Generally speaking, blankets provided by airlines are free to use during the flight. The cost of providing blankets, pillows, and other amenities is typically factored into the overall cost of the flight ticket.

On long-haul international flights with full-service carriers (like Emirates, Delta, or British Airways), blankets are provided for free for use during the flight. However, these are generally not meant to be "taken home" and are sanitized and reused for the next journey. If you take one, you are technically committing a small act of theft. On low-cost carriers (like Spirit, Frontier, or Ryanair) and even some domestic legs of major airlines, blankets are not free. If you want one, you must purchase a "Travel Kit" which often includes a small fleece blanket, an eye mask, and earplugs for around $10 to $20. In 2026, many airlines have transitioned to sustainable, recycled materials for their blankets, but the policy remains the same: in Economy, it's a loan; in First Class, it's a luxury perk; and on budget airlines, it's a retail transaction. To ensure the best hygiene and warmth, many frequent flyers prefer to bring their own lightweight, packable "travel blanket" made of merino wool or down.