Lately I have been a little spoiled when it comes to flying. Thanks to travel credit cards and elite status, I have enjoyed perks like complimentary extra-legroom seats, priority boarding, and even the occasional upgrade. But I am also cheap, and paying for all the extras can add up to hundreds of dollars. So, sometimes I have to strip things back and go full basic economy.
On a recent cross-country flight with a new airline, I had to return to my roots: no legroom, no priority boarding, no perks at all. Here is what I pack and what I do in these situations or on budget airlines to make the flight as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
1. Travel with Only a Personal Item
This is not always easy, but it is the single best way to avoid stress in basic economy. You can skip the fight for overhead bin space, the checked bag fees, and the wait at baggage claim.
To make it work, I use compression packing cubes and eco-friendly laundry detergent sheets. Handwashing in the sink works in a pinch, or I book a place with laundry access. Most hotels provide the basics like shampoo and body wash, and you can usually request extras such as toothpaste or a toothbrush. Pack light, board last, slide the bag under your seat, and avoid all the stress. Check out our post here on how to pack only a personal item.
2. Make a Lounge Stop with Priority Pass
If you have a Priority Pass, this is when it becomes the greatest perk, because you get lounge access even if flying basic economy. This gives you the chance to eat, hydrate, and relax before boarding.
On this trip, I stopped at the Capital One Lounge at Dulles. It has excellent food, coffee, and cocktails, and they even allow you to take snacks and soft drinks to go. I grabbed a couple of waters and some snacks, which made the flight much easier.
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3. Bring Snacks and a Reusable Water Bottle
Speaking of snacks, basic economy (or any economy fare) doesn’t guarantee much in the way of food. I always pack snacks from the lounge or from home, and I bring an empty water bottle to fill after security. If you can’t get a free to-go bag, some lounges, like the Capital One Lounge at DCA, sell them at a discount (for Venture X cardholders in this case).
4. Sport the Neck Pillow
A neck pillow is not glamorous, but it is worth it. Don’t judge! When you can’t recline much or stretch out, a neck pillow makes the difference between a stiff neck and a semi-restful flight.
5. Bring Disposable Slippers
This one may sound unusual, but it helps me a lot. Long economy flights often mean swollen feet and unpleasant bathroom floors. A lightweight pair of disposable slippers makes the experience more comfortable without adding bulk to your bag.
6. Create a Cocoon with an Eye Mask and Earbuds
This combination is my personal survival kit. An eye mask blocks the cabin lights and windows when you can’t control them, and the noise-cancelling earbuds reduce the engine noise, surrounding chatter, and crying babies. I usually prepare a calming playlist and download a few audiobook to create my own little escape.
7. Download Entertainment in Advance
Never rely on the airline’s inflight system. WiFi is unreliable, and sometimes the seatback screens don’t even work. I always download YouTube videos and Netflix episodes in addition to music and audiobooks. It’s best to download at home or the hotel where WiFi is more reliable.
8. Pack an External Charger
This is simple but essential. You don’t want your phone or tablet shutting down mid-flight, and not every basic economy seat has a power outlet. Just note that airlines are starting to set limits on the use of portable chargers due to safety concerns, so you might want to check the airline’s rules before you travel. Usually you’re just required to keep them in plain sight while in use because they get hot.
9. Bring Hydration Helpers
Flying dries you out quickly, especially in cramped seats where it is easy to forget to drink water and flight attendants may not come around frequently. In addition to packing a water bottle, I usually add electrolyte packets or hydration tablets. My favorite right now is Nuun because they are less sugary. I also pack some sheet masks and an overnight hydration cream for my face because my skin gets dried out (but I don’t use them on the plane).
10. Consider Paying to Select a Seat
Some airlines allow you to pay a fee to select a seat in advance, even with a basic economy fare (but others don’t, so it’s really important to check all the rules with your particular airline before booking a basic fare). If all you care about is grabbing a window or aisle seat, rather than a checked bag and other perks, it can be worth a few extra bucks to pick a seat without upgrading to a full main cabin fare.
An emergency exit row seat and a beverage can feel like first class on Southwest. We paid $40 each to board first in their open-seating model. We’ll miss the old Southwest!
We hope these tips help you survive your next basic economy adventure! What are your go-to strategies? Let us know in the comments.
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Wait. I didn’t know the lounges give free bags for takeaway snacks. Lol I’ve been shoving it all in my backpack 🤣
Only some! Many Capital One lounges let you take a special to-go bag. The DCA mini lounge has half price takeaway for VX cardholders and it’s really good!