How to make Economy feel like First Class

If you love the idea of flying in luxury in first class but your credit card just won’t stretch to it, here are some hacks to make economy feel like first class and your long-haul journey more enjoyable without the hefty price tag.

Plan ahead to make Economy feel like First Class

Your choice of airline can make all the difference if you want to make economy feel like first class. Different airlines offer differing levels of perks on their long-haul routes, some will include items such as blankets, earphones and drinks in their economy offering and with some, you will simply get a seat and a basic meal. Do your research and if different carriers are operating your specific route, check out what they offer.

Like most budget short-haul carriers, many long-haul operators are rolling out multiple categories for their economy cabin. For example, American Airlines offers a choice of Basic Economy, Main Cabin and Main Cabin Extra. Virgin Atlantic has a similar offering including Economy Light, Economy Classic and Economy Delight. These should not be confused with the Premium Economy class offered by many airlines, this is a different cabin class altogether.

The main differences between these new economy fares include, increased legroom and earlier boarding in the higher priced fare, the mid-price fare usually includes seat choice at the time of booking and the lowest fare option is unlikely to include any hold baggage allowance. If you want to make economy feel like first class you are going to want to choose the higher-priced fare if offered by your airline.

Some airlines such as British Airways and Iberia have so far not opted to go down this route at the time of publishing this article.

Check out flights with Iberia

Aircraft type

Finding out the type of aircraft used on your route can be another handy tip if you want to make economy feel like first class. Some aircraft types have better seat configuration than others although in economy class the 31-inch average seat pitch is pretty standard.

There are several websites you can visit to check the seat configuration and aircraft type used on your route, seat guru is a popular one. For example on many of its long-haul routes, Iberia uses the Airbus A330 and A340, the seat configuration in economy is 2-4-2 which means if you are travelling solo and enjoy a window seat you only have one person to climb over to exit your seat and if you are travelling as a couple it is an ideal layout. This is a real bonus on long flights and will help in your quest to make economy feel like first class.

What is included in Economy Class

Airlines offer different comfort amenities on their long-haul flights, the standard is a blanket, pillow and in-seat entertainment. Many, but not all, will include in-seat power, WiFi (extra charge), amenities pack and headphones.

When it comes to food and drink, even the cheapest economy fare will include one or two meals or snacks and soft drinks. Some, such as Virgin, Iberia and British Airways include alcoholic beverages with your meal but once the meal service is finished there may be a charge.

All these things, as well as baggage allowance which can vary from zero to 25 kilos, should be taken into account when choosing an airline if there are multiple options on your route.

So how can I make Economy feel like First Class?

You’ve chosen your route, checked the airline offerings, studied the seat configuration, and booked your ticket, now all you have to do is pack your bags and digest the following tips on how to make economy feel like first class.

Research and choose a good seat

One of the obvious perks of flying first class is the amount of personal space you get. In economy, especially if you are tall, a long flight can be quite torturous. If you desperately want extra legroom, aim to book an emergency exit row or bulkhead seat. Things to bear in mind with exit rows, you will not be allowed to sit there if you are disabled or travelling with children, also the cabin crew will ask you before the safety briefing if you would be willing and able to open the adjacent emergency exit in case of the crew being incapacitated. If the thought of this fills you with dread, then don’t choose these seats.

Also bear in mind, if you are seated in an exit or bulkhead row all your belongings must be placed in the overhead lockers for take-off and landing. You can retrieve them for use during the flight. I rarely choose these rows for that reason. Having to dig through a crammed overhead locker to retrieve my small bag after take off after my fellow passengers have stuffed their duty free, coats hats and laptops on top of my bag just isn’t worth the extra legroom but then I am only 5’2″.

Another reason not to choose a bulkhead seat is that this row often has the fold down tables for baby bassinets, no matter how much you may like children, someone else’s little darling screaming within inches of your noise-cancelling headphones may not make for the most relaxing of flights.

Seats I would avoid include those in front of a bulkhead as often they recline less than seats in other rows, and also seats by the toilets, nothing will make you feel less like you are in first class than the stench of an aircraft toilet, six hours into a flight or someone’s crotch in your face as they wait in line right next to your seat, not to mention the loud whoosh of a vacuum flush toilet every five minutes.

Be as comfortable as if you were in First Class

First class passengers will be given pyjamas which they can change into for the flight so as not to wrinkle their clothing and to make the flight more comfortable. This is not a luxury afforded to those ‘down the back’. Personally, if I am on a flight of more than five hours duration, no matter what cabin I am in, I take a lightweight comfortable outfit (a nice lightweight jogging suit or leggings and a sweatshirt) to change into. As soon as the seatbelt sign goes off, I dash to the bathroom, change into my comfortable outfit and socks (don’t forget the socks), take off my makeup, apply some moisturiser, pop my hair in a bun and I am ready to relax.

It may seem over the top (my husband used to think the same, now he’s a convert) but if you manage to sleep you will feel more comfortable, your clothes for your onward journey won’t be sweaty and creased and ladies (or gents) your skin will thank you for it. I have a small bag with my flight outfit makeup wipes etc. inside my carry-on bag so it is easy to grab and go.

