7 Cheap Flight Hacks to Make Coach Feel Like First Class

Check the available seats a few hours before your flight.

Most airlines let you switch seats in your same booking class for free on the app. If you can’t switch but see openings when you board, ask a flight attendant if you can move to an open row. Pull up the arm rest between the seats and stretch out (when the seatbelt sign is off, of course) with all your newfound space. This comes in clutch when you expect to sleep at least a few hours. 

Ideally, you’ll find a fully empty row, but there are contingency plans on a full flight. For more leg room, aim to sit in the emergency row. You might have a preference for an aisle or window seat, but for ease of going to the bathroom or stretching out on a long flight, the aisle is usually best. 

Wear your comfiest clothes.

First class is all about amenities: fresh socks, extra pillows, and even pajamas. You don’t want to pack an overnight duffel, but cozy accessories, a sleep mask, and a loose sweatshirt are little luxuries you’ll be glad you have when you want to take a snooze. Wearing leggings or looser pants will also help when it’s time to catch some z’s. 

An airplane neck pillow isn’t a must, but the memory foam designs are easy to adjust to your liking when it’s time to wind down. 

Bring noise-canceling headphones.

Increase your odds of sleeping on a noisy plane when you drown out the chatter. You can also put on a peaceful playlist (like white noise) to help you sleep. 

When you’re not snoozing, noise-canceling headphones make sure you can hear only what you want to. A corded pair of headphones with a jack will come in handy to watch something on the airplane’s TV in the back of the seat rest. It might seem like overpacking to bring wireless earbuds for your phone and a corded option, but airlines offer cheap, uncomfortable earbuds; your ears will thank you when you wear a trusty pair from home. 

Pack a small toiletry bag.

Take your long flight from dreadful to “actually, that wasn’t so bad” when you bring a travel-size toothbrush, toothpaste, face mist, cleansing wipes, and deodorant. About 45 minutes before landing, head to the bathroom with your goods (and some water to brush your teeth), and freshen up. You’ll feel so much better stepping off the plane after a little refresh.

To really stay comfortable, bring hand lotion and lip balm to reapply throughout the flight and maybe even some under-eye masks for a little lift before you land.   

Plan for all the snacks you’ll want—and then some.

In first class, you have whatever you want at your fingertips, so do the same whenever you fly. First up, make sure your reusable water bottle is full. Smaller profile snacks like beef jerky and granola bars are great, and a sturdy fruit like an apple can withstand travel without getting gnarly. A homemade wrap wound in plastic will likely fare better than a sandwich if you want something substantial, and don’t forget a bag of your favorite candy or salty snack (or both!). For a pick-me-up, toss in an energy drink. 

Download all the entertainment you might need.

You don’t want to be caught bored on a plane. Thankfully, streaming sites like Netflix and Hulu let you download shows and movies when you’re connected to Wi-Fi, so don’t forget this crucial step before you leave home (airport internet is not always reliable). You can also download podcasts and music on Spotify and Apple Music and books on Apple Books or your Kindle. Basically, load your phone or tablet with three times the entertainment you think you might need, because you never know what you’ll be in the mood for. Don’t forget your TSA-approved power bank so your phone doesn’t run out of go-go juice. 

Stay organized to avoid stress.

In first class, flight attendants are there to cater to you, but when you’re on your own, organization is key. Make sure your plane bag for all your goodies has plenty of compartments, so everything has a place, especially your boarding pass, wallet, and passport. Nothing’s worse than knowing exactly where your Sour Patch Kids are but having to fish around for your ID at TSA. 

Of course, you can’t completely replicate a first class experience in economy, but free upgrades like an empty row or a fully hydrated skin will make a long flight much more enjoyable. Plus, you’ll get to spend all the money you saved when you get to your destination. Hello, happy hour!