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For decades, amenity kits were seen as a small but thoughtful touch that helped define the long-haul flying experience, with eye masks, socks, toothbrushes, and even branded pouches making their way into the hands of passengers across multiple cabins. While premium cabins have continued to refine and elevate their offerings, the story in economy class has been very different. In 2026, complimentary amenity kits in economy are increasingly rare, largely confined to ultra-long-haul routes or a small group of full-service carriers seeking to differentiate their product.
Rising costs, changing passenger expectations, and a stronger focus on unbundled fares have all contributed to the decline of the amenity kit in economy class. Many airlines now provide basic comfort items only on request, while others have removed them entirely in favor of buy-on-board options or sustainability-driven reductions in single-use products. However, a handful of carriers still see value in offering amenity kits at the back of the plane, using them as a subtle branding tool and a way to enhance the long-haul experience. In this article, we will take a closer look at these airlines that still provide amenity kits in economy class, and we will also examine why so many others have phased them out.
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways is one of the few full-service carriers that still hands out amenity kits in economy class, but only on long-haul flights exceeding roughly six hours. Rather than a disposable bag of single-use plastics, Etihad Airways’ economy class amenity kit comes in the form of a reusable tote bag containing typical essentials such as noise-canceling earplugs, an eye shade, and a small hand cream, all presented more as comfort tools than luxury gifts. The focus, true to the carrier’s evolving inflight product strategy, leans into practicality and sustainability rather than high-end cosmetics.
This approach from the carrier, based at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), reflects a broader trend across the industry, in that when airlines still offer economy kits, they are often pared back and designed to be useful beyond the flight itself, with recyclable or recycled materials and minimal environmental impact.
Aside from the amenity kits, Etihad Airways’ economy class provides a practical and comfortable travel experience, with seats that feature adjustable headrests and recline, allowing passengers to rest or work during their flights. Each seat is equipped with a personal entertainment screen that offers a wide selection of movies, TV programs, music, and games, ensuring passengers have access to in-flight entertainment throughout their journey.
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Qantas
Qantas has also bucked the trend by continuing to offer economy class amenity kits on selected long-haul international routes. According to the 
oneworld carrier’s own inflight experience pages, these kits typically include a dental set, an eye mask, and earplugs, packaged in a decorative felt pouch made from recycled PET bottles, providing a strong example of how carriers are trying to balance comfort with environmental responsibility.
Unlike in premium cabins, where high-end branded items are now common, Qantas’ economy class amenity kits aim for simple comfort and sustainability. However, only select long-haul and ultra-long-haul flights see these amenity kits in economy class – a prime example being the carrier’s non-stop service between Perth Airport (PER) and 
London Heathrow Airport (LHR). These flights, operated by the Boeing 787-9, can reach up to 17 hours in length, meaning that any additional comforts like a complimentary amenity kit are sure to be appreciated by passengers. On flights where the amenity kit is not offered as standard in economy class, Qantas offers a selection of additional travel essentials on request across its international network.
Qantas is in the midst of one of its most ambitious fleet renewal programs in decades, transforming ultra-long-haul flying. A key part of this strategy is the introduction of next-generation Airbus aircraft designed for efficiency, range, and passenger comfort, such as the Airbus A350-1000ULR, which will be the key player in the carrier’s non-stop Project Sunrise flights connecting Australia with Europe and the US. In total, the airline has committed to a massive order of over 200 new aircraft for the Qantas Group, with major types including the Airbus A220-300, Airbus A321XLR, Airbus A350-1000ULR, and Boeing 787 models among its future lineup.
The Airbus A220-300 is already in service with QantasLink, replacing older regional aircraft and offering passengers a lighter, quieter cabin with more space and modern amenities. Meanwhile, the A321XLR has started flying domestically and will soon operate longer-range international routes.
