How to Make Economy Class Acceptable on a Long-Haul Flight
If you’re faced with the prospect of a 10+ hour flight in crowded and cramped Economy Class, remember that there are still some in-flight luxuries they can’t pick up at the gate.
We can make the worst part of the plane a little less awful with a little planning and packing. You might not think it’s worth it now, but about six hours after hanging in the air in a can of sardines, you’ll want to cook more. Here are some ways to make the economy more comfortable.
Dress for the weather
A blanket is provided on some flights, but usually not in economy class. The air is usually quite cold, so writer Ariana Argandeval recommended wearing a winter jacket for the trip on Flyertalk, even if you are going somewhere sunny. In general, comfortable layers are a good choice for long flights because you will cycle through many temperatures.
A jacket will also work if you don’t want to pack your own blanket in your precious carry-on, but the blanket will still be easier to store when you get off the plane. And the blanket you choose at the department store is likely to be warmer (and cleaner) than the thin blanket they sell when you’re already thousands of miles high.
Accessory with pillow
What’s better under a blanket than a pillow? There are several options, and Skyscanner again recommends inflatable options to save space in carry-on luggage. There are pillows that support your neck, as well as pillows that are more suitable for lower back support if you have lower back problems. If you don’t do it now, you can after the 14 hour flight.
Argandeval also shared this sleeping pose, which I can’t imagine exactly, but perhaps you can:
Glue something hard under the seat in front of you, place a pillow behind your lower back, and slide it down at an angle. You will be able to stretch your legs and not worry about sleeping upright.
Requires at least one pillow.
Consider your hygiene
At some point you’ll want to brush your teeth, I promise you. Argandeval advises you to bring a small kit with you – she says she has six items: “toothbrush, paste, floss, deodorant, moisturizer and socks,” but Skyscanner also recommends “face sprint, eye gel, tired eye drops, moisturizer, etc. lip balm, face wipes. ” This kit is starting to look like a complete bathroom cabinet!
One thing that’s pretty thin to pack and will replace some of these items is a disposable sheet face mask if you’re not shy about wearing it in front of your seat mates. But it will leave you wet and humid when landing and will kill you about 5-10 minutes of flight time. It might even be the start of a conversation if you want to chat.
Sleep planning
Do not try to exhaust yourself, so you will sleep in the flight, because you will just get angry if you fail. Let it happen if it does, and try to create as good an environment as possible: In addition to pillows and blankets, bring earplugs or headphones and an eye mask to block out the light. At the very least, donning your pajamas will prevent this strange man wearing a green tea mask from talking to you.
Get this update
Ironically, both Arghandewal and Skyscanner recommend trying to upgrade and get the most out of the economy. Argandeval swears that the fee could be less if you try to do it at the airport, at just $ 300. This sounds a little overwhelming to me, but it might be worth it, especially if you haven’t brought an emergency hygiene kit with you.