Top 10+ Things You Can Take from Planes—And 6 Things You Can’t

Germ protection

Germ protection, In-flight socks, In-flight magazine, Slippers, Airsickness bags, Blankets, Safety cards

With a return to normalcy and an increase in air travel, airlines are maintaining practices to keep passengers safe from the ongoing pandemic. Domestic and international flights have now offered modes of protection to keep areas clean and eliminate the spread of germs. Delta is providing complimentary care kits containing a face mask and Purell hand sanitizer. On United Airlines, you'll be provided with disinfectant wipes. Take whatever sanitizing gear you haven't used and use it throughout your trip, as airlines don't reuse them after they have made contact with a passenger!

In-flight socks

Germ protection, In-flight socks, In-flight magazine, Slippers, Airsickness bags, Blankets, Safety cards

In-flight socks are another item that cannot be reused by the airline, so it's OK to take them with you as well, according to Deane. After all, who would want to wear socks that have previously been worn by an indefinite amount of people, even if they have been washed?

In-flight magazine

Germ protection, In-flight socks, In-flight magazine, Slippers, Airsickness bags, Blankets, Safety cards

If there is an article you couldn't get to in the in-flight magazine before your flight was over, worry not. It is perfectly OK to take it with you when you leave the plane. "Although in-flight magazines could be reused for the next passenger, it's good advertising for the airline when it's seen out and about with you," says Deane. "The airline would probably encourage you to take it for this reason."

Pajamas

Germ protection, In-flight socks, In-flight magazine, Slippers, Airsickness bags, Blankets, Safety cards

Some first-class flyers on luxury airlines may receive a set of pajamas to wear on their flight. As airlines cannot reuse these pajamas, these pajamas are yours to keep after the flight, according to David Adler, founder and CEO of The Travel Secret.

Slippers

Germ protection, In-flight socks, In-flight magazine, Slippers, Airsickness bags, Blankets, Safety cards

Some longer flights will give you slippers in case you wanted to take off your shoes and get more comfortable. Feel free to take them with you when you're leaving the plane!

Airsickness bags

Germ protection, In-flight socks, In-flight magazine, Slippers, Airsickness bags, Blankets, Safety cards

No one will stop you from taking airsickness bags from a plane, according to Deane. The reason why goes without saying!

Blankets

Germ protection, In-flight socks, In-flight magazine, Slippers, Airsickness bags, Blankets, Safety cards

Business and first-class flights offer comfort items like blankets during the flight. You must leave them on board when you're leaving the plane as they can be reused. "Paying more to travel in a better class does not entitle passengers to take items offered for the journey," says Webber. 

Pillows

Germ protection, In-flight socks, In-flight magazine, Slippers, Airsickness bags, Blankets, Safety cards

Just like with blankets, if you're offered a pillow during your flight you need to leave it when you're leaving. "It's for in-flight comfort, not a freebie to take home," says Deane.

Duvets

Germ protection, In-flight socks, In-flight magazine, Slippers, Airsickness bags, Blankets, Safety cards

In addition to pillows and blankets, you should not be trying to take the duvets you are given in business or first class home either.  It would probably be a hassle to try and fit a duvet into your carry-on anyways.

Safety cards

Germ protection, In-flight socks, In-flight magazine, Slippers, Airsickness bags, Blankets, Safety cards

You might be allowed to take the in-flight magazine with you, but the safety cards are another deal altogether. Safety cards in front of your seat are also considered safety items, and should always remain on board.