Modern air travel is a phenomenon and it’s pretty amazing that we can fly across the world in less than a day. However, when you have to actually get on an airplane for a long period of time or you have to do it regularly, the wonder of air travel just doesn’t seem as thrilling as it did when you were a kid.
Use these tips to make sure that you get yourself a cozy seat on the airplane every time you fly. Otherwise, you’ll feel the effects when you arrive at your final destination.
Find out how much legroom each airline offers. Believe it or not this information is available on most airlines websites. If not, make a quick phone call and ask how much leg room you’ll get in a standard coach seat.
Try to avoid small airplanes whenever possible. Smaller airplanes are common among regional flights, so if you can, try to take as direct a flight from a major city to another major city. If you’re going somewhere that doesn’t have a big airport or lots of people flying in each day, try to ensure that you don’t have a long last leg on a small airplane if you want to be comfortable.
Think about paying for an upgrade. Many airlines allow you to pay a little bit more for extra legroom. On shorter flights, this usually only costs $20 to $50. On long flights, you could pay $100 or more, but it could be worth it, especially if you’re flying for business and can’t afford to be tired and sore.
Look for flights that aren’t likely to be full. If you can fly without somebody next to you you’ll have a lot more space to stretch out.
Consider going first class if you can afford it. First class is definitely your best bet if you can afford the extra expense since a standard first class seat has a lot more leg room than a coach seat. For long flights, look for lie-flat seats. They’ll let you catch some shuteye and sit comfortably while you're awake.
