What you can bring: Amenity kits
Should the airline provide a personal amenity kit, consider it your keepsake. Such kits generally come with first-class or business-class tickets but may also be available for some economy travelers during lengthy transits based on the carrier’s policy. The contents usually consist of toiletries like a toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion, sleep masks, and noise-canceling plugs. For instance, Hawaiian Airlines has been enhancing their offerings by working alongside local Native Hawaiian artists, featuring locally produced goods, and adopting environmentally friendly sourcing methods. Personally, I found great value in using the lip balm and refreshing face spray over my 10-hour journey from Hawaii to Australia. Even if you do not utilize the amenities provided mid-flight, they serve well as practical storage options post-travel, whether reused as cosmetic bags or sustainable gift carriers.
What you may bring: Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes
Numerous airlines, including United Airlines, provide passengers with sanitizing wipes or gel when they board. These will not be reused after their initial use once you have them. Therefore, although it’s recommended to clean frequently touched areas like your seat belt and tray table using these provided disinfectants, you can also save them for future use.
use at home
or in your travels.
What you might be able to bring occasionally: Headsets
Many large carriers, such as Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and United Airlines, provide headphones upon request for flights equipped with free entertainment systems. (Headphones in first class and business class fall under a different category which will be discussed later). Nevertheless, the ability to retain these headsets varies among airlines. For instance, Delta discards the ones used in economy class post-flight, allowing passengers to keep them for subsequent journeys. In contrast, airlines like Emirates reclaim the headsets at the conclusion of each trip before sending them off to MNH Sustainable Cabin Services for cleaning and maintenance purposes. Should you wish to hold onto an airline-supplied headphone set, inquire about the specific policies from your flight attendants.
I personally prefer using my own headphones or earbuds wherever feasible to minimize adding to single-use plastic waste.
What you might be able to (occasionally) keep: Remaining cuisine
Altwal indicates that it’s entirely acceptable, according to certain airlines such as Royal Jordanian, for travelers to keep their leftover food for themselves.
layover
For our next stop, this rule may not apply universally across all airlines and destinations. “When flying domestically with United,” Kelley explains, “passengers are allowed to keep the snacks or meals provided. However, this does not hold true for international flights.” It’s always best to confirm with your flight attendant upon arrival.
You should also pay attention to the agricultural rules at your final destination. For instance, I’m always cautious about not carrying fresh fruits like apples when arriving in Hawaii because they require declaration and inspection upon landing. Once, however, I was detained in the customs area at LAX by an officer from the “Beagle Brigade,” which is what they call their dog squad trained to detect prohibited plants and animals. What caused this delay? Just one unassuming banana left over from my international flight that had slipped my mind.
jet-lagged
After the Beagle Brigade caught me, I couldn’t just toss away the banana; instead, I had to stand in line until it could be properly confiscated and disposed of. This small issue ended up causing quite an uproar and was certainly not worth all the hassle!
What you can choose: In-flight magazine
An additional amenity you’re permitted to bring along during your flight is the inflight magazine—assuming, of course, that you manage to locate one. Numerous airlines, particularly those based in the U.S., have phased out these publications. Being both an avid traveler and a travel author, I thoroughly enjoyed perusing and accumulating inflight magazines. It was delightful to pick up a free copy to pass on to my parents or friends, especially since some of my travel writings were featured within their pages. Fortunately, Hawaiian Airlines continues to produce its own magazine.
Hana Hou!
, and an agent I talked to mentioned that passengers are welcome to take the magazine as a keepsake—as a matter of fact, the airline promotes this.
What you may bring: Pajamas and slip-on shoes
If you’re traveling in a first-class compartment and get an upgrade,
sleepwear set
And slippers? They’re up for grabs. According to Westacott, airlines aren’t able to use these items again, so feel free to pack them in your luggage before touchdown and take them home as souvenirs.
What you can’t take: Entertainment tablets and premium headsets
One advantage of flying in first or business class is access to higher-quality headphones and occasionally personal entertainment tablets. According to the pros, these devices are provided to business-class passengers for their use throughout the flight but should remain onboard. Trying to take one with you would be futile since the flight attendants keep track of them and will spot any discrepancies.
What isn’t allowed: Drinks
Flight attendants typically gather cups and half-finished drinks prior to landing, ensuring passengers generally won’t have anything remaining. However, should you find yourself with something still onboard, these guidelines cover beverage procedures:.
-
Alcohol.
Incomplete alcoholic beverages must remain onboard the aircraft. Additionally, keep in mind: You may include liquor in your carry-on provided the quantity does not surpass the limit.
TSA liquid limit
FAA rules allow travelers to consume alcoholic beverages during flights.
only
If it’s served by the flight attendants (and if they decide you aren’t too drunk). -
Water.
Do not grab full bottles of water from the catering cart or galley—whether during the flight or when disembarking. According to Altwal, flights have a limited supply of water for all passengers, so it’s crucial not to take them away. Should you require more water, feel free to request some. -
Other soft beverages.
If you’ve bought or received a non-alcoholic drink onboard, it might be permissible to keep them during certain flights. Nevertheless, crew members typically collect cups and cans when preparing for landing, so these items should not be with you at that point.
