1. News That Wasn’t Behind a Paywall
Boomers opened a newspaper or turned on the TV and got the full story. Journalism was funded through ads and circulation, not subscription models and content tiers. The evening news or Sunday paper offered in-depth reporting without having to log in or pay. Everyone had access to the same facts.
Now, Gen Z is bombarded with clickbait and pop-ups asking for payment to finish reading a single article. Many high-quality sources are locked behind paywalls, creating an information gap. Free news often lacks depth, accuracy, or trustworthiness. Boomers didn’t have to budget for credible journalism.
2. Plane Tickets That Included Everything
Back in the day, buying a plane ticket meant you were good to go. You got a seat, a checked bag, meals, and maybe even a little legroom — all without an upcharge. Flying was an experience, not an endurance test. And yes, people even dressed up for it.
Today, Gen Z has to navigate a labyrinth of fees just to get from point A to point B. Want to pick your seat? That’ll cost you. Need to bring a bag? That’s another charge. Boomers enjoyed a full-service flight without the nickel-and-diming.
3. Tap Water Without Side-Eye
Boomers grew up in a world where no one batted an eye at filling up a glass straight from the tap. Drinking fountains were everywhere, and reusable bottles weren’t a lifestyle choice — they didn’t exist yet. There was no concept of paying for hydration unless you really wanted a soda. Today, clean water access is still widespread, but social norms have shifted dramatically.
Gen Z often feels pressure to buy filtered, branded, or even electrolyte-enhanced water. Bottled water is a $300 billion global industry, and many restaurants now charge for “premium” water options. Even in cities with perfectly fine municipal water, there’s a stigma against drinking straight from the tap. The expectation of “curated hydration” is something Boomers never had to worry about.
4. Public College That Didn’t Break the Bank
In the 1960s and ’70s, attending a public university could cost a few hundred dollars a semester — or sometimes nothing at all. States like California even offered free tuition at top schools like UC Berkeley. Boomers could feasibly work a part-time job and graduate debt-free. That scenario feels like science fiction to Gen Z students.
Today, the average in-state public college tuition is over $10,000 per year, not including housing or fees. Many students leave school with tens of thousands of dollars in debt just for a bachelor’s degree. Boomers didn’t need scholarships, GoFundMe pages, or soul-crushing loans to get an education. Gen Z would pay handsomely for access to the same opportunity.
5. Privacy by Default
For Boomers, anonymity was the norm. You could walk into a store, browse for hours, and leave without your actions being tracked or your data sold. Nobody was collecting your keystrokes, scanning your face, or suggesting ads based on a passing thought. Privacy wasn’t a premium service — it was just life.
Now, Gen Z is asked to opt in or pay up to reclaim their privacy. Whether it’s encrypted messaging apps, VPNs, or “pro” subscriptions that promise not to sell your data, privacy has become a luxury. Even deleting an online presence takes expertise and time. Boomers got to live without worrying that a toaster might be eavesdropping on them.
6. Kids’ Activities That Didn’t Cost a Fortune
In the Boomer era, kids could join community sports leagues, after-school programs, or summer camps for little or no cost. Most of it was funded through public schools, local parks, or volunteer-run organizations. If you wanted to play soccer, you just showed up with cleats and played. Parents weren’t drowning in registration fees and gear requirements.
Now, Gen Z kids often need hundreds of dollars to participate in youth activities. Competitive leagues, travel teams, and private lessons dominate the landscape. Even casual classes in art or coding can carry hefty price tags. Boomers got a childhood full of enrichment without it being a financial burden.
7. Concerts That Didn’t Require a Payment Plan
Boomers could see The Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac, or Prince for the price of a dinner today. In the 1970s, concert tickets often cost under $10, and you could grab them at the box office. Live music was accessible, spontaneous, and affordable for almost everyone. No apps, no fees, no lottery systems.
Gen Z often has to plan months ahead and shell out hundreds — or even thousands — for a single ticket. Dynamic pricing, scalper bots, and exclusive pre-sales create scarcity and stress. VIP experiences, ticket insurance, and “convenience fees” drive up the cost. Boomers didn’t need a side hustle just to see a band.
8. Customer Service That Actually Involved People
Calling customer service in the past meant a human picked up the phone. There were no endless loops of voice prompts, no AI bots giving canned answers, and definitely no being ghosted by email support. Store clerks knew their stock, and mechanics didn’t need an app to explain what was wrong. Help felt like help, not a maze.
Today, Gen Z often has to fight just to speak to a human being. Many companies hide their phone numbers or require premium memberships for “priority” support. Outsourced chatbots dominate first contact, and real-time solutions are rare. Boomers didn’t have to pay extra just to be treated like a person.
9. Housing That Didn’t Feel Like a Fantasy
In the 1970s, the median home price in the U.S. was around $25,000 — about $150,000 adjusted for inflation. Boomers with steady jobs could buy a home in their 20s, sometimes with a single income. Starter homes were actually meant for starting out. Renting was also cheap and widely available.
For Gen Z, even saving for a down payment feels out of reach. Skyrocketing prices, high interest rates, and stagnant wages have made ownership a pipe dream. Many are paying more for rent than their parents did for a mortgage. Boomers got a key to a home — Gen Z often just gets a lease and a raised eyebrow.
This post 9 Things Boomers Got for Free That Gen Z Would Pay Extra to Use Now was first published on American Charm.
