Originally Posted by
olddallas
I agree "dishonorable" is the right word, but I certainly think it would be ok to politely ask a flight attendant if you could have one. I suspect that those still wrapped in plastic are reused.
That's a very good practice for those who still have consciences.
Like my first tour of Europe with other college kids. They were "swiping" beer glasses and things from the bars, still full of suds, plenty of guilt, and struggling with "sneaking out" with them. I asked the bartender how I could get one. That particular bartender said those particular glasses were promotionals from the supplier and asked me how many I wanted. He gave me brand new, clean ones, still packaged and wrapped.
If you're surrounded by empty seats, it gets interesting. UA's 787 Y service has sometimes had wrapped decks of cards with UA 787 marketing all over them. I haven't seen airlines give out decks of cards since they were giving out cigarettes.