DIY First Class Flight [Gal About Town: Fashion and Travel at Your Fingertips]

The Holiday season is upon us once again. Millions will be taking to the skies to visit loved ones. Yet with rising fuel costs, dozens of surcharges, and perks at a bare minimum, the skies aren’t as friendly as they once were.

Flying used to be a treat, something that people dressed up for and made an occasion out of. Flight attendants weren’t just there for your safety, but to also ensure your comfort and care. It often seems like flight attendants can’t be bothered to bring that extra glass of water for your five-hour flight. And why should they? They are often over worked as it is.

And to get that extra level of care that used to be the norm, you have to fly first or business class. But in this economy, it’s just not the reality for 99% of us. With people being packed into flying Greyhound buses like cattle, flying has become rather stressful as opposed to a treat.

So lately, I’ve relied on myself to add my own touch of class to air travel. Instead of relying on the airline to treat me well, I take a little extra time before departure to ensure I will have my own little treat in the sky. And on every flight I’ve done this, I’ve received envious compliments from passengers wishing they had done the same. The most common remark, “Oh wow, you’ve made your own First Class!”

First: Receiving a newspaper or magazine was rather common on airlines before. And while some airlines still have a great magazine of their own to peruse, it will not hold you over for the long flights. The night before a flight, I take a minute to download a magazine or book that I’ve been looking forward to reading. Something like Martha Stewart Living is set aside only for plane rides so that I have something to look forward to. I create my own treat.

Second: A great deal of the population has taken to wearing their pajamas on plane rides. While you should try to make yourself as comfortable as you can while being packed aboard like a sardine, this isn’t your old university. You really don’t have to step too far out of the land of sweats to still be comfortable and chic. Fleece lined slippers (like these Men’s ones from UGGs) are comfy and classic. For ladies, I recommend a simple and soft long cardigan or wrap sweater like this from H&M:

A great pashmina scarf is always a must for men and women. They are multi functional for warmth, can be used as a blanket, rolled up to make a pillow, and they look stylish. They are easy to find and affordable. I especially love this midnight blue one found on Amazon:

Third: Make yourself a great spread. Before I leave for the airport I always make myself a nice little snack pack for the plane. Most airlines do not even have food options anymore, and honestly, not all airport food is that great either. And if you have a quick connection, you won’t have time to wait in line for food. I make sure to fix myself something nice, and large enough, to fit my travel time. For flights that take around 3-4 hours, I fix myself a cheese plate. Depending on what I have in my fridge at the time, I’ll pick 2-4 cheeses, slice an apple, pour a dab of honey into the container, and add some pecans or grapes in there as well. And take that extra moment to make it look nice. You deserve a lovely presentation for yourself.

For a longer flight I’ll do a smaller cheese and fruit appetizer, and then a nice salad. On my latest flight I fixed a mixed spring greens salad with smoked salmon, cucumbers, avocado, and goat cheese. In a little side container I had my Dijon & lemon vinaigrette (which went through security just fine). I use Fit N Fresh containers or my old Tupperware to keep everything properly contained.

And to top it all off, I use one of my free drink coupons to order a Chardonnay.

Thus the first class experience in the uber-economy no-class seats!

Knowing that I have something great to read, comfortable warmth, and delicious food greatly reduces the stress of flying, and has turned it back into something I look forward to.

I hope you have found these tips helpful and that they will make your Holiday travel a little brighter.

Now Boldy Go!

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