In general, I’d suggest going with tops first before landing last as the most effective strategy!
What isn’t allowed: Blankets, pillows, and other types of bedding
If you’re curious about keeping airplane blankets, the short answer is no. According to Westacott, “The majority of complimentary items provided during your flight are meant to enhance passenger comfort and make their travel experience as relaxed as possible.” However, she adds that these items must remain onboard since they will be cleaned and reused by airline staff for subsequent trips. They politely ask passengers to leave everything behind so these amenities can continue being used on future flights.
If you decide to take a blanket from an airplane, chances are pretty slim that someone will tackle you on the jetway or call in canine units like those of the Beagle Brigade! However, taking something without permission still counts as theft. Airlines incur expenses when they have to replenish these missing items because such amenities belong to them and shouldn’t be removed by travelers according to Altwal.
If bringing your own items suits you best, you might wonder if it’s okay to pack blankets for air travel. According to Kelley, travelers are usually allowed to bring their personal blanket and pillow with them onboard. The good part? These belongings don’t get counted towards your limit of carry-ons.
What isn’t allowed: Bath items
Standard soaps and lotions in economy-class bathrooms lack appeal. However, if you’re considering taking them, think about your co-passengers and the germs they might spread due to their absence from your bag. Westacott agrees that communal-use bath products shouldn’t be taken away.
The exemption would apply to personal grooming items provided in the exclusive shower facilities available in just a few long-distance aircraft.
What isn’t allowed: Safety and operational gear
You may consider an emergency instruction card or a life jacket as an unusual keepsake. However, both the airline and officials will not see the humor in taking these items off the plane. “Items like safety guides, safety gear, menu cards, medical supplies, and life vests must stay on board because they play a crucial role in the aircraft’s operations or adhere to international rules,” explains Westacott.
Removing safety and operational equipment is illegal and can cause
flight delays
Altwal clarifies that a Minimum Equipment List (MEL) specifies the essential components and quantities needed for safe operation of each aircraft. She notes, “Certain items are critical enough to be labeled ‘no-go’ items.” If these crucial elements are absent, the aircraft must remain grounded. For instance, should a passenger remove just one no-go item like a fire extinguisher, the flight would have to wait until another extinguisher was provided before takeoff could occur.
Moreover, Altwal points out that situations become more complicated when incidents happen away from the main station, which refers to airports outside the primary hubs operated by airlines. Obtaining additional MEL-required parts often relies on agreements with local facilities; thus, acquiring replacements might lead to extended hold-ups.
Safety and operational gear often come with high replacement expenses as well. Take for instance the modest-looking device utilized on the Airbus 320 to manually deploy oxygen masks when they fail to drop down automatically during emergencies; this component alone can cost more than $100.
If you’re ever unsure about removing an item from an airplane and can’t get a definitive answer, it’s wise to consult a flight attendant. Alternatively, follow Kelley’s advice and exercise caution by not taking anything that doesn’t belong to you.
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Reader’s Digest
Has released numerous travel narratives designed to assist readers in exploring the globe safely, effortlessly, and economically. Our coverage frequently includes insights into top destinations along with optimal visiting periods, strategies for efficiently navigating airport security, insider airline staff knowledge, clever hotel room tactics, among others. We dedicate ourselves to delivering superior quality material crafted by authors who possess both specialization and practical know-how within their domain, collaborating closely with pertinent specialists when necessary. Trustworthy initial references form the backbone of our research; these include official governmental bodies, recognized industry groups, scholarly educational establishments, coupled with firsthand accounts from our contributing journalists whenever suitable. Every detail undergoes rigorous validation backed by dependable citations before being updated periodically to maintain relevance. In crafting this article, Sunny Fitzgerald leveraged her extensive background as an experienced chronicler of voyages and seasoned globetrotter ensuring precision and providing invaluable guidance tailored specifically towards our audience. Discover further details regarding our approach here: [Read More]
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Sources:
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Suzan Altwal
A bilingual Royal Jordanian Airlines flight attendant who has accumulated 10 years of expertise, encompassing extensive routes between the U.S. and Jordan, was interviewed in March 2025. -
Deep Westacott, who previously worked as a flight attendant and now serves as the regional engagement, development, and performance manager,
Cathay Pacific,
interviewed March 2025 - Julie Kelley, who has spent 45 years as a United Airlines flight attendant and frequently travels for work, was interviewed in March 2025.
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Noho Home
Bringing the beauty of Hawaiian skies to your home, we present Leihōkū: A partnership with Hawaiian Airlines. -
Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines will unveil new amenity kits and soft products from the Hawai’i lifestyle brand Noho Home. -
MNH Sustainable Cabin Services
: Emirates Airlines -
United Airlines
What to anticipate during your flight -
Hawaii State Department of Agriculture – Plant Industry Section
Traveling and Shipping from the Continental U.S. to Hawai’i -
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency
: “Agriculture Canine” -
Hawaiian Airlines
: Hana Hou! -
Transportation Security Administration
: “Alcoholic beverages” -
Delta Airlines
: “Onboard experience”
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