Tips To Turn An Economy Flight Into A First Class Experience

Plan, plan, plan your trip!

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Firstly, if you're planning on taking a trip in economy and you want to make it as bearable and as close to first-class as possible, you will need to plan, plan, plan. There will be plenty of tips and hints throughout this list that you can take on to help you with your flying experience, but planning is the biggest thing of all. If you rock up to your flight with nothing prepared, the likelihood is that you're not gonna have the best flying experience. However, if you plan it all, you'll feel a lot more prepared.

Choose your seat wisely

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We all know that getting a seat by the window is the best, especially if you can't be bothered to get up every five minutes for someone to use the restroom. Don't automatically choose a seat on the exit row, either. These chairs do not recline, but they do provide more legroom. Think about sitting on the row behind the exit instead, where no one will be able to recline in front of you. The bulkhead (front of the aircraft) seats may be the most spacious, but they lack both under-seat storage and a seat pocket in front of you, which may be inconvenient on a lengthy journey.

Why not upgrade?

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If you want more comfort on a flight, you don't have to pay more to fly first class, business class, or even premium economy. Many airlines offer intermediate alternatives, which include extra space for your legs and a nicer seat. The price to upgrade to a seat with more legroom varies widely from flight to trip, depending on both the distance flown and the passenger load. The extra legroom seats offered by the three main US airlines (American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines) are all referred to by various names.

A decent travel pillow is a MUST

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A high-quality travel cushion may make a world of difference in how comfortably you sleep in economy class. Don't bother with the complimentary pillows that you sometimes get on long-hauls. Instead, try to choose a travel cushion that has been created with adequate neck support in mind. If you want to save space in your carry-on suitcase, invest in an inflatable travel cushion that can be deflated to a flat shape. Neck pillows in the form of a horseshoe are ideal because they keep your head from rolling to one side as you sleep.

Invest in a leg hammock for your feet!

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Keeping your feet slightly elevated during takeoff and landing might help with circulation, edema, and joint discomfort. If you regularly suffer with these issues, you might use an inflatable footrest. The Fly LegsUp flight hammock is an innovative new solution to the problem of leg pain when flying. The flying hammock (available for both children and adults) is a portable bed that can be attached to the fold-down table in front of you. When you've got this in your suitcase, who needs a first-class seat?

Be aware of the airline you're choosing!

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We all know that flying economy can be the stuff of nightmares, and even worse if you're flying with an airline that you don't know fully. Well, to make the most of your experience, and to find the airline that offers the best amenities for their economy class price, have a shop around at the different tickets you can find for your trip. If you like, head to SeatGuru, which is a fantastic resource for comparing your seat width, and will let you know whether or not your seat will have power and WiFi.

Traveling with a friend? Maybe just book the window and aisle...

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If you're travelling with a friend and you're both booking economy class but want to feel as boojie as first-class, then try being sneaky when booking your seats. Instead of booking two together, consider booking the window and aisle seats of a row. That way, if the flight's not full, then some people might avoid sitting in that seat as they wouldn't want to be between two people, leaving you and your BFF to enjoy the entire row to yourselves! That's a solid win and is going to make your flight a lot more comfortable.

Don't be afraid to ask to move seats

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Always keep an eye out for vacant seats on the aircraft after take-off, occasionally whole rows will be unoccupied, and, let's face it, having three seats to choose from is preferable than having just one. You will have the ability to raise the armrest, allowing you to possibly lay down over a whole row of seats. Keep your eyes open and inquire with the flight attendants about the possibility of moving to a different seat; you never know, they could even upgrade you to first class! Well, they might not either.

Why not get a porter to do all the hard work for you?

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Paying for your suitcase in advance obviously saves time since it means you just need to go to the bag drop rather of the check-in counter. However, paying for a porter to help you with your bags is an even more convenient option, and can help you feel that little bit more first-class! There's various services that can be used where they will pick up your baggage from either your house or the airport and transport them to your destination, allowing you to travel without having to carry any bags with you.

