Flying these days leaves much to be desired. Some airlines are trying to make up for the unpleasant, bare-bones experience with small perks. These amenities certainly aren't as desirable as, say, more legroom, but you might as well take advantage of them on your next flight.
Delta, Virgin America, and Alaska Airlines: Free Texting
Delta airlines recently started offering free in-flight text messaging. In order to text, you have to use iMessage , Facebook Messenger , or WhatsApp , so if you're planning on flying with Delta anytime soon, you might want to download these to your device if you don't have them already. Of course, the person you want to text will have to use these apps to communicate with you as well.
Delta assures travelers that the service is totally free, no need to purchase an overpriced Wi-Fi pass or anything, and messaging and data charges won't apply since you're using their Wi-Fi. In their announcement, they do add that you can only send text-photos and video messaging isn't supported. Emojis will work, though (whew).
Virgin America offers this on all of their flights (and Alaska Airlines flights), too. Like Delta, you can use iMessage, WhatsApp, or Facebook Messenger. Just connect to their WiFi and open the app. They do specify that the service isn't available on flights to Hawaii and Mexico, though.
JetBlue: Free WiFi
Most airlines charge you to use their Wi-Fi, so it's somewhat surprising that JetBlue, a known discount airline, has totally free Wi-Fi access (they call it Fly-Fi ). You can stream videos, too. It's available on all their aircraft, according to JetBlue's website.
If that's not enough, they also offer unlimited snacks . They will present you with a basket of snacks and, if you're skeptical, you can ask, "Seriously? I can take as many as I want?" and they will smile politely and nod. The lady sitting next to me grabbed five bags of chips right then and there. Also worth noting: JetBlue surprisingly has more legroom on most of its flights than other major airlines.
Southwest Airlines: Free Checked Bags
Most airlines have chosen to unbundle their flights to keep up with the competition. Unbundling means flight prices stay low, but you have to pay extra for everything from seat selection to bag checking. Few airlines offer free checked bags, but Southwest is one of them. Even better, they offer two free checked bags.
Also, unlike most other carriers, Southwest doesn't charge a fee if you need to switch flights. You'll have to pay for the difference in fare, yes, but many other carriers will charge you a fee just for the hassle of switching, and that fee can be up to $200.
Hawaiian Airlines: Free Meals and Booze
It's common for airlines to offer free meals and alcohol on long-haul, overnight, overseas flights-something's gotta get you through sitting in the same seat for seven hours. But Hawaiian Airlines (who offers routes beyond Hawaii) dish out complimentary meals and alcohol on all of their North American flights, too. And the meals actually look tasty .
CNBC says Hawaiian is the only domestic carrier to serve a free, full-tray meal to all guests (on North American routes, at least). Even economy travelers get a free glass of wine and a complimentary Koloa Rum Punch, according to CNBC.
Virgin Atlantic: Free Amenity Kit
If you take a night flight on Virgin Atlantic, you'll get a " Relax Pack " amenity kit, even if you're a basic economy passenger. The economy (and premium economy) version comes with a toothbrush and toothpaste, earplugs, eyeshade, socks and a pen.
Beyond all of these, there are other amenities you can get on most flights , but you'll have to ask. Most carriers offer extra snacks and drinks, medication and bandages, a free tour of the cockpit, crayons and coloring books for kids, and those cute little wing pins. Not all airlines will have all of this, but it's worth knowing next time you want a freebie on your flight.
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