Our 12 Ultimate Hacks That Will Make Flying In Economy More Comfortable

Let’s be honest: we’ve all fantasized about sipping champagne in a plush first-class seat, stretched out like royalty while soaring through the clouds. But for most of us flying economy is the reality, and how to make flying in economy comfortable – is the real challenge. Sure, a business-class ticket might cost two to ten times more than an economy fare, but unless you’ve got a spare fortune lying around, those cramped seats and limited legroom are your actual ticket from Point A to Point B.

Economy has a reputation for being a bit of a torture chamber – stiff seats, noisy neighbors, and the occasional elbow wrestle for the armrest (or heaven forbid – you recline your seat!) – but it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With a few clever hacks up your sleeve, you can transform your next economy flight into something far more bearable, maybe even enjoyable. Buckle up, because these economy flight hacks can transform your trip.

Hack #1 – Research Your Airline’s Economy Offerings

Your economy experience begins long before you board the plane – it starts when you book your ticket. Not all airlines are created equal, and the difference between a bare-bones budget carrier and a more generous one can be night and day. Take Spirit Airlines for example – their cheapest economy seats come with a catch: no free food or drinks, no Wi-Fi, no reclining seats, and you’re limited to a small personal item unless you fork over extra cash for a carry-on. It’s no-frills travel at its finest – or worst, depending on your perspective.

Compare that to Emirates, where economy feels a little closer to luxury. Think regional cuisine tailored to your destination, personal screens with 6,500 channels, free drinks, and seats that don’t feel like they’re punishing you for choosing economy. They even toss in an amenity kit with toothpaste, a toothbrush, socks, a bookmark, and a sleep mask! It’s not first class, but it’s a heck of a lot better than a $5 bag of pretzels that ain’t worth more than 10¢.

Do your homework before booking – check what each airline offers in economy, and you’ll set yourself up for a much smoother ride. Check seat pitch (the space between seats), in-flight perks, and baggage policies. A little effort upfront can save you a lot of discomfort in the air. We’re partial to Air Canada, not because they pay us (we wish they would), but because they offer the best value – even though some of their various fare options can be confusing.

Hack #2 – Book Early To Snag Your Preference

When it comes to choosing your seat, it’s all about knowing what you value most. A survey by Upgrade Points found that 66% of travelers scramble for a window seat, 31% prefer the aisle, and a measly 1.7% actually enjoy being sandwiched in the middle (bless their hearts). Your ideal spot depends on your priorities: extra space, better sleep, or quick bathroom access.

If you’re on an overnight flight and desperate for some shut-eye, go for the window seat – be sure to disinfect the window area first – it’s the dirtiest seat on the plane! It gives you a wall to lean against, and you can prop up a travel pillow or even use a head strap that attaches to the headrest for extra support.

TB Tip: We carry a small bottle of disinfectant and/or cleaning cloths such as The Honest Company products to clean our entire space including the armrests, buckles, tray, window wall and the window itself, plus the screen in front of us of course.

On the flip side, if you’re tall, prone to frequent bathroom trips, or just like to stretch your legs, the aisle seat is your best bet. It’s not perfect – someone’s elbow might still invade your space, but it’s a lot easier to stand up and move around. Figure out what matters most to you, and book accordingly.

Avoid the middle seat unless you’re a masochist or traveling with someone you can guilt into swapping. Use a site like SeatGuru to find the best seats on your specific plane, and book early to snag your preference.

TB Economy Flight Hack: If two of you are flying together then one of you book the window seat and the other the aisle seat. Chances are no one will ever book the seat between you and you get the best of both worlds. The worst that can happen is someone does get the middle seat and you’ll have to make an on-the-spot decision which 2 seats you want – and switch accordingly.

Hack #3 – Pack A Cozy Carry-On Kit

Economy cabins are packed with hundreds of passengers, and your seat is your personal tiny slice of real estate. Making it feel like home (or at least not a prison cell) is half the battle. A few key items can turn your space into a cozy nook. If you pack a light blanket, a sleeping mask and a travel pillow – you’ll already ahead of the game.