Why not invest in a lounge pass?

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Before the flight or during a stopover, an airport lounge will 100% give you that first-class feel while you settle in to unwind and rest. You might even enjoy the same experience as a first-class passenger in the lounge even if you don't have a ticket for the first-class cabin. You'll have some time to get something to drink, get a snack, check your email, and take care of anything else that needs to be done. Your experience at the airport will be much improved by purchasing a lounge pass, which can be done for a fee that is more affordable than you might think.

Don't take too much stuff on-board with you!

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If you're flying long-haul in economy, the trick is to only take your essentials on the flight with you, and to leave everything else in your hold luggage. While you might find it hard to decide what is essential, and what can be left, realistically it will be for the better. The reason is that most of the time your carry-on luggage should fit under the seat in front of you and unfortunately, if you've packed too much stuff, then the likelihood is that its gonna take up a bit too much room under your seat.

Fancy fast-track?

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If you want to feel like you're a first-class customer, without actually being one, then think about the moments immediately before you start boarding the plane. Some frequent fliers have explained how they love to opt for a fast-pass ticket in order to ensure a smooth boarding. During the holiday seasons, it can be really significant, and especially if you've noticed that people are carrying A LOT of luggage onto that plane. You don't want your hand luggage to end up in the hold baggage now do you?!

A decent sleeping mask will go a long way

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Sleeping masks are fantastic for shutting out the surrounding light and allowing you to have a good night's sleep, no matter where in the world you are! Make an investment in a somewhat more expensive mask that sits farther away from your eyes and incorporates eye cavities into its design. During the REM (rapid eye movement) period of your sleep, rather than pressing on your eyelids, your eyes will be unaffected, giving you a better quality sleep for your economy flight! You might enjoy it enough to wear at home too.

Get yourself some noise-cancelling earphones

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The ability to filter out background noise is 100% crucial for flying, especially long-haul. On the off chance that your flight is occupied by a fussy infant or rowdy children returning from summer camp, you should do your best to block them out. In addition, for a first-class experience, you really need crystal clear audio, whether you're watching your go-to comedy or listening to the new record you've been dying to hear. So, before you head off on your next travels, have a shop around for noise-cancelling earphones/headphones.

Or ear plugs if that helps!

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If you're not the sort of person that likes to listen to music, but still wants to block out the rumbling of the engine, the crying of the babies, the laughing and playing of the kids, then opt for something a bit lighter on your ears, which can also help with earache. The original EarPlanes are an absolute must-have, even if you don't usually have ear ache, you should still carry them on board so you can block out the cabin noise and concentrate on yourself. The revolutionary EarPlanes' filter and secure fit mitigate air pressure discomfort and loud noise.

A blanket will add to the comfort

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When you're forced to remain seated for long periods of time on a flight, it's easy to feel cold, especially when blankets aren't often given or, if they are, are so uselessly thin. Bring your own cashmere lightweight blanket so that you can cuddle up with a bit of First Class luxury, or for a clever packer's tip, make sure that one of your vacation scarves is a warm shawl that can serve as a cover. Voila, a trust first-class citizen living it up in economy class, that's how you save your wealth!

Take your own snacks on board

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If you're someone that gets hungry during your flight, definitely pack your own food from home. Try to pick up some healthy snacks like protein-rich almonds in addition to your chocolate. Get yourself a nice, hefty bottle of water (from the airport). Keep drinking water to avoid dehydration on the plane. Put some individually wrapped instant coffee or tea bags in your carry-on for a pick-me-up in the middle of the journey. Want something with a little more kick? Bring along a little cocktail shaker and mix with some booze purchased from the flight attendant.

Comfort is key - wear the right gear

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If you want to feel at ease, dress in lightweight, breathable garments. Wear a couple thin layers so that you're comfortable no matter the temperature inside the cabin. Put on shoes you'll be comfortable walking in and out of security in, or pack slipper socks to wear until you've settled in for the trip. You can't go wrong with comfy sports gear or your favorite pair of worn-in jeans and a shirt. If you really want the first-class treatment, get dressed up to appear like a million dollars as you go through the airport and then, after you've taken off, change into your comfies!

