There are some cool things you can swipe off planes and some you cannot. These days, water, soft drinks, and tiny bags of snacks are the only free amenities routinely distributed to domestic economy-class flyers. Meanwhile, premium-class flyers often get more service and “stuff.” But if you play your cards right, ask nicely, and stay alert, you can often leave the plane guilt-free with airline swag, no matter what cabin you fly in.
One of the coolest things you can swipe off a plane is Delta’s “secret” airplane trading cards. According to Delta Air Lines, their pilots are happy to pass out a collectible trading card featuring one of the airplanes in its fleet to “any customer that asks nicely.” These cards, created by Delta employees, feature different aircraft types for mainline and Delta Connection flights. The current set was redesigned in 2022 and includes input from flight operations employees and a vote by pilots. Delta has been running this program for over 20 years and has released six collections since its inception.
Another cool item to swipe off a plane is airplane wings. Kids or adults stepping onto a plane for the first time can have a memorable experience by receiving a small wing pin with the airline’s insignia from a pilot or flight attendant. Delta and Alaska Airlines are among the carriers that still have airplane wings for kids and first-time flyers. Most are plastic, but the wings handed out by Alaska Airlines are metal. However, it’s important to note that there are limited quantities of these wings, so they may run out if you ask for them.
KLM, the Dutch airline, offers a unique and collectible item for its long-haul business-class passengers. They get to take home a miniature Delft house, which is in the shape of historic, notable buildings in the Netherlands or abroad. These little blue-and-white houses are filled with Bols Genever, a Dutch liquor made with corn, rye, and wheat. KLM commissions a new little house each year and releases it in October to coincide with the anniversary of KLM’s founding in 1919. Business-class travelers flying on KLM’s long-haul international flights can choose from an assortment of houses from the carts flight attendants roll down the aisle when the plane is getting ready to land.
Salt and pepper shakers are another popular item that passengers often swipe off planes. While you cannot (or should not) take the plates, stemware, utensils, or coffee mugs from your meals in business- and first-class cabins, airlines know that many passengers pocket salt and pepper shakers. Some airlines even have fun with that. For example, Virgin Atlantic’s salt and pepper shakers say “pinched from Virgin Atlantic” on their feet. And Condor’s little see-through airplane filled with salt and pepper says “aeroplane souvenir” on the underside.
When it comes to long-haul premium passengers, the swag airlines really want them to take home are the amenity kits. These kits can get very swanky and often include high-quality products. For example, United Airlines’ new Polaris amenity kits are filled with products from the Therabody wellness brand. Emirates has a collection of Bulgari amenity kits for first- and business-class passengers packed with a wide variety of upscale products, including an engraved Bulgari mirror.
In conclusion, there are some cool things you can swipe off planes and some you cannot. Airlines often offer collectible trading cards, airplane wings, miniature Delft houses, salt and pepper shakers, and luxurious amenity kits to their passengers. By asking nicely and staying alert, you can leave the plane with some airline swag, regardless of the cabin you fly in. So, the next time you’re on a flight, don’t be afraid to ask for these items and enjoy a memorable souvenir from your journey.