Airline passenger. Photo / Man Wong
Eleanor Barker answers your travel queries
How can I get more comfortable on a flight in Economy Class?
Elaine
Most people hate flying because of how uncomfortable things get, but I honestly don't, because I've cracked it. For fear of being Captain Obvious I've tested all these suggestions on frequent flyers and the majority agree my solutions are new to them.
I have a large, unisex felted wool tote bag that, with a pillow nestled inside, serves as an unconventional footrest. Even a DIY footrest alleviates a lot of potential discomfort for your feet. Compression socks address the same issue, but you have to start wearing them way before your flight to get the benefits. I haven't needed them with my footrest trick. Two small airline-style pillows are required for peak comfort. One goes in your tote bag footrest and your feet go on top — the other goes in the small of your back. You can get my tote at etsy.com/shop/Lefrac in the tote bag section.
I do not suggest that you use airline pillows as neck pillows and that is because science has already solved that, although you probably have the wrong kind of neck pillow. I used to have one of those sad water wing-looking things you see everywhere but now I have a Cabeau. These neck pillows are double layered, with a soft yet sturdy foam base that rests on your shoulders and on top of that (but within a single neck-noodle) there is a second foam ring to support your head and limit your neck's range of movement. The whole thing looks like the top of a toddler's potty but is infinitely more comfortable. They're here: cabeau.com
Bear in mind that I am short. If you're tall consider paying extra for Premium Economy (for everyone's sake). These seats have a lot more legroom. As do the exit rows - if you're tall, they're worth the investment.
Additionally, if my experience in Premium Economy in this part of the world is anything to go by there's a significant chance you're going to have a spare seat beside you. On my two most recent flights in Premium Economy, I had three seats to myself, then two.
It's a great, hydrating, planet-serving idea to bring an eco bottle or keep-cup with you on your next flight. You can fill it in the gate area and flight attendants will fill or refill it for you on the plane — if my inbox is anything to go by they will be delighted not to contribute more plastic cups to the world's landfills.
Airlines aren't anti-liquids, they just need to be absolutely certain where you got the liquids from. As far as other liquids go, I always travel with wet wipes and lip balm. Nothing else is a must-have, in my opinion.
And lastly, don't hunch over anything, it's not worth it! I'm writing this article in Economy right now and I can feel my upper back beginning to get sore. Once I stretch I'm heading back to my pillow fort. Goodnight!