Fly Coach in Comfort – Flying Tips to Survive Long Haul Flights

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For many people, traveling-both for pleasure as well as business-has become the norm. But with struggling airlines slashing services and charging for amenities like food, checked luggage and exit-row seating, it seems that we all will have to suffer the miserable indignities of flying coach for the sake of cheap tickets.

Or do we?

You see, flying coach doesn't have to be a nightmare. You just need to know how to pick your airline, choose your seats, and bring the necessary amenities that will make a world of difference on your flight. So let's count the ways to allow you fly coach in comfort.

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Pick the Best Economy Class Flights to Travel 

Whatever your strategy for a comfortable ride on a coach flight is, the first and most important decision you make is the airline you pick. So continue reading and find out the top picks for economy class seats.

As a rule of thumb, Pacific-based airlines offer better service and amenities than Atlantic-based airlines. Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific are two standouts, consistently ranked in various third-party surveys among the best for economy class services. Their 747s feature personal in-flight entertainment; both have 32-inch seat pitch (that's leg room-and the standard is 31 inches) and 17.5-inch seat width, providing more than adequate comfort for their coach passengers. Qatar Airways and Emirates are also gaining grounds in terms of service-and Qatar, being a relatively new comer, often offers low-priced tickets as part of its promotional campaign.

As for Atlantic-based airlines, JetBlue offers a whopping 34 inches of pitch-providing extra leg room. And there's DirectTV on every leather seatback. Southwest Airlines doesn't charge for pillows, blankets and in-flight snack, which is a plus point these days. Lastly, Virgin Atlantic provides coach passengers with personal entertainment and comfort kits (earplugs, slippers, and eye masks).

Pick Your Seats Carefully and Check In Early 

The legroom in the bulkhead or exit-row can be as spacious as the business class on some airlines. However, more and more airlines are charging a premium for those rows, from $5 to $75 depending on the airline. So you may have to make a judgment call. Exit-rows are almost always worth the extra cash; but front rows have its drawback of being a bit too close to the lavatory for comfort.

The best coveted seats if you're flying Singapore or Cathay are seats 61 A and K on Singapore and seats 66 A and K on Cathay. They are far enough from the lavatories to avoid any unpleasant odor, but close enough to keep an eye on them. The seats are among the only twosomes in a 3-4-3 configuration. There is no seat directly next to the window and this gives the seats a roomier feeling.

It's usually possible to select seats online, but even if you can't, you have another shot to snag a decent spot if you check in early. If it is possible, make sure you check in online; checking in online at least 24 hours before boarding will ensure you to pick the best seats. Early check-in even works for "open seating" (no assigned seats), where passengers board in large groups; the coveted group A, the first to board, gets to pick the seats first. Boardfirst.com will get you an "A" boarding pass on Southwest Airlines for $5.

Bring Your Own Entertainment 

Time flies when you're busy. Personal entertainment does wonder for the most part, but don't rely too much on Sky-mall and the in-flight movies to keep you entertained. Your choice of possible diversions is endless: iPod, magazines, sudoku, or some giant novel to read. Some airlines charge $55 for a premium seat; for the same price, you can get a mini iPod and hundreds of songs in your pocket. Here are some of our most recommended personal entertainments:

 

Great Music

Great music will make time passes by quickly. Bring your iPod when you fly and you'll be alright. At less than $50, an iPod shuffle is enough to get you going.
Apple iPod classic 160 GB Black (7th Generation) NEWEST MODEL

Apple iPod classic 160 GB Black (7th Generation) NEWEST MODEL

Amazon Price: $229.95 (as of 12/11/2009) Buy Now

Apple iPod touch 8 GB (3rd Generation) NEWEST MODEL

Apple iPod touch 8 GB (3rd Generation) NEWEST MODEL

Amazon Price: $181.99 (as of 12/11/2009) Buy Now

 

