight. Blocking out light and noise goes a long way in ensuring a more relaxing flight experience. Thai Airways, like many airlines, will provide these items on request, regardless of seat class.
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#5 Birthday Cake
If you’re celebrating your birthday in the sky, some airlines might even provide you with a cake. The birthday cake policy for Singapore Airlines made the news recently, when a passenger requested a cake on a date outside of their policy guidelines.
Just to be clear, if you’re flying with Singapore Airlines in Suites, Business, or First Class, and your flight is within three days of your birthday, you can submit a request ahead of time to Singapore Airlines to have a cake prepared. Do note that this is only for flights that are 90 minutes or more.
If you’re flying with Singapore Airlines in premium economy or economy class, your flight needs to be within one day of your birthday, and the flight must be at least 3.5 hours or more.
#6 Snacks
Most flights provide a snack for passengers soon after takeoff, but if you’re feeling peckish, you can always request for more snacks from the cabin crew. Obviously, for those on budget airlines, these snacks are not complimentary.
#7 For Children
While inflight entertainment options are much more extensive these days, with more shows and games to occupy children’s attention on long flights, some parents might not want to encourage hours of screentime.
Fortunately, some airlines like Singapore Airlines provide stuffed toys and activity packs for passengers 12 and under. Earlier this year, the pack was themed with characters from Disney’s Lilo and Stitch.
Source: Singapore Airlines
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