How to make flying economy feel like first class
Many a stylish budget traveller can not justify the added expense of flying business or first class, but that doesn’t mean you just have to accept your fate back in economy either. There are a few simple ways you can add style to your back of the plane experience.
If you have some extra flying tips to share, please add your pearls of wisdom to the comments.
1) Food
If you are travelling on a beer budget, eating the meals provided on planes can seem like a great money-saving idea (as in, why pay for food when I can get it for free). That is, until you eat airplane food and realise it is not a stylish or enjoyable experience in any way (I will admit I have had the odd OK meal on a plane but they have been few and far between).
My tip is to pack your own little gourmet picnic in preparation for your trip. Antipasto, cheese & crackers, vegetable crudites & dips all pack and travel well and, when combined with a glass of bubbly provided by the airline, can give your economy flight an indulgent feel.
I will even order a fruit only meal from the airline to make sure I get my fix of fresh fruit throughout the flight (and can let the airline deal with the messy cutting and peeling part) and find that eating an abundance of fresh fruit on board can do wonders for how you feel when you land. Then I supplement my provided fruit and champagne with my little picnic hamper of goodies. Simple, but makes a world of difference.
2) Comfort
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If it is true that luxury is comfort, then there are a few simples measures you can take to add some luxury to your economy trip.
As I have mentioned in a previous post I have a beautiful soft sarong that travels everywhere with me which is a great alternative to the dodgy, scratchy blankets provided by the airline.
Super soft socks also work a treat, if you want to indulge a little, why not go for cashmere?
3) Pamper
Perhaps they have a massage & beauty therapist in first class, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the fun.
I find plane trips a great time to indulge in a little bit of pampering. It helps kill them time, is a great distraction and means you look better when you get off the plane than when you hopped on (unlike most other people!).
So bring along some scented moisturiser and give your hands and arms a mini massage, and for the girls - a clear face mask can be applied 10 minutes before you know the hot towels will be being brought around (it just looks like you’re applying moisturiser and the hot towel takes the mask off beautifully). You’ll be ready to strut your stuff as soon as you touch down.
January 22nd, 2008 at 2:29 pm
It can help to choose your airlines wisely, too … I’ve never had any issue with the food on Qantas long-haul flights, other than that at times there has been too much of it! There have been many times when I just wanted to sleep, and the hosties are coming around with yet another meal…
January 23rd, 2008 at 3:16 pm
Yes Paul I agree, a meal can break up the boredom of a flight when you are wide awake and need distraction, but if you have managed to get to sleep it is nice to stay that way and not be distracted…
February 22nd, 2008 at 11:37 am
Only thing to keep in mind when packing those delights is to use small, travel-size quantities of moisturizer, masques, or dips, as all liquids, gels, and creams must be under 3 oz. and fit into that clear, one-quart bag. So make sure you don’t show up with the large size container, as it will get confiscated.
Adding to the comfy socks idea, I always have a pair of flip-flops (sand shoes, thongs, whatever you else you might call them, to slip on when I go to the toilet, as the floor rarely stays dry on long flights. Flip-flops can go on right over those nice socks you’re wearing.
An inflatable neck pillow is a good idea, and I find that at times it’s good to have something with which you can cover your eyes, as at least on my flights, someone always decides to see if the sun is really up — just as I’m falling asleep