Airlines Scale Back Perks, Prompting Passenger Frustration

Airlines are increasingly phasing out complimentary services and amenities, a trend that has led to a perceived decline in the value of air travel for many passengers. This cost-cutting approach, often termed 'shrinkflation' in the airline industry, involves removing perks that were once standard, such as free meals, drinks, checked luggage, and even the ability to select seats without an additional fee.

This shift is driven by a combination of factors, including volatile fuel prices, increased labor and airport expenses, and a market that often prioritizes the lowest base fare. Anton Radchenko, CEO of AirAdvisor, noted that while passengers might not miss in-flight magazines, they are increasingly sensitive to feeling "nickel-and-dimed" by fees for bags, seat selection, and onboard refreshments. "You find a cheap flight, you’re pleased with yourself, and then it’s £30 for a bag, £15 to sit with your partner, £4 for a coffee. By the time you board, that bargain doesn’t feel like one anymore," Radchenko stated.

Reduction of In-Flight Services

Many airlines no longer offer complimentary snacks or beverages on flights shorter than four hours. Dutch airline KLM, for instance, announced it would cease providing free cheese sandwiches, beer, wine, and soft drinks. On easyJet, a bottle of wine can cost up to £6.60 and a can of beer £5.60. TUI has eliminated free alcoholic drinks for economy passengers on long-haul flights as of November 1.

Subtle changes are also apparent. British Airways has removed cloth headrest covers from its Club Europe cabins, citing operational efficiency and sustainability goals. The airline stated this move would simplify cabin adjustments and reduce cleaning time. Similarly, printed newspapers and magazines have largely been replaced by digital options or seatback entertainment systems. Magazines like American Way and SkyMall, once common on US carriers such as United Airlines, Southwest, and Delta, are no longer standard offerings.

Seat Comfort and Selection

Ryanair eliminated reclining seats over two decades ago as part of its cost-saving strategy. Reports suggest that average seat width has decreased from 35 inches in the 1970s to 31 inches today, with some airlines offering seats as narrow as 28 inches. This, combined with less padding, creates a more rigid seating experience. Furthermore, airlines like easyJet and Wizz Air have limited flexibility in seat selection, often requiring passengers to pay extra to sit together or choose preferred seats. The cost for selecting a preferred economy seat can be as high as £30 on Virgin flights.

However, regulatory changes are addressing some seating issues. New government plans mandate that airlines must seat children under 14 with a parent or accompanying adult free of charge. This follows investigations into airlines, such as Ryanair, for charging parents to sit with their children.

Baggage and Other Perks

Complimentary checked luggage has become increasingly rare, with many airlines charging for the first checked bag, especially on short-haul routes. Passengers face fees ranging from £10 to £100 per bag. Strict carry-on limits are also enforced by carriers like Ryanair, easyJet, and British Airways, with charges for larger cabin bags or checked items at the gate potentially reaching £70. In 2023, airlines globally reportedly earned $33 billion from oversized baggage fees alone.

New EU rules, effective October 2027, will prohibit airlines from charging extra for cabin bags beyond the standard ticket price, provided they meet set dimensions. This aims to ensure that advertised fares include a personal item and a standard cabin bag.

Individual water bottles, once a common amenity on long-haul flights, are also being phased out. British Airways trialed removing single-use water bottles in economy in June 2025 as part of sustainability and cost-cutting efforts, but later rescinded the policy due to customer feedback. Passengers now often need to request water from flight attendants or bring their own refillable bottles.

Amenity kits, which previously included items like socks and eye masks in economy cabins, are now largely reserved for premium classes. Fiji Airways, for example, discontinued its amenity kits in 2025, citing wasted resources. Passengers traveling in economy are now expected to provide their own comfort items.

Erika Josefsson, a passenger rights expert at Airhelp, explained that airlines are responding to rising costs and a low-cost travel model by "unbundling the experience." This means the base ticket covers transportation, while other services are add-ons, serving as a significant revenue stream and allowing for lower advertised headline prices. "For passengers, the result is often frustration. People feel the real cost of flying isn’t visible when they book, and that comfort and basic conveniences have become a premium product rather than a standard," Josefsson said.

Despite these changes, Josefsson noted that passenger rights under regulations like UK261 remain in place, offering compensation for significant delays, cancellations, or denied boarding. The upcoming EU regulations aim to bring more transparency and basic inclusions back to the advertised airfare.