Flying in economy class, especially on long-haul flights, is often synonymous with an uncomfortable experience. Think of the limited legroom, questionable inflight meals, and lack of privacy that comes with being so close to the other passengers. To enhance that experience, here are a few tips to help you stop staring in front of the cabin and wishing you’d bought a business class ticket.
1 Some basic exercises on board
“Your body is a temple.” There are many occasions when you should keep this saying in mind. One of them is sitting in an economy class seat where the limited space is the main cause of inconvenience during your flight.
Therefore, the first strategy to maximize your well-being on board is to do some simple exercises. First, you want to relax your calves. Keeping your feet firmly planted on the floor, lift your toes up a few inches, then your heels. It’s best to take care of your ankles too. After lifting your foot a few inches, move it in a clockwise circular motion while keeping your ankle still. Finally, you should also relax your quadriceps. Bend your legs and raise them alternately, bringing your knees to your chest while keeping your torso upright. All these movements should be repeated ten times per minute.
Photo: British Airways
To keep your upper body alert, relax your shoulders by sitting up straight and straightening your spine. Roll your shoulders while keeping your neck and arms steady. You can also repeat this movement 10 times per minute. In addition, you should keep your elbows close to your sides, raise both forearms and touch your shoulders with your hands. Repeat the movement 20 times per minute.
2 Become neighbor-free
If you can’t stand the thought of flying next to a stranger, you might be interested in the Free Neighbor program of some airlines like Etihad Airways.
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The Middle East airline is offering the opportunity to bid to keep one, two or three adjacent seats free for more space and privacy. The bid can be made when booking your flight or between 72 and 4 hours before departure. The costs vary depending on the destination and flight length.
4 Economy seats as a couch
Airlines know how important rest is for every passenger. For this reason, some airlines have developed economy seats that can be converted into real sofas. Air New Zealand’s Skycouch, for example, can be folded out into a suitable place to sleep. It is 1.55 m long and 74 cm wide and offers enough space for two adults and one child.
5 Create your own spa
To enhance your economy class experience, you can take inspiration from what goes on behind the scenes in business class.
Photo: Delta Air Lines
One of the perks of flying in business class is the distinctive amenity kit with different types of spa products. Even if you don’t get one in economy class, that doesn’t mean you can’t bring your own. Think face creams, eye gel, eye drops, moisturizers, lip balm, facial tissues, as well as a toothbrush and toothpaste. Remember to pack everything in miniature, travel-size bottles that don’t exceed 100ml.
6 As easy as it gets
As trite as it may sound, staying hydrated is essential to well-being on board a flight.
Photo: British Airways
Bring a bottle of water and drink regularly during the flight. It is recommended not to drink alcohol before and during the trip. When seated, avoid crossing your legs for long periods of time and, if possible, stand up and stretch your legs frequently in the aisle. In particular, when returning from a dive vacation, you should wait 24 hours after your last dive before boarding a plane to minimize the risk of decompression sickness.
Have you tried any of these tips before? Let us know by clicking the comment button below!
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