For travel pillows, the TRTL Travel Pillow gets plenty of rave reviews – “it’s compact, doesn’t scream “tourist” and actually supports your neck enough to let you doze off.” Another popular option is the Cabeau Evolution Classic Pillow. There are tons of budget-friendly alternatives on Amazon that still deliver comfort at earth prices instead of stratosphere prices, cheaper alternatives can be found HERE.

Most economy cabins don’t provide blankets anymore and the ones that do, often feel like they’ve been recycled since the ‘90s. Bring your own with something lightweight yet cozy, like the EverSnug Travel Blanket and Pillow combo, which doubles as a pillow when folded. Cheaper alternatives can be found HERE.

TB tip: We flew to Germany a couple of times on Air Transat and bought their travel pack ($5) and it includes everything you need to get a bit more comfortable during your long flight – blow up neck pillow, sleeping mask, ear plugs, blanket etc. For some reason Air Canada don’t offer that – there’s a tip for them ($$)… (maybe you’ll get lucky and advertise a different airline and the one you’re on will offer to replace it with one of theirs – branded of course). There’s plenty of great budget-friendly options available on Amazon to make your economy travel more comfortable.

Hack #4 – Stay Hydrated With A Reusable Water Bottle

Dehydration on a plane isn’t just uncomfortable – it can be downright dangerous. Fatigue, confusion, and disorientation are just a few of the symptoms, and the dry cabin air makes it easier than ever to get parched.

The Cleveland Clinic notes that airplane environments are notoriously dry, accelerating dehydration if you’re not careful. The Aerospace Medical Association suggests drinking 8-ounces (240ml) of water per hour in the air to stay on top of it.

Bring an empty reusable water bottle in your carry-on and fill it up after clearing security – skip the overpriced $12 airport water that’s $2 everywhere else.

A collapsible water bottle saves space, or you can go for a durable and highly-rated classic like the Hydro Flask (available in a mind-boggling number of colours) to keep your water cold for hours. It’s a simple way to keep hydrated without pestering the flight attendants for those tiny cups every hour – for some reason they won’t give you the 2L bottle they have in their hand.

Note: Toronto (YYZ) and Frankfurt (FRA) offers free filtered water in the waiting area before you board your plane – we’re sure other airports do the same.

Hack #5 – Dress Comfortably For Economy Flights

Dress for comfort, not the runway. Looking good is great, but comfort is king on an economy flight. Cabin temperatures can dip to 21 degrees (71°F) which some people find cold and is even colder when you’re sitting still for hours. Layers are your friend – think a lightweight jacket or cardigan you can add or remove as needed. And skip the tight jeans or scratchy fabrics; they’ll feel unbearable after a while.

Athleisure – soft, stretchy clothes that look decent but feel like pajamas – is a popular choice these days, – and for good reason. Opt for something like the Baleaf Women’s High-Waisted Leggings or the CRZ YOGA Men’s Joggers, both of which offer stretchy comfort and breathability without sacrificing style. Another added bonus is you won’t have to take your belt off for security and you’ll be far more comfortable than wearing jeans – you’ll thank yourself mid-flight

Hack #6 – Sleep Easy With A Safe Aid

If you can sleep through an economy flight, you’ve already won the battle. The sleep aid industry is booming for a reason – travellers are desperate to catch some zzz’s – especially on a night-flight across the Atlantic.

While sleeping pills like Ambien might seem tempting, they can leave you too groggy to function safely. Use melatonin instead – it’s natural, safe, cheap and effective for sleep and jet lag. Pick up a bottle of Nature Made Melatonin to test out before your flight – along with Jetlag Rooster if you’re traveling internationally – we use both EVERY time we go to Europe.

