Sitting in a first-class seat for a long-haul flight (or, let’s be real, any flight) is the dream. But for most people, it’s not a reality. International first-class flights can cost far more than their economy alternatives, making them more of a luxury rather than a given.
While riding in economy can be a slog, experts say there are things you can do to make your flying experience a little better. If you don’t want to spring for first class but still want a nicer flying experience, we have some tips. Here’s what experts say you should always do for a premium in-flight experience ― no matter your seat number:
Consider purchasing a premium seat on a low-cost airline or flight.
Your dream of purchasing a business-class or first-class seat for your upcoming flight might seem out of reach. However, Katy Nastro, a spokesperson and travel expert at Going, suggested doing a little shopping around ― including looking at budget airlines and alternative routes.
“I think a lot of people think of low-cost carriers as being these super thin seats, really terrible experience [where] you have to pay for all these extras. When the term budget or low-cost carrier really refers to their bottom line … they’re trying to find ways to keep their costs down,” she said.
Many airlines offer upgrades on their lower-budget flights, or you might be able to snag a better seat if you take a more inconvenient route (like having a layover versus a nonstop). If that doesn’t bother you, you’re in luck.
Track your flight prices to get the best deal.
By now you’ve probably tried all the hacks to find affordable flights. Unfortunately, booking on a specific day or looking at prices through your browser’s incognito mode aren’t always going to help you get a cheaper ticket, said Hayley Berg, a lead economist at Hopper.
“There isn’t one way, one time, one day, one platform that you can book your flight on and get the absolute best price because the pricing system for airfare is so complex, prices are changing constantly,” Berg explained.
It depends on the airport you’re flying out of, how competitive the route you’re taking is, and your travel dates, she noted. “All of that influences prices a lot more than something like the day of the week that you’re buying,” Berg said.
Instead? “My first recommendation for travelers is outsource: Use a price monitoring tool that essentially has a listening ear and is going to be monitoring every minute, every…
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