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.

In 2026, whether airplane blankets are "complimentary" depends on your route and cabin class. On long-haul international flights (e.g., London to Singapore), full-service carriers like Emirates, Qatar, and British Airways still provide a blanket and pillow at every seat for free. However, these are generally not "gifts"; you are expected to leave them on the plane after the flight so they can be laundered and reused. On domestic U.S. or short-haul European flights, blankets have become extremely rare in Economy; if they are available, they are often for purchase (approx. $10–$15) as part of a "travel kit" you can keep. In Premium cabins (Business/First), blankets remain a complimentary luxury and are often branded partnerships (like United’s Saks Fifth Avenue bedding). A 2026 "pro-tip": if you receive an "amenity kit" with socks and an eye mask, that is yours to keep, but taking the large cabin blanket is technically considered theft and can lead to a fine if the airline chooses to enforce it.