A lumbar travel pillow might come in handy!

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Economy seats do absolutely nothing for your back and posture, so you might want to invest in something little that can make a massive difference. We've all been there on a long-haul flight when our back is feeling in bits. Economy seats on airplanes aren't exactly known for their level of comfort, more so as a result of cramming more seats onto an aircraft, the seats themselves have become are far from comfortable and unpleasant. Before taking your next flight, consider buying yourself a lumbar travel pillow, which gives you that extra comfort you need.

Stock up on the water and don't drink too much coffee or alcohol!

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Drink a lot of water and stay away from alcoholic beverages so that your body doesn't get too dehydrated throughout the journey, especially if you're on long-haul in economy class! When you drink anything other than water, your body still has to utilize its water resources to metabolize it. Although there is some debate as to whether or not drinks containing caffeine have a diuretic effect, there is consensus that consuming an excessive amount of these beverages might lead to dehydration. So beware!

Why not pack some toiletries?

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There is such a wide variety of toiletries that you are able to carry on board with you to give yourself the feeling of being pampered in first class, even though you're not! You may want to give your face a spritz with under-eye gel, eye drops, moisturizer, lip balm as well as a toothbrush and toothpaste a go. To do this, you should buy yourself a supply of travel-sized small bottles, into which you may decant your favorite shower items, and then put these bottles in your toiletry bag so that they are ready to be taken with you when you go on vacation.

Maybe have a little freshen up mid-flight

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A small pick-me-up like this may really make you feel like your best self. Take advantage of the chance to stretch your legs if you feel yourself beginning to get bored or irritable. If it is not dangerous to do so, you should do a couple of laps around the cabin, after which you should use your toiletries in the restroom to spruce up a little bit. If you normally use makeup, you should pack your necessities (with allowable liquids) in your carry-on luggage so that you may touch up your look before the flight.

Research the actual aircraft...

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It's a good idea to research your airline's planes in advance of your travel if you're wanting to figure out whether you can travel like a first-class passenger in economy class. If you can be flexible with the days and times you're willing to travel and the amount of money you're willing to spend, you may pick and choose from available aircrafts to maximize your comfort. When choosing between a Boeing 737 and a Boeing 777 on American Airlines, the latter is the better option if you're going from New York City to Miami. The Boeing 777 is an upgraded version of the 747 with increased legroom and comfort features.

Have a little walk around every 20-30 minutes

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Sitting in economy on a long-haul flight can be one of the most gruelling experiences to ever go through. Between the rumbling of the engine, the crying of the children, the uncomfortable seats, and notoriously bad food, sometimes it can all be a little too much. In order to feel better about spending your time in the economy class, try getting up every 20 minutes or half an hour, just to stretch your legs. Take a walk down the cabin and back up a few times (safety allowing) and you should feel a lot better.

Make sure your devices are FULLY charged

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One of the rookie mistakes you can make when getting on a flight is not making sure that all your devices are already fully charged before you get there. It can be a soul-destroying realization, especially if it's something like your noise-cancelling headphones, or the tablet you've downloaded all your favorite Netflix shows too. Often, economy class tickets won't provide you with phone chargers, meaning you'd have to make do the whole flight with nothing but your imagination. Now that would be awful!

And don't forget your portable charger

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One of the worst things that can ever happen on a long-haul flight is your phone, or tablet, or laptop, running out of charge, and you having no way to get it back up and running. The best way to ensure your comfort on an economy-class journey is to always make sure that all of your essentials are fully charged and ready to go before you board. It's a rookie mistake if not. A portable charger can easily be bought on Amazon, or even with Prime for next day delivery, and you won't regret it whatsoever!

Posture is everything, don't slump!

