This post was written by Ralph Starks, a blogger and traveler who enjoys exploring the world in the best ways possible.
If you’re on a budget and want to avoid spending too much on your plane ticket, flying in economy class can be a great option. While it may not be as pleasant as being in business class or higher, there are many ways to make your experience comfortable and pleasant. After all, the last thing you want is to feel sore and exhausted upon arriving at your destination.
Luckily, it’s fairly simple to prepare for an economy flight. To help you get started, below are nine tips to make your flight a pleasant one:
Dress Comfortably
A good flight should start with the clothes you wear. Do be sure to sport an outfit that’s simple, light, and easy to move around in. Conversely, avoid wearing clothes and accessories that are tight and bulky, such as belts and parkas. You want to make sure that you can sit back and relax without your clothes getting in the way.
Additionally, you don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort. There are plenty of great fashion staples that will help you look and feel good. For instance, a knee-length cotton dress can be worn with leggings for maximum style. Leggings make for great travel clothes, as they’re stretchable, lightweight, and pair well with almost everything. They’re also very accessible since you can easily go shopping for cozy leggings online.
Wear Clothes That Can Be Layered
Besides getting dressed in comfortable clothes, you should also be prepared for possible temperature changes during your flight. It might get cold or hot inside the plane, so do be sure to wear clothes that can be layered. This way, you can easily adjust your outfit when you need to stay warm or cool. Wearing light outerwear like cardigans or jackets is recommended. You can also opt to bring a scarf, which can also be used as a makeshift blanket. You might also want to wear socks, as they’re great for keeping your feet cozy and warm during your trip.
Choose the Right Location for Your Seat
When it comes to flying coach, seat location matters, especially on long flights. Of course, the ideal seat will depend on your preferences. In general, it’s best to choose a seat that’s three or more rows away from the restroom. Sitting close to the restroom’s entrance can be bothersome due to the frequent activity and noises that happen in that general area.
Many people may argue that a window seat is better than an aisle one. However, your choice should be determined by your needs. If you’re very tall, it might be best to sit closer to the aisle. This way, you can stretch your legs a little more—just be sure to make room for any passengers or flight staff that need to cross the passageway. With an aisle seat, you won’t have to worry about disturbing anyone if you need to make frequent trips to the restroom. A window seat, on the other hand, offers you a great view throughout your flight. It also allows you to lean against the wall when you need a little more sleeping space.
Store Your Carry-ons in the Overhead Compartment
It might seem more convenient to keep your luggage by your side, but this setup might not be comfortable in the long run. An economy class seat usually offers limited space, so holding on to your luggage may make it more cramped and uncomfortable to sit in. With that in mind, make sure to check-in any large or bulky luggage items. If you have carry-on baggage, it’s best to store them in your seat’s overhead compartment. Though it may take some effort to retrieve your luggage at the end of your flight, the extra legroom that an overhead compartment can grant you is well worth it.
Bring a Neck Pillow and Sleep Mask
If you want to get some rest before arriving at your destination, you can use your flight time to get some shut-eye. For restful slumber, it’s best to bring a neck pillow with you on your flight. It’ll prevent neck pain and stop your head from lolling around during your sleep. If you’re sensitive to light, wearing a sleep mask may also be beneficial. This way, you can sleep soundly even if your seatmates keep their cabin lights on.
Pack Some Healthy Snacks and a Water Bottle
Try packing some healthy snacks to keep your stomach and taste buds satisfied during your plane trip. While the airline may provide your main meals, you may need to eat some snacks in between to keep you energized. For instance, you can bring chopped fruits or granola bars, as they’re easy to pack and very nutritious. Do bring a bottle of water with you as well, as you’ll need to stay hydrated during your flight. You can opt to fill a reusable jug using your airport’s water fountain or purchase bottled water before your flight.
Bring Some Entertainment
No plane trip is complete without in-flight entertainment. However, some economy flights don’t provide built-in entertainment systems like television screens and music players, so it may be best to pack your own items. A plane trip is the perfect time to catch up on some good books, binge-watch your favorite shows, play video games, and listen to music or podcasts.
Keeping that in mind, you may want to pack a portable gadget or two, like an e-reader, smart device, and hand-held gaming console. If your plane doesn’t provide Wi-Fi, be sure to have your favorite games and media loaded into your devices beforehand. Bringing a pair of noise-canceling headphones is also good for drowning out distracting sounds and fully immersing yourself in your listening experience.
Prepare the Necessary Toiletries and Hygiene Products
Packing essential toiletries and hygiene products is an effective way to stay clean and well-groomed during a long plane ride. The air in planes is usually dry and cold, so it’s recommended that you bring some moisturizing face wipes and lip balm to prevent chapping. You may also choose to bring a small stick of deodorant to keep you smelling fresh during your flight. It’s also good to pack a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste for brushing between meals. After all, if you’re going on an overnight flight, you’ll need a good dental kit to freshen your breath after you wake up.
Do Some Walking
Sitting for long hours can be painful and may cause your legs to swell up. The inactivity can also make your legs susceptible to blood clots or deep vein thrombosis. Hence, it’s recommended that you stand and walk around at least once an hour to encourage proper blood circulation.
While flying in economy may not be the best way to travel, it doesn’t have to be an unpleasant and uncomfortable experience. By following the tips mentioned above, you can create a relaxing and enjoyable plane trip without breaking the bank for your flight.