Apple iPod shuffle 2 GB Black (4th Generation) NEWEST MODEL

Apple iPod shuffle 2 GB Black (4th Generation) NEWEST MODEL

Amazon Price: $55.00 (as of 12/11/2009) Buy Now

 

Books You Can't Stop Reading

I once read "Pillars of the Earth" on a flight from Washington DC to Jakarta, Indonesia and I was just so immersed in the story I almost snapped at the flight attendant when she reminded me that I needed to get off the plane when we landed.
The Pillars of the Earth

The Pillars of the Earth

by: Ken Follett

Simply the most addictive reading I've ever encountered

Amazon Price: (as of 12/11/2009) Buy Now

The Bromeliad Trilogy: Truckers, Diggers, and Wings

The Bromeliad Trilogy: Truckers, Diggers, and Wings

by: Terry Pratchett

One of the most hillarious, and strangely one of the most spiritual, books I've ever read by the Great Terry Pratchett

Amazon Price: $13.67 (as of 12/11/2009) Buy Now

 

Amazon Kindle

Amazon's wireless reading gadget is simply awesome! It's light, slim, and can pack your entire library...well maybe I'm exagerating a bit, but you get what I mean. Amazon Kindle 2 is also now available; and it comes with a charming leather cover, too.
Amazon Kindle Leather Cover (Fits 6

Amazon Kindle Leather Cover (Fits 6" Display, Latest Generation Kindle)

Mighty Bright XtraFlex2 Clip-On Light (Kindle Version) Black [Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging]

Mighty Bright XtraFlex2 Clip-On Light (Kindle Version) Black [Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging]

Kindle Wireless Reading Device (6

Kindle Wireless Reading Device (6" Display, U.S. Wireless)

Wear Noise Canceling Headphones 

These wonders of technology can make worlds of difference in your flight experience. They muffle the ambient noise from the plane and sounds from around you, giving you peace and quite while you read your novels, play your games, or do your sudoku. They also make it easier for you to listen to the movie on the personal entertainment system or your iPod.

Our first pick, top-of-the-line Bose Quite Comfort headphones sell for a little more than $300. Believe me people, this is good investment! But cheaper brands do the job nearly as well for around $50 to $100.

 

Philips SHN9500 Active Noise-Canceling Headphone

Philips SHN9500 Active Noise-Canceling Headphone

Amazon Price: $59.95 (as of 12/11/2009) Buy Now

Sony MDR-NC60 Noise Canceling Headphone

Sony MDR-NC60 Noise Canceling Headphone

Amazon Price: $122.46 (as of 12/11/2009) Buy Now

Bose QuietComfort 2 Acoustic Noise Canceling Headphones

Bose QuietComfort 2 Acoustic Noise Canceling Headphones

Amazon Price: (as of 12/11/2009) Buy Now

 

As an alternative, you can still rely on good old-fashioned earplugs, costing as low as $3.00. Pick the really soft foam ones.
Mack's Ultra Safe Sound Earplugs (10 pair)

Mack's Ultra Safe Sound Earplugs (10 pair)

Amazon Price: $4.97 (as of 12/11/2009) Buy Now

Howard Leight LL1 Laser Lite Earplugs no Cords (200 ct)

Howard Leight LL1 Laser Lite Earplugs no Cords (200 ct)

Amazon Price: $19.75 (as of 12/11/2009) Buy Now

Howard Leight Max-1 Ear Plugs, Uncorded, NRR33, 200 PR / box

Howard Leight Max-1 Ear Plugs, Uncorded, NRR33, 200 PR / box

Amazon Price: $25.00 (as of 12/11/2009) Buy Now

Be Kind to People 

Don't bet on charming a flight attendant into giving you business-class seats, but there are other reasons to be nice when flying coach. Be friendly with everyone, especially the gate agents and flight attendants. Flight attendants notice such good gestures and will go an extra mile to make your flight more comfortable. Kindness also promotes relaxation. When you're kind to people, it puts you in a better mood, help your relax, and allow you to fly coach in comfort.

