Upgrade Your Economy Flight Experience
Flying economy is never as comfortable as flying first class. Yet, there are ways to make seats in the back of the plane feel a little more luxurious. On average, I fly economy once a month, often on long-haul flights. Sitting in cramped, uncomfortable economy seats used to be hellish. However, over time, I found ways to transform an unpleasant experience into something more tolerable.
Sometimes, I can even trick myself into thinking I’m sitting in first class. From cozy blankets that pack down small to ways to create more storage space in cramped seats, here are 13 products that can help make flying economy a more pleasant experience. This story was originally published on HuffPost at an earlier date.
1. An Inflatable Seat Pillow
Sitting in an economy seat for hours is enough to make anyone's back and tailbone sore. Upgrade your seat instantly with the inflatable Cabeau Evolution cushion. A little extra padding for your bottom not only makes economy seats more comfortable, but can also help prevent some aches and pains that plague economy-class passengers. I started sleeping much better once I added one of these cushions to my travel kit. I recently slept soundly through a 10-hour flight to Buenos Aires and I credit this little pillow for much of my success! "I came here right from the airplane to write this review. I had a 12 hour round trip flight in economy, where the seats are made of both concrete and cardboard somehow. On the way there, my tailbone was in agony. I had to move around every 30 seconds in pain. On the way back, I got this silly little cushion to sit on. I had zero tailbone pain and I was able to relax and focus entirely on the other forms of misery the flight offered. It's a tiny little blow up cushion that fits in a tiny bag. Life changing," says B Johnson. $30 at Amazon
2. A Better Blanket
A soft, cozy blanket can make or break a trip. Unfortunately, airline-provided blankets in economy tend to be rough and scratchy. The UnHide Lil' Marsh Traveler blanket comes to the rescue. This soft, lightweight blanket helps economy passengers feel pampered but folds up small so it doesn't take up a ton of room in carry-ons. "I use my regular UnHide nightly but I knew I’d need the extra suitcase space so I ordered the travel version and was so glad it arrived in time, fit into the luggage perfectly, and was utilized by everyone in the condo the whole trip," wrote reviewer Katie P. $49 at UnHide (regularly $69)
3. An Upgrade to Your Window Seat
Now, there is another reason to love window seats. For economy class passengers with window seats, the Bevledge airplane window organization station provides extra cup holders and room to store a phone, eyewear, AirPods, and more. "This is such a cool invention for the plane. The table tray is never big enough for a drink and snack and your device. I love that I can add this to the window and have more room on the tray table. It holds my drink, phone and a snack. It even has a place for glasses. I keep this in my travel backpack and I use it every time. Great thing for planes!" says Jody Overby. Note that there is some reviewer commentary about whether or not this device is actually legal to use, so be sure to check your airline's individual policy. $20 at Amazon
4. A Cozy Cardigan
One of my favorite ways to upgrade an economy flight is with this cozy oversized cardigan. It's incredibly comfortable, looks great dressed up or down, and holds up well to the rigours of travel. Because the cardigan is oversized and made from soft cotton, it doubles as a fantastic airplane blanket. Quince's oversized cardigan comes in four colors and sizes XS-XL. This cardigan is my MVP for travel. I own it in two colors, and it always comes on the plane with me. "I love that it’s cotton and it has pockets! It’s really a beautiful sweater and soooo comfortable! I think this is my 4th one! All the colors I’ve tried are really pretty!" says Jennifer G. "I'm in love with this cardigan. It’s so soft and the perfect weight. It's a beautiful sweater and I think it will last a very long time, such great quality! I highly recommend. I'll probably purchase again in another color," says Cindy L. $50 at Quince
5. A Pajama-Like Top on Rare Sale
Some lucky first class passengers have a new set of ultra-comfortable pajamas waiting for them when they board. The rest of us have to create our own comfort. I take long-haul flights several times a year and always wear my Huk Cruiser Hybrid pullover. It's as soft and breathable as first-class pajamas but doesn't look like I just rolled out of bed. Get this in sizes XS-XXL and pair it with Huk joggers to complete the look. $50 at Amazon (typically $65-$70) $68+ at Huk
6. A Travel Pillow So Good You Will Doze Off
For those not fortunate enough to have a lie-flat seat, getting some shuteye on the plane can be a challenge. A fantastic airplane pillow can help. The Ostrichpillow neck pillow is a game-changer. Its asymmetrical sides help travelers find a comfortable position that works for them. Plus, it folds up small and has a removable cover that can be washed to easily get rid of airplane germs once you return home. I never get on a flight longer than five hours without this pillow. I recently lent my Ostrichpillow to my husband for an 11-hour flight to Jordan. He usually has a hard time sleeping on flights. This time, he came back with complaints that the pillow worked too well because he slept so long he only got to watch one movie. "This is a fantastic travel pillow. It really transforms your ability to rest or sleep on an airplane. It gives enough support, but at the same time it’s not overly cumbersome or rigid. While you might hesitate to carry anything bulky on to a plane, it stuffs down into the sack that comes with quite easily. This can then hook onto your carry-on bag. I highly recommend it," says David Angel. $69 at Amazon
