12 ways to make flying economy feel like first class

Clothing can influence the way you feel. Take advantage of this by dressing for comfort, says travel writer, Susan Portnoy. “Avoid belts, ties or big buttons, anything that can pinch, poke or constrict when you choose your wheels up ensemble,” she says. Instead, Portnoy says choose comfy fabrics that stretch. “You don’t have to look sloppy,” she adds. “I typically wear a pair of nice pair of black yoga pants, ballet flats, a sports bra (no hooks or underwires to poke and pull), a tank top and a yummy cashmere sweater to top it off. Warm or cold, I’m ready.”

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People tend to be leery of checking luggage, but it can make your flight easier. While it’s more convenient to keep your belongings close during flights, travel blogger, Julia Kuhn, advises keeping your onboard personal items to a minimum – and store them in the overhead space. “Avoid bringing a large personal bag that will need to be stored under the seat in front of you,” she says. “You can have more leg room.”

Either purchase bottled water in the airport or fill a water bottle from an airport water fountain. Drinking lots of water during flights will help you stay hydrated. Also, purchase snacks before you board or bring them. “Bring a snack; do not rely on aeroplane food to satisfy your hunger,” says Kuhn.

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Travel blogger, Dena Roché, says splurge if you can, especially on long flights. “Paying for the extra space is always worth it on long flights,” she says. “If you can afford it, nothing makes you more comfortable than flying a long haul route in business or first. The difference in experience is night and day and you arrive at your destination ready to roll because you actually slept.”

Pack a pashmina or a blanket scarf to be prepared for temperature changes on board. “Since aeroplanes are typically cold, it’s always handy to have a scarf that doubles as a blanket,” advises travel blogger, Katie Williams. “Not only can you cover your body with it, but you can bunch it up to use as a pillow or neck rest. If I don’t have my scarf with me, my flight is always less comfortable, so I try and always remember it.”

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Williams says if you remove your shoes, having socks on can keep you both comfortable and sanitary. “On almost every flight, I pack a pair of wool socks with me. The socks help when it gets cold on the plane and when I feel like taking off my shoes,” Williams says. “Because of the thickness, you can walk around the cabin without worrying about getting gross stuff on the bottom of your feet and don’t have to worry about putting your shoes back on.”

Williams also recommends bringing face wipes and lip balm. “Aeroplanes are filled with dry air and are always leaving my face dry and lips chapped. I make sure to bring face wipes, Chapstick and sometimes a face mask to make my flight more comfortable and soothe my skin,” she continues. “It’s always nice to know (especially after long haul flights) that you have something to revitalise your skin and help you wake up.”

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Travel writer, Carole Terwilliger Meyers says she prefers the window seat. “I get comfortable by snuggling into my usual window seat,” she says. “I like to take photos of take-off and landing, so I keep my iPhone handy.” Another tip, brings a pillow and shawl to get cosy. ‘I like to use the shawl like a cocoon, but sometimes roll it up and use it for a pillow, and find it in general very soothing.” You also may be less disturbed in a window seat as fellow passengers will not have to wake you if they need to leave their seat.

Investing in a premium neck pillow is worth the cost, says travel blogger, Cory Varga. Varga suggests picking a pillow based on your sleep style – whether you’re a side-sleeper or back sleeper. “A good pillow is tailored to your needs and specific requirements,” Varga says. The pillow should support your neck and allow restful sleep without neck-strain.

Varga says to sleep or relax, bringing noise-cancelling headphones and an eye mask may help find your Zen. Although it may be tempting to drink booze to facilitate sleep, Varga says take a pass. “Travellers should avoid alcohol, even though it can be tempting to ask for that vodka-based cocktail. Instead, drink plenty of water and munch on good quality protein bars to avoid fatigue and beat the jet lag,” she says.

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