By: Kaitlyn McInnis
Flying economy class is often synonymous with lack of legroom, not-so-great meals on board, and proximity to other travellers.
Because of that, it's easy to forget about the fate that awaits you on the other side.
But, you don't have to pay more to improve your experience on board.
In fact, there are plenty of little-known tips and tricks to make your economy seat a much more comfortable and enjoyable experience, especially if you're willing to get creative and plan ahead.
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We spoke to many frequent flyers to get their insights on how they've managed to optimize their budget experience for efficiency and comfort.
From bringing your own snacks and coffee on board to taking the time to learn about aircraft layouts to get the best cabin seat, here's how to make your economy seat more comfortable.
Best practices to make flying more comfortable
Choose the right airline
If you want to get from point A to point B without worrying too much about anything else, you may not care which airline you fly on.
But if you want a comfortable experience, take note of which airline you book with, not all are created equal.
In general, ultra-low-cost airlines will offer a less comfortable experience (think no seat recline, in-flight entertainment screens, and less legroom).
Do your research using tools like SeatGuru to see if the airline and plane you want to book offer particular services on board.
For example, if you plan to work in flight, be sure to check that the airline and plane are equipped with Wi-Fi.
Ultimately, choosing the right airline for your needs will lead to a much more comfortable flight experience.
Choose your plane wisely
Doing your research can help make the experience more comfortable.
Before your flight, search for the specific aircraft on the airline you are flying.
If you have the time and budget to be flexible about the days or hours you're looking to fly, there's a great opportunity to be picky and ultimately make your experience more comfortable.
For example, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, several airlines have placed their largest and longest range aircraft on domestic routes.
In other words, a better flying experience from the start.
Check out some of the popular aviation websites like SeatGuru, Expert Flyer, or Seat Expert, which will be your best bet for vetting your possible choice of plane before you book.
Select an emergency exit row
While it's not always possible, sitting in an emergency exit row seat can be a much more enjoyable experience.
While you'll generally have to meet a select set of requirements (at least 15 years of age and sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms, hands, and both legs), if you're eligible, it's a no-brainer.
Please note that some airlines charge extra to reserve the seat in the emergency exit row.
"It goes without saying, but always try to buy an emergency exit row seat," says Paul Miller, founder of Family Skier.
"The fact is that many exit row seats have more legroom than a first class [domestic] seat."
wear comfortable clothes
Clothing can affect the way you feel, which is an easy way to greatly enhance your flight experience.
We recommend wearing loose clothing, compression socks, and layers in case the plane gets too hot or too cold.
Kevmrc travel blogger Kevin Mercier suggests dressing for comfort, especially on long-haul, red-eye flights.
"I tend to avoid belts, ties, or big buttons or anything that might pinch, poke, or squeeze," says Mercier.
"You don't have to look sloppy, either: I wear a comfortable pair of cotton or wool pants, two or three shirts, a winter coat, and I'm good to go."
Consider changing the seat
You don't have to upgrade to first class, business class or even premium economy to increase your comfort level.
For now, many airlines offer marginally more expensive middle-of-the-road options that offer extra legroom, a better position on the plane, and sometimes additional perks like priority boarding.
Generally speaking, the cost of upgrading to an extra legroom seat will vary depending on the route and how full the flight is.
It's also worth noting that each major US airline calls its extra legroom seat something different: American Airlines calls it Main Cabin Extra, while Delta Air Lines calls it Comfort + and United Airlines calls it Economy Plus.
If you have elite status with these airlines, you'll often receive free upgrades to these extra legroom seats, adding to the value of staying loyal to a particular airline.
The best products to add comfort
Kimiandy Inflatable Travel Pillow
Buy it for:
MX$598 or
$24.99 USD
For long trips, neck pillows are sometimes just not enough.
"Pillows like this support a natural forward lean while keeping your neck and back in alignment," says Michelle Gonzalez, travel expert and founder of LAX to Luxury.
