With flight upgrades becoming less common if you don't have frequent flyer points, a personal friend connection or a hefty wad of cash, how can you feel like you’re in first class while sitting in the back end of the plane? We let you in on five little secrets:
1. Pack like a pro
Chances are, your hand luggage bag is a monster – loaded down with valuables and extras you won’t touch during your flight. This is where your purse or laptop bag can come in handy; tuck a few in-flight essentials, such as a mini moisturiser, bottle of hand sanitiser and wet wipes, mints (or your toothbrush and toothpaste), lip balm, earplugs, contact lenses with eye drops and cleaning solution, or spectacles. A vanity pack on the go means instant comfort, without having to wake up your seat mates.
2. Do everything in your power to sleep!
One of the best things about first class is you can sleep in lie flat beds. Now, we know the in-flight entertainment is tempting but getting sleep is key to feeling your best in economy. Pack your own cozy blanket and eye mask, avoid too much alcohol and bring a good neck pillow. These extras can seem like a hassle to pack but they’ll mean the real difference in economy vs. first class travel.
3. Silence is golden
Invest in a quality pair of noise-cancelling headphones to block out the screaming babies, altitude updates and noisy hum of the engines. Frequent travellers swear by them!
4. Location, location, location
Are you a nervous flier or easily prone to motion sickness? Choose a seat that's over the wing, the most stable area of the plane if there’s turbulence. The ride will be smoother than first class. However, do take a pair of earplugs, since you’ll be sitting right over the landing gear, which houses the plane’s wheels. These lower or detract when you’re landing or taking off and the sounds can be alarming if you’re sitting directly above them.
5. Choose your carrier wisely
No-frills airlines are inexpensive for a reason. Many have trimmed their services so thin that passengers end up squeezed into tiny seats, break into fights over overhead luggage allowances or are required to fork out money for in-flight drinks, snacks and entertainment.
Companies like Virgin Atlantic are taking the opposite approach – the airline recently announced more choices for economy to suit any budget, as well as a host of upgrades to its fleet:
Here's what you can choose from now:
Economy Delight
Best features include more than 86cm legroom, free seat assignment in advance of your flight, and priority check-in and boarding. One 23kg checked bag is also free.
Economy Classic
All Virgin Atlantic’s economy flights include three-course meals and inclusive snacks and drinks. But with Economy Classic, you’ll be guaranteed free seat selection prior to travel, meaning you can ensure you’re sitting with family and friends (or at least as far from the basinet row and its screaming babies as possible). One 23kg checked bag is also free.
Economy Light
Guaranteed, this is Virgin Atlantic’s lowest fare but still packs the extras like inclusive food and drink, unrivalled service, and in-flight entertainment. The fares make long haul travel affordable and accessible for millennials, as well as customers jetting off on city breaks. Note only hand luggage is allowed on these tickets, perfect for the person who likes to travel light!
Why the upgrades?
“When I started Virgin Atlantic I wanted to challenge the status quo and make flying amazing – regardless of which cabin you’re in – and that’s still true today," says Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Atlantic. “We’re unveiling a multimillion pound investment to make Virgin Atlantic’s economy cabin the best of any UK airline and setting the bar for others to follow.”
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Be choosy
Book a Virgin Atlantic flight in Economy Delight, Economy Classic or Economy Light with Sure Travel for your next trip abroad. Virgin flies to destinations throughout Africa, Asia, Middle East, Mexico, the Caribbean and the United States. Contact your nearest Sure Travel agency to enquire or book, or call 0861 47 48 49.
