Are you booked to fly economy on an upcoming flight? Are you concerned that you won’t make it through the flight without your stress level going through the roof?
While it may be ideal to fly first class, this isn’t always possible. Maybe you don’t have the money right now for a first class seat or maybe there is no space left for you at the front of the plane, but either way, you have elected to fly economy this time around.
One of the biggest concerns with flying economy is staying comfortable throughout the duration of the flight. Although you may face some challenges, following a few tips will allow you to feel good from takeoff through landing.
Note: in addition to a focus on comfort, flying economy means following a variety of etiquette tips (so you don’t annoy the people around you).
Here are 6 things you can do to stay comfortable when flying economy:
1. Choose the Right Seat
There is no right or wrong seat, as this is all based on personal preference.
For example, some people enjoy sitting in the aisle seat, as it gives them the ability to easily stretch.
Conversely, there are people who like the feeling of being tucked up against the window.
Only you know which seat suits you best, so do your best to book one that will give you the greatest chance at comfort.
2. Invest in a High-Quality Travel Pillow
The right travel pillow can be the difference between comfort and a miserable flight.
You can find these for sale in almost every airport, but don’t wait until the last minute to make your purchase.
By shopping online in advance, you can compare products and choose the pillow with the best reviews (all without breaking your budget).
3. Bring Your Own Treats
Gone are the days of assuming that your airline will take care of you in regards to food and beverage service. Even if there are items for purchase, they may not suit your tastes. It’s best to bring your own treats, as this ensures that you’ll always have something to snack on during your flight.
That applies to more than just your appetite. If you’re easily bored, bring along your laptop or tablet and find something new and interesting to read about. Watch motion graphics on Youtube or watch your favorite show on Netflix.
Tip: don’t go overboard in regards to what you bring with you, as you want to be courteous of those around you.
4. Invest in Earplugs or Headphones
If you aren’t the type who enjoys listening to music when flying, it would be in your best interest to invest in high-quality earplugs or headphones.
Even if you have gone through the paces of setting up your midnight flight to Los Angeles in order to get the best deal through places like Expedia, don’t expect it to be quiet. Midnight flights can be some of the most annoying when it comes to outside sounds.
Even when no one is talking, the noise from the plane itself can disturb your rest (or work). The right earplugs or headphones can make all the difference.
5. Use a Sleeping Mask
Forget about what other people will think of you. As you’re packing for your flight, it makes good sense to throw a sleeping mask into your purse or carry on. If you don’t think your carry-on can handle it, check out this Square Ship video for tips and tricks to consolidate your carry on’s space.
A sleeping mask will work in your favor if you’re flying economy or first class. Either way, a good sleeping mask will keep the light from reaching your eyes, thus allowing you to rest easy.
6.Try to Relax
As your flight date closes in, it’s only natural to have some concerns about your comfort (among a variety of other details). The best thing you can do is try to relax.
If you stress out before and during your flight, there is no way you will remain comfortable, let alone enjoy yourself.
When you get in the right frame of mind, you may be surprised at how easy it is to maintain a higher level of comfort.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. It’s not always easy to stay comfortable when flying economy, but there are tips you can follow to improve the likelihood of this happening.
Do you fly economy on a regular basis? Do you have any additional tips to share for maintaining a high level of comfort? Share your advice and guidance in the comment section below. You never know when a single tip could help another flier better enjoy their time in the sky!