Is this wishful thinking? (minor comforts)

Last June and September both Lufthansa and BA were providing the little packet of goods in coach. Lufthansa in Europe was still serving beer in coach. Don't think the European based airlines have cut back as much as the US carriers.

THANKS Frank!

I LOVE this board! Everyone here is always so helpful!

Gretchen:-)
You are too cute! I'm glad you like the surprise factor of feeling like you got something for free! I can tell you, that's not the usual response we get from passing them out! How refreshing!:-)
If you really like the toiletries...you could always ask for another set. It always gives us a good feeling when someone appreciates something and finds it worthy of wanting a second! Now, if only our meals were that way...!

Delta has little packages they pass out that include the mask, headphones, a toothbrush and toothpaste....and hand cream! What a brilliant idea...you forget how dried out your hands get while flying long distances.

Virgin Atlantic has little kits, too. Going one direction everything came in a reusable zippered case (like a pencil case) -- eye mask, slippers, toothbrush, toothpaste, a pen, and chapstick. Going the other direction everything was packed in a drawstring tote. VA also gave every child on the plane a backpack filled with pens and pencils, coloring book and crayons, a notebook, and a Virgin Atlantic watch.

Flight Attendant - I'll be sure to ask for more! Normally, I wouldn't want to seem greedy, but since you suggested it, why not? Thanks for the tip. :)

The rest of your comments surprised me though? Do people usually complain about the freebies? What do the say - perhaps stupid comments like, "This is all I get for my money?"

I usually fly Delta and their packet is very basic as another poster described. British Air provides a packet that includes the socks. I would think Lufthansa would have something similar to BA. Have a wonderful trip!

last time I went Lufthansa biz they just had all you can drink goodies... but the freebies for o nboard socks, toiletries etc- maybe available by asking but not handed out like in the past. Will be going next week so I may be surprised! Maybe you have to know what to ask for!

Anything on American?!! :)

I'm a Continental frequent flier, and they don't give away anything on their transatlantic flights.

Kristen - re: American - I flew to London in 2004 (coach) + 2005 (business). Coach was barebones. Biz was another experience ENTIRELY - glass of champagne or orange juice as soon as you found your seat, lovely zippered bag loaded with spa, mask, socks.... Before meals a warm damp towel to freshen up. TONS of leg room. I have Restless Legs Syndrome and the cramped seating in coach was horrible for me, where seats in biz fully reclined and there was still room between my feet and the seat ahead of me. Wish I could afford to repeat in biz when hubby and I make the same trip this fall.

This all depends on the cabin you are flying in. If in business or first there is always a very nice kit. If in coach you will normally not recieve anything especially in coach. Based on previous posters here, it seems like Delta may pass these out but this is definitely not the case with either United or Lufthansa.

Coach class on KLM - they feed you constantly. They also have my hot towels which I LOVE! TVs are community at the end of the aisle. Not a biggie on W-E flights, disappointing for E-W.

NWA - individual TVs but no hot towels =(

If your airline doesn't offer hot towels, keep a dry washcloth with you (in 2 baggies in case of a leak!) and with the AM meal, I ask politely for a hot tea - hold the tea and pour my hot H2O into my baggies. I then have my hot towel! BE CAREFUL!!!

For west-east transatlantic flights, I don't care if there are TVs in the seatbacks - I'm sleeping with my headphones on. East-west, I want to be entertained!

If you're looking for a nice ipod holder - KLM's business class "goodie bag" bag makes a wondful ipod carrier! I asked politely if I could have one as we were leaving the plane. "Sure." I figure they'd be thrown away anyway. I now have my ipod, headphones, charger and the leftover (unused) KLM goodies! Better yet - you can't tell its an ipod!

The eye shades are great for flights. I always pack my old one - in case there isn't a new one on the plane. I end up trading my old one for the new one and hang on to that. They are also useful in hotels and hostels that don't have completely dark rooms. Earplugs are nice if your room is near street traffic.

I also have to ask. Flying Air France next month. Any freebies there??

Air France...gives pack with eye mask, socks, ear plugs and had wipe...as of Dec 2007

Gretchen,

The complimentary toiletries kit we provide is actually quite good. (I don't fly for Lufthansa, though...)
I think most Pax are surprised when/if they look inside.

Often, Pax (Passengers) don't even look inside assuming it isn't worth opening. Maybe they opened one once and it was cheap so they just assume that they are all low quality trash.

I thought the faux suade zippered re-usable case would provoke at least some curiosity but apparently not. I guess the Groomers like them more than the Pax do...they like to collect them up after flights and take them home.

Our kits include a re-usable faux suade zippered toiletry case with multi-zippered compartments, brand name sanitizer wipes, hand lotion, chapstick, kleenex, ear plugs, eye shade, wool (blend) socks, shoe horn, toothbrush/paste and I think that's about it.

I'd say about 30% of Pax leave them behind. I guess they're into travelling light and don't want to have yet another thing to carry...

F/A

Regarding Bonne's suggestion if "hot towel service" is not provided...

Please don't try to do that yourself. Just ask your F/A. We'd be happy to bring you a hot towel. I'd hate to see Pax pouring hot water themselves since it is not safe. I'd rather pour it myself than have to treat you for a burn injury or move you to a dry seat b/c we hit turbulence and you accidently poured in on your lap.

While I do appreciate Bonne's suggestion of self-service...it's just not safe. At least when we pour hot water it's at a more stable location and less apt to burn anyone.

Safe Skies,

F/A