10 Hacks to Make Economy Feel Like First Class & 10 Mistakes That'll Make It Feel Like a Nightmare
10 Hacks to Make Economy Feel Like First Class & 10 Mistakes That'll Make It Feel Like a Nightmare
Economy Class Survival Guide
It's no secret that flying economy isn't the best experience: mix together cramped seats, nonexistent legroom, and questionable food, and you've got a recipe for disaster. But it's not all doom and gloom—with a little planning and a few clever hacks, you can turn even the longest flight into something that feels surprisingly close to first class. Ready to elevate your travel game? Here are 10 tricks to make economy feel luxurious, and 10 mistakes that can make it feel more like a nightmare.
1. Noise-Cancelling Headphones
You definitely don't want a crying baby or constant sniffles to rouse you from your beauty sleep, so make sure to bring a reliable pair of noise-cancelling headphones before you hop on your flight. Seriously, your ears (and brain) will thank you for it.
2. Bring Your Own Sleeping Essentials
Sure, some airlines provide pillows, blankets, and even slippers and sleeping masks. But there's no guarantee that you'll get these essentials on every flight, so it's always better to bring your own. At least then you'll have some backup gear.
3. Stock Up on Delicious Snacks
It's no secret that airplane food isn't the best, so take our advice and bring your own snacks and food. Even if it's just fruits, veggies, and a hearty sandwich, you—and your belly—will be much more satisfied with the food you bring on board yourself than whatever gunk you'll be served in the skies.
4. Wear Comfy Clothes
Another simple trick to make economy feel like first class? Wear pajamas on your flight. Or at least pick an outfit that's as close to pajamas as you can make it. The more comfy your attire, the more relaxed you'll feel, and the easier it'll be to unwind and drift to sleep once you're settled in.
5. Get a Good Seat
It's worth splurging a little to book the exact seat you want, or, if you're adamant on staying frugal, to check in online right when you can pick your seat for free. A good seat on the plane will change your entire flight experience, so make sure you don't get stuck crammed in the middle.
6. DIY Amenities Kit
You might not get an amenities kit in economy like the folks in first class do, but that doesn't mean you can't make your own. Before you head to the airport, pack a travel-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, eye mask, moisturizers, and whatever else you think you'll need to keep you comfortable in the skies. Then, pamper way.
7. Pack Less
Sometimes, making your economy seat feel like first class is as simple as packing less. If you shove too many items into your carry-on, you'll end up with far too much stuff underneath the seat in front of you, leaving you with little to no leg room. So, remember: less is more.
8. Prepare Ample Entertainment
You probably already know to do this, but make sure to prepare ample entertainment for yourself before you board your flight. Download some offline games to play on your phone, save movies to watch on your tablet, and bring books and activities that keep you engaged. That way, your flight won't feel as boring or as long.
9. Pick a Good Flight Time
It's also important to pick a good flight time. If you're choosing to fly at odd hours, such as in the early hours of the morning, you'll probably find yourself more groggy, cranky, and stressed, even before you board. So, do yourself a favor and choose your departure time wisely.
10. Compression Socks
If you're prone to swollen calves, ankles, and feet whenever you sit for long periods, make sure to bring some compression socks with you. This will greatly enhance your experience in the skies, and you'll thank yourself for it later once you arrive at your destination.
Want to make sure your economy flight doesn’t feel like a nightmare? Watch out for these 10 common slip-ups:
1. Picking Your Seat Last Minute
You probably already know the consequence of not picking your seat the moment you're able to make a selection: you'll either end up stuck in the middle or in a spot by the lavatory toward the back of the plane. If you don't get the seat you want, you can almost always guarantee your flight won't go so well comfort-wise.
2. Eating a Heavy Meal Before Boarding
Sure, eating greasy fried food two hours before your boarding time might seem like a good idea in the moment, but by the time it makes its way through your digestive tract, you'll regret it. Instead of feeling satisfied and full, you'll only feel bloated, gassy, and uncomfortable.
3. Packing Way Too Much Stuff
As mentioned earlier, if you stuff your carry-on full and can't store it in the overhead bins, you'll be stuck shoving it underneath the seat in front of you, meaning it'll take up your precious leg room. With no space for your feet to stretch, your flight will feel like a never-ending nightmare.
4. Wearing Tight Clothes
Unless you have a meeting to attend as soon as you land, avoid dressing to impress on your flight. A tailored jacket and fitted slacks will only make you feel constricted, and you won't be able to move around as much.
5. Bringing the Wrong Kind of Headphones
It's not enough to bring a pair of headphones with you to your flight—you'll want to double-check that they're able to block out noise. Otherwise, even if the audio from your music and TV shows doesn't bother anyone else, outside sounds can still bother you.
6. Forgetting a Charging Cable
Make sure to always keep a charging cable handy in your carry-on—you never know how fast the batteries on your phone and other devices might run out. If you forget it, you'll only have the in-flight entertainment system to keep you occupied.
7. Not Downloading Extra Entertainment
If you don't download games and movies to watch or bring books to read, your flight will likely end up feeling much longer than it is. Sure, you always have the in-flight entertainment system, but that's only if any of the shows and media on there suit your fancy.
8. Not Packing Comfy Essentials
Forgot to pack a travel pillow, warm blanket, slippers, and compression socks? Well, you're in for a wild ride—and by that, we mean a nightmare-ish one. Without these comfy essentials, you'll only end up making your flight experience feel more unbearable.
9. Flying Too Early
As mentioned earlier, you'll want to pick a good time to fly out. If you're flying long-haul, it might be better to choose a red-eye—that way, you can sleep the whole way through. Not choosing your departure time wisely can significantly affect your experience and make you feel more groggy, stressed, and fatigued.
10. Not Bringing Your Own Snacks
If there's one thing you should probably always do, it's bring your own snacks. Even if the meals you're served aren't absolutely horrible, you'll still be doing yourself a favor by packing the food you like. Plus, having snacks at the ready in your bag means you won't have to wait it out when your stomach rumbles mid-flight.