Get Some Sleep 

Let's state the obvious: if you sleep during flight, time passes by. Everyone gets that, of course. The real question is how to get some sleep during your air travel. And let's face it, being squished between seats in economy class is not exactly like lying down on a soft matress.

So here are some tips on "how to sleep on air flight." Physical comfort will improve your ability to doze off on your flight. These days, however, you can't really count on the airline providing enough pillows and blankets to go around. So pack the following in your carry-on:

 

Pashmina shawl take up less room than a blanket and pack easily into a small handbag. If you don't feel like you need to use it to keep you warm, you can roll it up and put it behind your back, which helps significantly to increase your comfort level, especially in coach where there might not be as much padding.
V Fraas Women's Solid Cashmink Wrap,Berry,20x80

V Fraas Women's Solid Cashmink Wrap,Berry,20x80

Amazon Price: $49.00 (as of 12/11/2009) Buy Now

V Fraas Women's Ornamental Stripe Wrap,Rasberry,28x80

V Fraas Women's Ornamental Stripe Wrap,Rasberry,28x80

Amazon Price: $35.00 (as of 12/11/2009) Buy Now

V Fraas Women's Exploded Fraas Plaid Wrap,Red,20x80

V Fraas Women's Exploded Fraas Plaid Wrap,Red,20x80

Amazon Price: $42.00 (as of 12/11/2009) Buy Now

 

Horseshoe-shaped pillow keeps your head from falling forward or sideways. A comfortable horse-shoe shaped pillow is a must for all travelers. The inflatable ones are easier to carry, while a foam or feather-filled version gives you tremendous comfort.
iJoy U Shaped Micro Bead Horseshoe Neck Support Travel Pillow

iJoy U Shaped Micro Bead Horseshoe Neck Support Travel Pillow

Amazon Price: $12.95 (as of 12/11/2009) Buy Now

iJoy Micro Bead Travel U Shaped Horseshoe Neck Support Pillows - Two Pack

iJoy Micro Bead Travel U Shaped Horseshoe Neck Support Pillows - Two Pack

Amazon Price: $19.95 (as of 12/11/2009) Buy Now

Set of 2

Set of 2 "Gone Ridin'" Horseshoe Decorative Throw Pillows 9" x 12"

Amazon Price: $24.99 (as of 12/11/2009) Buy Now

 

Eye mask is a key to a good sleep. The good ones-big and fluffy-cost only about $10, and it's totally worth it. You might look like a freak on the plane, but you'll be very comfortable and get the much needed rest.
Sleep Apnea Pillow - CPAP Pillow - CPAP Nasal Pillow a Sleep Apnea Mask Device Pillow, Pillow For Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea Pillow - CPAP Pillow - CPAP Nasal Pillow a Sleep Apnea Mask Device Pillow, Pillow For Sleep Apnea

Amazon Price: $69.24 (as of 12/11/2009) Buy Now

Silk Sleep Mask (Color: Blue) by Spa Sister

Silk Sleep Mask (Color: Blue) by Spa Sister

Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 12/11/2009) Buy Now

Sleep Mask 4 Asst, Coffee, Beauty, Gently, Hungover

Sleep Mask 4 Asst, Coffee, Beauty, Gently, Hungover

Amazon Price: $13.99 (as of 12/11/2009) Buy Now

Spread the Love 

Please drop a word and tell me what you think of the tips I put in this lens. If you're a squidoo lensmaster yourself and have a good lens on traveling, please provide the link in this guestbook. I promise I'll drop by and if I like it I'll rate it and lensroll it (I've lensrolled several traveling and travel tips lenses if you haven't notived).

Spread the word around! Link this lens to your travel blog and I'll provide the link to your blog on this lens. Email this lens or provide its link to your family and friends who will be traveling in the near future. I'm sure we all can use good tips in traveling, especially with flying coach. God knows with this economy most of us can only dream about flying business class.

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