Long-Distance Travel Perk: The Free Airplane Toiletry Bag (Featuring TAM Airline's Kit)

By A Mystery Man Writer

For those of you traveling far in the coming holiday weeks, there's an occasional perk of international travel that I'd like to draw attention to: The free in-flight toiletry bag. I first came across this phenomenon when I flew to London on Virgin way back in the '90s, but as my bag from my recently trip down to Brazil on TAM Airlines proves, the swag bags have gotten a little nicer since then. This one features some nice in-flight socks, a sleep mask, and a disposable razor, as well as lotion and lip balm from luxury brand Rituals and more, all in a nice little reusable zip-up pouch. It was such a delight to see them all sitting there waiting for everyone on the plane. Of course, on top of that I also got the perks of being business class as a guest of the airline (they flew me down to check out a couple of spas and fabulous hotels): a seat that went almost-flat for sleeping, noise-canceling headphones, and champagne. That stuff didn't hurt either. But the in-flight bag was the cherry on top—it's one of the nicest I've gotten in recent years. Have you come across the phenomenon
For those of you traveling far in the coming holiday weeks, there's an occasional perk of international travel that I'd like to draw attention to: The free in-flight toiletry bag. I first came across this phenomenon when I flew to London on Virgin way back in the '90s, but as my bag from my recently trip down to Brazil on TAM Airlines proves, the swag bags have gotten a little nicer since then. This one features some nice in-flight socks, a sleep mask, and a disposable razor, as well as lotion and lip balm from luxury brand Rituals and more, all in a nice little reusable zip-up pouch. It was such a delight to see them all sitting there waiting for everyone on the plane. Of course, on top of that I also got the perks of being business class as a guest of the airline (they flew me down to check out a couple of spas and fabulous hotels): a seat that went almost-flat for sleeping, noise-canceling headphones, and champagne. That stuff didn't hurt either. But the in-flight bag was the cherry on top—it's one of the nicest I've gotten in recent years. Have you come across the phenomenon