7. Cozy Compression Socks That Feel Luxurious
Compression socks are a must for anyone traveling by air, from those in the most expensive first-class seats to economy passengers stuck in the last row by the bathrooms. It's hard to make compression socks feel luxe, but super-soft Hollow alpaca compression socks pull it off. These socks are made from soft baby alpaca wool and are temperature-regulating, moisture-wicking, and hypoallergenic. These socks help pamper my feet while avoiding blood clots in the air, so it's a win-win. "Some of the best compression socks out there. I normally use compression socks for extra circulation but these really stood out with the comfort and quality. They fit great - order a size bigger if you have thick calves they slide on great and the alpaca fiber is as soft as a cloud. I really look forward to seeing Hollow socks in my clean laundry and will spend a few minutes sifting through it in order to wear my hollow socks! I’ve had them for a while now and they are still in great shape good quality and durable," says AC. $45 at Amazon
8. A Menu Upgrade
Meals in economy tend to be mediocre at best. Getting a delicious hot meal in the back of the plane is difficult, but not impossible. For shorter flights, pack a meal in a Yeti Rambler food jar, which keeps food hot for hours. For long-haul flights, pack a few oatmeal and soup packets in your carry-on. Request hot water from the flight attendant and mix the packets in a Yeti Rambler food jar for an upgraded hot meal anytime. A neat feature: There are measurement lines on the stainless steel interior for easily portioning ingredients. The unique magnetic lid design with dual gaskets makes Yeti's Rambler food jar truly leakproof. This gives me peace of mind when I pack meals in my Yeti food jars. I need to know that I won't experience any leaks running through airport or during turbulence. So far, these jars have delivered. $30 at Amazon
9. Easy Additional Storage
First class passengers not only get bigger, more comfortable seats. They also get plenty of storage, keeping everything they need within arm's reach. Economy passengers can expand their extremely limited storage space with Airplane Pockets. Slide this sleeve over the seat-back tray and gain room for a tablet, phone, water bottle, glasses, and more. Airplane Pockets has been a lifesaver for my kids, who inevitably lose items on planes. "5-stars. I love this. I’ve used it several times and it’s such a stress saver. More room and pockets than the seat back. I’m able to put my water bottle, book, phone, snack, earbuds, with room to spare. I like that I can just grab it off the tray back and put it in my backpack as is to quickly get off the plane. Keeps me from getting into my carryon 10 times during a flight. It’s great quality. Thick and stretchy and washable. Also good to cover the tray table if it’s dirty or I want to rest my head," says Samantha, who also notes that AirplanePockets may not work on some planes. $30 at Amazon
10. A Luxe Travel Kit That Looks Like First Class
First-class seats often come with luxe amenity kits. In economy, you are lucky if you get a scratchy blanket and a lumpy pillow. True Botanicals "Tried & True" wellness essentials set from Quince can create some parity. The set comes with a travel-sized moisturizer, lip balm, retinol cream, and more, all in a travel case that looks like it belongs in the front of the plane. "I’ve ordered this travel set twice already. I’m a huge fan of True Botanicals and I have the full size versions. It’s the perfect travel skin set with all my favorite products and a great value for the money," says Cecelia D. $90 at Quince
11. Noise-Cancelling Headphones That Are a Tremendous Upgrade
Economy cabins can be loud. There may be babies crying, passengers calling for flight attendants, and the constant din of conversations from your neighbors. Bose QuietComfort headphones can help create a sense of peace and quiet. When economy passengers need to shut the world out, they can switch the headphones' active noise cancellation on. Bose headphones offer legendary sound quality for in-flight entertainment when it's time to turn on in-flight entertainment. These headphones come in ten colors. I recently used these headphones on a long flight home from South America. They even drowned out a crying baby, which, in my opinion, is the ultimate test of their effectiveness. "Tremendous upgrade from any headphones I've had before. The active noise cancelling is like magic, blocking out almost all outside noise. I'll wear them sometimes without even listening to music just for the noise cancellation. The fit is very comfortable as well and they're very aesthetically pleasing. The buttons on the right ear are very easy to use, and the phone app is very straightforward as well. Volume can be controlled from your phone or a physical button. Overall I love these headphones and would buy them again," says Shb3rh. $230+ at Amazon (regularly $359)
12. Nearly Unlimited Power
First class passengers almost always have outlets at their seats. Economy passengers aren't usually as lucky. A BioLite portable power bank can help keep your devices charged while you are cruising at 35,000 feet. Choose from 20, 40, or 100 PD depending on how much extra juice you need. In my experience, BioLite portable chargers charge more quickly and more reliably than others on the market. $45 at Amazon. "Great portable charger. Holds a charge for a really long time and charges quickly. It’s easy to travel with, or for a quick charge on the go, while you’re out at a restaurant, kids soccer game, etc.," says Bridget. $38 at Backcountry (regularly $50)