Related: 15 Ways To Beat Jet Lag

Tired of Jet Lag? Get a Rooster

Why You Should Avoid Hotel Drinking Glasses (And What To Use Instead)

Hack #7 – Pamper Your Skin With A Face Mask Or Mist

The dry, recycled air in an economy cabin is a skin nightmare. It sucks the moisture right out of you, leaving your face feeling like the Sahara. A little in-flight skincare can go a long way. A refreshing facial mist can feel like a mini-spa treatment at 30,000 feet – try something like the Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe to keep your skin hydrated and refreshed. It’ll also stop you from looking like you just crawled out of the desert when you deplane

Hack #8 – Block Out The Noise With Quality Headphones

Economy flights are noisy. Babies crying, passengers chatting over the sound of the engines, the hum of the engines – it’s a symphony of chaos. Noise-canceling headphones are ticket to peace. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds come highly recommended by CNET for their comfort and top-notch noise cancellation. They’re compact too, making them perfect for travel. Pop those in and the cacophony fades away. If they’re too pricey, check out budget-friendly alternatives like the Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro – still great noise cancellation at a fraction of the cost.

We personally refuse to use Bluetooth headphones of any kind… think of the radio waves travelling between each earbud via your brain! No thanks. We own and use Betron headphones and they are amazing. If your phone doesn’t have a headphone jack (most don’t nowadays), simply buy a USB Type C to 3.5mm Female Headphone Jack Adapter – a very cheap and simple way to protect your brain cells.

Whether you’re listening to music or just enjoying the silence, noise cancelling headphones make the economy flight cabin feel less like a crowded bus and more like your own little bubble.

TB tip: Try to get a seat closest to the front of the plane – ahead of the engines. The noise difference is phenomenal!

Hack #9 – Load Up On Entertainment, Download Shows and Podcasts Prior To Your Trip

A good TV show, movie, book or podcast can make time fly (pun intended). Not all economy seats come with screens, so don’t leave it to chance. Load up a tablet with downloaded content from Netflix (they let you save episodes for offline viewing) or Spotify before you go. Whether it’s a binge-worthy series or a podcast to keep you or your kids entertained, you’ll be glad you planned ahead. Alternately, take your chances on the airline if you know that they provide in-seat entertainment – we’ve found movies and TV shows we’d never have known existed by doing that!

Dive into a Book with an E-Reader

Books are a fantastic way to escape the monotony of an economy flight, but lugging a hardcover isn’t practical. Enter the e-reader (or tablet). A Kindle, like the travel-friendly Kindle Paperwhite for instance, can hold thousands of books in a device smaller than a paperback in a device that fits in your purse – perfect for long flights with its glare-free screen and long battery life. You can even sample books before buying. It’s a lightweight, space-saving way to lose yourself in a story. Better yet, you’ll probably have your phone with you – just download it onto that.

Hack #10 – Snack Smart With A Snack Box

Airline food is hit or miss – mostly miss. A small snack box with compartments for nuts, dried fruit, or candy – like the Bentgo Snack Container – can keep hunger at bay and fits easily in your carry-on. It’s a simple way to make your flight more enjoyable, especially on the short-haul economy flights.

Hack #11 – Splurge On Wi-Fi (If It’s Worth It)

Wi-Fi can turn a flight into a productive or entertaining experience – prices vary, but some airlines don’t offer it at all. Check before you fly – it might be worth the splurge.

Hack #12 – Stretch It Out

Sitting still for hours leaves you stiff and sore. Stand up, stretch in the aisle, or try seated exercises like the cat-cow (round your back, then arch it) or spinal twist (grab the armrest and turn). Neck and shoulder rolls help, too. Regular movement keeps you limber and refreshed when you land – ready to tackle your destination instead of hobbling to baggage claim.

Final Thoughts

Flying economy doesn’t have to be a punishment. With a bit of planning and a few smart hacks, you can turn a budget ticket into a surprisingly comfortable journey. From researching your airline to packing the right gear, these tips will help you arrive feeling rested, relaxed, and ready for whatever’s next. So, next time you’re booking that economy flight, don’t dread it – embrace it with some of these economy flight hacks up your sleeve. Safe travels!

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About TravelBloggers…
Iain & Gail started blogging in order to inspire and motivate people to travel the world from their perspective – specializing in having the most fun while using the least amount of money…travelling on the cheap without sacrificing comfort.

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