For this particular hack to make economy feel like first class, it’s all about timing. Be the first into the bathroom after the seatbelt sign goes off and later, aim to change back into your travel outfit, freshen up and brush your teeth before the food and drinks carts come out for the second meal service. After the meal has been served and the trays cleared away the lines for the bathrooms will be epic and you risk having to walk through customs in your PJs. After the meal, I always find there is time to pop on a bit of makeup whilst in my seat, before landing.

Make a First Class Amenities Pack

Not all airlines include amenities pack in their economy cabin so to help make economy feel like first class, bring your own. Bear in mind the limited liquid allowance, I bring mini items including toothpaste, toothbrush, moisturiser, make-up wipes and a sleep mask. Memory foam neck pillows can be a great supplement to the small pillow provided and can help in the quest to sleep in an economy seat.

Airline blankets in economy can produce more static than a factory full of cheap polyester and for a bit of an ick-factor they are often reused without being laundered. Travel stores and Amazon sell lightweight travel blankets that fold into nothing and are much more comfortable and hygienic.

Some people have suggested using a so-called flight hammock, a sling-type thing that loops over the closed tray table and you put your feet in it. Use at your peril, they are incredibly annoying for the person in front and with air rage currently at an all-time high, not something I would recommend. Some airlines allow the use of these hammocks at the discretion of the operating crew, others do not allow them at all. (Thank you British Airways for being one that doesn’t)

Eat like you are in First Class

I am that rare human being that loves airline food (ok my husband and my mom too). Even after spending many years as a long-haul flight attendant I never got bored of in-flight meals. My only problem is that they are rarely big enough! While first and business-class passengers have access to the goodies in the galley throughout the flight, economy passengers are left peckish apart from on some flights depending on the duration you may be offered an ice cream or muesli bar at some stage between the two services.

Stock up on crisps and snacks in ther terminal, these could also be a crucial purchase if you find you dislike the onboard meal choice on offer! Push the boat out and treat yourself to some sushi or whatever your favourite treat may be. These special goodies will help make economy feel like first class.

While you are not allowed to bring your own alcoholic drinks on board you can bring soft drinks and it is useful to have an extra can of soda to go with your mini bottle of spirits to make it go further. Oh and don’t forget a bottle of water!

Entertainment like First Class

These days on most airlines, even in economy, the choice of in-seat entertainment is usually wide and varied. I can stare for hours at the flight stats screen! However it can help make economy feel like first class by having your own on-demand movie or entertainment available. Download your favourite movie, show or playlist to your device, or even a relaxing podcast to help while away the hours.

The headphones offered are often free of charge but are not always the best quality. Treat yourself to some decent noise-cancelling headphones to use with your device. Bear in mind you will likely need wired headphones to connect to the inflight entertainment system.

I always connect to the in-flight WiFi on a long flight, it is rarely expensive and adds another way to pass the time.

Get onboard after the First Class Passengers

Another great way to make economy feel like first class is to pay extra for priority boarding if it is available. Get onboard early and find more room in the overhead lockers, settle into your seat and avoid the long wait in line. You could even use this extra time to slip into your in-flight comfortable outfit but be aware, if something were to change before the aircraft pushed back from the gate and you had to disembark, you’re disembarking in your PJs.

Head to a VIP Lounge like a First Class Passenger

Start your journey the best way by paying to use a VIP lounge in the airport. I have a membership for Priority Pass and I use a VIP lounge on long and short-haul journeys, find out more about airport lounges here and explore some of the best lounges in Europe here.

Using a VIP lounge is another great way to make economy feel like first class. You can enjoy delicious snacks and drinks, relax in comfortable seats and escape the hustle and bustle of the main terminal area. Airline-specific VIP lounges are usually only open to first and business-class passengers but most airports also have pay-per-use lounges or ones associated with membership schemes such as Priority Pass.

Some lounges also have shower facilities which can be very convenient during a long transit stop. Most include free WiFi and extras such as free newspapers and magazines.

Click here to apply for a Priority Pass membership

Dress to impress in any class

Don’t get me wrong, many first and business-class passengers make no effort whatsoever to dress smartly for a flight but personally to make economy feel like first class I like to opt for a smart but comfortable outfit and decent hand luggage. Leave the yoga pants for the gym, swim shorts for the beach and the scruffy backpack for your next hiking trip. Make a little effort and you never know, if there is a need for the ground crew to make upgrades due to overbookings, you could be the chosen one.

If all else fails

All these tips should at least help your long haul flight in economy more comfortable, if they still don’t make economy feel like first class for you then you do have options.

Most airlines have a premium economy cabin option and this can be a great cost-effective way of upgrading your flight experience. Most airlines include for their premium economy passengers earlier boarding, seat choice at the time of booking, increased baggage allowance, smaller more intimate cabins, greater leg room, seats with deeper recline, improved food and drinks offerings and even a glass of fizz after boarding.

You could go one step further and upgrade to business class. Some airlines will allow passengers to bid online for a seat in the next class up, it’s up to you how much you bid, you never know you may be lucky. Sometimes when you check in for your flight 24 hours before, an option to upgrade for a flat fee may be offered, these offers are often very good value. You can also enquire about the cost of an upgrade at the check-in desk or the airline office at the airport.

Remember, loyalty counts when it comes to flying, if you regularly fly with an airline or partner airline you will quickly accrue points or air miles and these can be cashed in for upgrades on certain routes.

These are just a few ideas on how to make economy feel like first class. If you have any other ideas do let me know!

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