Airsickness bags are becoming less accessible on some flights. Air Baltic announced in September that it would remove the bags from seat pockets entirely, with around 50 bags stored in the rear section of its aircraft, according to Aero Telegraph. Ryanair has also apparently stopped placing them in seat pockets, while Eurowings introduced a policy seven years ago of providing just one bag per row of three seats, positioned in the middle seat.
Eurowings said passengers who frequently feel unwell during flights now tend to prepare in advance. In the past, when flying was a less common experience, the airline suggested that the situation had been different.
The reductions are linked to airlines’ efforts to cut costs as fuel prices rise. The question has also prompted discussion among frequent flyers and passengers on Reddit, including reports of travelers finding empty seat-back pockets when they needed a bag.
The Swiss manufacturer ELAG, which produces many airsickness bags, said it does not believe airlines are moving toward completely bag-free flights. The company described demand from airlines as stable and noted that the bags are used for more than sickness: passengers also use them as waste containers, storage for face masks and general convenience bags.
ELAG’s model is made from FSC-certified white kraft paper and is designed to be completely waterproof. When unfolded, it measures 220 millimeters wide, 125 millimeters long and 80 millimeters deep.
Lufthansa said that a bag is available in every seat on every flight, suggesting that availability still varies considerably between airlines.
Sources: Süddeutsche Zeitung.