Surviving economy class

Flying. It’s the fastest way to get across long distances. There is also a thrill to it. Flying makes you feel important. The mystic of flying has been of jet-setters and globe-trotters. What used to be the privilege of the few and rich has become common enough and affordable enough for the rest of us.

A lot has changed since the golden age of jet travel. Bigger planes and more technology have allowed carriers to get more people on a plane and spend less money doing it. [Link and article to how airlines have brought traveling prices down the last 40 years] That cost has trickled down to the cost of plane tickets.

Regardless of how complex airlines are dividing up economy-class tickets. [Make a link and a story to all the bizarre and confusing options.] Most of us will choose economy class tickets because that price point is the reason we travel. But the cheap ticket comes at costs we all understand personal space and sanity.

Countless articles and stories have been made about travelers’ bad behavior. Any search of Google News will leave you wanting to avoid econ class altogether. But let’s face it, few of us are going to fork over ten times the price for business class. If you are, you might be in the wrong place. Go ahead. I’ll spend money when I get to a destination.

Economy-class flights can be a struggle. Shorter flights, like less than a few hours, are easy to deal with. The real challenge starts when the flights get over six hours. This is when planning and prep come into play. That can help make long flights less trouble.

First, before you even book the flight, get yourself into the right mindset. Something about that flight is going to suck. Don’t dwell on it. Realize parts of it will suck and move on. You can’t do a whole lot about weather, delays, or other people’s stupid choices. Just let it go now.

Okay, now you’re in the right mind to book a flight. Here are a few tips for longer flights:

• Seat selection. If you are traveling alone and don’t care, maybe save money by not paying extra. But if you are traveling in a group, don’t be that person. Pay the extra for seat selection. Pay the fee, or pay for a better economy class that includes seat choice. Try not to get a middle or window seat if you want to stand more.
• Dress comfortable (but classy). Loose clothing that breathes. If might be a good idea ot invest in some compression socks to ease leg cramps if you are going to be sitting for a long time.
• Bring your own entertainment. Make sure electronics are charged. Books and magazines are always an option, but reading lights on at night might annoy some people.
• Bring water and snacks. It’s unbelievable how dehydrated you get on a plane. And who doesn’t like snacks?

Once you’re on the plane, there are ways to fend off the cramped, boxed-in feel.

• Move around if you can. Some folks recommend once an hour. This is when getting an aisle seat makes sense.
• Remember that nearly everyone on the plane is as uncomfortable as you. Don’t make your comfort at the expense of others.
• Should you get that other person taking your comfort zone to make their own, be polite, but call in the flight crew if they continue to be an a-hole. Their job is to make your flight comfortable. Everyone needs to share the misery.
• Try to sleep. A nice eye mask, earplugs, and something to wrap around your neck is a must-bring. Plus, the eye mask signals a yappy seatmate that you want to be left alone.

Just think about this, too. Despite shrinking seat sizes, pissed-offed cheap travelers, and terrible service, flying is still better than being stuck below deck on a transport sailing ship in the 1800s.