Items that Should Never Be Taken Out of the Aircraft

Just today, I stumbled across a post that’s been making the rounds among Filipino netizens. In it, someone was innocently asking if aircraft headsets and blankets could be taken home. While the question seemed harmless, the responses were quite surprising. Many people were saying that yes, those items could be taken home, as long as you don’t get caught. One person even boasted, “I don’t let anything pass. Whatever fits in my bag, I take.” It’s disheartening to see how low some people can go! So, for those who are curious, let me clear up what items can and cannot be taken out of the aircraft.

It’s true that not everything on an airplane is off-limits as a souvenir. There are indeed some items that passengers are allowed to take home, such as amenity kits, slippers, barf bags, ear plugs (but not headphones), and eye masks. These are generally considered complimentary.

However, there are also items on the plane that are considered safety equipment or reusable, and these should never be taken as souvenirs. Let’s take a closer look at what those items are.

Comfort Items

Blankets

It’s common for airlines to provide blankets to keep passengers warm during the flight. But these cozy comfort items are meant to stay on the plane. Even if you’ve paid extra for a premium seat, the blankets are not a take-home gift. They are cleaned and reused for future passengers.

Pillows

Just like blankets, pillows are provided for in-flight comfort. They’re great for a quick nap or to support your neck during a long flight, but they should be left on your seat when you exit the plane. Taking them home is not part of the deal.

Duvets

In some first-class cabins, you might even be offered a duvet to make your flight more comfortable. While it might be tempting to take this luxurious item home, it’s not allowed. Plus, trying to stuff a duvet into your carry-on would probably be more trouble than it’s worth!

Safety Items

Life Jackets

Believe it or not, some passengers have been known to take life jackets from under their seats. This is not only against the rules but could also lead to criminal charges. Life jackets are essential safety equipment and must remain on the plane to ensure the safety of future passengers.

Safety Cards

Those safety cards in the seat pocket in front of you are not souvenirs. They are vital for passenger safety and must always remain on board. Feel free to study them during your flight, but leave them behind when you land.

In-Flight Entertainment

Headphones

Whether you’re watching a movie or listening to music, airlines often provide headphones for your entertainment. But these headphones are meant to be reused. Airlines can replace the foam around the earpiece for hygiene, so there’s no need to take them with you. And if you’re tempted to snag the high-quality headphones in business or first-class, think again! The unique two-socket plug is a clear sign that they belong to the airline.

If you’re ever in doubt about whether you can take an item from the aircraft, don’t hesitate to ask a cabin crew member. You certainly wouldn’t want to find yourself in hot water with airport police or facing theft charges for taking something you didn’t realize was off-limits.

So, for those who are still wondering about headphones and blankets, I hope I’ve cleared things up here. If you’re still not convinced, feel free to ask the airlines directly. And if you’re still not satisfied with their answer, think twice before trying to take something like a life jacket. If you end up getting caught and facing legal consequences, remember, you were warned!