12 Tricks to Make Coach Class Comfier

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Got a lemon of a coach-class seat? Make lemonade with these tips for a comfier in-flight experience. Sure, the limitations of coach seats—narrow width, minimal pitch, encroaching seatmates—are very real. But with determination, you can make the cramped journey a bit easier.

Clear the Area in Front of You

Sure, it’s nice to have your bag on hand, but that carry-on is taking up the space your legs desperately need for stretching out a few more inches. Use the overhead bin (if there’s room) to stow most of your belongings, keeping only what you immediately need with you at your seat. And don’t overstuff the seat-back pocket, as the bulge will also compete with your knees for space if the person in front of you reclines.

Bring A Travel Pillow

A good travel pillow can’t perform miracles, but it can boost your comfort level enough to pave the way for an in-flight nap. And no longer is U-shaped your only option; the world of travel pillows has gotten creative in recent years. One of our favorites is the vaguely guitar-shaped Travelrest pillow. Some jackets double as pillows and inflatables that rest on the tray table. And if you just need some cozy sensory deprivation, the fabulously strange Ostrich Pillow might be just the ticket.

Add Lumbar Support

If humans were shaped like shrimp, the C-shape of most airline seats would be super comfortable. Since we’re not, passengers regularly stumble off the plane with achy backs, necks, and legs. Sitting for long periods is already hard on your back, and without lumbar support, your spine and the muscles in your lower back have to work even harder to maintain healthy alignment. Counteract the crush by wedging a blanket, scarf, or rolled-up sweater behind you to allow your lower back to maintain its natural curve.

Pad the Armrest

Draping a folded scarf or sweater over your armrest adds just enough padding to boost the comfort quotient from “ouch” to “ah.” Did you find yourself in the middle seat with no armrest of your own? In the competitive real estate market on planes, nothing says “mine” like a draped sweatshirt or scarf over the contested territory.)

Recline Politely

Often, a slight recline makes a world of difference in seat comfort. Score travel karma points (and reduce the chance of vengeance-kicking from behind for the duration of the flight) by turning around and asking the person directly behind you if they mind if you recline your seat slightly. They’re unlikely to say no, and their knees will appreciate the advance warning. Remember the golden (unspoken) rule of reclining etiquette: Resume upright during mealtime. Not only will this keep your shirt crumb-free, but the person behind you will not be forced to eat with a tray table wedged up against his or her chest.

Reserve the Window Seat

Boost your leanable surface area by reserving the window seat. The molded plastic of the airplane’s interior won’t ever be mistaken for a pillow-top mattress, but in a pinch, it’s nice to be able to rest against something besides the stranger in the seat next to you. You can easily boost comfort by rolling up a jacket to lean against. By varying the angles of your repose, you’ll also spare yourself some discomfort from sitting in the same position for hours on end. Alternately, if you’re taller than average, you might find more comfort from an aisle seat, where your legs can borrow a little extra room from the aisle when they start to go numb.

Pick a Strategic Seat

If you are willing to spend a few extra dollars, you can get an emergency row seat, which always gives you extra legroom without the big bucks. Check the plane’s map when you are picking your seat so you can get one that is not near the toilets, the door opening and shutting, and people constantly standing near you can be distracting and uncomfortable. Use a site like aeroLOPA when choosing your seat to avoid seats with limited recline, near the bathrooms, or next to bulkheads.  

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Adjust Air Vents

When you take your seat, habitually adjust the air vents. To get that Goldilocks sweet spot (not too hot, not too cold), open the air vent about halfway, then position it so it blows right in front of you but not on you. Not only will you boost circulation in your personal zone, which can counteract that stuffy plane feeling, but some experts suggest that you may also be protecting yourself from germs.

Get Up and Stretch

While not technically a way to improve your seat, standing and stretching regularly can do wonders for your overall comfort level on a flight. Stretching can help combat muscle cramping and fatigue and is an essential protective measure against deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can develop when you sit for long periods. Whenever possible, get up every hour or two. If you’re self-conscious about stretching, take a walk to the bathroom or do a lap up and down the aisle.

Wear Loose-Fitting Clothing

It’s a comfort calculation we’ve all learned the hard way: A narrow seat plus tight clothing equals discomfort, squared. But while you can’t do a thing about the squeeze of airline seats, your clothing decisions can at least spare you from additional pain. We’re not condoning boarding in your pajamas, but making an effort to wear breathable, loose-fitting clothing will go a long way toward making your flight far more pleasant.

Wear Compression Socks

While compression socks may not bring you instant comfort, they will help reduce swelling, and help your circulation during a flight- especially long-haul flights. No one wants their shoes to start getting uncomfortable because their feet start to swell- a pair of compression socks will help to avoid that from happening. 

Bring Along Comfort Accessories

Socks, eye masks, earplugs—the passengers who often look the most comfortable in coach are the ones who have planned ahead. Fluffy socks, worn over regular socks, allow you to kick off your shoes but keep your feet warm. Eye masks, earplugs, and noise-canceling headphones help passengers determined to nap cut themselves off from the buzz of the cabin. Footrests are becoming more popular and allow you to stretch your legs comfortably in front of you.

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