by Melinda Crow
Last updated: 4:00 PM ET, Mon February 6, 2017
For most of us, a ride in the front of the plane is forever beyond our reach, but there is nothing stopping us from creating our own first-class ride in the back of the plane. Here's the list of things you'll need to spruce up your economy seat and treat yourself to a better flight.
Champagne
This one may be hard to pull off. A mini bottle of champagne holds 6.3 ounces, putting it over the legal limit for carry on liquids. If you can find one in the airport shops, it will set you back roughly $12, but wait-you'll need a champagne flute from which to sip your bubbly if you can get it onboard. Govino has stemless plasticware that you can slip into your go bag without worrying about breakage. Sold in 4 packs for $17.95
Wine with your meal
This is a little easier to manage than the champagne, since airlines do allow you to pay for wine in economy. Alternatively, look for single-serve wines in the airport. If you get lucky, you may even find convenient Stack Wine packaged in its own serving glass. Expected price in the airport: $7 each.
Premium food
This all depends on the airport terminal you fly from, but decent airport restaurants can be found. If the offerings in your terminal look bleak, find a map and look for the international terminal, if there is one. That is often where the good stuff is.
Arrive with enough time to order your to-go box and still make your flight, and don't forget to pack your own warm finger wipes to complete the meal. You are pretty much out of luck when it comes to eating off anything other than paper and foam. The price tag for your upgraded meal is likely to be in the $45 range if you include salad, sides, and dessert.
Lounge access
In most cases first class seats also come with the perks found behind the imposing wood and glass doors of an airport lounge. Never fear, there are some lounges that you can buy your way into. If you are lucky enough to be in a terminal with a Centurion Lounge from American Express, certain cardholders are granted complimentary access, but day passes (subject to capacity) may be purchased if you don't have the magic card. Price: $50.00
Total so far: $138.95 with 2 glasses of wine (certainly beats an upgraded ticket).
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For long-haul flights, you will need even more...
Pajamas
Personally, even in first class, I'm not sure about wandering around a plane full of strangers wearing jammies, but for front-of-the-plane aficionados, the sleep suit, as it's known, is often the most prized handout in among the goodies they get on long-haul flights.
The designer sleepwear is typically a version of soft loungewear, some with the airline logo, others without. This set from Marks & Spencer works well for the ladies, and there are comparable selections for men as well. Price tag: $54
Socks and Slippers
Depending on the airline, you may be given either first class fuzzy socks to keep your tootsies toasty, or possibly even slippers that match your pajamas. Magellan's has a nice set with a carry pouch for $35.
Blanket
Rest assured that they will give you a blanket in economy. They may even give you two if you ask nicely, but don't kid yourself. It's nothing like the duvets they hand out in First Class. The real problem with taking your own in economy is the bulk. Eddie Bauer has a quilted travel throw with its own stuff sack that includes a carabiner clip so that it can attach to your carry-on or backpack. Maybe the airline won't count it as an extra carry on. Sale price $30.
Fluffy pillow
"Fluffy" is the key word here. A first-class pillow is a far cry from the skimpy excuses for headrests they toss at you in economy class. Brookstone has a plush pillow with a pouch for $49.99.
Premium eye mask
The lights may dim in the back of the plane, but that usually is not enough to get you to sleep. Front-of-the-plane passengers will get velvety soft eye masks to ease them into slumber. Dream Essentials has a good selection for only $19.95
Amenities kit
These vary widely among airlines, but the best of the best includes designer lotions, lip balms, and under-eye creams, along with a toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, and maybe a comb and brush. This one from Flying Circle covers all of that and more for $51.95.
Grand total for your upgrade: $379.84.
Now if you can figure out how to carry it all onboard, you have yourself a bargain.
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