Amy Allen Clark
How To Feel Like You’re in First Class When You’re Stuck in Economy
By By Amy Allen Clark
Wouldn’t it be lovely if you could fly in first class all of the time? Unfortunately, for most of us, we often find ourselves in the back of the plane feeling a bit jealous of those first-class passengers. Lucky for you, with just a few thoughtful items tucked into your carry-on bag and a little planning, you can trick yourself into believing you’re having a first-class flying experience without the expensive price tag!
Select Your Most Comfortable Flight
To begin your first-class experience on your economy budget, begin by choosing the most comfortable flight within your price range. InsideTrip.com is a site that not only arranges your flights by price, but they also allow you to include your most important flight features such as the speed of the flight and the flight’s comfort level. Using this site, you can plan the flight with the most legroom, the type of aircraft you prefer, and you can even arrange to fly the newest aircrafts.
Select the Best Seat
You might not be able to afford a first-class ticket, but you can certainly make the most of your economy seat. Visit sites like SeatGuru.com or SeatExpert.com to select the best seat available for your trip. By using sites like these, you can avoid a seat with limited recline or reduced legroom. With a little extra legroom and the best seat in the back of the house, you are a little closer to that first class experience!
Make a First-Class Tote
Many of the amenities other passengers are enjoying in first class can be enjoyed in economy with a little thoughtful planning. Inside your carry-on bag, include a few items that will aid your comfort while flying. I love to have a cardigan or wrap that can double as a blanket when the cold air is blowing on me. I also bring along a few delicious snacks to enjoy for free. A moist towelette for freshening up, dental floss, a toothbrush and toothpaste can also keep you refreshed on longer flights.
Take a First-Class Nap
While you might not be blessed with as much room as first class passengers, it certainly doesn’t mean that you can’t be comfortable. Purchase an eye mask to take along when you travel as it can block out the light so you can take a great nap. Also look for free white noise apps to download to your phone, which can block out the noise while flying. With the addition of your cardigan or sweater to snuggle up with, you have the makings for a perfect first-class nap!
First-Class Snacks!
No trip would be complete without a great snack tucked away in your carry-on bag. These easy granola bars are one of my favorite snacks for those long days at the airport! Wrap these individually in plastic wrap and indulge!
Deliciously Homemade Granola Bars
2 cups rolled oats
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup wheat germ
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup honey
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup canola oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup wheat germ
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup honey
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup canola oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Generously grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, mix together the oats, brown sugar, wheat germ, cinnamon, flour, mini chocolate chips and salt. Make a well in the center, and pour in the honey, egg, oil and vanilla. Mix well using a wooden spoon. Pat the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven until the bars begin to turn golden at the edges. Cool for five minutes, then cut into bars while still warm. I recommend using a plastic knife to get a perfectly cut bar with minimal crumbs.
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