Flying economy may never match the luxury of a business or first-class flight, but with a little preparation, you can enhance your in-flight comfort, no matter where you’re seated. As a travel journalist and frequent long-haul flyer, I’ve compiled my top tips for upgrading the economy class experience.
Dress for success
Being comfortable on an airplane doesn’t have to mean looking like you’ve just rolled out of bed. Putting a little effort and thought into your clothing—while still remaining comfortable—can elevate the flying experience.
I get hot easily, so I like to wear soft linen or cotton trousers with a simple T-shirt and then layer with a light jacket or a cardigan that I can remove as needed. I’m also a big fan of wearing compression socks during long flights. Not only can they help reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis, but my legs feel fresher and more energetic when I deplane.
Select your sound
Noise-cancelling headphones, especially over-the-ear models, can make all the difference in your onboard comfort. Reducing unwanted noise makes it much easier to sleep, listen to music, or enjoy movies to pass the time.
I have a pair of Bose QuietComfort 35 II wireless headphones that join me on most trips, but when I need to pack extra light, my Soundcore by Anker Space A40 noise-cancelling earbuds do the trick. An AirFly SE audio adapter makes it easy to pair earbuds or headphones with the in-flight entertainment system without the fuss of a cable.
Pick your props
Economy class seats often lack lumbar support, so I make sure to pack a small, inflatable pillow that I can place behind my lower back and adjust throughout the flight. I’ll sometimes also bring a foot hammock, which loops around the seatback tray to create a makeshift footrest without disturbing fellow passengers. Both items take up minimal space in my carry-on but provide valuable flexibility to my seating arrangement.
A good neck pillow is an obvious choice for sleep support, but make sure you do a pre-flight test fit to ensure the pillow works with your headphones if you plan to use them at the same time.
Book your seat
Don’t leave your seat assignment on a long-haul economy class flight to chance. Even if it means paying extra, it’s worth knowing you won’t be squished into a middle seat at the back of the plane—unless that’s your preference or you simply don’t mind.
While some travelers prefer a to lean against, I like the freedom of movement, so I’m an avid aisle seat person and always select one when booking my flight. My frequent flyer perks also allow me to choose front-section or extra-legroom seats at no additional cost. Sometimes, I’ll opt for a bulkhead seat to give myself plenty of leg space and not have to get up when my seatmates need to stretch. Just keep in mind that bulkhead seats mean you’ll have to stow all of your luggage overhead during takeoff and landing, and your screen and tray will extend out from the armrest since there won’t be a seatback in front of you.
Keep essentials close
I like to designate a small pouch for items such as disinfectant wipes, lip balm, medications, lozenges, hand cream, and other little essentials so that I’m not rummaging around when I need an ibuprofen or a cloth to clean my glasses. And while most airlines serve (or at least sell) meals during long-haul flights, it doesn’t hurt to have a little something extra on hand. I usually travel with a few just-in-case protein bars, but you may prefer a savory snack mix or a favorite candy.
Finally, don’t forget a water bottle. Staying hydrated is one of the best things you can do for yourself on any flight—in economy class or otherwise.