Does First Class feel a long way off? Do you long for the perks of First Class but don’t have room in the budget? Here are some tips to help you feel like you’re in First Class without paying for it…

Just because you’re travelling in coach doesn’t mean you can’t have a first class experience. While many airlines have made headlines lately for cutting back on customer service, a savvy traveller can take matters into their own hands and create a classy, comfortable flight. Here are my top 5 tips for feeling first class on any flight – even if your budget places you in the cargo hold!

1.)  Dress for the seat you want, not the seat you have.

It’s hard to imagine a glamorous travel experience when you’re wearing ratty yoga pants. Dark denim, a cashmere sweater, and a pashmina wrap might just be good enough to get an upgrade!

2.)  Not all seats are made the same.

Websites like Seat Guru let you research the pros and cons to each seat on the plane to get the best bang for your buck. With a little luck, you could score an exit row seat with double the regular leg room, or a back of the plane section with just two seats in a row as opposed to the usual three. At the very least, you can avoid the dreaded seat beside the toilet!

3.)  Have a spa in the sky!

Don’t let 3-1-1 kit regulations stop you from making your flight a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. My favorite item is Deep Steep’s solid lavender moisturising stick – TSA friendly and soothing to air-chapped skin.

4.)  BYOBC – Be Your Own Beverage Cart.

I always travel with a Starbucks brand travel thermos that doubles as a French press. I bring along my own gourmet dark hot chocolate and freshly ground Hawaiian coffee and just ask the staff for hot water. While you’re at it, vow to never eat airline food again! My favourite airplane food includes homemade blueberry oat muffins, sesame peanut noodles, and homemade trail mix with dried cherries, apricots, macadamias, cashews, and chocolate.

5.)  Stalk out the shops.

There’s no reason why you can’t take your middle economy seat after slathering up in Chanel and Dior eye cream from the duty free store. Peruse the magazine shop for something different – maybe Smithsonian, Walrus, or British Vogue. Treat yourself to a new lipstick or scarf to celebrate your travel milestones.

One final piece of advice? Be as organized as you can. Nothing will create more stress and worry than dashing through the airport at the last second, lugging an overstuffed bag, and desperately trying to remember where you put your passport. Frequent flying means there are often many factors that lie outside our control, but some advance planning and research will help the experience go smoothly.