Basic economy passengers rarely get meals, pillows, blankets, or headphones without paying extra, and they are typically the last to board the plane (which means there may not be room for your carry-on bags in the overhead bins).

Whether you receive a blanket in economy depends heavily on the type of flight and the airline's specific service model. For long-haul international flights (typically over 6–7 hours), most full-service carriers like British Airways, Emirates, or Delta still provide a complimentary blanket and a small pillow at every seat to ensure passenger comfort during overnight journeys. These are usually laundered and sealed in plastic before the flight. However, on short-haul domestic flights or when flying with low-cost carriers (such as Ryanair, Spirit, or EasyJet), blankets are almost never provided for free. If you want one on these flights, you may have to purchase a "comfort kit" from the onboard menu. In 2026, there is also an increasing trend among "eco-conscious" airlines to move away from disposable or frequently laundered blankets to reduce water waste, sometimes encouraging passengers to bring their own. Furthermore, cabin temperatures are notoriously unpredictable, often swinging from very hot during boarding to quite cold at cruising altitude. Experienced travelers often recommend bringing a lightweight pashmina or a packable travel blanket regardless of the airline's policy to guarantee warmth.