Flight Attendants Share the Game-Changing Tips to Make Your Plane Seat More Comfortable

Unless you exclusively book first class tickets—lucky you—sitting in an airplane seat for hours on end can be one of the most uncomfortable parts of a vacation. The post-flight aches are almost definitely a result of contorting your body just to fish a phone charger from your bag. The silent-yet-relentless tension over who really does deserve that arm rest. (We have the answer right here.)  And, oh, if you throw a bunch of heavy winter coats into the mix? Game over.

Flying can often be a pain in the neck… and back… and glutes… and arms—but does it really have to be that way? We spoke with two flight attendants about their tricks to make your next trip more comfortable. From in-flight essentials to game-changing hacks, this expert advice may even make you feel like you’re sitting in first class—even if just for a moment.

Reconfigure Your Carry-On 

According to flight attendant Ethan Howery, spending $50 to $100 on extra legroom for long-haul routes is “always worth it.” However, if you’re traveling on a budget, you’ll want to maximize the little space you do have. “I recommend a smaller bag, like a tote, that can sit up vertically that still awards room for your feet beside it,” he says. Howery also encourages you to place any in-flight essentials—laptops, chargers, or books—in the seat-back pocket for easy, pain-free access.

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Carve Out Space for Your Winter Coat 

Whether you’re embarking on a ski retreat or vacationing somewhere chilly, traveling with a hefty down jacket can be nightmarish. Even worse, it’s sacrilege to put your parka in the overhead bin… or is it? 

Let’s get one thing straight: If you’re on a full or near-full flight, please don’t use someone else’s spot to unload their carry-on for your coat. However, Howery has a clever workaround. “Once you place your suitcase in the bin, there tends to be a small space above it where there is still room to place your coat,” he shares. If not, Howery encourages you to roll up your coat and place it on top of your personal item. “Unless you’re traveling with a designer coat, it shouldn’t be too troublesome,” he adds.

However, if you’re on a relatively empty flight, Howery gives you permission to throw your layers in the overhead bin. But, please, wait until the end of the boarding process so everyone has a chance to stow their stuff. 

Adjust Your Seat—Thoughtfully

Truth be told, basic economy seats are… well, basic. The good news? Howery says there’s a few things you can do to make coach cozy. For starters, tinker with the headrest’s adjustable flaps. “You can have extra support on one side by tilting them on whichever side you need the support,” he explains. Craving some more elbow room? Simply use the small lever at the “armpit of the armrest” (aka where the armrest and seat meet) to lift it up. 

While you’re allowed to adjust your seat, remember to respect your fellow travelers. “The worst mistake I see people make is impeding on other passengers’ space for their own comfort,”  Howery says. “Men manspreading, people lying their shoulders on others, or not sharing the arm rest accordingly are all ways people sacrifice others’ comfort for their own.”

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Snag a Window Seat

Sometimes, a more comfortable journey is that simple. “It feels nice not having someone bump you on the aisle,” says flight attendant Henry M.* “No matter how small you are, you get bumped on the aisle. The seats are narrower than my shoulder-width, so unless I’m leaning in, I’m in the aisle and bumpable.” Bonus points: You can always rest your head on the window and surrounding wall for a well-earned nap. 

Pack Appropriately 

For Henry, packing the right in-flight essentials is half the battle. While noise-cancelling headphones and a neck pillow are non-negotiable, he also recommends bringing a memory foam cushion. “Specifically one that relieves coccyx pressure, but anything is better than just sitting on that hard foam,” he adds. “Airplane seats are designed to live a long life, not for comfort.”

While you’re at it, throw in a handheld fan and extra layer. “The plane is its own weather system,” Henry says. Looking for more travel must-haves? We have you covered.

*name has been changed 

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