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One of the worst things about sitting in economy on a flight is the posture in the uncomfortable seats, especially when the flight is long-haul. If you often experience the discomfort of having to sit hunched in a seat, then try these nifty tricks. If you have a pillow, or even a scarf will do, put it under your back and cover yourself in a blanket. Pop your feet on your under-seat luggage too, and make sure to take your shoes off. You'll be feeling so much better in no time at all! First class flying hacks.

Do you have all the entertainment you need?

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Set aside some time to download new content directly to your device, such as books, podcasts, games, music, television series, or movies, so that you won't have to worry about using WiFi, in case they don't have it readily available in economy class. You will be able to unwind with your go-to selections regardless of what the on-board offerings are on any given day. If you're more of the artistic or brainiac type, put a sketch book or a booklet of sudoku puzzles inside your luggage. You'll be entertained for days!

Make sure all your travel is booked on the other side

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To lift some of the stress that comes with traveling, make sure that everything is ready to go as soon as you touch down. If you have the financial means to do so, it is highly recommended that you make arrangements for a driver to meet you up at the airport when you get there. This will save you from the stress of having to find a cab or a rental vehicle. After all, what's more first-class than having someone wait for you in the airport with your name on a board? A real first-class, celebrity moment.

Maybe, next time, just book first-class

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When all is said and done, you can try all these hacks you want, but none of it will make up for the actual service you receive as a first-class passenger on a plan, and that's a fact. So instead of putting yourself through all the effort of these hints and tips and tricks, why not just upgrade that seat you're buying to first-class and fly in style for once? You never know, you might learn to love it! Or, even still, you might realize that you preferred economy class after all, and you don't know what the fuss is all about.

The best hacks to get free upgrades for your flight and beyond: it's more likely if you travel solo

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It's much harder to find room to upgrade a family of four than it is one single traveler. You're more likely to bag a free upgrade when there's a space if you're flying and traveling solo, as airlines might pick up on that. If you're someone happy to solo travel, or maybe you travel a lot on your own for business, you might get lucky to be offered a free upgrade.

Fly as much as possible with one airline

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It becomes more likely to get perks and upgrades the more you fly, and particularly if you always fly with the same airline. Airline companies like their own customers who fly frequently with them, and you can apply for a frequent flyer loyalty program which can earn you miles and also put you on the map for free upgrades and rewards when they become available!

You might want to consider peak time travel

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Most people try to avoid the peak travel times if they can help it, especially for flights, because that's when the prices can go up - not to mention the busy airports. But actually, if you want to increase your chances of a free upgrade, it's better to fly during peak times. This is because it's more likely that economy class will be fully booked up so they might need to move people into business or first!

Look into passes for airport lounge access

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Airport lounges are available to those traveling business and first class, and you might think you never have a chance of getting into one unless you pay for that ticket. But there is actually a thing called a Priority Pass where you do have to pay for a membership, but there are choices of membership levels paid on an annual basis, and this includes a Priority Pass for certain lounges.

Promise a good review

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Businesses, especially hotels, depend on the glowing reviews of their customers, so they're going to do anything they can to keep you happy. If you're trying to bag a hotel room upgrade, you might want to tell them that you're going to write a very good review about them. Bonus if you tell them you follow them on social media and are going to post about your stay. They'll be more likely to give you a better room so that you can rave about it!

Choose budget airlines

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When it comes to the idea of upgrades, you might be thinking of the biggest and best airlines being more likely to give you an upgrade. But actually, it's harder to get an upgrade with them because they're likely to already be booked up. Budget airlines can be the way to go, and while it might not be first class, it's likely to be premium class, which is still a step up from economy!

Set reminders for flash sales

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Flash sales can be difficult to bag at the right time because they go so quickly, but this is where you're most likely to bag a business or first class ticket at a huge discounted price. The best way to find out is to set up alerts from travel companies or airlines to tell you when there's a flash sale happening, so you can get to it as quickly as possible and hopefully bag a ticket!