Emirates
Emirates is well known around the world for its high level of luxury across all travel classes. The carrier, based at 
Dubai International Airport (DXB), still provides amenity kits in economy class, albeit primarily on long-haul services and often only on overnight flights. Emirates’ current range of amenity kits is particularly distinctive, designed in partnership with wildlife conservation groups and printed with hand-drawn artwork highlighting endangered species. These amenity kits typically include comfort basics like socks, an eye shade, earplugs, and a dental kit, all contained in a reusable pouch made from sustainable materials such as recycled polyester and paper.
Emirates’ hard product is unrivaled, too. The carrier continues to reinforce its reputation as one of the world’s most dynamic long-haul airlines in 2026, blending fleet modernization with an industry-leading passenger experience. The airline’s ambitious multi-billion-dollar retrofit program is now underway, with over 200 Airbus A380 and Boeing 777-300ER aircraft scheduled to receive refreshed cabins, next-generation seat designs across all classes, upgraded in-flight entertainment, and ultra-fast WiFi.
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Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways has long had a reputation for exceptional service in all travel classes, and amenity kits in economy class are a key part of that effort, especially on ultra-long-haul flights. Earlier versions of Qatar Airways’ amenity kits included essentials such as a lip balm from Institut Karité Paris, a Miradent dental kit, an eye mask, socks, and earplugs, and the airline even won industry accolades for the quality of its economy class offering in the past.
However, in 2026, the situation is not quite as clear, with passenger reports indicating that amenity kits in Qatar Airways’ economy class are not guaranteed on every flight, and they now tend to be distributed on select long overnight segments only, meaning that on shorter or daytime sectors, they may be absent entirely. Meanwhile, the oneworld carrier’s premium cabins continue to draw attention for their luxury-branded amenity kits, underscoring the widening gap between premium cabin and economy class perks.
Why Are Amenity Kits Becoming Rarer In Economy Class?
Across the industry, the days of universally handed-out amenity kits in economy class are largely behind us, with a combination of financial, environmental, and operational factors having driven this shift. Mounting cost pressures and the continued rise of unbundled fare models have encouraged airlines to strip back inclusions that many passengers now bring themselves, such as toothbrushes or eye masks. At the same time, sustainability commitments are prompting carriers to reduce single-use plastics and eliminate items that frequently go unused, making large-scale distribution of amenity kits harder to justify.
Operational considerations also play a role, and even when economy amenity kits are still offered, they are typically reserved for ultra-long-haul or overnight services, where passenger comfort needs are greatest, and rest is a priority. As a result, availability can vary significantly by route and departure time.
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The Other End Of The Scale – Luxury Amenity Kits
In 2026, the most luxurious airline amenity kits are found not in economy but in premium cabins like first class and business class, as carriers compete to elevate their long-haul experience with high-end brands, exclusive collaborations, and truly indulgent products. These kits are less about simple comfort and more about delivering a sense of luxury that aligns with an airline’s overall premium service. Perhaps unsurpisingly, given their reputation for exemplary onboard service, some of the standout premium airline amenity kits available today include those offered by Emirates, Qatar Airways, and 
Singapore Airlines.
Emirates consistently tops the conversation for its ultra-luxurious kits, particularly in first class and business class. The airline has partnered with Italian luxury brand Bvlgari to create kits that include exclusive fragrances, premium toiletries, and even gold-lacquered mirrors, wrapped in collectable faux-leather pouches. These touches reinforce the carrier’s reputation for opulence in the skies.
Qatar Airways is another airline to offer an industry-leading amenity kit, especially since partnering with French perfumer Diptyque. These elegant kits often contain scented body care, face creams, and eau de toilette, all presented in a stylish pouch that enhances the premium experience.
Meanwhile, Singapore Airlines also makes the list with a long history of luxury amenity kits. Its first class offerings have included products from Lalique or other high-end brands, and even the 
Star Alliance carrier’s business class kits are designed with premium skincare and sophisticated packaging that reflects the airline’s signature attention to detail.
