We all are looking to fly in style. Flying is the first part of our vacations, and we treat ourselves on vacation. Spending a few dollars here and there is not the end of the world if it means enhancing the experience.
The expectation to be treated like a king or queen is a given when giving a company our money. There are many fantastic upgrades available on planes to be able to live it up, but it also means dipping into the wallet. However, most of us are on a budget. If we are going to spend the money on the upgrades, it needs to be a worthwhile upgrade.
Often in the excitement of the moment, we buy an upgrade without completely knowing what we are truly getting from the package. Unfortunately, there are so many upgrades that seem fantastic but do not live up to all that is promised, especially on airlines.
15 It is not that much more legroom
We all dream of being randomly upgraded to first-class and eating caviar out of crystal bowls, but that is not the reality of domestic flights. The first-class means you get to have a little more legroom and maybe a free soda on the plane. Seats going back a little more aren't worth the price.
14 Do not fool yourself; It is still economy
Premium economy is so not worth the money. Often you can not tell the difference from the basic economy seats. The "premium" could stem from it be a few steps closer to the bathroom or a slightly bigger bag of pretzels.
13 The food is what it is
Unless you have severe dietary restrictions, pre-ordering food is not worth it. The food you paid to pre-order will be the food they serve on the plane, no matter what. On flights where meals are provided, pre-ordering food means paying more for the same, not amazing plane food. Eat before boarding.
Related: These 10 Airlines Officially Serve Up The Best Food
12 It's smaller than the picture
If it is even possible, the snacks are even smaller than they look on the plane menu. Paying four dollars for a half can half full of pringles is not the best move. Pack snacks ahead of time so you can eat what you like and how much you want.
11 Be open to chance
If you buy a ticket on the flight, they will give you a seat. Paying extra to pick the seat you sit in is as good as it seems. Choosing a seat in advance costs money, but waiting till you get to the airport and merely asking to switch seats is entirely free.
10 The middle is not that bad
Despite all the stigma against it, sitting in the middle seat of the row has its perks. There is an unspoken rule that both of the armrests belong to the middle seat. Also, the aisle person understands that everyone goes to the bathroom. It is not annoying to ask them to move.
Related: 15 Items To Pack In Your Carry On To Make Your Flight More Comfortable (5 That Are Overrated)
9 Group one, two, or three, it does not matter
Everyone will get one the plane. Everyone's bags will get on the plane. It makes no difference if you are the first or last person on that flight. If there is not space for your carry-on, the flight attendant will find space or check it at no cost.
8 If you get there when they tell you it will be fine
There is a reason they ask you to get to the airport two hours early. It is because if you do get there on time, then there will be absolutely no rush. Paying extra money to be prechecked through TSA is not necessary if you plan and get there on time.
7 Unplug it
On long flights, it might seem worth it to pay for Wi-Fi. It is not. The Wi-Fi is usually overpriced, and never all that good. It is generally extremely slow and will need to be reconnected every couple of minutes. Bring a book to fill the time; you'll get more out of it.
Related: 20 Incredible Photos That Prove How Different Traveling By Airplane Was 50 Years Ago
6 Too much pressure
The exit seat is the most coveted place on the plane, but is it worth the hype? There is no doubt there is more legroom but in some aircraft not that much more room. Not to mention, if something does happen, we hope that you were listening to the flight attendant's speech.
5 The layover time can not be that long
Airport lounges have an air of exclusivity to them, but other than creating an inflated sense of self, do not offer that much for their price. All of the things provided in the lounge (food, drink, and privacy) could be received at an airport restaurant for often a less hefty price tag.
4 The tail is where the cool kids sit
The back of the plane is the exact same as the front of the flight. Sitting in the back used to mean getting off of the plane last, which is only an extra five minutes maybe, but now many planes let people off from the front and the back.
3 Sometimes it is free sometimes it is not...Ask
Some planes give you a free drink when you fly, but it is also common for airlines to make you pay. When the attendants walk up and down the aisle it's fine to ask if drinks are complimentary. It is not worth the money to get half a can of soda.
2 Take care of it all before
The price of anything at an airport is going to twice as much as at home. It might seem like a good idea to buy snacks once you get there. It is not. You can bring twice the amount of tasty airplane snacks for half the price if you pack your own goodies.
1 Download do not buy
It has never been easier to download videos to watch to our handheld devices. Whether it is a TV show or movie, it is possible to download anything off of Netflix right to your phone. The need to pay to watch an old movie on a tiny plane screen is obsolete.
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