"Look for options with easy-inflate valves that ensure you're just a few deep breaths away from comfort."
This option from Kimiandy is at a 45-degree angle, which means you're in the perfect position to allow your head and neck to naturally lean forward.
It's an inflatable pillow, which means you can pack it in your carry-on bag and then inflate it once you've boarded and are in your seat.
Perhaps best of all, this set comes with a free eye mask and ear plugs to help make the flight experience even more comfortable and easier to fall asleep.
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eye compression mask
Buy it for:
MX$770 or
USD$13.49
Sleeping in an economy seat may seem like a daunting task, but a compression eye mask will help foster a much more conducive environment.
We like the compression mask because of how comfortable the eye pillow is in particular.
Its gentle pressure and light-blocking design provide relief from headaches and discomfort associated with flying, while the innovative stitching over the eye area ensures your eyelids don't chafe, even with long-term wear. term.
EarPlanes Ear Plugs, 3-Pack
Buy it for:
MX$ 268 or
USD$17.95
Original EarPlanes are an essential accessory for those who experience ear pain while flying.
But, even if you don't normally experience ear pain, it's worth bringing them on board to tune out the noises of the flight deck and focus inward.
Patented EarPlanes help relieve discomfort from air pressure and reduce loud noise thanks to the internal ceramic filter and form-fitting design.
Sony WH-1000XM4 Noise Canceling Headphones
Buy them for:
MX$6,030 or
USD$ 279
It's almost impossible to listen to music on flights over the roar of aircraft engines, especially if you're sitting right above the wing.
Travelers often max out the volume on their headphones to compensate, which can lead to hearing loss and increased stress levels.
Better yet, opt for a quality pair of noise-cancelling headphones to drown out the sound for you.
"I always bring a pair of noise-canceling headphones for each of my trips, which makes it so much easier for me to watch movies and listen to music without any distracting sounds," says Mercier.
This Sony set won the title of the best noise-cancelling headphones overall in our tests.
Thanks to its phenomenal noise-canceling capabilities, this set of headphones is a great choice for any traveler.
Andyer Portable Foot Hammock
Buy it for:
MX$309 or
$10.99 USD
If you can sit in your seat and your feet don't touch the ground, you'll probably spend much of your flight trying to keep your feet from falling asleep.
"A travel footrest like the Foot Hammock is a great option," says Deb Hendricks, founder of Introvert with Itchy Feet.
"Slide the adjustable strap over the seatback tray and prop up your feet. When you land, just fold it up and slip it into the side pocket of your carry-on."
Inflatable Neck Pillow Pullover Hoodie
Buy it for:
MX$ 547 or
$21.99 USD
This mix of hoodie and neck pillow is the perfect combination for traveling.
"I take this hooded pillow with me everywhere I go, mainly because it's extremely comfortable and feels like sleeping in your favorite sweatshirt," says Mercier.
"A cozy hood with adjustable drawstrings can be pulled over your eyes to block out light and keep your head warm at the same time, while the pillow is a perfect item to help keep you comfortable while flying."
Therm-a-Rest Lumbar Travel Pillow
Buy it for:
MX$775 or
USD$31.95
Let's face it: airlines didn't make economy seats particularly comfortable.
By squeezing more seats into a plane, they have become so thin and uncomfortable that they can wreak havoc on your back after a long flight.
"The main comfort I find lacking in budget airline seats is not space (which is sorely lacking), but adequate lumbar support," says Will Pattiz, co-founder of More Than Just Parks.
"Just wearing a jacket that you can take off during the flight and tuck behind your lower back during the flight makes a huge difference. Alternatively, you can buy a lumbar travel pillow like this, but small size is key here."
Barmy Weighted Lap Blanket
buy it for
MX$1,182 or
USD$45.04
Weighted blankets are scientifically proven to help decrease anxiety symptoms and encourage a better night's sleep.
Barmy's blanket is a particularly good option to take on your next flight, as it's small enough to pack in a carry-on bag and will offer comforting benefits.
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