How To Make Economy Feel Like First Class
Early Bird Gets the Seat Selection
The earlier you can check-in for your flight, the better your chances are of finding the perfect seat. Check in online as early as possible to swap your seats or confirm the seats you chose when you snagged your tickets. When choosing your seat, keep away from galleys and bathrooms and opt for window seats as close to the front of the aircraft as possible. Think of it this way—the fewer people you see in front of you, the easier it is to ignore the other passengers and the more important you will feel. Avoid bulkheads though, as they often cater to the young-family set where all things baby and toddler will be stored.
Carry On Bags: Size Matters
Do your very best to limit the size of your carry-on bag. That way, your bag can fit comfortably under the seat in front of you without eating up precious leg-space for your seat. You’ll be able to stretch and adjust throughout the flight without bumping into luggage. If you must take a larger carry-on bag than what can squeeze under the seat in front of you, be sure to store it in the over-head bins. Keep only the essentials with you at your seat: headphones, magazines, books, iPod and you’ll find out how much more space you have when you don’t over-fill your space with unnecessary clutter.
DIY Luxury
One of best things about first class accommodations on an aircraft are the amenity kits. They are chock full of little goodies that make long flights more comfortable, and can ease the stresses of flying. Instead of relying on the airline to provide one, DIY your very own amenity kit. Put travel-sized containers of your favorite things into a bag. Consider toner, hand cream, lip balm, comfortable socks, an eye mask, and maybe even a toothbrush and toothpaste to freshen up right before arrival. Another consideration you may not think of is aromatherapy oils. Keep a vial with you during travel and one small sniff of the fragrance can be entirely comforting and calming in the midst of turbulence or other annoyances and stressors of flying.
Silence is Golden
Another perk of first class travel is the relative privacy you will have. When you are travelling in economy, it can be hard to get that personal space and privacy when you are sitting directly next to a stranger for hours on end. To replicate a personal bubble, try noise-cancelling headphones. Not only will they cut out all the ambient noises, but any babies wailing or loud conversations around you will be utterly muted. Consider the headphones as your ticket to complete silence and maybe even serenity. Plus, regardless of what you are listening to, wearing headphones is a universal “Do Not Disturb” sign and will send the message to all around to leave you alone.
Catch Some Zzz’s
When you are stuck on a longer flight, the difference between the cherry, refreshed passengers who emerge from first class and the zombie-esque passengers of the economy class is sleep. Help induce sleep during your stay in economy by bringing the comforts of home with you. Yes, you will probably be sitting up, and yes it is hard to get comfortable. But, with a neck pillow, a soft shawl, an eye mask and (at your pharmacist’s advice) a mild sleeping pill, you will end your trip feeling alert instead of fatigued.
Save a little money, plan ahead a little, and see how quickly economy class seats can transform into the comfort and luxury afforded to those in first class. Protect your flight and your holiday by tailoring a travel insurance plan from Cover-More Australia to best meet your needs.
Image courtesy of Flickr user TravelingOtter.