Use social media for reward points

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Businesses these days know the importance of social media, and it's a must for advertising and sales. So some hotels actually offer reward points if you interact with them on social media, like tagging them or liking their posts. So be sure to follow your favorite travel brands, hotels or airlines to see if there's anything going on on social media in terms of rewards.

Speak up and complain

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We don't mean make something up just to try and get an upgrade, but if there's something wrong with your room which you notice at check in, be sure to let them know straight away! Even if it's something small, like a corner of the wallpaper peeling off, it's worth mentioning because the staff won't want a bad review, so they're more likely to not only switch your room, but upgrade it, too!

Don't underestimate simply asking nicely!

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Respect goes a long way and you're not going to get an upgrade if you're ranting about something or if you're being too aggressive with it. If you're asking about the potential for an upgrade, be polite and show staff that you're a traveler who can be trusted with good manners! Sometimes there might be an upgrade opportunity but they won't give it to you because you came off as too rude.

Be loyal to a particular airline

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We know that loyalty always pays off when it comes to businesses, and travel companies are no different. If you're always flying with a different airline every time, it's much harder to get an upgrade. If you can, stick with the same airline when you fly so that they can see you as a focused customer - and since airlines want their regular customers to be happy, they'll more likely upgrade you!

Be as flexible as you can

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If you're stuck with one particular date you can fly, it's going to be a lot harder to bag those upgrade deals. Doing research into many different dates and months can make it more likely to find deals at certain times for better seats and flights. Also be more flexible with the airlines you choose to fly with, because others may have more regular deals on better seats!

Try new hotels

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It can be tempting to go with hotels that have been in business for years with a host of good reviews, but very new hotels are more eager to get those reviews coming in, so it's more likely they're going to be offering a lot more to their customers to make them happy. Hotels that have just opened will be a good choice because they'll want you to help them build a reputation by offering you perks!

Check auctions for better tickets

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There are actually websites that allow you to bid on better tickets, meaning if your bid comes out on top, you could still get the ticket for a fraction of the original cost, so it's worth looking into auction sites, too, like PlusGrade. Bidding might begin pretty close to the flight date, so it also pays to be flexible or last minute! And never bid more than you can comfortably afford, of course.

Checking in early versus checking in late

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In different cases, it pays to be early and it pays to be late! If you want more of a chance of being upgraded to a better seat for your flight, it's better to check in very early and get to the airport as soon as you can, as they'll then have time to look into upgrading you if a flight has been overbooked. For room bookings, being late could actually mean you're more likely to get a better room because all standard rooms might already have been booked up.

Make connections with travel agents

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We know that these days most people avoid travel agents because everything is done online, but don't discount the traditional travel agents. This is because some agents might have a very good relationship with certain hotels and flight companies, so might be able to bag you the best deal through word of mouth, or put in a good word for you to get bumped up!

You might be able to get reward points through your credit card

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Most people book flights and accommodation through their credit card, and it's worth checking whether yours offers a point or reward system you can use for travel upgrades. You can also get particular credit cards made for travel spending, that are more likely to offer rewards. Some hotels even have their own brand of credit card you can use to book, and reward points are likely with those!

Ask for upgrades at check-in

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It's always worth just asking politely at the point of check-in whether there's any opportunity for upgrades. A lot of the time if you check online beforehand, it'll say no upgrades available, but that can change at the gate. You'll have to pay the extra at the time, but it still might be at a lower cost if they've had last-minute seats come up.

Let staff know about any special occasions!

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It might be that you usually travel when there's something to celebrate anyway, like your honeymoon trip or a birthday trip away. You'll want to let staff know if you have something to celebrate, because it's more likely they'll bump you up, either with better seats or a better room, if you're celebrating something big - especially as a couple for anniversaries or a honeymoon.

Don't forget to tip

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Tipping is a standard practice, but if you tip the right way and showing your appreciation, staff members are more likely to want to thank you and reward you with some perks. Tipping could work in your favor and make you more likely to get offered upgrades, and especially with front desk staff, because they usually have a lot of power in choosing who gets what room!